Monday 27 October 2014 08:36, UK
Dale Earnhardt Jr raced to his fourth triumph of the season in the Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500 in Martinsville on Sunday as he bounced back from elimination in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
It was an emotional yet successful weekend for the Hendrick team as they claimed a one-two, with Jeff Gordon clinching second spot, on the 10th anniversary of the fatal plane crash with took the life of owner Rick Hendrick’s son and nine others.
Earnhardt Jr opted to pit late in the race to switch all four tires and it proved an inspired moved as he eased past Tony Stewart to take the chequered flag.
Despite being knocked out of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Earnhardt Jr proved he is still very much capable of leading the field, but it is team-mate Gordon who sits top of the Chase standings after the first race of the Eliminator Round.
Gordon was a close contender for the race crown in Martinsville but a costly setback gifted victory to his Hendrick colleague.
Next on the agenda is the AAA Texas 500 and the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes in Phoenix before the Championship Round in Miami on November 16.
