Why did Martin stop pushing Gordon the last 20 or 30 feet?

I did notice that Martin wasn't pushing Gordon right at the line, but I think that was because Jr and Martin got together, but there again, Jr didn't stop pushing Johnson so I don't know. You aren't supposed to let off the gas that close to the finish line.

I also noticed that Hendrick was in Jimmie's pit before the race ended. That was pretty weird since Gordon was leading in turn 4 of the last lap. I don't know why though. It does make you think though.

I wish I had an answer, but I did notice both things. Hendrick in Johnson's pit made less since to me than anything. You would think he would have been in Gordon's pit.

I don't believe he stopped pushing him intentionally, he just lost contact with Gordon in the shuffle at the line. Martin almost got sideswiped at the end which may have made him check up a bit. No I did not notice Hendrick and Knause.

I think Martin tried to go down and try to pass Gordon for the win but the 48 and 88 got in his way and he just lost contact.

As Jr said himself in his interview that he almost took Mark out, that caused Mark to have to back off so they wouldn't wreck, so that is why MM stopped pushing Jeff Gordon.

EDIT: Yep Hendrick was in the 48 pitbox.

Because his Alzheimer's made him forget what was going on for those last few seconds.

He was doorslammed by Dale Jr, so he had to back off or else he would have wrecked.