NASCAR National Series News & Notes - Martinsville Speedway

Today at 05:10 PM

NASCAR Cup Series

Next Race: Xfinity 500

The Place: Martinsville Speedway

The Date: Sunday, November 3

The Time: 2 p.m. ET

The Purse: $8,991,338

TV: NBC, 1:30 p.m. ET

Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)

Distance: 263 miles (500 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 130),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 260), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 500)

NASCAR Cup Series

Penultimate Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville to finalize Championship Four

Time has come to decide who will make-up the Championship 4 Round this season, and the historic 0.526-mile Martinsville Speedway will once again play host to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs‘ Round of 8 elimination race, the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

After a dazzling display of talent in the closing laps of the Homestead-Miami Speedway Playoff race, which saw 23XI Racing‘s Tyler Reddick now joins Team Penske‘s Joey Logano as the only two drivers locked into the next round. With two spots still available, at least one will be filled by a driver that earns their position in the Championship 4 Round on points.

Currently, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Chrisopher Bell (+29) and Hendrick Motorsport‘s William Byron (+7) are the two drivers occupying the spots above the Championship 4 Round cut line. Just below the cutoff to the next round is 2021 series champion Kyle Larson (-7), followed by Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Denny Hamlin (-18), Team Penske‘s Ryan Blaney (-38) and Hendrick Motorsport‘s Chase Elliott (-43).

Since the inception of the elimination-style format in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2014 (the last 10 seasons), seven of the last 10 winners have earned a spot in to the Championship 4 Round with a victory in the ninth race of the Playoffs (70%) – Kevin Harvick (2014, Phoenix), Joey Logano (2016, Phoenix), Kyle Busch (2018, Phoenix), Denny Hamlin (2019, Phoenix), Chase Elliott (2020, Martinsville), Christopher Bell (2022, Martinsville) and Ryan Blaney (2023, Martinsville). Interestingly, of the seven only four drivers have won the final race of the Round of 8 when entering below the cutline (40%) – Kevin Harvick (2014, Phoenix), Denny Hamlin (2019, Phoenix), Chase Elliott (2020, Martinsville), Christopher Bell (2022, Martinsville).

Unfortunately for the drivers below the Championship 4 Round cutline, pointing their way into the next round has proven to be difficult. Only once since 2014 has a driver pointed their way into the Championship Four when entering the final race of the Round of 8 below the cutline, and that was Martin Truex Jr. in 2021. He entered the penultimate race at Martinsville sixth in points (-3) and earned his spot in the Championship Four.

Clinch Scenarios for Playoff Elimination Race at Martinsville Speedway

This weekend, Martinsville Speedway offers one final opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 for the six postseason competitors not locked-in to compete for the final two open positions in the Championship 4 Round.

Two of the coveted four spots are spoken for, thanks to Team Penke‘s Joey Logano taking the victory at the Round of 8 opener in Las Vegas and 23XI Racing‘s Tyler Reddick pocketing the victory at Homestead-Miami. That leaves just two spots open, and we know at least one of two spots will be claimed by a driver on points.

Already Clinched

The following two drivers have clinched a spot in the four-driver field of the next round: Tyler Reddick and Joey Logano.

Can Clinch Via Points

If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the third winless driver in the standings.  The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Christopher Bell or William Byron.

• Christopher Bell: Would clinch with 26 points
• William Byron: Would clinch with 49 points
• Kyle Larson: Could only clinch with help
• Denny Hamlin: Could only clinch with help
• Ryan Blaney: Could only clinch with help
• Chase Elliott: Could only clinch with help

If there is a new winner from Kyle Larson or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the second winless driver in the standings.

• Christopher Bell: Would clinch with 34 points
• William Byron: Could only clinch with help
• Kyle Larson: Could only clinch with help
• Denny Hamlin: Could only clinch with help

Can Clinch Via Win

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone: Christopher Bell, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott

Martinsville Speedway: The perfect paperclip-shaped short track for the Playoffs

The 2024 season marks the 21st year Martinsville Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race, and the fifth-time the track has hosted the penultimate race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs — the Round of 8 elimination race (Race No. 9 of 10).

