Gordon dominates Martinsville statistics. But Johnson, who trails his Hendrick Motorsports teammate by 68 points in the current Chase standings, has mastered Martinsville, too.
He owns three victories there, and ranks third in pre-race Driver Rating – 117.2 – according to NASCAR Loop Data statistics.
Along with three wins, Johnson has one pole, seven top fives and 10 top 10s at Martinsville.
He’s also eyeing the ’07 series sweep, having won the April event there.
In April, Johnson and Gordon battled door-to-door to the finish at Martinsville, with Johnson prevailing by 0.065 seconds – the season’s fourth closest finish to date.
Given the two drivers’ similar statistics at the half-mile track, it’s not unrealistic to expect a repeat. And there is this: Gordon and Johnson have finished one-two on three other occasions this season.
In March, Johnson won at Las Vegas, with Gordon finishing second. Gordon swept both Talladega events this year, with Johnson as the runner-up.
Gordon’s last Martinsville victory came during his ’05 season sweep there.
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