Gordon wins Martinsville to earn spot in championship finale

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) – Jeff Gordon will race for a fifth NASCAR championship in his final season, in large part because Matt Kenseth knocking out both of Roger Penske’s cars Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. Kenseth acted on his three-week grudge against Joey Logano by intentionally wrecking Logano as Logano tried to win for the fourth consecutive time in NASCAR’s playoffs. The act knocked Logano out of a race he had dominated and handed the win to Gordon. Gordon picked up his first victory of the season – ninth at Martinsville – and first in 39 races. The four-time NASCAR champion had to earn the win after a caution with seven laps remaining set up one final restart. Gordon held off Jamie McMurray over the final two laps.