Rumblings – Martinsville: Johnny Benson (2nd) had his best finish since he was 2nd at Dover in September of 2000. This is the 3rd time Benson has been the bridesmaid. Ward Burton (5th) had his best finish since he won at New Hampshire in July. John Andretti (13th) had his best finish since he was 11th at Watkins Glen in August. Mike Bliss (14th) had his best finish since he was 9th at Talladega in October of 2000 (only 4 races). Casey Atwood (21st) had his best finish since he was 18th at Bristol in August. STREAKIN…Dale Earnhardt Jr has 4 Top-10’s in a row. Jimmie Johnson has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races. This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is Kurt Busch (+35), followed by John Andretti (+27) and Tony Stewart (+20). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Bill Elliott (-39), followed by Jeff Gordon (-34), Hermie Sadler (-27), and Mike Skinner (-24).(this uses OFFICIAL starting spots) Geoffrey Bodine [in the #23 Dodge] led a lap today for the first time since New Hampshire in July of 2000. He’s the 46th different driver to lead a lap this season…. last year we had 48 of ’em. 32 down and 4 to go….Tony Stewart’s lead shrinks by 15 points but another race comes off the calendar. Tony’s Magic Number is now 3rd vs Jimmie Johnson…only the Top-15 are still in contention. Busch’s win moved him ahead two spots in the standings (9th to 7th) while Bill Elliott fell three spots (8th to 11th).(Stock Car Fans Newsletter)(10-21-2002)
