The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs are approaching a critical juncture as Martinsville Speedway hosts the Round of 8 elimination race, the Xfinity 500, on Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m. ET. This historic 0.526-mile track will determine the final lineup for the Championship Four, with Tyler Reddick and Joey Logano already securing their spots.
Current Standings and Pressure Points
With two spots still available, Christopher Bell and William Byron are currently above the cut line, while former series champion Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott are just below it. Since the introduction of the elimination-style format in 2014, seven of the last 10 winners of this penultimate race have advanced to the Championship Four, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Martinsville Speedway: A Historic Venue
Martinsville has been a pivotal part of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs for 21 years and will host the ninth race of the playoffs for the fifth time. Since the playoffs began in 2004, Martinsville has alternated its position on the schedule, serving as the sixth, seventh, and now the ninth race in different years. The track’s unique paperclip shape and short length make it a favorite for dramatic and closely contested races.
Key Playoff Contenders
Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers with two playoff wins at Martinsville, and he’s joined by other past winners like Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney. The competition is fierce as these drivers vie for a chance to compete in the Championship Four.
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
Race to the Championship
Martinsville is the third different track to host the ninth race in the playoffs, following Darlington Raceway and Phoenix Raceway. A total of 13 different drivers have won this crucial race, with Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick leading the pack. This weekend, five Round of 8 drivers have previously won the ninth race, adding to the anticipation of who will secure their spot in the championship round.
Rich History at Martinsville
Martinsville Speedway, one of the oldest continuously operating racetracks in the U.S., opened in 1947 and has since hosted 151 NASCAR Cup Series races. The track’s evolution includes paving in 1955, adding concrete corners in 1976, and installing LED lighting in 2016. Over the years, 63 drivers have claimed pole positions, with Joey Logano leading the active drivers.
Legends and Active Competitors
Richard Petty holds the record for the most wins at Martinsville with 15 victories. Among active drivers, Denny Hamlin leads with five wins. This weekend, 11 past winners, including seven playoff drivers, will compete, making for an exciting and unpredictable race.
The Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway promises to be a thrilling and decisive race as drivers battle for a place in the Championship Four. With its rich history, challenging layout, and high stakes, Martinsville is the perfect stage for this crucial playoff showdown. Fans can expect intense competition and dramatic moments as the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its final stretch.
Wood Brothers Racing Appoints Miles Stanley as Crew Chief for 2025
Miles Stanley, a veteran race engineer and longtime Team Penske employee, will join Wood Brothers Racing as the crew chief for the No. 21 Ford, driven by Josh Berry, in the team’s 75th anniversary season. Stanley has an impressive track record, including contributions to Joey Logano’s 2018 championship. He expressed excitement about working with Berry and contributing to Wood Brothers Racing’s legacy.
Bootie Barker to Call Final Race for 23XI Racing
Veteran crew chief Bootie Barker will call his last race for Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team at the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. Post-season, Charles Denike will replace Barker as crew chief. Barker will remain with 23XI Racing in a competition leadership role, focusing on car preparation and race strategy. Wallace praised Barker’s impact and looked forward to new collaborations with Denike, who brings extensive experience from various NASCAR series to his first Cup Series role.
Fan Voting for the 2025 DAYTONA 500 Trioval Grass Design Begins
Starting today, fans can vote for the Trioval Grass Design for the 2025 DAYTONA 500, marking the 10th consecutive year of this fan engagement. The voting period runs through November 8, with three creative designs to choose from. Fans are encouraged to share their votes on social media. The winning design will be unveiled in January 2025.
The NASCAR Cup Series penultimate Xfinity 500 is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on NBC.
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