Denny Hamlin

After the sounds of the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps playing the National Anthem and the command to start engines by surviving war hero and race namesake Staff Sergeant Matthew Hansen faded, Saturday night racing was officially underway at Richmond International Raceway.

Elliott also played a role in raising money for several charities, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Jude Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital in Richmond.

At Martinsville’s version of the ‘paper clip’, NASCAR’s elite made their own history at one of the most storied tracks on the circuit.

Here is what was surprising and not surprising in the purposely shorter Auto Club 400, down in length by 20% and 100 miles from last year:

Mark Martin, driving the No. 32 Dollar General for Turner Motorsports for the first time, not only was lucky with his fuel mileage but also took advantage of the bad luck of Brad Keselowski.

The last time Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin visited Phoenix International Raceway, he was only two races away from accomplishing what no other driver had been able to achieve since NASCAR brought into play the Car of Tomorrow.

Clint Bowyer pushed his Richard Childress Racing teammate Jeff Burton to the checkered flag and victory, while Brad Keselowski pushed his brother Brian into a place in the Daytona 500.

When Robin Pemberton uttered those four words last year in January, a lot of people were curious as to how the drivers would react.

Joe Gibbs Racing made the announcement last month that they'd have three teams next year in the Nationwide Series.

The Daytona 500 may still be months away, but fans, media and the drivers themselves are already gearing up for the 2011 season. After the wild ride that we took in 2010, how could next year possibly compare?