The NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway is a thrilling spectacle that blends high-speed action with the intense drama of short-track racing. Located in Martinsville, Virginia, this iconic track has been a staple in NASCAR since its inception, providing fans with some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history.
Martinsville Speedway, often referred to as the “Paperclip” due to its distinctive shape resembling a paperclip, is the shortest track on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit, measuring just 0.526 miles in length. Despite its diminutive size, Martinsville’s tight turns and narrow straightaways create an atmosphere of close-quarters racing that is unmatched anywhere else.
The history of racing at Martinsville dates back to 1947 when the track hosted its first NASCAR race. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the NASCAR calendar, hosting two Cup Series races each year. These races are highly anticipated by drivers and fans alike, as they often play a crucial role in determining the championship standings.
One of the defining features of Martinsville Speedway is its unique layout, which presents drivers with a challenging mix of tight turns and short straightaways. Negotiating the corners at Martinsville requires precision and finesse, as drivers must brake aggressively to navigate the tight radiuses without losing momentum. This dynamic racing environment often leads to thrilling battles for position and dramatic finishes, making Martinsville a favorite among both competitors and spectators.
The NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville is not only known for its on-track action but also for its rich history and tradition. Legends of the sport such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon have all tasted victory at Martinsville, adding to the track’s mystique and prestige.
In addition to the racing itself, Martinsville Speedway offers fans a unique and immersive experience. The track’s intimate setting allows spectators to get up close to the action, providing a sense of excitement and intensity that is unmatched at larger venues.
Cook Out 400: starting lineup
| Driver | No. | Team | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing | Toyota |
| Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Martin Truex Jr. | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota |
| Chase Briscoe | 14 | Stewart-Haas Racing | Ford |
| Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske | Ford |
| Josh Berry | 4 | Stewart-Haas Racing | Ford |
| Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota |
| Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske | Ford |
| Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet |
| Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing | Chevrolet |
| Brad Keselowski | 6 | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing | Ford |
| Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske | Ford |
| Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota |
| Todd Gilliland | 38 | Front Row Motorsports | Ford |
| Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club | Toyota |
| William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing | Toyota |
| Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota |
| Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing | Chevrolet |
| Ryan Preece | 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing | Ford |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG Daugherty Racing | Chevrolet |
| Zane Smith | 71 | Spire Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Carson Hocevar | 77 | Spire Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Noah Gragson | 10 | Stewart-Haas Racing | Ford |
| Justin Haley | 51 | Rick Ware Racing | Ford |
| Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet |
| John Hunter Nemechek | 42 | Legacy Motor Club | Toyota |
| Chris Buescher | 17 | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing | Ford |
| Kaz Grala | 15 | Rick Ware Racing | Chevrolet |
| Corey Lajoie | 7 | Spire Motorsports | Chevrolet |
| Josh Williams | 16 | Kaulig Racing | Chevrolet |
| Harrison Burton | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford |
| Michael McDowell | 34 | Front Row Motorsports | Ford |
| Daniel Hemric | 31 | Kaulig Racing | Chevrolet |
| David Starr | 66 | Power Source Ford | Ford |
NASCAR Martinsville TV schedule, Date & Time for Cook Out 400
Time: NASCAR Martinsville is going to be held on 3. pm ET in 7 April, 2024.
Track: Martinsville Speedway (0.526 mile oval) at Martinsville, Virginia
Length: 400 laps, 210.4 miles
Stages: 80 laps, 100 laps, 220 laps
TV coverage: FS1
- TV channels in US: Fox, FS1, NBC, USA
- TV channel in Canada: TSN
- Live stream: Fox Sports app, Peacock, Fubo
Radio: MRN
Who won the most recent races at Martinsville?
Reigning series champion Ryan Blaney led 145 of 500 laps, including the final 23, before edging Aric Almirola by 0.899 seconds in the playoff race on Oct. 29, 2023 to clinch a berth in the championship race.
And one year ago on April 16, 2023, Kyle Larson led the final 30 laps and pulled away from Joey Logano by 4.142 seconds for his first career win at Martinsville.
Buckle Up for Short-Track Mayhem at the Martinsville Cook Out 400
The NASCAR Cup Series takes a thrilling turn this Sunday, April 7th, 2024, as they clash at the legendary Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400. Nicknamed the “Paperclip” for its unique shape, this tight half-mile track throws down the gauntlet with abrasive surfaces and close-quarter racing that will test driver skill and car control.
Martinsville Mayhem:
- Expect side-by-side racing and intense battles for position as drivers fight for every inch of track.
- The short straights and sharp turns demand precision and grit, often leading to exciting last-lap finishes.
- Patience and strategy are crucial, with restarts after cautions playing a huge role in the outcome.
Driver Standouts:
- Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) is the race favorite, aiming for his fourth Martinsville win.
- Reigning Martinsville champion Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) looks to repeat his 2023 victory.
- Keep an eye on veterans like Martin Truex Jr. (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) and Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) who excel on this track.
- Don’t count out young guns like Bubba Wallace (No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota) who’s shown impressive speed at Martinsville in recent races.
The Race:
- The 400-lap battle is divided into three stages, keeping the pressure on throughout.
- Expect cautions and strategy calls to add drama and shake up the leaderboard.
- With so much history at stake, drivers will be pushing their limits to etch their names in Martinsville lore.
Overall, the Cook Out 400 promises an action-packed afternoon of NASCAR racing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a shot of adrenaline, this race is not to be missed!
