Truex Masters the Monster Mile

38-year-old Martin Truex Jr. rallied from multiple pre-race inspection penalties  to win the Gander RV 400  at the Monster Mile.

Dover, Delaware – Anthony Holbrook – Bluegrass Sports Nation

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 11^th race of the season turns to Dover for the Gander RV 400, Monday May 6^th 2019. The Sunday stated race was postponed due to rain and initial ran the following Monday.

Originally known as ”Dover Downs” when opened in 1969 , the one-mile oval with 24 degree in turns, adopted the new track name “Dover International Speedway” in 2002.  Historically, Dover International Speedway is known to be tough on race cars, thus earning its nickname “The Monster Mile”.

Stage 1

After an impressive win at Talladega,  Hendrick Driver of the No. 9 Chevy-Chase Elliott,  collected the Pole position award , and with teammate Alex Bowman –No.88 Chevy will bring the field to green, respectfully.  Elliott showed dominance by leading 108 early laps.  With 14 laps remaining in Stage 1, Driver of the 22 Penske Ford- Joey Logano cut into race leader Elliott and eventually passed by Logano to collect his 5^th Stage win of the year.

Stage 1 Results

1. Martin Truex Jr.
2. Alex Bowman
3. Kyle Larson
4. Kevin Harvick
5. Chase Elliott
6. Erik Jones
7. Joey Logano
8. William Byron
9. Clint Bowyer
10. Kyle Busch

Stage 2

Joey Logano and Hendrick Driver of the No.24  Chevy – Wiliam Byron , gambled with a 2 tire pit stop, while the field stayed on the track, at the end of Stage 1 . This decision relinquished the lead to Penske Driver of the No. 12 Ford – Brad Keselowski.  Brad Keselowski presided the point until green flag stop pit service circulation surrendered Keselowski’s lead back to Chase Elliott.  With 20 laps remaining, Teammate Alex Bowman passed Chase Elliott and set his sights for Stage 2 win.  Monster Energy Cup Champion Martin Truex Jr. applied adequate pressure to pass lap leader Alex Bowman on the final lap to win Stage 2.

Stage 2 Results

1. Martin Truex Jr.
2. Alex Bowman
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Chase Elliott
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Kyle Larson
7. Ryan Blaney
8. Kyle Busch
9. Clint Bowyer
10. Erik Jones

Martin Truex Jr. displayed patience as he defended off challengers for the final Stage win.  Only forfeiting and regaining lead through pit service rotation.  Truex Jr. added a cushion to his lead as laps completed.   Martin Truex Jr. collected his 2^nd  victory of the 2019 Monster Energy Cup Season, his 3^rd win at the Monster Mile and 21^st Monster Energy Cup Series Career win.

Final Stage / Gander 400 Results

1.  Martin Truex Jr.
2.  Alex Bowman
3.  Kyle Larson
4.  Kevin Harvick
5.  Chase Elliott
6. Erik Jones
7. Joey Logano
8. William Byron
9.  Clint Bowyer
10.  Kyle Busch
11.  Daniel Suarez
12.  Brad Keselowski
13.  Kurt Busch
14. Jimmie Johnson
15.  Ryan Blaney
16.  Aric Almirola
17.  Paul Menard
18. Ryan Newman
19. Austin Dillon
20. Matt DiBenedetto
21.  Denny Hamlin
22.   Ty Dillon
23.  Chris Buescher
24.  Michael McDowell
25.  Daniel Hemric
26. David Ragan
27.  Bubba Wallace

28.   Ryan Preece
29.   Corey LaJoie
30.   Ross Chastain
31.   Landon Cassill
32.   Matt Tifft
33.   Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
34.   Cody Ware
35.   Reed Sorenson
36.   Quin Houff
37.   B.J. McLeod

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race No. 12 travels to Kansas Speedway , Saturday  May 11^th for the Digital Ally 400 / 7:30 pm  FS1