LAS VEGAS -- Momentum is a key ingredient in a Winston Cup championship season. Heading into the Las Vegas 400 today (2:30 p.m., ABC-Ch. 6), two-time defending Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon needs to build some. Three-time series runner-up Mark Martin hopes to keep his going. Those two -- the biggest winners last year -- have been the winners so far in this young NASCAR season. Gordon took the checkered flag in the season-opening Daytona 500, and Martin countered two weeks ago in Rockingham, N.C.

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Where Jeff Gordon is these days, Mark Martin is usually close behind. That's a situation Martin would like to remedy Sunday in the Bud at the Glen NASCAR race on the road course at Watkins Glen International. He'd much prefer to be in front of the defending Winston Cup champion. In the past two races, Gordon has won and Martin has been second. In fact, Martin goes into Sunday's 90-lap, 220.5-mile event having been a runner-up in three straight races.

...with a 13-point lead over Gordon. "Unfortunately, a couple of lapped cars trying to make up their laps got Jeff Gordon," Martin said. "There wasn't anything that he could do. But, if he's in the garage, that's how we make our points...

...push from his teammate, Kevin Harvick, led coming off the fourth turn. They were trying to fend off a run by the Gordon-Martin team when Johnson and Earnhardt caught them. Johnson veered hard to the left and won the drag race to the finish...

...There were two cautions, including one on the 16th lap that involved Mark Martin, Skinner, Mike Bliss and Jeff Gordon. Martin's car was destroyed in the wreck, while the others were able to make repairs and continue. Then on the 42nd lap...

...on season points of those who do not make the field through qualifications. Also on Friday, Earnhardt, Jarrett, Gordon, Martin and eight other drivers will drive in the first International Race of Champions at the Speedway. Martin, the IROC...

...Gordon's left rear tire shredded, igniting the melee. Gordon, Martin and Jarrett were all were part of the accident and...but Martin and Jarrett each gained valuable ground on Gordon. Martin gained 15 points and now trails by 110, while Jarrett...

...my car was pretty good." Kenseth and Edwards were followed by Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon. Martin was the only driver not in the Chase among the top nine. The racetrack known as "The Monster Mile" lived up to...

...Kimberly Banta, Aug. 5, Section IV, Lot 46, Block B, Barnett Crossing, $193,300 John G. Martin Jr. and John Gordon Martin Jr. to Angeline Johnson, Aug. 5, 1818 Central Ave., Lot 4, Block E, Central Avenue, $31,000 John Richard...

...Lightning, A, 5:12.40, Gold; Marks, Smith, Royal, Williams; 2. Chariots of Fire, A, 5:25.25, Silver; Gordon, Martin, Simmons, Thomas; 3. Mercury, A, 6:01.69, Bronze. Long Jump Bantam Girls: 1. Laura Williams, Villa...