For further comparison, here are Robby Gordon's first 12 NASCAR races (all cup):
18th (Daytona)
26th
42nd
38th
38th
42nd
42nd
16th (Daytona)
33rd
28th
14th (pole, 42 laps led)
34th
He would follow this up with finishes of 34th, 43rd, 41st, 41st, and 41st.