NASCAR - Martinsville

Martinsville - Short track racing is always fun to watch. Who is going to "tap" who is the name of the game. There was plenty of that going around today. No one really pissed anyone off, just hard racing. Jimmie Johnson was strong all day long. He was the dominate factor of the race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. started the race strong and seemed to be Johnson's biggest competitor, coming through the pack up into the top 5, but after being banged up, they just couldn't get the car right, rendering him to a 24th place finishing dropping 2 positions in the points. This was the first race Dale Jr. finished out of the top ten. Mark Martin took over the 11 car for Denny Hamlin this race, finishing in 10th today. Brian Vickers will take over the 11 car next week.   Danica Patrick posted a 12th place finish her first time on the Martinsville track. Going down a lap after Joe Nemechek spun her out, she made her was back on the lead lap and even though she a couple more run ins she held her own.

Congratulations Jimmie Johnson!!! Eighth win at Martinsville seems you just might have this track mastered. Dominating the race, taking the pole, leading 346 laps and winning. Being a Dale Jr. I have one question for you... You couldn't just let Dale Jr. go instead of going by him after he cut a tire and spun out, The rest of the field was courteous even to let him go, except you putting him down 2 laps instead... He is your teammate, or does that not mean anything to you, after he pushed you to 2 wins on super speedway tracks.
Top Ten Recap:
1. Jimmie Johnson - started 1 - up 2 positions to Leader
2. Clint Bowyer - started 15 - up 6 positions to 8th
3. Jeff Gordon - started 6 - up 6 positions to 12th
4. Kasey Kahne - started 5 - up 2 positions to 5th
5. Kyle Busch - started 11 - up 2 positions to 4th
6. Brad Keslowski - started 7 - remains in 2nd
7. Jamie McMurray - started 13 - up 3 positions to 13
8. Marcos Ambrose - started 2 - up 3 positions to 20th
9. Greg Biffle - started 22 - down 1 position to 6th
10. Mark Martin - started 35 - up 4 positions to 21st

Race for the Chase:
1. Jimmie Johnson - WINNER - up 2 positions
2. Brad Keslowski - finished 6th
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 24th - down 2 positions
4. Kyle Busch - finished 5th - up 2 positions
5. Kasey Kahne - finished 4th - up 2 positions
6. Greg Biffle - finished 9th - down 1 position
7. Carl Edwards - finished 15th - down 3 positions
8. Clint Bowyer - finished 2nd - up 6 positions
9. Paul Menard - finished 19th - down 1 position
10. Matt Kenseth - finished 14th - up 1 position
11. Joey Lagano - finished 23rd - down 2 positions
12. Jeff Gordon - finished 3rd - up 6 positions

Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon were the biggest movers up - both up 6 positions to 8th and 12th respectfully. Kurt Busch lost the most positions, 6 also after a fire under his hood ended his race with just 13 laps left giving him a 37th place finish. 22 cars finished on the lead lap...with only 8 cars actually off the track

Next race: Texas Motor Speedway - NRA 500 - Saturday, April 13, 2013 - 7:30pm est Night Racing Yeah!!!

Have a Wonderful Week
Take Care
Barbara