Hendrick Garage: Kentucky

The No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson during practice on Friday.
Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

First time ever having a Sprint Cup race at good 'ole Kentucky would prove to be a fun time at this new track. For the Hendrick drivers, it could be good or bad. With qualifying being called midway because of rain, the Hendrick guys would have to start according to their practice speeds.

Mark Martin

Starting in the back due to the rainout, Mark slowly moved his way up the field. To be truly honest, the 5 car seemed to be more alive when it became dark. Mark didn’t have the best of days, but it could have been worse. Mark finished 22nd and sits 19th in the points.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The 88 of Earnhardt Jr. looked strong at the start of the race. Starting 28th, by lap 3 he was up five spots. Earnhardt complained of the car always being tight or loose, something that a lot of drivers experienced with their cars. The car did seem to become more alive during the night than it did in the early stages of the day. Earnhardt would go a lap down, but would take the wave around to get back on the lead lap. He looked to have a good running car at the end, but after leaving his pit box during a green flag stop, his tire blew. Earnhardt finished a disappointing 30th place and now sits 8th in points.

Jeff Gordon

Gordon had a very eventful day. Mostly he stayed in the 20s throughout the race. Gordon went a lap down as the 24 car had a lot of issues as well. But as with his other two teammates, his car seemed to come alive during the night and soon Gordon was cracking the top 15 and wouldn’t you know, he finished the day in 10th place. Gordon is now 7th in the points.

Jimmie Johnson

Out of all the Hendrick drivers, Mr. 5-time had the best car and best night. He stayed up in the top 5 most of the night and had a very fast and good car. On the last lap, Johnson battled Kyle Busch for the win but came up short; he finished 3rd and Busch went on to win the race. Johnson is 5th in points.