Tony Stewart finally sealed the deal at Martinsville by out-dueling the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Last season, Stewart dominated both events held at the 0.526-mile paperclip-shaped oval, only to watch Jeff Gordon rejoice in victory lane. This time it was Stewart who was able to celebrate with his traditional fence climbing routine.

"I'm still too old and still too fat to be climbing fences, but as long as those fans keep cheering, I'll keep doing it," Stewart said.

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I am amazed at how everyone has branded Jeff Gordon as NASCAR's new tough guy. Yeah, he shoved Matt Kenseth after the Food City 500 at Bristol, but to me, it looked like Kenseth was more amused than harmed. Gordon is a great driver, but intimidating he is not.