NASCAR
Can Another Driver End a Lengthy Winless Drought at Martinsville?
At Martinsville Speedway last season, Clint Bowyer’s long losing streak came to an end. A year removed from Bowyer’s 190-race absence from victory lane, can another driver end a long winless drought at the half mile? 2 past Martinsville winners in particular have not won recently. Both drivers are seeking to end long losing streaks.
Ryan Newman-73 Races
In his new home at Roush Fenway Racing, Ryan Newman is still looking for his first win since 2017. The 6 Mustang has shown some promise this year, but still lacks in speed. Newman’s best result so far in 2019 is a 12th place effort at ISM Raceway 2 weeks ago. Coincidentally, the Phoenix race marked 2 years since Newman’s last triumph.
At Martinsville, Newman has 1 win, back in 2012 after an eventful finish. Other than the win, Newman has 8 top 5s, 16 top 10s, and 196 laps led in 34 starts. Newman potentially winning this weekend would be another upset, as his 6 team is lacking behind their counterparts in the 17. But Newman has played a Cindrella roll at the paperclip before, putting a past winless drought to bed.
Jimmie Johnson-64 Races
The 7-time champion has more Martinsville wins than any other active driver, but he would still be another upset winner this weekend. The 48 team has 9 wins at the Virginia half mile, but none since 2016. Johnson has cracked the top 10 this year, but has yet to equal this result at Martinsville since his 2016 Playoff win. Under the guidance of rookie crew chief Kevin Meendering, Johnson is capable of pulling off the upset with the right strategy and luck.
Clint Bowyer’s 2018 win was only the latest lengthy winless drought to come to an end at Martinsville. While the odds of it happening again are slim, March is a month known for underdog upsets across sports.
