Truex Jr. needs strong finish at hometown track to keep title hope alive

Martin Truex Jr. needs stronger finishes in order to keep his championship hopes alive.

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DOVER, Del. (AP) -- Martin Truex Jr. hopes a return to the site of his lone Sprint Cup victory can help overcome a slow start in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Truex won in 2007 at Dover International Speedway. His consistency this season landed him a spot in the 12-driver Chase field.

He finished ninth and 17th in his first two Chase races and is 10th in the standings entering Sunday's race at Dover.

Truex knows if he doesn't start ripping off strong finishes in a hurry, his championship pursuit could quickly end.

He posted the fastest time in Friday's first practice with a speed of 157.082 mph.

Truex, of nearby Mayetta, N.J., has long considered Dover his hometown track.

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