(Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)
As expected, this race came down to the same players many expected: Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart, and Jeff Gordon. Where do these guys stack up on this week’s winners and losers at Martinsville Speedway?
Winners
Jimmie Johnson
Everyone was wondering, what was going on with Jimmie Johnson? Apparently all they needed was to come to Martinsville and that set them straight. They struggled early with the handling of the car, but they used early cautions to work on the car and slowly made their way to the front.
Johnson’s bold move to take the lead from Denny Hamlin nearly took them both out, but great drivers know car control. Johnson took the lead for good, and gave Hendricks Motorsports their 18th victory at the paperclip track.
Points: Fourth
Denny Hamlin
Once again, Denny Hamlin led the most laps, but couldn’t close the deal. He looked like the one to beat until Johnson said otherwise.
Hamlin, who has said he is tired of not winning, has been outshined by teammate Kyle Busch, but it was Hamlin who was the star of Joe Gibbs Racing this weekend.
Points: Fifth
Tony Stewart
Many questioned whether Tony Stewart could take an organization that struggled to stay in the top 35 last year, make them contenders weekly.
Boy, were we wrong. Stewart might not have led a lap, but he did stay in contention all day long. A strong third-place finish backs up that organization battle cry that they will be a contender.
Points: Seventh
Jeff Gordon
No, he didn’t win this week but once again he led laps and was up front all day long. The team fell behind on adjustments and struggled with lap traffic. Another top five finish for this team allowed them to pad the point lead.
Although it will mean nothing come September if they don’t have any wins. This team will get wins, they like Hamlin need to close the deal.
Points: First
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
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