Since the inception of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2004, Martinsville Speedway has occupied three distinct positions on the postseason schedule; from 2004 — 2010 (seven seasons) Martinsville hosted the sixth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Then from 2011 — 2019 (nine seasons) Martinsville Speedway hosted the seventh race in the Playoffs and from 2020 — 2023 (four seasons) Martinsville has hosted the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs — the Round of 8 elimination race that will decide the Championship Four.

A total of 12 different drivers have won a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson leads the NASCAR Cup Series in postseason wins at Martinsville Speedway with six Playoff victories (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2016).

Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Denny Hamlin leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in postseason wins at Martinsville Speedway with two Playoff victories (2009, 2010). This weekend, five of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 Playoff drivers are former Martinsville Speedway Playoff race winners, including Denny Hamlin (2009, 2010), Joey Logano (2018), Chase Elliott (2020), Christopher Bell (2022) and Ryan Blaney (2023).

Three times non-Playoff drivers have won the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway: (2005, 2014, 2021).

1. In 2005, Jeff Gordon was ranked 15th in the points at the time of his Playoff win at Martinsville.
2. In 2014, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was 11th in points at the time of the win. Earnhardt Jr. had made the Playoffs in 2014 but was eliminated in the Round of 12.
3. In 2021, Alex Bowman was 14th in points at the time of the win at Martinsville Speedway, the ninth race of the postseason. Bowman had made the Playoffs in 2021 but was eliminated in the Round of 12.

In addition, a total of 10 different crew chiefs have won a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway, led by Chad Knaus with six victories (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2016 all with driver Jimmie Johnson).

Four different organizations have won a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway, led by Hendrick Motorsports with 12 victories (2004-2008, 2012-2016, 2020, 2021).

And all three official OEMs have won a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway, led by Chevrolet with 13 wins, followed by Toyota with five and Ford with two.

Eight times the winner of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway has gone on to win the title that same season (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023).

1. In 2006, Jimmie Johnson won from the ninth starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first of seven NASCAR Cup Series championships. It was his only win during the 2006 Playoffs.
2. In 2007, Jimmie Johnson won from the fourth starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship that same season. The Playoff victory was the first of a record setting four straight postseason wins during the 2007 Playoffs (Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas and Phoenix).
3. In 2008, Jimmie Johnson won from the first starting position at Martinsville Speedway (Qualifying was cancelled), then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his second of three victories during the 2008 Playoffs.
4. In 2011, Tony Stewart won from the fourth starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the seventh race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his third NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was one of a single season record setting five Playoff victories for Stewart during the 2011 postseason.
5. In 2016, Jimmie Johnson won from the third starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the seventh race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his record tying seventh NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his second of three Playoff victories during the 2016 postseason.
6. In 2018, Joey Logano won from the 10th starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the seventh race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his first of two Playoff victories during the 2018 postseason.
7. In 2020, Chase Elliott won from the eighth starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the ninth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his second of three victories during the 2020 postseason.
8. In 2023, Ryan Blaney won from the 11th starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the ninth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his second of two victories during the 2023 postseason.

The worst finish in a Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway by a driver that went on to win the title the same season was 33rd by Kevin Harvick in 2014 — that season Martinsville Speedway was the seventh race in the Playoffs.

This Is It: Penultimate Playoff race offers one last chance to advance

Shaped like a paperclip at a length of 0.526-mile, Martinsville Speedway (2020-Present), is the third different track to host the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs; joining Darlington Raceway (one race: 2004) and Phoenix Raceway (15 races: 2005-2019).

A total of 13 different drivers have won the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs (Race 35 of 36), led by Jimmie Johnson (2004, 2007, 2008, 2009) and Kevin Harvick (2006, 2012, 2013, 2014) with four victories each.

Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in win in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs‘ ninth race with two victories (both at Phoenix 2005, 2018).

This weekend, five of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 Playoff drivers are former winners in the ninth race of the Playoff, including Joey Logano (2016 Phoenix), Denny Hamlin (2019 Phoenix), Chase Elliott (2020 Martinsville), Christopher Bell (2022 Martinsville) and Ryan Blaney (2023 Martinsville).

