Passing Lane
A NASCAR BLOG BY Mike Hembree
Martin's ville?
There is a school of thought that offers the opinion that Jimmie Johnson must be caught soon if he is to be caught at all.
Johnson carries a 90-point lead into Sunday's race at Martinsville, Va., and, with the NASCAR Chase For The Sprint Cup rapidly rolling toward its end, time is wasting for his opponents. Mark Martin, in second place, retains the best shot at stopping the Johnson juggernaut, and Martinsville, which rewards hard driving, teeth-grinding persistence and smart tactics would seem to be a good spot for Martin to make a move.
Unfortunately for Martin (and everybody else), Martinsville has been a Jimmie Johnson track. He was won six times in 15 visits to the track, and, more importantly, he was won four of five Chase races there.
And Martin's performance at the track that bears his name? Two wins in 43 visits, and none since 2000. He hasn't led a lap there since 2002.
Clearly, the challenger will be at a disadvantage Sunday, but challengers usually are.
Mike Hembree
Mike Hembree has been covering NASCAR since 1975 and has been an associate editor at NASCAR Scene for three and one-half years.
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