NASCAR Cup Series

Site of career-best finish: “Martinsville Speedway has always been a favorite place of mine for a couple reasons,” AJ Allmendinger said. “One of the main reasons is because it’s where I posted my career-best NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finish. I finished second there in April 2012 after starting 27th with Penske. I have that top-five finish and a couple top-10s there. It’s just an action-packed track and a fun race for the fans to watch. I know it’s a fun track for me and it’s one of the tracks I love going to.”

Victory Junction's COO, Austin Petty, makes a statement on the passing of his grandmother, Lynda Petty: "We have lost my grandmother, but my family and our Victory Junction family are grateful to have had her love and wisdom for so many years. It was no secret that she was the cornerstone of the Petty family; a woman of humility and extraordinary strength."

“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.”

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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.