Three memorable moments at New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.C. – For the last time this season, Hendrick Motorsports will travel to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the second race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. With spots in the next round of NASCAR’s version of the play-offs on the line, each of the drivers will be hoping for a fast race car, strong performances and hopefully, a victory.

Before heading to Loudon, New Hampshire, for Sunday’s Cup race, let’s take a look back at three memorable moments for Hendrick Motorsports at the “Granite State” track.

Aug. 30, 1998: Having won a year ago at New Hampshire, Jeff Gordon was looking to defend his title as reigning champion when he arrived in Loudon for the track’s second race of the season. And that’s just what he did. After starting from the pole position, Gordon led 68 laps on his way to Victory Lane at the “Granite State” track. He went on to win four more races before he was ultimately crowned the 1998 Cup champion at the season’s close.

July 20, 2003: Jimmie Johnson was searching for his first career win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when he arrived at the track in the summer of 2003. Three hundred laps later, he got it. Johnson took the checkered flag after pacing the field for 58 laps around the 1.058-mile track. A few months later, the 27-year-old driver won the second race at New Hampshire, sweeping the track that season. Johnson closed out his sophomore full-time season with a second-place ranking in the final Cup standings.

Sept. 20, 2009: After starting from the middle of the field in 14th, Mark Martin battled his way to the front at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the lead. He ultimately paced the field for 68 laps before crossing the finish line first at the “Granite State” track. Martin’s teammate Johnson finished close behind him in fourth.