Look for Gordon, Hendrick Stable to Dominate Martinsville

Jeff Gordon's last title was in 2001 (Photo: Google Images)

While it has been a few years since Jeff Gordon was a serious title contender, and even longer still since his last championship (the 2001 Winston Cup trophy), it has appeared to me all season that if Gordon is going to win another title before he retires, 2014 was going to be his year. He's won too many races and run too consistently to not be in the final four come Homestead. Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski have since made me second guess myself with their dominant runs as of late. But Gordon has yet to be near elimination and has been very consistent, which might prove helpful in the winner-take-all finale in Miami.

Another reason to think Gordon might hoist his first Sprint Cup at season's end is the fact that Phoenix is in three weeks and this weekend, the series heads to Martinsville. That track has been Gordon's playground for quite some time now. He has eight wins and 27 top five finishes in 43 races there. The track has also taken on special significance for the No. 24 team, as well as the rest of Hendrick Motorsports, since the 2004 plane crash that killed ten HMS employees and family members, including team GM Jeff Turner, head engine builder Randy Dorton and Rick Hendrick's son Ricky.

With both of these factors at play, it is a very real possibility that Gordon will catch fire and score the win this weekend. And with Phoenix being the final race in round three, I wouldn't be shocked to see him win their either and gear up for a potential championship run. However, if Gordon doesn't pick up a ninth Ridgeway grandfather clock trophy this weekend, it will probably be one of his Hendrick teammate that pulls off the victory.

Jimmie Johnson beats teammate Jeff Gordon on the last
lap at Martinsville in 2007 (Photo: Google Images) 

While they are no longer title eligible, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr have never been slouches at eh Virgina paperclip. Especially Johnson, who beat Gordon in an epic side-by-side battle in 2007. Junior has also run well at Martinsville in the past, leading late in the spring race of 2011, only to get beaten by Kevin Harvick in the closing laps.

Speaking of Harvick, look for his No. 4 Chevy to run up front on Sunday. His Stewart-Haas Racing car is essentially a fifth Hendrick entry in the Chase and, since Gordon is the only real HMS car still eligible for the title, Harvick provides another chance at the title for Hendrick's usually  superior equipment.

But there will also be drivers looking to play spoiler. In addition to Johnson and Earnhardt running strong, look for Jamie McMurray to also be in contention for the win Sunday. Though he may not be in the Chase or have won since the All-Star Race in Charlotte this past May, he always runs strong at the Virginia short track. His teammate Kyle Larson has also been on a tear lately and it would not be surprising to see both the Ganassi entries do well Sunday. Martin Truex Jr led his first laps of the season at Talladega last weekend. He was fast in practice so the No. 78 entry for Furniture Row Racing might be one to contend with as well.

But that's why we run the race. After 500 laps around the Martinsville Speedway, it will be interesting to see who takes home the Ridgeway clock this time. Just like last week, there are a few Chasers who can win, but there are also a lot of non-Chasers who also stand a great chance of upsetting the field this weekend.