On the .532-mile paperclip shaped track, Denny Hamlin took home his sixth career grandfather clock and locked himself into the NASCAR playoffs. It was an odd race overall, but that did not deter the 11 team from leading 272 of 400 laps during Sunday’s race.
The race ran under caution for over 20% of the race. Martinsville saw 10 cautions as well, a record at the track in the Gen-7 era.
The win ties Denny Hamlin with Rusty Wallace for 11th all-time in NASCAR Cup Series victories (55 Wins).
Stage Winners and Xfinity Fastest Lap
Stage One was Joey Logano’s while race winner Denny Hamlin secured Stage Two, and the fastest lap extra point with his 20.188 lap time on lap 195.
Weekend Storylines
Below are the top storylines coming out of the weekend.
Gen-7 On Short Tracks
Ever since 2022, the Gen-7 has not put up the performance a fan would want out of the car. Passing is difficult, the car struggles in traffic, and drivers have had to start using their front bumper more than ever. It’s okay for a race to be dominated, but Sunday’s race at Martinsville saw only one driver enter the top-ten over the past 50 laps of the race (Joey Logano finishing P8). It creates a difficult dynamic between NASCAR and fans whenever the option tire is removed for some races, but used in others on short tracks as well.
What Team Owns the Short Tracks?
This seems to always be the narrative, but short tracks have been trending to a different team almost every season. It used to be HMS, then JGR, and then last season Penske. If any team could make their claim though, it is JGR and 23XI. Hamlin knows how to win on short tracks, while Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick have put on shows. With Penske almost always struggling early and Hendrick falling to poorly timed decisions, it may be all Toyota on short tracks. Luckily for all, Bristol and Richmond are near. Those will help create a clearer picture for the short track kings.
Former Stewart-Haas Drivers Doing Well
Ryan Preece and Chase Briscoe have back-to-back top tens although they race for separate organizations. The drivers have put their new rides to good use and have shown what they can do in top-tier equipment.
Preece has top runs that make himself a prime candidate to be RFK’s number two behind Buescher. Keselowski has struggled as of late, and clearly may be close to retirement from full time driving. If Preece can keep his performance up, then he may find himself fighting for a championship sooner or later.
Briscoe has always had speed at Martinsville, but could never finish well. On Sunday, he put that narrative to rest thanks to his 7th place finish. He clearly is JGR’s third driver, but whenever the other two have a combined four wins on the season, I think it’s safe to say he’s alright with that.