NASCAR Martinsville shocker: Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson stumble, miss victory lane in Cup Series thriller

The NASCAR Cup Series delivered another thrilling race at Martinsville Speedway, where veteran driver Denny Hamlin clinched his sixth career victory at the historic short track. The win, marking his 55th career NASCAR Cup Series triumph, ended a decade-long dry spell for Hamlin at Martinsville, solidifying his place among the sport’s legends.

Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports drivers Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson put up strong performances, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. The race, featuring multiple cautions and intense battles, tested both skill and strategy, making for one of the most exciting Martinsville events in recent history.

Denny Hamlin’s Dominant Victory

Driving the No. 11 Progressive Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin took control of the Cook Out 400 early, leading an impressive 274 of 400 laps. His ability to maintain a dominant lead throughout the final stage proved pivotal in securing his victory.

This win tied Hamlin with Rusty Wallace for 11th place on NASCAR’s all-time wins list and was his first Martinsville victory since 2015. It also showcased his mastery of short-track racing, reinforcing why he remains a championship contender.

“It feels great to finally win here again,” Hamlin said after the race. “The car was incredible, and my team did a phenomenal job putting me in a position to control the race. This is the kind of momentum we need going forward.”

Hendrick Motorsports: Elliott and Larson Shine

While Hamlin dominated up front, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson steadily worked their way to top-five finishes, showcasing consistency and resilience.

Chase Elliott’s Strong Performance

Chase Elliott, piloting the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet, started the race in second place and maintained a strong position throughout the day. His performance was a testament to his skill and his team’s strategic approach.

• Finished 8th in Stage 1 after navigating multiple cautions.

• Claimed 2nd in Stage 2, earning nine valuable stage points.

• Led 42 laps in the early stages before losing control of the race to Hamlin.

Elliott acknowledged the importance of track position and control in determining the race outcome:

“I thought our car was really good, honestly. My team did a great job preparing for the weekend. I just needed to get control of the race at the right time, but it didn’t quite work out.”

Despite falling short of victory, Elliott’s fourth-place finish marked another solid result in his pursuit of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Kyle Larson Builds on Homestead Victory

Coming off a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kyle Larson delivered another solid outing, finishing fifth in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet.

• Finished 9th in Stage 2, securing important points.

• Gradually worked his way into the top five over the final 75 laps.

• Benefited from strategic caution flags to gain positions.

Larson’s back-to-back top-five finishes keep him firmly in the playoff conversation, proving he remains one of the most consistent drivers in the field.

Challenges for William Byron and Alex Bowman

While Elliott and Larson thrived, Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Alex Bowman encountered struggles throughout the race.

• William Byron, the 2024 Martinsville spring race winner, finished a disappointing 22nd after getting caught in traffic.

• Alex Bowman, driving the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet, finished 27th, also hindered by poor track position and unfortunate caution timing.

Both drivers will look to rebound next weekend as the series moves to Darlington Raceway.

Race Dynamics: A Record-Breaking Martinsville Event

The Cook Out 400 was anything but predictable, with multiple lead changes, strategic pit stops, and an unprecedented number of cautions:

• 10 caution flags were waved—setting a new record for a 400-lap race at Martinsville.

• The race ended with its longest green-flag run of the day, challenging drivers to conserve tires and fuel while maintaining speed.

• Pit strategy played a crucial role, with teams balancing tire wear vs. track position.

Full Race Results: Top Finishers

Top-10 Finishers at Martinsville

1. Denny Hamlin (No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing)

2. Christopher Bell (No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing)

3. Bubba Wallace (No. 23, 23XI Racing)

4. Chase Elliott (No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports)

5. Kyle Larson (No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports)

6. Ross Chastain (No. 1, Trackhouse Racing)

7. Ryan Preece (No. 60, Stewart-Haas Racing)

8. Joey Logano (No. 22, Team Penske)

9. Chase Briscoe (No. 19, Stewart-Haas Racing)

10. Todd Gilliland (No. 34, Front Row Motorsports)

Implications for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Season

The Martinsville race was the first short-track event of the 2025 season, providing a critical look at which teams have developed strong short-track packages.

• Denny Hamlin’s win positions him as a leading title contender.

• Hendrick Motorsports remains a powerhouse, with Elliott and Larson consistently delivering top finishes.

• Bubba Wallace’s podium finish reinforces 23XI Racing’s growing competitiveness.

As the season progresses, drivers and teams will need to adjust their strategies to keep pace with evolving competition.

Current Standings: Who’s Leading the Championship Hunt?

After Martinsville, William Byron still leads the regular-season points standings, with Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott closely behind. Hamlin’s victory boosts his ranking, adding pressure to the top contenders.

The next few races will be crucial in determining playoff eligibility and momentum heading into the summer stretch.

Looking Ahead: Throwback Weekend at Darlington

With Martinsville in the books, NASCAR now shifts to Darlington Raceway for Throwback Weekend.

• Darlington is known as “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” featuring high tire wear and a unique egg-shaped oval that challenges even the best drivers.

• Throwback Weekend is a fan favorite, as teams honor NASCAR history with retro paint schemes and tributes to past legends.

• Expect intense battles, as Darlington often plays a pivotal role in the playoff race.

Final Thoughts: A Race to Remember

The 2025 Martinsville Cook Out 400 delivered action, strategy, and history, making it one of the most memorable short-track races in recent years.

• Denny Hamlin’s dominant win reaffirmed his status as a Martinsville master.

• Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson’s top-five finishes demonstrated Hendrick Motorsports’ continued strength.

• Unpredictable caution flags and intense battles kept fans on the edge of their seats.

As NASCAR moves forward, all eyes will be on Darlington, where another thrilling chapter in the 2025 season is sure to unfold.