Johnson Holds Off Hamlin For Martinsville Win

Coming into Martinsville Jeff Burton enjoyed the Nextel Cup points lead due to his ability to remain consistent and overcome problems throughout the race. That points lead and run of consistency took a hit Sunday, as Burton ran into a handful of problems, which lead to his engine overheating and eventually expiring. Burtons bad luck brought many of drivers back into contention, including Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin and Kasey Kahne.

It was clear from the drop of the green flag that Jimmie Johnson would be the car to beat as it did not take the #48 long to get up to the top spot; the only question that remained was who could catch him. Early it seemed as if Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. could hang with Johnson, but for some that did not last. Both Busch and Dale Jr. spun out late, ending their chances at the win, and Jeff Gordon could not get his car to work as well as Johnson's, eventually finishing fifth. On the other hand Denny Hamlin seemed to get better as the race progressed, putting himself in excellence position late in the race to have a shot at Johnson. His one shot was not good enough as Johnson was able to hold Hamlin off to win his second Martinsville race. The rest of the top five included Bobby Labonte, and Tony Stewart.

The chase has tightened up heading into Atlanta. Eight drivers are within 100 points of the top spot, with Matt Kenseth currently in control, only 36 points in front of Kevin Harvick. Burton slipped to fifth in the points, but is still only 48 points back.