I always look forward to short track racing and the disappointment of Sunday’s rain delay at Martinsville Speedway only heightened my anticipation. Monday we finally got the race underway and my patience was finally rewarded.

It was everything I had hoped for and more.

After making his way to the lead on lap 230 of the race, Denny Hamlin battled back and forth for the lead with Jeff Burton.

Things really got interesting on lap 492 when Jeff Burton had a flat tire and hit the wall, bringing out the caution. To everyone’s surprise, leader Denny Hamlin headed to pit road for a set of new tires. Only second place driver Kyle Busch followed.

Everyone assumed that Hamlin had just handed over the win to Jeff Gordon.

Everyone was wrong. Continue reading →