The new-look Las Vegas Speedway track didn't receive rave reviews from most of the Nextel Cup drivers before Sunday's race.

They said the high-banked turns and slick surface made it difficult to navigate around the Vegas oval.

The new configuration didn't present a problem for Jimmie Johnson, who passed Jeff Gordon late in the race and went on to win the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400, his third consecutive victory at the track.

Gordon hung on to take second. Denny Hamlin placed third followed by Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch and Jamie McMurray.

Fan favorite Martin leads the early-season points race, just six points in front of Jeff Gordon, as the Nextel Cup Series heads to the Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend.

Atlanta is a 1.54 mile quad-oval with high banking in the turns. Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart won the two races at Atlanta in 2006. Bobby Labonte holds the track record with an average speed of 159.904 mph.

A tip of the hat to Lernerville Speedway general manager Gary Risch Jr. and his staff for an excellent banquet, March 3 at Butler Days Inn.Track announcers Dow Carnahan and Ed Shaffer were the masters of ceremonies and kept the affair moving from beginning to end.Track champions in the four divisions were crowned and special awards handed out. Office manager Linda Fennel was recognized and presented an award for her many years of dedicated service, not only to Lernerville Speedway, but to local and regional racing.The annual Lernerville car show is scheduled for Clearview Mall Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The event usually draws a large contingent of race cars from the many divisions offered at area tracks.Eric Westendorf was named the new public relations director at the Action Track, replacing Carol Gamble. Gamble will move her responsibilities to activity coordinator. She will work with the many special nights groups.Several changes have been announced for the upcoming race season at Lernerville that kicks off March 30.The age restriction for entry into the pit area has been lifted. Children of any age can now enjoy the activities in the pits, but the must have their parents sign a release form and be escorted by an adult.The age limitation for free entry into the grandstand has been increased from 6 years and under to 10 years and under. A student price adjustment also has been made. Those young adults aged 11 through 17 will pay just $7.General admission to the Friday night Fab Four programs has been increased from $11 to $12.All special shows, such as the World of Outlaws Late Models and Sprints, have been scheduled for weekdays instead of Friday nights.

• Former Late Model driver Dave Hoffman was inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Hall of Fame recently.• Mars native and former race car driver Bob Kennedy died several weeks ago. Bob was a true champion, on and off the track.