Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Finally Wins at Martinsville

When he was a boy, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. dreamed of winning a race at Martinsville Speedway and the grandfather clock that went along with it.  Sunday he accomplished both in an emotional victory not only for him, but his team and owner Rick Hendrick. 

It was ten years ago when a plane heading to Martinsville carrying Rick Hendrick's son and nine others associated with Hendrick Motor Racing crashed killing all on board.  As he was being interviewed after the race, Earnhardt mentioned the emotions of losing his own father and couldn't imagine how his team owner was able to deal with the magnitude of the loss he suffered.

Before the final restart Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon pitted for tires.  It put Earnhardt fifth with five laps left and he quickly moved to the front and held off Gordon for his 23rd career victory.  Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart and Joey Logano completed the Top 5.

Gordon's second place finish put him in the lead for the championship with three races left.  Ryan Newman stands second followed by Joey Logano, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick.

Next race is at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday.