Track Trash – Martinsville Madness

Hendrick Motorsports definitely has it figured out a Martinsville. Congrats for a win on their anniversary celebration. It was nice to see some new faces in the top 10 today. I’m hopeful we’ll continue to see improvement in many of the young drivers and a resurgence from some of the oldies.

Fox coverage: Where is Carl Spackler when we need him? I can hear my favorite greenskeeper now…”Correct me if I’m wrong Sandy, but if I kill all the golfers, they’re gonna lock me up and throw away the key…” Well, Digger is one furry rodent I’d like to see Carl blast to the high heavens. “Au revoir, gopher!”

Rainout: Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating with NASCAR’s schedule for Martinsville this weekend as the truck series was rescheduled for what I expect will be an empty seat Monday race due to rain. With qualifying washed out the line-up was set on owner points for the first time this season. The Sprint Cup boys managed to secure practice time on Friday but Saturday’s practice was cancelled despite the hour long track drying effort. Fortunately, Sunday afternoon delivered drivers and race fans mostly sunny skies and 70 degrees as the green flag dropped.

Race Adjustments: Pre-race discussions surrounded what effect the lack of practice and a rain-washed track would have on the field. Some drivers & crew chiefs commented that they expected plenty of adjustments as the day went on while others felt they’d be close to a correct set-up based on numbers gathered from their last trip to Martinsville. Chad Knaus won the battle of adjustments by day’s end.

Da Race: I might as well get it out now, I’m not a #48 fan. So, the final 16 laps of the race were pretty painful for me to endure. However, the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway was much more exciting and enjoyable than last week’s Bristol bore. Although today’s race did start off a bit slow we eventually saw the aggression, bumping and rubbing that we all expect and enjoy at a short track race. Scott Speeds #82 Red Bull Toyota was looking pretty rugged by the checkered flag after having several chunks bitten out of it due to race mishaps.

Brakes: Drivers weren’t complaining about their brake peddle squishing to the floor as we’ve seen at many previous Martinsville battles. Did you get a peak at the Raybestos setup JGR cars were running? Larger and lighter calipers pinching the hell out of rotors the size of church bells definitely got the job done today. I actually heard Sir Mark complain that the bottom of his foot hurt from excessive brake pressure.

The Pits: Congestion wasn’t too much of a problem today as we didn’t see any pileups on pit lane. Slippery lug nuts slowed Clint Boyer’s BB&T Chevy but he was able to make a fine recovery for a 5th place finish. Carl Edwards wasn’t so lucky as his crew’s lug nut error caused the Aflac Ford to fall back in the pack, eventually falling off the lead lap for a 26th place finish following a cut down left rear.

Cry Me a River: Hey, we’re at a short track for the love of Pete! What was with Rainbow Gordo getting all bent out of shape about Smoke nudging him a bit early in the race? Gordo’s comedic claim to his spotter went something like this…”I’m going to let him go, but if he touches me again I’ll knock his block off!” I still can’t get the funny image out of my mind of Gordo taking a swing at Smoke and then getting his teeth knocked out.

Bad Day Award: Aric Almirola for his three popped tires and six pit penalties: 4x pitting before pit lane open; 1x excessive speed & 1x commitment line violation. I’m sure Teresa E. will understand.

The Action: The first two-thirds of the race were less than interesting as Gordo & Hamlin combined to lead 330 laps without much pressure from anyone else. Eventually Hamlin, JJ, Boyer, Smoke & Gordo made a race of it as they battled with each other and fought the hoards of lapped back markers. Move of the day was Hamlin’s dive underneath JJ for the lead with 45 laps to go – clearly aided by teammate Kyle Bush who was running a lap down. DB move of the day? JJ stuffing his right front into Hamlin’s rear quarter and then steering Hamlin up the track in a move reminiscent of ‘ol #3. I’m sure Hamlin will find an opportunity for payback sometime between now and Homestead.

Congrats (cough-cough): To JJ for his 5th win in his last six starts at Martinsville. This one coming on the 25th anniversary of Hendrick Motorsport’s first win (also at Martinsville).

Kudos: A.J. Allmendinger for an impressive top-10 finish. Ryan Newman for working his tail off to earn a 6th place finish. And to the fan who bounced a drink of JJ’s hood as he was doing a burnout.

See y’all at Texas!
Boyd McPherson