Putting 43 race cars on a half-mile oval track often creates high-level competition.

Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon put on a show for the fans at Martinsville Speedway for the final 53 laps of the Goody's Cool Orange 500 Sunday afternoon before Johnson grabbed his third win of the young season and his 26th career victory.

The Car of Tomorrow played a big role in the battle for first. Gordon tried all the old moves to get around Johnson, including a few bumps or taps from behind, but the new car's configuration prohibited the pass.

Denny Hamlin, who led 125 laps, finished third. Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top five.

Jeff Gordon continues to lead the points chase. Jeff Burton, who finished sixth, is 28 points behind Gordon. Johnson is third, 60 back of Gordon.

The Nextel Cup Series has this weekend off. Racing resumes on April 15 at Texas Motor Speedway. The 1.5-mile quad-oval should be a true test of the Car of Tomorrow.

The weather was ideal for opening night of the 2007 season at the Action Track, resulting in a large turn out of fans.Bob Felmlee (Sprints), Alex Ferree (Late Models), Chad Brachman (V8 Modifieds) and Mike Pegher Jr. (Pure Stocks) won their respective feature races.Alex Ferree of Saxonburg bested a field of Late Models that included some of the touring drivers. On hand Friday night were Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.; Mark Banal of St. Clairsville, Pa.; Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y.; and Doug Ricotta of Perry, N.Y., who compete in the World of Outlaws Late Models Series. The Outlaws will be at Lernerville for a special event April 17.Felmlee also won the main event at Mercer Raceway on Saturday night.

• Both the Modified and Pure Stock divisions continue to be the most competitive at Lernerville.• Fab Four racing is on tap Friday night when the points chase officially begins for the 2007 season.• Both Sheila and Gary Rankin have changed colors on their Sprint cars for the season. Gary's sprinter is pink to raise breast cancer awareness.• Butler native Brian Ellenberger will tour with the Sprint All-Star Series this season.

• Despite all the safety measures taken at area tracks, tragic accidents happen. A fan was killed at Mercer Raceway Park Saturday night. According to reports, a race car left the track and crashed into a barrier. The force of the crash pushed the barrier over the fan, causing the fatal injury.• The MAC Late Model Series opens the 2007 season at the Allegany County Speedway in Cumberland, Md., Saturday night.• The Outlaws Late Models are at the Virginia Motor Speedway this weekend for a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win feature. The race will be recorded by the Speed Channel for replay in May.• Jennerstown Speedway will run a full schedule this season. Rumors had the track closing.