With one Spherical of 8 race left ahead of the eleventh Championship 4 weekend comes to a decision the 2024 NASCAR Cup Collection champion, the six non-qualified drivers have onerous paintings forward of them in Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va.
The tight, 0.526-mile speedway that opened in 1947 sits close to the North Carolina state line and only a two hours-plus experience for many groups from their Charlotte-area headquarters.
However extra is at stake than subject bragging rights this weekend for those half-dozen drivers: Two will sign up for Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick and compete for a identify subsequent Sunday in Phoenix.
Christopher Bell (+29 issues) — No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell’s issues place offers him a significant edge at the box within the removing race. The Oklahoman has 3 wins, 14 height fives and 11 level wins thus far. The 29-year-old has extra wiggle room than every other racer and would receive advantages probably the most through a non-contender taking the checkered flag.
Martinsville wins: 1 (2022)
Championship 4 appearances: (2023, 2022)
William Byron (+7) — No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Byron gained 3 of the season’s first 8 races however hasn’t visited Victory Lane since April 7 on the Virginia observe. The fourth-place driving force additionally is making an attempt to carry off the winningest driving force within the recreation. That is the spot the place the racing truly starts to heat up.
Martinsville wins: 2 (2024, 2022)
Championship 4 appearances: (2023)
Kyle Larson (-7) — No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
What extra must be mentioned about Larson, who has led a season-high 1,615 laps in a single fewer race thank you to a few totally dominant race weekends? He ran runner-up to Byron at Martinsville in April, shedding through 0.550 seconds, and posted a win and a sixth-place end within the two occasions there in 2023.
Martinsville wins: 1 (2023)
Championship 4 appearances: 2 (2023, 2021)
Denny Hamlin (-18) — No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
A powerful contender at Martinsville, the Virginia racer is in place to profit from a nasty day through anyone (or two) in entrance of him, however it will additionally require a robust run in his Camry. Reputedly unbeatable now and then at NASCAR’s shortest observe, his closing win there used to be 9 years in the past.
Martinsville wins: 5 (2015, 2010-twice, 2009, 2008)
Championship 4 appearances: 4 (2021, 2020, 2019, 2014)
Ryan Blaney (-38) — No. 12 Group Penske Ford
The reigning champion made a identify run at Phoenix through profitable this race, and he is in a must-win state of affairs once more. Blaney used to be in a position to place shedding off the general flip in Dwelling house closing Sunday in the back of him. “We simply transfer directly to the following factor — excellent, unhealthy or detached,” the 30-year-old Ohioan mentioned.
Martinsville wins: 1 (2023)
Championship 4 appearances: 1 (2023)
Chase Elliott (-43) — No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
The 2020 Cup champ has 5 top-three showings since his first race there in March of 2015 and a mean end of 12.7 in 18 begins. He has led 1,104 laps at the paper-clip-like format, however he wishes to steer the five hundredth (or ultimate one) Sunday for any likelihood at a 2d identify.
Martinsville wins: 1 (2020)
Championship 4 appearances: 3 (2022, 2021, 2020)
Prediction:
It is onerous to believe any championship situation that leaves out Larson and his series-best six victories. On the other hand, Bell unearths himself in a excellent position, and Byron is because of display his previous season energy. The overall 50 laps is also probably the most intense racing this season.
Till Phoenix.
–Box Stage Media
