Race Report - Martinsville

FINAL RESULTS:
1. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
2. Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
3. Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet
4. Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet
22. Kyle Petty, #45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge
43. Bobby Labonte, #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge

OVERVIEW:

It was a disappointing day for Bobby Labonte and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team in the Goody's Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville (VA) Speedway. Labonte entered Sunday’s race with high hopes after finishing third at this track last October. As a former winner at Martinsville Labonte wasn’t given any luck on Sunday. Instead, on lap 37 the brake pedal didn’t work on the Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge. Labonte spun and went into the Turn One wall. A hard hit, Labonte wasn’t injured, but the ‘Helping Hands’ crew spent most of their day in the garage making repairs. Labonte was able to return to the track to avoid a DNF (did not finish) and finished 43rd. The team completed just over 250 laps. He moved to 22nd in points.

“We finished the race,” said Labonte. “We didn’t walk away with a DNF, but it was a tough day. I went down into Turn One and hit the brakes. They went to the floor. Something had to go wrong. We had to break something. We didn’t run long enough to have brake problems, but we ran long enough for the brakes to have a problem. It gave us no indication of that. Something might have been rubbing or something might have broke somewhere in the system. I’m sure we’ll be prepared for Texas.”

Last weekend, Petty and the #45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge team finished 20th in the Car of Tomorrow debut. Petty continued with another strong run with the car Sunday at Martinsville. Petty started the race near the rear of the field Sunday, but was charging to the front when the green flag dropped. Petty picked off car after car on a track that is one of the hardest to pass. Petty continued his gradual climb all afternoon. Petty was happy with the car and the team made minimal changes to the car all day. Petty raced only one lap off the leaders as much of the field was multiple laps behind. In fact, only 21 cars finished on the lead lap with Petty finishing 22nd. Petty moved from 26th to 22nd in the final 100 laps. The team just missed receiving the “free pass” award on several occasions. One of the top performing Dodge teams of the day, Petty’s finish maintained his 32nd position in points.

“That was another good day for us,” said Petty. “The car got pretty tight over the final runs, but we were able to hang in there. We got behind after qualifying on Friday. We passed a ton of cars today. It’s a good day and we’re ready to move up and get better.”

Hendrick Motorsports made in two in row. Jimmie Johnson went two-for-two for Hendrick Motorsports in “Car of Tomorrow” races. Johnson out-dueled teammate Jeff Gordon in a thrilling finish to score his third victory of the season.

Hendrick Motorports had a big day at Martinsville. Johnson wins the race while Jeff Gordon finished a very close second. Kyle Busch, last week’s winner, came home fourth. Hamlin, who started from the pole, was strong all afternoon. He led plenty of laps and ended his day third. He did not, however, have anything for Johnson or Gordon at the end of the day. Johnson and Gordon raced one-and-two for the final 50 laps. Gordon looked faster, but raced Johnson clean for the win. Gordon was able to get his nose underneath Johnson coming out of the final turn, but Johnson won by half-a-car length. Johnson has won half of the season’s races, but sits third in points. Jeff Gordon remained the point’s leader.

The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series has a weekend off for Easter next weekend. Teams then return the following week at the Texas Motor Speedway for the Samsung 500. The race will be televised live on FOX and broadcast live on MRN Radio.