Jeff Gordon dominated the spring race at Martinsville. Credit: CIA Stock Photo

Chase Line: Martinsville

Race Line: Martinsville Jeff Gordon 5-1  Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8-1  Jimmie Johnson 8-1  Ryan Newman 8-1  Tony Stewart 10-1  Matt Kenseth 12-1  Kurt Busch 12-1  Mark Martin 15-1  Elliott Sadler 15-1  Jeremy Mayfield 25-1

Kurt's an enigma when it comes to Martinsville. He's got the lowest average finish there among the top 10 drivers, but that is deceiving, because he knows how to win there.

Busch won the fall race at Martinsville in 2002 after taking the lead with 110 to go. He won there in just his fourth try at the track -- novices rarely do well at Martinsville -- and he won after qualifying a dreadful 36th.

Since then, he hasn't finished better than 11th, although he qualified well there this spring. Qualfiying will be even more important this time around due to the new surface.

With Roush's improved engines, Busch will continue his streak of top-10s and retain the points lead.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been a top-five mainstay at Martinsville.

You thought Charlotte was bad when it came to parity? Well, Martinsville will probably be worse, because the three best short-track drivers in the sport just happen to be leading the points.

Busch has won at Martinsville. Gordon has five wins and five poles. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has five straight top-five finishes there. And all three are running well at the moment, so a 1-2-3 finish (however you like it) is not out of the question.

If none of the three are beset by motor or gear troubles, all will finish in the top 10.

Jeff Gordon is running great -- he has all year long -- but he is leaving valuable bonus points on the table.

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Gordon failed to lead a lap at Charlotte, while Busch and Earnhardt Jr. each led a lap. Busch has led a lap in three straight events for a total of 15 points.

In the last six races, Busch has gained 15 points on Gordon just by getting up front and leading laps.

Gordon led laps in the first two races of the Chase, but since then, he has failed to lead.

Gordon led the most laps at Martinsville this spring before his chances for the win were derailed when he hit a piece of concrete.

Jeff Gordon needs to win the Bud Pole and lead as many laps as he can on Sunday.

Martinsville has new concrete in the corners for this event. This surface is considerably smoother than the rough-and-tumble deck everyone's seen in the past, and as a result, passing should be more difficult.

Gordon is the most likely of the three to win the Bud Pole. Starting up front will be a priority for Gordon, because if he can take the top spot, he stands an excellent chance of leading the most laps.

In all, Gordon is a heavy favorite to win this weekend, but with Busch and Earnhardt running well, he stands to gain only a maximum of 30 points.

All three of the top Chase contenders tested the new surface, and Gordon set an unofficial track record during his test.