Plus, a total of 13 different crew chiefs have won the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, led by Chad Knaus with four victories (2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 all with driver Jimmie Johnson).

Seven different organizations have won the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, led by Hendrick Motorsports with eight victories (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2020, 2021).

And all three official OEMs have won the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, led by Chevrolet with 12 wins, followed by Toyota with five and Ford with three.

Five times non-Playoff drivers have won the ninth Playoff race in the NASCAR Cup Series postseason: (2005, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2021).

1. In 2005, Kyle Busch was ranked 19th in the points at the time of the win at Phoenix.
2. In 2011, Kasey Kahne was ranked 14th in the points at the time of the win at Phoenix.
3. In 2015, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was seventh in points at the time of the win at Phoenix. Earnhardt Jr. had made the Playoffs in 2015 but was eliminated in the Round of 12.
4. In 2017, Matt Kenseth was seventh in points at the time of the win at Phoenix. Kenseth had made the Playoffs in 2017 but was eliminated in the Round of 12.
5. In 2021, Alex Bowman was 14th in points at the time of the win at Martinsville Speedway, the ninth race of the postseason. Bowman had made the Playoffs in 2021 but was eliminated in the Round of 12.

Six times the winner of the ninth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs has gone on to win the title that same season: (2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2020, 2023).

1. In 2007, Jimmie Johnson won from the sixth starting position at Phoenix Raceway, then the ninth race of the postseason, and went on to win his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship. The Playoff victory was the fourth of a record setting four straight postseason wins during the 2007 Playoffs (Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas and Phoenix).
2. In 2008, Jimmie Johnson won from the pole at Phoenix Raceway, then the ninth race of the postseason, and went on to win his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his third of three victories during the 2008 Playoffs.
3. In 2009, Jimmie Johnson won from the third starting position at Phoenix Raceway, then the ninth race of the postseason, and went on to win his fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship. The victory was his fourth of four wins during the 2009 postseason.
4. In 2014, Kevin Harvick won from the third starting position at Phoenix Raceway, then the ninth race of the postseason, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. Harvick faced elimination from the Playoffs heading into this race and become the first to clinch his spot in the Championship 4 by winning the Round of 8 elimination race. The win was also his second of three Playoff victories during the 2014 postseason.
5. In 2020, Chase Elliott won from the eighth starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the ninth race of the postseason, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his second of three Playoff victories during the 2020 postseason.
6. In 2023, Ryan Blaney won from the 11th starting position at Martinsville Speedway, then the ninth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The win was his second of two victories during the 2023 postseason.

The worst finish in the ninth race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs by a driver that went on to win the title that same season:

• At Phoenix, 38th by Jimmie Johnson in 2016.
• At Darlington, sixth by Kurt Busch in 2004.
• At Martinsville, 14th by Kyle Larson in 2021.

To catch all the side-by-side action the NASCAR Cup Series is known for at Martinsville, make sure to tune-in to practice and Busch Light Pole Qualifying on the NBC Sports App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Final chance for Playoff contenders to race their way into the Championship 4

Currently, Joey Logano (Las Vegas) and Tyler Reddick (Homestead-Miami) are the only two NASCAR Cup Series Playoff contenders to secure their spots in the Championship 4 Round by virtue of their wins. That leaves just two spots up for grabs among the six remaining Playoff challengers, and since the introduction of the 'elimination-style‘ format in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2014, six drivers below the cutline have raced their way into the Championship 4 Round, by virtue of a win or points earned, in the ninth and final cutoff race of the Round of 8 over the last 10 seasons.

2014: Heading to Phoenix Raceway (the ninth race of the Playoffs) in 2014, Kevin Harvick was ranked eighth in the Playoff standings, six points back from NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon in the fourth and final transfer position to the Championship 4 Round. Kevin Harvick won the race at Phoenix and automatically advanced to the final round. Jeff Gordon finished runner-up, but it was not enough and was bounced out of the Playoffs. The remaining three spots were earned by points with Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman advancing. Harvick would go on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title in 2014 by winning again the following weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the championship finale — it was the inaugural year of the elimination-style format in the postseason.

