What Is 2011 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 was a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held on March 27, 2011, at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. Kyle Busch won the 500-lap race driving the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, leading 94 laps and finishing ahead of Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick.

Key Facts

Race held on March 27, 2011 at Martinsville Speedway
Covered 500 laps on a 0.526-mile oval track
Winner: Kyle Busch, driving No. 18 Toyota
Pole position earned by Carl Edwards with 97.205 mph
Race lasted 3 hours, 48 minutes with 8 cautions

Overview

The 2011 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 was a key event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, held at the historic Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. This race marked the fifth round of the 2011 NASCAR season and played a crucial role in shaping early championship standings.

Featuring tight short-track racing and frequent lead changes, the event drew over 100,000 fans to the 0.526-mile paperclip-shaped oval. Known for its abrasive surface and tight corners, Martinsville demands aggressive driving and precise pit strategy, making it a true test of endurance and skill.

Official Name: The full title was the Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500, sponsored by the over-the-counter pain relief brand Goody's, which had held naming rights since 2009.
Date and Location: The race took place on Sunday, March 27, 2011, at Martinsville Speedway, a 0.526-mile asphalt short track in Ridgeway, Virginia.
Winner:Kyle Busch claimed victory driving the No. 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, marking his first win of the 2011 season.
Race Duration: The event lasted 3 hours and 48 minutes, covering the full 500-lap distance with an average speed of 80.1 mph.
Top Finishers: Carl Edwards placed second, Kevin Harvick finished third, followed by Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth in fourth and fifth.

How It Works

NASCAR races like the Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 follow a structured format combining speed, strategy, and mechanical reliability. Each race is divided into laps around a closed circuit, with points awarded based on finishing position to influence the season-long championship.

Track Type:Martinsville Speedway is a 0.526-mile paperclip-shaped oval with tight turns and long straightaways, known for producing frequent contact and short-track battles.
Race Length: The event consisted of 500 laps, totaling 263 miles, divided into three stages with caution periods and pit stops affecting strategy.
Qualifying:Carl Edwards earned the pole position with a qualifying speed of 97.205 mph, edging out Kurt Busch and Paul Menard.
Lead Changes: There were 19 lead changes among 10 different drivers, reflecting the competitive nature of short-track racing.
Cautions: The race saw 8 caution flags for a total of 53 yellow-flag laps, mostly due to crashes and debris on the track.
Winner's Margin: Kyle Busch won by a margin of 0.689 seconds over Carl Edwards after a late-race restart with just 20 laps remaining.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics from the top five finishers in the 2011 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500:

Driver	Car Number	Team	Laps Led	Final Position
Kyle Busch	18	Joe Gibbs Racing	94 laps	1st
Carl Edwards	99	Roush Fenway Racing	114 laps	2nd
Kevin Harvick	29	Richard Childress Racing	61 laps	3rd
Jeff Burton	31	Richard Childress Racing	28 laps	4th
Matt Kenseth	17	Roush Fenway Racing	0 laps	5th

This race highlighted the dominance of Roush Fenway and Joe Gibbs Racing teams, with Edwards leading the most laps but Busch capitalizing on pit strategy and restart execution. Despite not leading any laps, Matt Kenseth secured a top-five finish through consistency and clean driving.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 was more than just a points race—it influenced team momentum, driver confidence, and playoff positioning early in the season. Its outcome contributed to the narrative of Kyle Busch's resurgence and Carl Edwards' consistent performance.

Championship Impact: The result helped Carl Edwards maintain second in the points standings, just behind leader Kevin Harvick after five races.
Manufacturer Performance: Toyota earned a crucial win, narrowing the gap with Ford and Chevrolet in the manufacturer standings.
Historic Venue: Martinsville Speedway has hosted NASCAR races since 1948, making it one of the oldest and most revered tracks on the circuit.
Sponsorship Role: Goody's sponsorship highlighted the importance of over-the-counter brands in motorsports marketing and fan engagement.
Driver Rivalries: The close battle between Busch and Edwards intensified their season-long competition, adding drama to the championship chase.
Strategy Showcase: The race demonstrated how pit crew performance and tire management could determine outcomes on short tracks.

Overall, the 2011 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 remains a notable example of NASCAR's blend of speed, strategy, and tradition, showcasing the sport’s enduring appeal to millions of fans nationwide.