New Jersey’s Martin Truex Jr. Wins “Citizen Soldier 400” at Dover

(Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)

Having grown up in Mayetta, NJ, Martin Truex Jr. has always considered Dover International Speedway to be his home track. After all, the Monster Mile is just two hours south of Mayetta.

Despite not needing a win to advance in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Truex led almost half the race, 187 laps to be exact, and finished 7.527 seconds ahead of second place finisher, Kyle Busch.

Truex and the No. 78 team were not surprised. In fact, it seems it was business as usual this season as they have carried momentum throughout the schedule so far.

“It’s just clicking,” Truex said. “Honestly, I feel like all season long we’ve been the same team, done the same things, and right now it’s just our time. We have done this all year long, and if it weren’t for bad luck I can’t tell you how many races we could have won this year.”

Truex won his first career race at the Monster Mile in 2007. Sunday’s win was his second at Dover, and being he considers this his home track, it’s always special coming away with a victory here.

“What an awesome weekend for us,” he said. “This track has always been special to me … always been close to my heart. I’ve had a lot of heartbreaks here, so today I’m just thankful to have a great team and get back to Victory Lane at a track that’s so special to me.”

After Truex and Busch, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano, Jimmie Johnson, Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top 10.

12 drivers now continue in the quest for the championship. Along with Truex, they include Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth; Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Austin Dillon.

Points get reset to 3,000 for the remaining 12 drivers and bonus points will not carry over, meaning the playing field has evened out for the remaining drivers.

The second round of the Chase begins next week on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and right now Martin Truex Jr. and his team have to feel good about their chances. They just need to keep the momentum going.