The script was perfectly written heading into Martinsville this weekend. With Hendrick Motorsports celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their first victory in the NASCAR Cup Series, one of the organization’s Ruby Red Chevrolet Camaros was bound to capture the checkered flag.
Showing impressive pace in both practice and qualifying, Kyle Larson scored the pole and led the field to green in Sunday’s Cook Out 400. The only Hendrick Motorsports entry to start this race outside the top-10 was William Byron in 18th. However, that didn’t stop the No. 24 from ripping through the field at a track that is tough to pass on.
Where was this race won for the Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1? A masterful call by Byron’s crew chief, Rudy Fugle, brought the car down pit road first in the green-flag pit stop cycle during the final stage. That extra lap over the field gave that team the advantage they needed to get ahead of his teammates and Chesterfield, VA. native, Denny Hamlin, who also posed a threat to the trophy.
The legacy NASCAR Cup Series team crossed the line 1-2-3 to celebrate its historic anniversary with over 1,500 fans at the racetrack. Though this accomplishment is truly remarkable, it’s also important to point out the remarkable performance of the No. 23 team and Bubba Wallace, as well as many drivers who showed strength throughout the afternoon.
Join Taylor Kitchen and Toby Christie in the latest episode of Above The Yellow Line to analyze the race. Plus, tune in to, yet again, discuss the short track package and what we saw from that track that the broadcast might have missed.
