It’s Thursday, so it’s time to collect the best #ThrowbackThursday posts from NASCAR’s corner of social media. It will back at full speed this weekend with the sport returning from its hiatus at Martinsville Speedway.
Luckily, most of this week’s items focus on the short-track in southwestern Virginia. But let’s start off in the recent past with “The King,” Richard Petty.
A year ago today, North Carolina declared March 31 “Richard Petty Day.”
Petty, a seven-time NASCAR champion, won at Martinsville 15 times. That ties North Wilkesboro for his career high in wins at one track.
#tbt To exactly one year ago when Gov. @PatMcCroryNC declared it "Richard Petty Day!" #TheKing pic.twitter.com/FaZQaxBC0A
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) March 31, 2016
Last year’s spring Truck race at Martinsville was won by Joey Logano, his only win in seven Truck series starts
#TBT to that time @joeylogano won BKR a grandfather clock at @MartinsvilleSwy! 🏁 The @NASCAR_Trucks unload today! pic.twitter.com/oijBA3432h
— Brad Keselowski Racing (@TeamBKR) March 31, 2016
Ricky Craven ran only one full-time season in the Truck series. But it came in 2005 with Roush Fenway Racing, and Craven earned one win, in the fall race at Martinsville. A two-time Sprint Cup winner, including once at Martinsville, Craven led 95 laps on the way to the victory.
Always Appreciated Jack Roush during the years I competed against him, Appreciated him more after competing with him https://t.co/V88f7YweXS
— Ricky Craven (@RickyCraven32) March 31, 2016
While Jeff Gordon retired as the Sprint Cup’s active leader in wins at Martinsville, that distinction is now in the hands of Jimmie Johnson. In 28 races at the track, Johnson has eight victories.
This was such an awesome win. Everything about this @LowesRacing car was 🔥🔥. #TBT pic.twitter.com/5aVFaY8deM
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 31, 2016
Throwback Thursday @MartinsvilleSwy! #FastFords @FordPerformance pic.twitter.com/baHyA2jJO6
— Roush Yates Engines (@roushyates) March 31, 2016
Earnhardt (with a tire sheet) & Jake Elder ponderin changes while peering over the nose of their 79 Monte Marlo #TBT pic.twitter.com/O4zOlFXRHF
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) March 31, 2016