2015: The four drivers below the Championship 4 Round cutline heading into the ninth race of the 2015 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 elimination race at Phoenix Raceway — Carl Edwards in fifth (-7 points from Martin Truex Jr. in the fourth and final transfer position on points), Brad Keselowski in sixth (-19), Kurt Busch in seventh (-28) and Joey Logano in eighth (-63) — all failed to advance to the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following the Phoenix race. At Phoenix, Truex finished 14th, Logano finished third, Kurt Busch finished seventh, Keselowski finished ninth and Carl Edwards finished 12^th but it wasn‘t enough to advance. Jeff Gordon had earned his spot via win in the Round of 8, the three remaining spots were earned on points by Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr.

2016: The four drivers below the Championship 4 Round cutline without a win heading into the ninth race of the 2016 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 elimination race at Phoenix Raceway — Matt Kenseth in fifth (-1 point from the cutoff), Denny Hamlin in sixth (-2), Kevin Harvick in seventh (-18) and Kurt Busch in eighth (-34) — all failed to advance to the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following the Phoenix race. At Phoenix, Harvick finished fourth, Kurt Busch finished fifth, Hamlin finished seventh and Matt Kenseth finished 21st but it wasn‘t enough to advance. Three of the Championship 4 spots were earned by Round of 8 winners — Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Joey Logano (Logano won the Phoenix elimination race) and Kyle Busch, who finished runner-up at Phoenix, earned the final spot on points.

2017: The four drivers below the Championship 4 Round cutline heading into the ninth race of the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 elimination race at Phoenix Raceway — Denny Hamlin (-19 points from the cutoff), Ryan Blaney (-22), Chase Elliott (-49) and Jimmie Johnson (-51) — all failed to advance to the Championship 4 and were eliminated from the Playoffs following the Phoenix race. At Phoenix, Elliott finished second, Blaney finished 17th, Hamlin finished 35th and Jimmie Johnson finished 39th, but it wasn‘t enough to advance. Two of the four Championship 4 spots were earned by Round of 8 winners — Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick — and Martin Truex Jr. (who finished third at Phoenix) and Brad Keselowski (16th at Phoenix) snagged the final two spots on points.

2018: The four drivers below the Championship 4 Round cutline heading into the ninth race of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 elimination race at Phoenix Raceway — Kurt Busch in fifth (-3 points from the cutoff), Chase Elliott in sixth (-17), Aric Almirola in seventh (-35) and Clint Bowyer in eighth (-51) — all failed to advance to the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following the Phoenix race. At Phoenix, Almirola finished fourth, Elliott finished 23rd, Kurt Busch finished 32nd and Clint Bowyer finished 35th, but it wasn‘t enough to advance. Three of the Championship 4 spots were earned by Round of 8 winners — Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch (Busch won the Phoenix elimination race) and Martin Truex Jr., who finished 14th at Phoenix, earned the final spot on points.

2019: Heading to Phoenix Raceway, the ninth race of the Playoffs in 2019, Denny Hamlin was ranked fifth in the Playoff standings, 20 points back from Joey Logano in the fourth and final transfer position to the Championship 4 Round. Heading into Phoenix, Hamlin ranked fifth (-20 points form the cutline) and was followed by Kyle Larson in sixth (-23), Ryan Blaney in seventh (-23) and Chase Elliott in eighth (-78). Denny Hamlin would win the race at Phoenix and automatically advance to the final round. Joey Logano finished ninth at Phoenix, but it was not enough and was eliminated from the Playoffs. Joining Logano in being eliminated, was Blaney (who finished third at Phoenix), Larson (fourth at Phoenix) and Elliott (39th at Phoenix). Three of the Championship 4 spots were earned by Round of 8 winners — Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin – and Martin Truex Jr., who finished 14th at Phoenix, earned the final spot on points. Hamlin would go on to finish the season fourth in the championship standings.

