Sadler's ability to tough out race leaves an impression

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- All drivers will tell you that Martinsville Speedway is one of the most physical tracks on the schedule.

You're off and on the brakes constantly, and unless you have the legs of a career waitress, you're likely to feel the physical demands by the end of the race. And if you can't get comfortable, you're going to be twisting in your seat and ultimately twisting your back.

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So when Elliott Sadler said he was racing Sunday morning despite on Friday calling for a backup driver because of his recent back injury, I was impressed (read more).

The original plan was to allow Sadler to start the race for point reasons, but it was uncertain if he would be in well enough condition to finish. Craftsman Truck Series veteran Dennis Setzer was standing by, waiting to jump in the No. 19 shortly after Sadler ran a few laps. In order to acquire driver points, Sadler needed to at least to start the race and if Setzer did replace Sadler before the start, the No. 19 would be sent to the rear of the field.

Well, Setzer was able to take off with 60 laps to go because Sadler was clearly soldiering on.

After the race, Sadler was in good shape aside from the fact that he couldn't bend down to take the heat shields off his legs and he walked from his car with a limp, favoring his right side.

"I feel pretty good man ... I appreciate Dennis Setzer helping us like he did," said Sadler, who finished 15th in the Goody's Cool Orange 500.

Sadler said he popped a few Tylenol and felt great during the race, although added that he's definitely going to "feel this in the morning."

What? No Goody's on hand? Nice sponsor plug, Sadler. Even in pain you're thinking of your backers.

Nevertheless, Sadler said his physician from home, Mike Anderson, made a house call to the speedway this weekend, which proved to be helpful for the Dodge driver.

"Yeah that was pretty special of him," Sadler said. "He got me all straightened this morning and loosened up like I needed to be. I'm a little sore."

Jeff Gordon wasn't overly impressed but I would imagine it's pretty hard to impress the driver who, to many, once held the title of Mr. Martinsville.

What is humorous is that I can't seem to figure the straight story on how exactly Sadler injured his back.

First it was a golf injury. Then someone said it was a gym-related injury. And finally it was reported that Sadler simply didn't know how he hurt his back.

When asked his thoughts about Sadler persevering through the race, third-place finisher Jeff Burton laughed and said, "I want to hear how he hurt his back, that's probably a good story."

And earlier in the race weekend, reporters asked teammate Kasey Kahne how Sadler injured his back. "I don't know, what did he tell you guys?" Kahne replied.

Honestly, if Sadler hurt his back golfing, big deal. At least he didn't hurt it trying to surf atop a golf cart like other drivers we know.

And he still deserves credit for running a clean race with a bad back, and in the process bringing home a respectable finish.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.