Last week: The Hartford native experienced the highs and lows of stock car racing all in the span of

Last week: The Hartford native experienced the highs and lows of stock car racing all in the span of about 20 minutes at the Goody’s 500 at Martinsville Speedway. He stayed out on the track when NASCAR ordered a competition caution on lap 42 and led his first lap of the 2009 season. Unfortunately, his No. 66 Toyota last only five more laps before a gear went out and sent him to the garage for the rest of the day. Officially, Blaney finished in 42nd place.

Season: The Buckeye Bullet is in 44th place in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series standings with 153 points. He’s five points behind Jeremy Mayfield.

Friday: Blaney qualified 43rd for today’s Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Pre-race coverage on WBBG-FM (106.1) begins at 1 p.m. and on WYFX Channel 17/62 at 1:30. The green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 2.

Staff report