Another Martinsville win slips away from Taylor Gray after chaotic final lap

Gray was understandably frustrated with the outcome.

"Just unfortunate," Gray told CW Sports. "It's the same story I've lived here for the past two Martinsville races in a row. It sucks, but it is what it is. Long year."

When asked if this is something that ends at Martinsville or if he will remember it for races to come, Gray said, "I don't know. It just depends."

Smith, who was leading on the race's final restart, explained his side of the run-in.

"It's unfortunate. If you're not the one doing it, someone's going to do it to you. Everyone's gonna dog on me and I'm not proud of that, but at the end of the day, that's just what you've gotta do. So, we'll move on to Darlington."

Smith was also asked if this is where it ends between himself and Gray. He did not seem so sure.

"I mean, from his end, I'm sure not. I'm not gonna let him have the last bite, so we'll see."

Gray had one of the fastest cars in the field and led 87 laps. To make matters worse for the Joe Gibbs Racing rookie, Smith, who only led six laps, still managed to finish 10th despite the last-lap drama while Gray fell to 29th.

If Gray continues to bring that kind of speed to the track each week, he will win a race soon, especially if it is not at Martinsville where victory seems to keep eluding him regardless of the series he is competing in.