Catchfence

Martinsville native Jeff Hensley knows a thing or two about getting around the .526-mile track. The veteran crew chief helped lead Mike Skinner to his sweep of the short track in 2007 and has a win in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Chuck Bown in 1993.

NASCAR Crew Chief Jeff Hensley, No. 16 Xpress Motorsports Toyota, discusses his take on the track and shares thoughts on being home:

Q: What is the key to Martinsville Speedway?

“Staying out of trouble is the biggest key. A lot of times at Martinsville it is not the best truck that wins but who has the best pit strategy. It is really hard to pass there so if you’re able to have good pit stops and beat people out, then that is a huge advantage.

It also places a premium on qualifying, track position is so important. It is like a series of 20-lap heat races. So if you qualify well, have good pit stops and manage to stay out of others misfortune, then you can win the race.”

Q: What specific challenges does it present to you as crew chief?

“You want to be able to pit as soon as you can and be able to make it the rest of the way on fuel. Basically, this is a one-stop race if you time it right. You have to have the nerve to make the call and stick with it. If you need 50 laps of caution to make it, then you hope you get them. I have needed them and gotten them and I have needed them and not gotten them.”

- SPEEDtv.com