Nascar's Top 35 Heading to Martinsville

Bristol is in the record books and history has been made, in more ways than one. The Car of Tomorrow is now the car of today and the entries have been made into the history books of Nascar. Jeff Gordon took the very first COT pole and Kyle Busch took the very first win. Now all eyes are focusing on Martinsville. The first five races of the season have shown teams qualifying on last years owners points, and now the stakes have changed. It is all 2007 now, and the big story leaving Bristol is who made the top 35 cut off. Last years owners points have been left behind, and the new seasons points are in effect, leaving many drivers on the outside looking in. Not only do those outside of the top 35 have to perform perfectly to work their way in, the drivers just inside need to keep gaining ground to prevent falling out. Martinsville is a track that could bring many changes this weekend.

The April race in 2006 was a beating and banging affair which ended with a win by Tony Stewart. Jimmie Johnson held the lead until a three lap battle with Stewart where the #20 made the pass and held on for 27 laps to take the checkered flag. Martinsville, the shortest track on the circuit with 0 degree banking in the straights and 12 degree in the turns is always a challenge. Drivers have to "drive" the wheels off there, and the COT is going to be their biggest challenge this week. The handling of the car will play a huge part in everyones run. Handling is everything on a short flat track and with the new cars being so tight in the turns these drivers are going to have their hands full. Look for even more beating and banging than usual. Last year there were a total 17 cautions, this race may prove to set a record.

It will be interesting to see if Kasey Kahne who is 34th in points can have a good run and pull himself out of the danger zone. Johnny Sauter is hanging on in 35th. Dave Blaney 36th in points and Dale Jarrett at 37th will be driving their wheels off to make it into the show on time. If Jarrett does not qualify on time he will have to use his fifth past champions provisional leaving him only one more for the season.

Buckle up tight, put your racing hats on and get ready for a bumpy ride. The Goodies Cool Orange 500 begins April 1st at 1:30 P.M. E.T. on Fox. See you next week for the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.