Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s victory at Martinsville Speedway in 2014 remains one of the most memorable moments in his career. While Earnhardt Jr. was more renowned for his performances on superspeedways, short tracks always held a special place in his heart. After nearly 15 attempts to claim victory at Martinsville, the North Carolina native finally achieved his dream during the 2014 Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500, earning the coveted grandfather clock trophy. This win was not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Hendrick Motorsports, solidifying its place among the team’s top 40 victories.
Despite beginning the weekend with challenges, including a disappointing 23rd-place qualifying result, Earnhardt Jr. remained optimistic. He had previously found success on short tracks like Bristol and Richmond, fueling his confidence. The 2014 race also carried added weight for Hendrick Motorsports, marking 30 years since the team’s first victory at Martinsville with Geoff Bodine. Expectations were high for Earnhardt Jr., who had consistently performed well at the track, earning 17 top-10 finishes in 29 starts, along with two second-place and one third-place result earlier that year.
The race held even greater emotional significance as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of a tragic plane crash on October 24, 2004, which claimed the lives of several members of the Hendrick family and team. After his victory, Earnhardt Jr. dedicated the moment to those who had passed, stating, “This means so much to all of us. I lost my daddy a long time ago. I can’t imagine losing the magnitude of people that Rick [Hendrick] did. My heart goes out to him. This honors them.”
Although this marked Earnhardt Jr.’s fourth win of the 2014 season, it came after his elimination from playoff contention following a tough race at Talladega. Undeterred, he delivered a remarkable performance, recovering from a poor starting position. By Lap 50, he had climbed to 14th place and entered the top 10 within another 37 laps. With three laps remaining, he overtook Tony Stewart and held off teammate Jeff Gordon to claim victory.
Strategic decisions also played a key role in the win. When a late caution with 12 laps to go presented a critical choice, crew chief Steve Letarte decided to pit for fresh tires, a gamble that paid off. Earnhardt Jr. restarted in fifth but quickly surged ahead, utilizing his new tires to secure the win. This victory, given its context and importance, is rightfully celebrated as one of Hendrick Motorsports’ most iconic achievements.
