Catchfence

This week SPEED.com looks at some of the rising stars who made the most of their opportunities in 2010.

Justin Allgaier might be called the best in his class in 2010.

Allgaier, 24, finished fourth in the Nationwide Series point standings this season, but he was the series’ top “regular.” The three drivers who finished in front of him – champion Brad Keselowski, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch – all are Sprint Cup regulars who also raced in the Nationwide Series.

In fact, Allgaier joined Boris Said as the only non-Cup regulars to score a Nationwide victory in 2010. Allgaier broke through for his first series win at Bristol Motor Speedway in March.

Allgaier, whose unusual last name and diminutive stature have earned him the nickname “Little Gator,” has established himself as an up-and-comer in NASCAR circles despite some ups and downs.

- Fox