Passing Lane

A NASCAR BLOG BY Mike Hembree

Martin's ville?

October 24 2009

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.

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 21, 2009 at 10:08 AM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

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.

Getting Social

Latest Tweets

Loading tweets...

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Ford 400

Homestead-Miami Speedway
03:30 PM, 11/22/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which has been most detrimental to NASCAR television ratings and attendance this season?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account