2020: Heading to Martinsville Speedway, the ninth race of the Playoffs in 2020, the drivers ranked below the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Championship 4 Round cutline were Alex Bowman in fifth (-25), Chase Elliott in sixth (-25), Martin Truex Jr. in seventh (-36) and Kurt Busch in eighth (-81). Chase Elliott would go on to win the Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway clinching his spot in the Championship 4 and bouncing Kevin Harvick (17th-place finish at Martinsville), who was in the fourth and final transfer position on points, out of the final round. Kurt Buch (fifth-place finish), Alex Bowman (sixth) and Martin Truex Jr. (22nd) all failed to make the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following Martinsville. Two of the four Championship 4 spots were earned by Round of 8 winners — Joey Logano and Chase Elliott — and Denny Hamlin (who finished 11th at Martinsville), and Brad Keselowski (fourth at Martinsville) snagged the final two spots on points.

2021: Heading to Martinsville Speedway, the ninth race of the Playoffs in 2021, Kyle Busch was ranked in the fourth and final transfer positions on points, and the drivers ranked below the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Championship 4 Round cutline were Ryan Blaney in fifth (-1 point from the Championship 4 cutline), Martin Truex Jr.  in sixth (-3), Brad Keselowski (-6) and Joey Logano (-26). Alex Bowman, a non-Playoff driver would win the Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway and Martin Truex Jr. would race his way into the Championship 4 Round by earning more stage points during the race and finishing fourth at Martinsville Speedway eliminating his teammate Kyle Busch from the postseason. Kyle Busch (runner-up finish), Ryan Blaney (11th-place finish), Brad Keselowski (third-place finish) and Joey Logano (10th-place finish) all failed to make the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following Martinsville. Kyle Larson earned his spot in the Championship 4 in 2021 on wins in the Round of 8 at Texas and Kansas, he was joined by Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin, who earned their spots on points.

2022: Heading to Martinsville Speedway, the ninth race of the Playoffs in 2022, William Byron was ranked in the fourth and final transfer position on points, and the drivers ranked below the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Championship 4 Round cutline were Denny Hamlin in fifth (-5 points), Ryan Blaney in sixth (-18), Christopher Bell (-33) and Chase Briscoe (-44). In a must-win situation, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Christopher Bell would win the Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway eliminating William Byron from the postseason. Ryan Blaney (third-place finish), Denny Hamlin (fifth-place finish), and Chase Briscoe (ninth-place finish) all failed to make the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following Martinsville. Ross Chastain was able to maintain his position about the Championship 4 with the now notorious 'Hail-Melon‘ move that had him ride the outside wall in Turns 3 and 4 to pass Hamlin and secure the final position in the next round. Joey Logano earned his spot in the Championship 4 in 2022 on his win in the Round of 8 opener, and he was joined by Christopher Bell with his win at Martinsville and Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain, who earned their spots on points.

2023: Heading to Martinsville Speedway, the ninth race of the Playoffs in 2023, Ryan Blaney was ranked in the fourth and final transfer position on points, and the drivers ranked below the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Championship 4 Round cutline were Tyler Reddick in fifth (-10 points), Martin Truex Jr. in sixth (-17) Denny Hamlin (-17) in seventh and Chris Buescher (-43) in eighth. Ryan Blaney would go on to win the race clinching his spot in the Championship 4 Round and Byron, who entered the race third in the standings up +30 points on the cutline, would race his way into the Championship 4 Round on points with a 13th-place finish. Denny Hamlin (third-place finish), Chris Buescher (eighth-place finish), Martin Truex Jr. (12th-place finish) and Joey Logano (10th-place finish) all failed to make the Championship 4 Round and were eliminated from the Playoffs following Martinsville. Kyle Larson (Las Vegas) and Christopher Bell (Homestead) earned their spots in the Championship 4 Round in 2023 on wins in the Round of 8, they were joined by Ryan Blaney and William Byron following Martinsville.

Some good 'ole history on the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville

Opened in September 1947 by H. Clay Earles, Martinsville Speedway, originally a dirt track, is one of the oldest continuously-operating racetracks in the United States. The first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville Speedway was on July 4, 1948. The first NASCAR Cup Series race was on September 25, 1949 and the race was won by Red Byron in Raymond Park‘s 1949 Oldsmobile.

