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Martinsville Today
By the People, for the People
Chase Elliott Wins First NASCAR Race of Season at Martinsville
Elliott outduels Hamlin in thrilling finish at short track
Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:52pm
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Chase Elliott's strategic victory at Martinsville Speedway showcases the complex, high-stakes chess match of NASCAR racing.Martinsville TodayChase Elliott has earned his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2026 season, outdueling Denny Hamlin at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday. Elliott capitalized on a strategic call by his crew chief Alan Gustafson to pit the No. 9 Chevrolet earlier than the other leaders, allowing Elliott to gain track position when the late caution flag flew.
Why it matters
Martinsville Speedway is one of NASCAR's most historic short tracks, and this win marks an important early-season victory for Elliott as he looks to contend for the Cup Series championship. The battle between Elliott and Hamlin, two of the sport's top drivers, provided an exciting finish for fans.
The details
Elliott was running second to Hamlin late in the race when the caution flag came out on lap 312. Crew chief Gustafson made the call for Elliott to pit, while Hamlin and the rest of the leaders stayed out. This allowed Elliott to inherit the lead when the race resumed, and he was then able to hold off Hamlin's charge to the finish line.
- The race took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia.
- The key caution flag that set up Elliott's winning strategy came on lap 312 of the 500-lap race.
The players
Chase Elliott
The 30-year-old driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, and the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Denny Hamlin
The 45-year-old veteran driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and perennial championship contender.
Alan Gustafson
The veteran crew chief for Chase Elliott's No. 9 team, known for his strategic acumen.
What they’re saying
“That was a gutsy call by Alan to bring me in when he did. It ended up being the winning move.”
— Chase Elliott, Driver, No. 9 Chevrolet
“We had the dominant car all day, but the caution just didn't fall our way. That's racing sometimes.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver, No. 11 Toyota
What’s next
Elliott will look to build momentum from this win as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the next race at Richmond Raceway on April 12th.
The takeaway
This victory at the historic Martinsville short track is an important early-season boost for Chase Elliott as he seeks to defend his 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship. The strategic call by his crew chief proved to be the difference-maker in the thrilling battle with veteran Denny Hamlin.
