Here was Petty's take on TNT's "Countdown to Green" prerace show:
"I think Hendrick has the upper
hand from an engine and team perspective. We look at the Hendrick organization
as a leader. Nobody ever seems to leave there - guys check in, but they never
check out," Petty said.
"They’ve got the cream of the crop when it comes to crew chiefs, and
look at their drivers. They’ve got Kasey Kahne, multiple Daytona 500 winner Dale
Jr., Jeff Gordon and 'Mr. Everything' Jimmie Johnson. Why wouldn’t you expect
those guys to run up front and win every week?”
And Hendrick drivers have now won five consecutive races.