The track has undergone several changes over the years, in 1955 the track was paved and the first 500-lap event at Martinsville Speedway was in 1956. Concrete corners were added atop the asphalt in 1976, and the track added LED lighting during the 2016-2017 offseason. In total, there have been 151 NASCAR Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, one race in the inaugural year and two races per year since 1950.

Over the years, 63 different drivers have won at least one pole at Martinsville Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series, and 31 of the 63 have won multiple poles. NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip leads the series in poles at Martinsville Speedway with eight (1979, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1992).

This weekend, seven of the 63 NASCAR Cup Series Martinsville Speedway pole winners are active, led by Joey Logano with five Martinsville poles (2015 sweep, spring 2016, fall 2017, spring 2019). Plus, four of the seven active Martinsville pole winners are Playoff drivers — Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott.

A total of 59 different NASCAR Cup Series drivers have won a race at Martinsville Speedway, and 28 of the 59 different NASCAR Cup Series winners at Martinsville Speedway have won multiple times. NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Martinsville Speedway with 15 victories (1960, 1962, 1963, 1967 sweep, 1968, 1969 sweep, 1970, 1971, 1972 sweep, 1973, 1975, 1979).

This weekend 11 of the 59 NASCAR Cup Series Martinsville Speedway race winners are active, led by Denny Hamlin with five Martinsville Cup Series victories (2008, 2009, 2010 sweep, 2015). And seven of the 11 active Martinsville winners are Playoff drivers — Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano.

NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.

Fan Voting for the 2025 DAYTONA 500 Trioval Grass Design Kicks Off Today – Starting today, the voting period for the Trioval Grass Design for the 2025 DAYTONA 500 has begun. This serves as the 10th consecutive year fans can cast their vote for their favorite Trioval Grass Design to be displayed during the 67th running of The Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.

Voting is open now through Friday, Nov. 8. Fans can click here to submit their vote for one of the three creative designs and are encouraged to share their choice via Facebook and X (Twitter). The unveiling of the winning design will take place in January 2025.

Wood Brothers Racing Names Miles Stanley as Crew Chief for 2025 – Miles Stanley, a seasoned race engineer in the NASCAR Cup Series and longtime employee of Team Penske, will transition to Wood Brothers Racing in 2025 — the team‘s 75th anniversary season — to serve as crew chief of the famed No. 21 Ford with driver Josh Berry.

Stanley, a native of Akron, Ohio, currently serves as Team Penske‘s performance engineering manager, a role he has held for three years. Previously, Stanley served as the race engineer for Joey Logano‘s championship-winning No. 22 team from 2013 to 2019. He was instrumental in the team‘s success those seven seasons including 21 wins and qualifying for the NASCAR Playoffs Championship Four three times which led to the series title in 2018.

After finishing fifth in the Cup Series standings in 2019, Stanley transitioned to the No. 12 team in 2020 with Ryan Blaney behind the wheel. The duo battled for race wins throughout the season, extending Ryan Blaney‘s streak of four consecutive seasons with a win and Playoff berth. In 2021, Stanley earned his first opportunity as a crew chief with Team Penske in the Cup Series, leading the team‘s part-time No. 33 entry with Austin Cindric before taking on his current role in 2022 where he also contributed to the organization‘s 2022 and 2023 Cup Series championships.

"The Wood Brothers name is synonymous with the sport of NASCAR, and to be able to serve as the crew chief for the iconic No. 21 is an incredible opportunity," said Stanley. "I‘m looking forward to working with Josh Berry, whose skills and enthusiasm are sure to bring great value to the team. It‘s an exciting time for the Wood Brothers with the addition of Josh Berry and the celebration of their 75th anniversary in NASCAR in 2025. We‘ll be ready to hit the ground running."

Bootie Barker Set to Call Final Race for No. 23 Team at Phoenix, Charles Denike to replace Barker, who will remain with 23XI, following season finale – 23XI Racing announced this week that veteran crew chief Bootie Barker will call his final race with Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team at the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. Following the end of the season, Barker will be replaced by Charles Denike, the current crew chief for the No. 19 truck team at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Barker will remain with 23XI and continue to work with the competition leadership team to prepare cars and strategize for races. His new role will be based at Airspeed.

