Martin Truex Jr. took his 7th win of the season on Sunday in what was a very emotional weekend for Furniture Row Racing.  Crew member Jim Watson died Saturday Night because of a heart attack.  He was 55 years old.  Truex Jr. winning may somewhat start a healing process for the team.  “Just can’t say enough about all these guys on this Furniture Row/Bass Pro Toyota,” Truex Jr. said.  “Just really proud of them.  Definitely racing with heavy hearts today with losing Jim last night.  Want to send our condolences to his family and all of his friends.  He was a heck of a guy and a great worker and put a lot of speed in these Furniture Row Toyotas, so glad we could get him one here.”  Truex Jr. didn’t have an easy time getting a win.  On lap 36, on the restart following a competition caution on lap 30, Truex ducked below the white line before he reached the start/finish line, resulting in a drive-through penalty.  He then had a loose wheel and had to pit on lap 91.  For Truex, it was 14th career win.

4 playoff drivers were eliminated from the playoffs following the race, the biggest surprise being Kyle Larson.  Larson and Truex Jr. have been arguably the two best cars this year.  Larson was pegged as the favorite if he made it to Homestead, but his hopes are over.  A blown engine on lap 77 ended his chances.  “It’s painful,” Larson said.  “It sucks.”  Larson compared his incident to Martin Truex Jr. blowing his engine last year that ended his chances of a title.  Disappointing way to finish our race and our season,” Larson said. “But we’ll be all right. Things happen. The 78 had the engine issue last year after being the best car all year and then us this year. Disappointing.”  Matt Kenseth was also eliminated after NASCAR parked him because he had too many men working on his car after being involved in a big crash that nearly sent Erik Jones upside down.  Jamie McMurray was also involved in the crash, ending his chances at a title.

Here are the MENCS Playoff Standings heading into Martinsvile

Driver                        Pts

Martin Truex Jr.         4,069

Kyle Busch                4,042

Brad Keselowski       4,026

Kevin Harvick           4,017

________________ CUTOFF

Jimmie Johnson       4,017

Denny Hamlin           4,014

Ryan Blaney             4,009

Chase Elliott             4,006

Credit to www.nascar.com for driver quotes in this article