VA kid wins in his home state

Hamlin crossing the finish line in the Goodys Cool Orange 500 (pictured left)
Denny Hamlin, the driver of the number 11 fed ex freight car has won today at Martinsville Speedway in the Goodys Cool Orange 500. On this small 1/2 mile track Hamlin was able to take patient-aggressive approach, by conserving fuel and brakes. A driver who was less fortunate, that fell to gas problems was Carl Edwards, driving the 99 Claritin Clear car, dropping back from 5th to 9th with 200 feet left in the race. Carl raced well, but mistakes by the crew chief cost him valuable points that he desperately needs standing in the 14th points position. Hamlin has gotten the win that he deserves, falling to gas problems at Bristol motor speedway two weeks ago, while in the lead. Right behind Hamlin was Jeff Gordon, who yet again finished second at Martinsville. Jeff Burton finished third in the race, and has taken the over all points lead. So now do you believe me? Childress must be ecstatic with his drivers. Like I said earlier championship is now in the picture for Childress racing. After Burton was Jimmie Johnson, another Hendrick car. Hendrick this week has picked up their speed, but not enough for any of their drivers to win. After was Tony Stewart, another Toyota, then Ernhart Jr., after was Casey Mears, yet again another Hendrick car. Next was Jamie McMurray, a Roush Fenway car, and then following him was his teammate Carl Edwards. To round up the top 10 Clint Boyer a Childress car finishes after Edwards. Kyle Busch had a rough day, getting tangled with his brother Kurt, and blowing a gear 2/3 of the way through the race. He has dropped from leading the points to 5th. Gordon and Johnson are now present in the top ten in points which seems to show light on their problems. Also Kevin Harvick, last years Daytona 500 winner has moved into second in points, only 39 points behind Burton. Although Harvick his high in the standings he still is without a win. So Kevin Harvick looks like he may be a contender for the chase championship. The racing was great on the short track; although, its tougher than super speedways, because of the constant breaking. The weather was also fairly bad, slightly raining the whole afternoon. But over all it was a great race day. Congratulations to Denny Hamlin claiming his first win in 2008, winning the first time in his home state. Until next week when the sprint cup series travels to Texas motor speedway.