So, Gordon, even with the loss of downforce and the loss of cooling was able to stay in the hunt, but he just needed that clean air to get
the last bit of performance out of the car, and have a shot at the win.
Stewart retains the point lead, even after a very smooth bump and run on Johnson with just a few laps to go to finish second. Johnson was third, which leaves him second in the chase, just 15 points behind Stewart. Note to self: If Johnson loses the championship by five or less points, he can look back to Martinsville, where he failed to lead a lap.
Third in the chase is still Ryan Newman, who had a very 'please don't hit me' day
at Martinsville. Newman looked very cautious all day, and came out of Martinsville with his Alltel Dodge in one piece - an accomplishment in itself on this track.
Drivers that took a hit at Martinsville were Mark Martin, who set his brakes on fire and spent several laps behind the pit wall making repairs. Kurt Busch rebounded after a deliberate punt on Michael Waltrip, to finish sixth. NASCAR parked Busch for a lap, but he fought back to get a decent finish on the lead lap. Also losing out was Rusty Wallace, who for the second time in as many races was turned around with just a few laps to go. The points Wallace lost in the last two races will make it very difficult for him to claim this year's championship.
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| Gordon, even with the loss of downforce and the loss of cooling was able to stay in the hunt. (Photo: Autostock) |
Stewart retains the point lead, even after a very smooth bump and run on Johnson with just a few laps to go to finish second. Johnson was third, which leaves him second in the chase, just 15 points behind Stewart. Note to self: If Johnson loses the championship by five or less points, he can look back to Martinsville, where he failed to lead a lap.
Third in the chase is still Ryan Newman, who had a very 'please don't hit me' day
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| Martinsville didn't go well for everyone. (Photo: Autostock) |
Drivers that took a hit at Martinsville were Mark Martin, who set his brakes on fire and spent several laps behind the pit wall making repairs. Kurt Busch rebounded after a deliberate punt on Michael Waltrip, to finish sixth. NASCAR parked Busch for a lap, but he fought back to get a decent finish on the lead lap. Also losing out was Rusty Wallace, who for the second time in as many races was turned around with just a few laps to go. The points Wallace lost in the last two races will make it very difficult for him to claim this year's championship.