Jeff Gordon reflects on significance of Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville Speedway was an important track to Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports throughout his career, and that isn’t lost on him as the Cup Series returns this weekend.

The four-time champion had immense success at the short track, and it could be the place where Hendrick puts their second driver through to the Championship 4, if William Byron doesn’t choke on Sunday.

Ahead of the final race in the Round of 8, Gordon elaborated on how essential Martinsville has been to not just his story, but the story of Hendrick Motorsports as a whole.

“You love the history of the racetrack in general and the role that it’s played in the history of the sport and just great short-track racing. I think we all agree that more short tracks, just like we’re going to Iowa next year, is important. Mainly when I think of Martinsville, I just think of the success that we’ve had as an organization,” Gordon explained, via FOX’s Bob Pockrass. “Our history was built on that track. We’re going to celebrate that next year [with Hendrick Motorsports’] 40th anniversary, and it all got started with Geoff Bodine winning at Martinsville. And I think Rick would tell you it’s been a special place. 

“It’s also been a place of heartache when we think of this time of year [with the anniversary of the 2004 Hendrick plane crash, which killed 10 people, including four members of Rick’s family]. But [there’s also] great memories that we have on track and the wins. There’s a lot of — I don’t want to say a lot of pressure — but I think within our organization with the history we’ve had at Martinsville, there’s a little bit of added pressure to go there and keep that tradition or that streak alive.”

There aren’t many home tracks in NASCAR, with almost every team being based out of Charlotte, but it’s evident Martinsville is Hendrick country. Gordon made sure of it throughout his illustrious career, and it could continue to be a special place for the team this weekend.

While Kyle Larson is already through to the Championship 4, Byron could join him if he drives a mistake-free race. Additionally, Chase Elliott is still alive in the Owner’s Cup, so it could prove to be a fruitful afternoon for Hendrick in Virginia once again.

We’ll see if their drivers can come through, but Martinsville has been good to Hendrick in the past, and the magic might continue this weekend for Jeff Gordon and company.