MARTINSVILLE, Va. (October 16, 2010) – When the NASCAR rule makers decided to make the move to double-file restarts a year ago, they must have had Martinsville Speedway fans in mind.
When drivers started thinking forward to next Sunday’s TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville, the double-file restarts were front of mind.
“Martinsville is so tough, especially with the double-file restarts,” said Carl Edwards. “It’s kind of a chaotic moment when you go down into turn one and it really depends who is over-aggressive, who bumps who, how things shake out.
“We saw Denny (Hamlin) surge through the field (in the spring race). That was a spectacular run from 11th or something on those last few restarts to win that last race. I learned a lot by watching Denny and how he did that.”
Hamlin gave up the lead with less than 10 laps to go in the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 last spring to pit for fresh tires under caution. He blasted from ninth to the lead in just four laps, and on the final green-white-checkered finish after a caution, he moved from fourth to the lead.
The key to success on the double-file restarts, is to make the most of other’s mistakes and not make any yourself.
“I think it depends on whose car is good, who is hungry at that time and who can really capitalize on other people’s mistakes,” said Edwards. “If everybody runs like they should, it’s hard to pass people. It’s when people are over-aggressive that you can take advantage. Hopefully we can do that.”
Defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson agrees that double-file restarts could make for another exciting Martinsville finish.
“We’re going to be gouging for every single point at that part of the race and the way the points are stacked up, the top-five are guys that are really good at Martinsville. It could be exciting,” said Johnson.
Kurt Busch was a little more direct when talking about double-file restarts at Martinsville.
“You hope you’re going to end up on the inside lane, but some bumping and grinding is going to come and there are going to be cars that get spit out and end up in the fence, said Busch. “It’s going to be a hold-your-breath, white-knuckler. It’s going to be on edge all day.”
Tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 begin at $25 and range to $77.
Tickets to the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on October 23 are $30 in advance, $35 on the day of the race, with children 12 and under admitted free.
Tickets for Farm Bureau Pole Day, which features practice and qualifying for both the Kroger 200 and the TUMS Fast Relief 500, are $15, children 12 and under admitted free.
Tickets for all events may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.
