NASCAR's Top Drivers Vie for Victory at Martinsville's Cook Out 400

Tyler Reddick leads the Cup Series standings but faces stiff competition from Hendrick, Gibbs, and Penske teams

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:06am

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and colors, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of a NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway.A cubist interpretation of the intense competition and high-speed action at Martinsville Speedway, as NASCAR's top teams and drivers battle for victory in the Cook Out 400.Martinsville Today

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway on Sunday for the 2026 Cook Out 400, with Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing looking to extend his lead in the standings. However, the favorites include drivers from powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske, who have combined to win the last 15 Martinsville races.

Why it matters

The Cook Out 400 is a crucial short track race that often shakes up the Cup Series standings. With Reddick's recent success, the race could provide an opportunity for him to further distance himself from the competition, but the top teams and drivers will be determined to deny him another victory.

The details

Reddick, who has four wins in the first six races, is ninth on the odds board at +1500, while the favorites include Ryan Blaney (+450), William Byron (+550), Denny Hamlin (+600), and Kyle Larson (+650). Blaney has had recent success at Martinsville, but most of his highlights have come in the longer fall race, and he has struggled in the spring event. Reddick, on the other hand, is coming off back-to-back top 15 finishes at Martinsville and has shown progress on short tracks this season.

  • The 2026 Cook Out 400 is scheduled for Sunday, March 28, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Tyler Reddick

The 23XI Racing driver leads the 2026 Cup Series standings with four wins in the first six races.

Ryan Blaney

The Team Penske driver is the favorite to win the Cook Out 400 at +450 odds, but has struggled in the spring Martinsville race in recent years.

Hendrick Motorsports

The powerhouse team has combined with Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske to win the last 15 NASCAR races at Martinsville Speedway.

Joe Gibbs Racing

The championship-winning team has been a dominant force at Martinsville, along with Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske.

Team Penske

The team has also been a consistent contender at Martinsville, winning multiple races at the short track in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“Before setting NASCAR DFS lineups, making Cook Out 400 picks or locking in NASCAR Martinsville predictions, you need to see the projected leaderboard from Mike McClure's proven model.”

— Mike McClure, Legendary professional DFS player

What’s next

The 2026 Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway will take place on Sunday, March 28, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

The Cook Out 400 at Martinsville is a crucial short track race that could have major implications for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series standings. While Tyler Reddick has been the dominant driver so far this season, the top teams and drivers will be determined to deny him another victory and gain ground in the championship battle.