Connect with us

NASCAR

Larson Picks Up First Martinsville Victory

Larson Picks Up First Martinsville Victory
Photo by Noah Lewis/TSJSports

NASCAR

RIDGEWAY, Va. – A very streaky Martinsville race ended with a new face taking home the Grandfather Clock. After only leading the final 30 laps, Kyle Larson is back in victory lane at what was his worst racetrack. With two wins over the past three weeks, the Hendrick 5 team appears to be returning to their 2021 winning form.

First-time polesitter Ryan Preece was the story of this race’s first half. The 41 led wire-to-wire in Stage 1, and appeared to be on his way to an easy Stage-sweep.

Leading the first 135 laps, Preece’s day became unraveled once he sped on pit road. The 41 never fully recovered from this loss of all track position, and finished 15th.

Misfortune for one Stewart-Haas car was a blessing for another though, as Preece’s trouble led to Kevin Harvick winning Stage 2.

The banner day for Stewart-Haas continued on into Stage 3, as Chase Briscoe beat Harvick off pit road. The 14 drove off from the pack and quickly amassed a large lead. This would all be for nothing though, as JJ Yeley slamming the wall late triggered a caution.

By virtue of staying out, Joey Logano inherited the lead just outside of 50 laps left, but on much older tires. Once racing resumed, Kyle Larson was the first on fresh tires and mounted his charge. After a spirited battle with the 22, Larson made the winning pass with 30 laps left and left the field in the dust. Over the closing laps, Larson eventually built up a four-second lead. Much like Richmond two weeks ago, the 5 team was clutch when it counted and delivered big with a victory.

“I never ever, thought that I would have won here at Martinsville, this place has been so tough on me” Larson said. “It just does not suit my driving style at all. I like to charge the center, roll momentum, and that’s just not what this place is like. Thanks to (crew chief) Cliff Daniels and everybody for making me feel like I know what I’m doing sometimes around here. Just can’t believe it, glad my family’s here too. This is amazing. I honestly never thought that I would win here, so I don’t have a spot picked out for the clock. Going to have to make some space for sure.”

Behind Larson, the top-10 finishers were: Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Aric Almirola, Ryan Blaney, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Bubba Wallace, and Chase Elliott. Hear from some of these drivers below.

With the spring short-track swing now in the rearview mirror, Talladega Superspeedway looms ahead for the NASCAR Cup Series. The Geico 500 will go green Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The Daytona 500 gave us a surprise winner. Can Talladega also deliver on the great superspeedway unknown with a new face in victory lane?

Written by Peter Stratta

Be sure to follow us on Twitter

Be sure to follow the writer on Twitter

Photo Credit to Noah Lewis/TSJSports

Related Topics

More in NASCAR