"23XI has been good to me, and I hope I have been as good for 23XI," said Bootie Barker. "Loyalty is important to me, and I will continue to do all I can in my new role to help everyone here succeed. I was fortunate to be a part of 23XI‘s inception, and I look forward to being a part of the team‘s continued journey."

"Bootie has meant a lot to me and the No. 23 team," said Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry. "We‘ve been together for some special moments, and I‘m glad he‘s still going to be a part of what we‘re building at 23XI. I‘m excited to work with Charles and see what we can accomplish together."

Denike joins 23XI and the No. 23 team after working as a team manager, race engineer, and crew chief in several of NASCAR‘s touring series. The move to 23XI will be Denike‘s first experience in the Cup Series.

NASCAR Cup Series milestones to watch for this season — Below is a look at some of the anticipated NASCAR Cup Series milestones to watch for this season.

Driver Starts (300 or more)

Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in career starts with 712 starts, followed by Martin Truex Jr. (691), Denny Hamlin (684), Joey Logano (577), Brad Keselowski (555), Michael McDowell (499), A.J. Allmendinger (446), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (434), Austin Dillon (406), Kyle Larson (364), Ryan Blaney (340), Chris Buescher (327), Alex Bowman (323) and Chase Elliott (320).

• Michael McDowell will make his 500th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Martinsville Speedway this weekend becoming the 47th different driver in series history to make 500 starts or more and is one of six active full-time drivers in the Cup Series to reach the 500 start-plateau joining Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski.

Driver Wins (10 or more)

Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in career wins with 63 victories, followed by Denny Hamlin (54), Brad Keselowski (36), Joey Logano (35), Martin Truex Jr. (34), Kyle Larson (29), Chase Elliott (19), William Byron (13) and Ryan Blaney (12).

• Denny Hamlin currently has 54 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for 11th on the all-time wins list with 55 victories each.
• Brad Keselowski currently has 36 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Bobby Isaac for 23rd on the all-time wins list with 37 victories each.

Driver Poles (10 or more)

Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers in career poles with 44 poles, followed by Kyle Busch (34), Joey Logano (31), Martin Truex Jr. (23), Kyle Larson (21), Brad Keselowski (18), William Byron (13), Christopher Bell (13), Chase Elliott (12), and Ryan Blaney (10).

• Denny Hamlin currently has 44 NASCAR Cup Series poles, if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker for 12th on the all-time pole winners list with 45 poles each.
• Kyle Busch currently has 34 NASCAR Cup Series poles, if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett for 21st on the all-time pole winners list with 35 poles each.
• Joey Logano currently has 31 NASCAR Cup Series poles (tied with Kevin Harvick), if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famers Fireball Roberts and Fred Lorenzen for 24th on the all-time pole winners list with 32 poles each.
• Martin Truex Jr. currently has 23 NASCAR Cup Series poles (tied with Ken Schrader and Jack Smith), if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Alan Kulwicki for 33rd on the all-time pole winners list with 24 poles each.

Active Organization Wins

Hendrick Motorsports leads all active NASCAR Cup Series organizations in wins with 312, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing (214), Team Penske (145), RFK Racing (143), Richard Childress Racing (117), Wood Brothers Racing (100), Stewart-Haas Racing (70), 23XI Racing (8), Trackhouse Racing (8), Front Row Motorsports (4), JTG Daugherty Racing (3), Kaulig Racing (2), Spire Motorsports (1).

Manufacturer Wins

In total 16 different manufacturers have won in the NASCAR Cup Series, led by Chevrolet with 865 victories, and followed by Ford (733), Dodge (213), Toyota (189), Plymouth (189), Pontiac (154), Oldsmobile (96), Mercury (93), Buick (65), Hudson (58), Chrysler (54), American Motor Company (5), Lincoln (3), Studebaker (2), Jaguar (1) and Nash Motor Company (1).

Crew Member Spotlight: Martinsville Speedway — This weekend at Martinsville Speedway we wanted to highlight several of the team‘s crew members that are from the surrounding areas of the track in Virginia.

— NASCAR —