Green-White-Checkers

Stop #6: Martinsville

By Ryan Frisco

Photo Cred www.motorracingnetwork.com

Last week was an off week for NASCAR in lieu of the Easter holiday, and today it's back to racing in Martinsville, Virginia.  I want to take a moment and talk about NASCAR's off week for Easter.  NASCAR is one of the most unique sports in a couple of ways.  For one, they always have off Easter weekend because it is a holiday celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I respect them for that, and appreciate that being such an important thing for them to represent.  Secondly, NASCAR is the only sport that makes a spectacle of the pre-game ceremonies.  Every single week, I watch the National Anthem, flyover, PRAYER and declaration of 'Drivers, start your engines!'  Watching baseball or football game, you don't see the anthem televised unless it's the Super Bowl.  My dad held the flag for the Phillies game Friday, and I couldn't see it because it wasn't shown on TV. I can't recall ever seeing a prayer said before one of those games.  I think this is one of the coolest things about NASCAR, and one of the reasons I support them so much!

So, on to Martinsville.  Jimmie Johnson broke the track record in qualifying to start on the pole position.  This is the second short track of the year, and it's even shorter than Bristol.  That means a lot of action on the track!  Cars will not be able to get out of each other's way.  We won't see as many torn apart cars as Bristol because Martinsville has barely any banking, so cars are easier to handle when contact is made.  But, there will be tons of contact.  What are today's headliners?

Photo Cred www.sportsillustrated.com

1. Denny Hamlin will not race - Hamlin is out at least 5 races due to a lower compression fracture in his spine.  He is virtually eliminated from a Top 10 points finish.  His only chance at the Chase is to win at least two (probably 3) races and finish inside the Top 20.  Joey Logano doesn't stand a chance when Denny's back on the track again.

Brian Vickers is taking over for Hamlin in the meantime.  Vickers is a solid driver who had the misfortune of losing time two years ago due to an illness.  He is currently working his way back to a full time ride, and getting the opportunity to drive for such a strong Gibbs Racing Team bodes well for his future.

Photo Cred www.hendrickmotorsports.com

2. The Contenders - Who do I think will be strong today?  Hendrick.  Kasey Kahne won Bristol.  Jimmie Johnson is on pole.  Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has 5 Top 10s this year, and was runner up last week.  Jeff Gordon is Jeff Gordon.  Last year here, Johnson and Gordon were on the front row with 2 laps remaining before Clint Bowyer spun them both out.  I wouldn't be surprised to see a repeat of these two contending.

The Winner: Jeff Gordon.  He needs this to break out of his slump, and mark my words, he WILL be great today.