9X Martinsville Winner Jeff Gordon Unravels the Perfect Strategy to Deliver a Perfect Lap in Martinsville
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TALLADEGA, AL – APRIL 23: Jeff Gordon looks on before the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Geico 500 on April 23, 2023, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 23 NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230423473500
Over the years, Jeff Gordon has left an indelible mark on Martinsville Speedway. His name reverberates among racing enthusiasts whenever the discussion goes to the iconic Virginia-based track. The current vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports‘ most memorable moment at Martinsville would surely be his thrilling victory in 2015. That triumph propelled him into the Championship 4, marking his remarkable 93rd and final NASCAR Cup Series win. The roar of the fans, and the charged atmosphere, was a celebration that resonated deeply. For Gordon, that day at Martinsville stands as the pinnacle of his racing career.
His bond with the Martinsville track runs deep, having secured an impressive nine wins on the 0.526-mile circuit. A record tied with fellow legend Jimmie Johnson for the most in team history. In light of this experience, Gordon exclusively shares the fundamental principles for achieving success on the racetrack.
What does it take to succeed in Martinsville? Hear it from the driver who aced it!
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Gordon took to his Instagram and shared a detailed review of the track and the requirements to succeed on it. He talked about scenarios that can get a car rotated and finally wrecked. The”Rainbow Warrior” said, “The laps certainly go by really fast and you get to that corner in a hurry. So let’s say you got into Turn 1. For me, there’s always either markers on the wall that I would use as reference. ……. And you hear it just go and it just nose drops. You’re on the brakes hard, but believe it or not. I mean as hard as you’re pushing the brake pedal, you’re modulating it over the bumps, through the loads.”
He added, “Whatever the car’s reaction is, you’re playing around with that brake pedal all the way down to the center of the corners………And you’ve got to get that car turn 180n degrees in a hurry and start getting it pointed. And once the front starts to give you that indication, that it’s ready to cut and it’s going to get that car rotated and turned and pointed.”
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“For that back straightaway, you’re wide open right next to the curb, all the way to the throttle. Hope that it sits on those rear tires and just grabs and drives you straight to the wall…… It’s a much different entry turn 3, than turn 1. Turn 1 is a little bit more straighter. The car is loose and it loads, where in Turn 3, it’s just sort of, on the edge,” continued Gordon.
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The love story of Jeff Gordon and Martinsville
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Jeff Gordon’s first victory at Martinsville dates back to September 22, 1996, at the permanent oval-shaped short track. As the race approached its thrilling conclusion, Gordon engaged in a high-stakes battle for the win. On the final lap, he executed a daring bump-and-run maneuver to overtake the race leader, Bobby Labonte.
At that moment, a yellow caution flag was waved due to Gordon’s teammate, Terry Labonte‘s spinning out. Despite this late-race drama, Gordon maintained his lead and won his 18th career NASCAR Winston Cup Series race and his ninth of the season. After that, he went on a victory-spree at this track.
Jeff Gordon overcame Martinsville’s challenges by continuously refining his driving technique and becoming more patient. This, combined with his crew chiefs’ strategic adjustments, greatly enhanced his performance. Other than the nine wins, his impressive Martinsville stats boast 29 top-five finishes, 38 top-10 placements, and leading for 3779 laps across 47 races.
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