In many ways, Jeff Gordon had made the perfect exit from Martinsville Speedway.
Last fall, in what was expected to be his final Sprint Cup race at the track, he led 35 laps — and won. It was his third consecutive top 10 finish at the track where he has nine victories.
In fact, Gordon has top 10 finishes in six of the past seven races at Martinsville. He'll return there this weekend in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88, continuing in relief of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
MORE: Check out the full schedule for Martinsville
Winning his last time out has ramped up the pressure for Gordon in this weekend's race.