That's seven in a row heading into Sunday's Virginia 500. Few can explain this, although John Andretti tries. Hamilton, who won the spring race in 1998, says a new tire could end Martinsville's streak. The tire Goodyear will bring was used last year at other tracks but not at Martinsville. Previously, there was a bigger drop-off, forcing teams to pit more often.
Fewer pit stops mean fewer chances to make adjustments and make the car better.
Elliott Sadler gave the Wood Brothers their first victory in eight years when he ran the final 162 laps on the same set of tires to win at Bristol two weeks ago. That could influence what happens late in the race. Rudd says of the tires. And track position determines the winner. That's how Mark Martin won last year.