Apr 7, 2024; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver William Byron (24) celebrates his win throughout the Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway. Necessary Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Pictures With one Spherical of 8 race left earlier than the eleventh Championship 4 weekend decides the 2024 NASCAR Cup Collection champion, the six non-qualified drivers have onerous work 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 trip for many groups from their Charlotte-area headquarters.
However extra is at stake than space bragging rights this weekend for these half-dozen drivers: Two will be part of Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick and compete for a title subsequent Sunday in Phoenix.
Christopher Bell (+29 factors) — No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell’s factors place provides him a significant edge on the sector within the elimination race. The Oklahoman has three wins, 14 high fives and 11 stage wins thus far. The 29-year-old has extra wiggle room than some other racer and would profit essentially the most by 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 received three of the season’s first eight races however hasn’t visited Victory Lane since April 7 on the Virginia observe. The fourth-place driver is also making an attempt to carry off the winningest driver within the sport. That is the spot the place the racing actually begins to heat up.
Martinsville wins: 2 (2024, 2022)
Championship 4 appearances: (2023)
Kyle Larson (-7) — No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
What extra must be stated about Larson, who has led a season-high 1,615 laps in a single fewer race due to some fully dominant race weekends? He ran runner-up to Byron at Martinsville in April, dropping by 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 robust contender at Martinsville, the Virginia racer is in place to make the most of a nasty day by somebody (or two) in entrance of him, however it might additionally require a robust run in his Camry. Seemingly unbeatable at instances at NASCAR’s shortest observe, his final win there was 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 title run at Phoenix by successful this race, and he is in a must-win state of affairs once more. Blaney was able to put dropping off the ultimate flip in Homestead final Sunday behind him. “We simply transfer on to the following factor — good, dangerous or detached,” the 30-year-old Ohioan stated.
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 on the paper-clip-like format, however he wants to steer the five hundredth (or closing one) Sunday for any likelihood at a second title.
Martinsville wins: 1 (2020)
Championship 4 appearances: 3 (2022, 2021, 2020)
Prediction:
It is onerous to think about any championship situation that leaves out Larson and his series-best six victories. Nonetheless, Bell finds himself in a great place, and Byron is because of present his earlier season power. The ultimate 50 laps often is the most intense racing this season.
Till Phoenix.
–Discipline Degree Media
