By the Numbers: M'ville

Martinsville Speedway is old -- NASCAR has been racing its premier series there since 1949. That's 117 races to date, second only to Daytona. Understandably, it can be rather cranky at times.

Many a time it has taken out its peevishness on drivers and their machines. It can run short in terms of patience. Perhaps because it runs short in stature, as it sits barely a half-mile in length.

Several of today's top drivers have come across misfortune at Martinsville, and usually upon first approach or soon thereafter before eventually finding a comfort zone.

• Jeff Burton had DNFs in his first three starts at Martinsville (1994-95), all in the No. 8 car which at the time was a Stavola Brothers Ford. He came back in 1997 with his third career win.

• Kurt Busch finished 37th, 33rd and 35th in his first three starts at Martinsville. Two races later he was in Victory Lane there, his second career victory at the time.

• Kyle Busch finished 39th in his Martinsville debut due to overheating, but has three top-10s in four races since.

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed out in his second start at Martinsville, as did Denny Hamlin, the only time he has failed to record a top-10 finish in four starts.

• Jimmie Johnson finished 35th in his first start at Martinsville in 2002 (vibration). He's had top-10s in every race there since.

• Mark Martin had DNFs in five of his first 11 starts at Martinsville. He's had one in 31 races since.

• Jamie McMurray had engine failure in his first start at Martinsville, but has six top-10s in eight races since.

• Ryan Newman had DNFs in two of his first three starts at Martinsville, then reeled off four consecutive top-fives and five top-10s.

• Ricky Rudd completed only 84 laps in his first Martinsville start in 1977 (rear end). In 54 career starts there, he has completed fewer laps just once -- 58 in 1984, beginning a span of seven DNFs in 13 races.

• Tony Stewart finished 41st in two of his first six starts at Martinsville, but also has a win and three top-10s during that span.

Interesting Fact

Fun Fact

All the Facts (Top 20 at Martinsville, April '07)

All the Facts (Notables at Martinsville, April '07)