NASCAR: Winners And Losers From Martinsville

Winner: Mastering Martinsville

Jimmie Johnson entered Martinsville as a member of the Round of 8–the first time he had ever made it that far under the current Chase format.

But that didn’t impact the six-time champion. Him and his team battled through a smoking tire, contact with Hamlin and Almirola and a restart in 25th-place before coming back to seize the lead on Lap 409 and never looking back.

But this win wasn’t an ordinary win for Johnson. It was his 79th overall Cup Series win and his ninth win at Martinsville–one that clinched his spot in the Championship 4. Now Johnson will have a chance to capture his seventh championship at Homestead–a track he has never won at–and tie Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt in terms of total championships.

Johnson, just like Gordon in 2015, won’t have to worry at Texas or Phoenix as he has his spot in the next round.

Must Read: Results From Martinsville

Hendrick Motorsports has showed signs of improvement from an ugly summer and Jimmie Johnson has been the main beneficiary as he’s captured two wins in the Chase to bring his total to four on the season. He’ll have a shot at history once Homestead rolls around.