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NASCAR: Winners And Losers From Martinsville

By Cole Mentzel

Apr 2, 2016; Martinsville, VA, USA; A general view of Martinsville Speedway during the Alpha Energy Solutions 250. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Martinsville, VA, USA; A general view of Martinsville Speedway during the Alpha Energy Solutions 250. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2016; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger during the Good Sam 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger during the Good Sam 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: AJ Allmendinger

It was definitely surprising to look up and see AJ Allmendinger competing for a win late at Martinsville, but that’s just how the day went for him.

After starting in sixth place, Allmendinger was considered a driver that could make some noise throughout the day. He had one other second-place finish at the paperclip back in 2012 and he was at the front of the pack late in the race during the Chase last season.

As the race grew nearer to the end, it was pretty much a given that no one was going to catch Kyle Busch, but Allmendinger was determined to try to change that. He repeatedly passed cars after falling behind and drove the wheels off of his ride in the final laps in an attempt to catch Busch.

Though he settled for second place, he completed his highest finish since he won at Watkins Glen back in 2014, certainly a victory for him and his JTG Daugherty team. As a great road track driver, Martinsville seemed to play well into his plan of getting to the front today, as it did for a few others.

After the race, Allmendinger dove a little deeper into his success (via sportingnews.com):

"“We had such a good long run car I was hoping we would stay green for the last 120 laps. I thought we might really have a shot at them. [Crew chief] Randall Burnett and all the guys and pit crew, I can’t thank them enough. They really stepped it up the last two weeks and gave us a shot to win that race.”"

More racing: Updated Point Standings Following Martinsville

Though he ultimately did not win the race, this is the type of outing that can lead to momentum and success in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the No. 47 car.

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