The Last Time: Martinsville Speedway

CONCORD, N.C. -- One year ago, Jeff Gordon drove his way to Victory Lane in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway.

It was his eighth win at the paperclip oval, tying him with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson for the most among active drivers.

He'll look to copy that result this Sunday, when a win would automatically catapult him to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

But last year's race wasn't the last time the Sprint Cup Series headed to Martinsville. In March of this year, Johnson and teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. both finished in the top three to add to Hendrick Motorsports' now 112 top-10 finishes, more than any other team has acquired at any Cup track in NASCAR history.

Gordon experienced an in-race issue when the nose of his car was damaged by contact, but recovered to finish among the top dozen drivers on the day. His 12th place finish left a remarkable note intact -- in 43 Cup starts at Martinsville, he has finished outside of the top 12 just five times.

After Johnson in second, Earnhardt in third and Gordon in 12th, Kasey Kahne rounded out Hendrick Motorsports' day in 22nd, who also ran into a couple in-race issues that caused damage to his car.

All four drivers will look for success at Martinsville again this Sunday in a crucial Chase race as Gordon eyes advancement and his three teammates vie for a fifth-place finish in the final standings.

Relive this year's first race at Martinsville with HendrickMotorsports.com's recap and photo highlights of all four drivers:
Kasey Kahne and the No. 5 team
Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 team
Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 team