Elliott beats Hamlin for first NASCAR win of season

Chase Elliott capitalizes on shrewd strategy call to claim victory at Martinsville Speedway

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:49am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, conceptually representing the intense competition and energy of a NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway.A cubist interpretation of the intense battle between Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin for the victory at Martinsville Speedway, highlighting the raw speed and competitive spirit of NASCAR racing.Dawsonville Today

Chase Elliott, NASCAR's eight-time most popular driver, won his first race of the 2026 season at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday. Elliott, who was running outside the top five for much of the 400-lap race, benefited from a strategic call by crew chief Alan Gustafson to pit earlier than the other leaders. This allowed Elliott to take the lead late and hold off Denny Hamlin, who had dominated the majority of the event.

Why it matters

The win is significant for Elliott, who has been one of NASCAR's most consistent drivers in recent years but has faced some criticism for his team's strategy calls not always working out. This victory, on the historic Martinsville short track, will be a boost of confidence for Elliott and his Hendrick Motorsports team as they look to contend for the Cup Series championship.

The details

Elliott capitalized on a caution flag on Lap 312 to pit and gain track position, taking the lead from Ross Chastain on the ensuing restart. He then held off a late charge from Hamlin to claim the victory by 0.565 seconds. The win was the 22nd of Elliott's career and the first for Hendrick Motorsports this season.

  • Elliott made his NASCAR Cup Series debut 11 years ago to the day, finishing 38th in a race won by Hamlin.
  • The victory came on March 30, 2026.

The players

Chase Elliott

A 30-year-old driver from Dawsonville, Georgia, who has been voted NASCAR's most popular driver annually since 2018. The win was his 22nd career victory in the Cup Series.

Alan Gustafson

Elliott's crew chief, whose strategic call to pit earlier than the other leaders proved to be the difference-maker in the race.

Denny Hamlin

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver who led 292 of the first 317 laps but was unable to hold off Elliott in the closing stages.

Rick Hendrick

The owner of Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's winningest team, who called Gustafson on Sunday morning to offer his support.

Tyler Reddick

The 23XI Racing driver who won the pole position on Saturday and is in a contract year, with team co-owner Denny Hamlin saying they will sign him to an extension soon.

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What they’re saying

“It's really cool when this stuff works out, and to win these races is so tough. So just really, really grateful for the opportunity. I never take it for granted. Trust me, this is a dream come true for me.”

— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver

“He's like, 'Everything's great, love you guys, playing the long game, and this is a marathon, not a sprint.'”

— Alan Gustafson, Crew Chief

“(Elliott) did a good job of controlling the pace there. It just really came from that bad restart I had. Just not much really I could have done, and it felt like we gave it our all.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

The NASCAR Cup Series will continue its short-track swing at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Sunday, April 12, where Kyle Larson will look to defend his victory from last year.

The takeaway

Chase Elliott's victory at Martinsville Speedway, achieved through a strategic call by his crew chief, demonstrates the importance of adaptability and risk-taking in NASCAR. This win will be a significant boost for Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports as they aim to contend for the Cup Series championship.