NASCAR Cup Series

“On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I want to offer sincere condolences to the Petty Family regarding the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lynda Petty,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. “Through the years, Lynda became an integral part of the NASCAR landscape. We have lost a true friend, who will be missed each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Pettys throughout this difficult time.”

Kurt Busch had barely shed his rookie status when he picked up his first victory at Martinsville Speedway. It was way back in 2002 and he was just a year removed from his rookie campaign.

“I’m ready for Martinsville this weekend. I’ve got a few top 10’s in a row there and last time I came from the back all the way to finish ninth. We don’t seem to practice good at Martinsville or qualify good, but we race our way to the front. So hopefully this weekend we’ll turn that around a little bit.

Clint Bowyer has never won one of those coveted trophies but he has come close numerous times including last year’s race when he finished second. That finish was followed by a third-place run in the fall. In total Bowyer has 10 top-10 finishes in 16 starts at the paper-clip-shaped track.

“This No. 2 Miller Lite team has made steady improvements to our short-track program over the last few years. On top of that our Ford Fusion has had speed everywhere that we’ve been this year. The team is executing well on race day and I’m looking forward to this weekend.

“Last year we were involved in accidents early in both races. Martinsville is a tough track. Last year was my first time to race there and I learned a lot that I can carry into this weekend. Our main goal is to stay out of trouble and hopefully leave Martinsville with a top-15 finish.”

Do you ever watch a NASCAR race and wish you could ask a racing expert a question? Is there something about the sport you’ve always wanted to know?

There are days when we don't even discuss the tire as we focus on the racing. Then there's days like this past Sunday at Auto Club Speedway when the tire becomes the discussion. Many drivers had a problem with the tires throughout the course of the race.

Leavine Family Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Martinsville Speedway ... Team owner Bob Leavine has three starts at the Martinsville Speedway. Leavine Family Racing finished 41st a year ago in the spring event and finished 40th in October event at the Martinsville, Va. facility.

David Gilliland, driver of the No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford, comments on racing at Martinsville Speedway: