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Martin Truex Jr. wins Axalta 400: 5 things learned at Pocono

By Charles Rahrig V

Feb 14, 2015; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2015; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Martin Truex Jr. mastered the tricky triangle to win the Axalta 400 at Pocono Raceway.

Every year the tricky triangle offers its set of challenges for drivers, and this year was no different as Martin Truex Jr. won the Axalta 400.

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For the fourth consecutive week on the track Martin Truex Jr. led the most laps of the race. No one has ever led the most laps for four consecutive races without getting a win.

That streak will continue as Martin Truex Jr. finally picked up his first win of the season after several heartbreaking instances this year where it looked like he had the win. The biggest problem has been closing races for Truex Jr., and on Sunday, he exorcised his demons and won at Pocono.

All season, he had dominated near the top of the points of the standings despite not having a win. Now, he will continue to climb near the top of the points, and more importantly has officially earned a right to compete for the Sprint Cup Championship.

With Truex Jr. finally picking up his first win of the season, here are five things learned at Pennsylvania.

1. Martin Truex Jr. finally gets a win

For those that have watched almost every race of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season, they know that Martin Truex Jr. has come close to winning almost every race this season.

In fact, it’s almost a crime that a driver good enough for second in the points does not even have a single win yet. Well justice was served on Sunday as Truex Jr. finally picked up his first win of the season as he wins the Axalta 400 at Pocono Raceway.

Once again, he led the most laps on the track and was absolutely dominant on the track. It was only a matter of time before he picked up his first win, and now he will compete for the Sprint Cup Championship.

2. Bigfoot resides in the Poconos

For years people have been trying to find Bigfoot aka Sasquatch. Whether it’s grainy video footage or undocumented reports, the history of this large species has been endlessly debated.

All of our searching and debating was for not, as it turns out that Bigfoot has been residing in the Poconos all along. It makes sense as the forest-filled area of Pennsylvania provides plenty of privacy for the big man.

Sunday, Sasquatch representing Jack Links Beef Jerky, came out to enjoy the Axalta 400 at the Pocono Raceway. He also provided some protection for Denny Hamlin.

Every week before the race, Michael Waltrip goes down to the pits to mess with the drivers and loosen them up. One driver in particular that he likes to have fun with is Denny Hamlin.

Hamlin and Waltrip have had their fair share of moments, including Waltrip spilling a burrito on Hamlin’s car before a race. This Week Waltrip had no luck getting to the No. 11 driver as Sasquatch provided him protection and pushed Waltrip away.

Waltrip did the smart thing and got away before Sasquatch got angry.

3. Brad Keselowski had another issue with equipment in the pits

In Charlotte it was an ethanol can, this week it was an air hose that was the victim of a hit and run at a NASCAR event. At Pocono this weekend, Brad Keselowski drug the hose of the air wrench of Martin Truex Jr’s crew out of the pits with him and knocked over some crew members too.

The crew members were alright, but this is another example of Keselowski having issues with his car taking equipment with him out of the pits. Luckily for Keselowski, this time he and Truex Jr. were not penalized for the equipment mishap that occurred as it was ruled neither driver’s fault.

With fast drivers looking to leave the pits quick, it’s important to get the equipment out of the way, or you might end up flat on your back like the No. 78 crew.

4. Jimmie Johnson overcame a mishap on the track

After winning Kansas, Jimmie Johnson spun out twice at Charlotte which ended his chance at a win.

This week at Pocono, Johnson was having a strong run up in 3rd until a flat tire sent him back in the pack. It wasn’t just a normal flat but rather a big one, as Johnson was smoking down the track like a chimney.

He was able to get back on the track and worked his way back up to the front of the race where he would finish third.

5. Kevin Harvick always has a say in the finish

Kevin Harvick is probably having one of the best seasons a driver has ever had. When another driver wins, Harvick is right their in second behind them battling for the win. By always being a factor in the race, Harvick keeps his stronghold on the lead in the points standings.

In practice and qualifying, Harvick looked like the best driver on the track. He didn’t have quite enough to catch Truex Jr., but he was just as strong as he has ever been.

At this point, Harvick is going to be the odds-on favorite to win the Sprint Cup Championship.

Conclusion:

Next week NASCAR heads to Michigan for high speed racing. Will the top of the order remain the same, or will someone else rise up and shake up the order? With the way things are playing out, it’s likely the former.

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