WINNERS
Martin Truex Jr. — He had not won a Cup race on a short track until this season. Now he’s won three of the six races on short tracks this year. And won Sunday in dominating fashion, leading 464 of 500 laps.
William Byron — He had not finished better than 13th this season in any of the races on a short track but Martin Truex Jr. said seeing the No. 24 behind him late in the race made him think about Jeff Gordon driving that car.
Matt Crafton — He finished 25th filling in for Matt Tifft, who suffered a medical issue Saturday and was home Sunday. Tifft’s car has finished 25th in four of the last five races.
David Ragan — Finished a season-high 11th at Martinsville.
Man we fought hard all day today. Didn’t have the best speed the first 300 laps, but @Mkelleyroush made some good adjustments and we almost had a top 10. #MoreShortTracks
— David Ragan (@DavidRagan) October 28, 2019
LOSERS
Chase Elliott — Was put in nearly a must-win situation in the previous round because of an engine failure at Dover. He barely advanced and opened this round by having an engine failure in practice Saturday and a broken axle in Sunday’s race, finishing 36th. Asked about his concern with the mechanical issues the past few weeks: “I’m concerned.”
Jimmie Johnson — Wrong place at the wrong time and couldn’t avoid Aric Almirola’s car. The result is that he finished last.
Clint Bowyer — Ran well until various issues left him with a 35th-place finish.
Team members jumping into fights — Joey Logano was upset with Denny Hamlin for contact between the two late in Sunday’s race and went to talk to Hamlin about it. Not satisfied with Hamlin’s reaction, Logano shoved Hamlin, starting a scuffle on pit road that involved both crews. It’s one thing for team members to protect their driver, it’s another thing to go after the other driver.