Chase Elliott Wins NASCAR Cup Race at Martinsville

Hendrick Motorsports driver earns first victory of 2026 season with late-race gamble.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:10am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting a race car speeding through a blurred, energetic scene, capturing the raw excitement and movement of NASCAR competition.Chase Elliott's bold late-race gamble propels him to a thrilling victory at the historic Martinsville short track.Martinsville Today

Chase Elliott scored his first NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2026 season and the first for a Hendrick Motorsports driver this year, holding off Denny Hamlin in the closing laps at Martinsville Speedway. Elliott and his team took a risk by two-stopping in the final stage, which allowed him to take the lead and maintain it through heavy lapped traffic to earn his second career victory at the historic short track.

Why it matters

This win is a significant milestone for Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports, as they look to rebound from a slow start to the 2026 season. The two-stop strategy was a bold call that paid off, showcasing Elliott's driving skills and the team's ability to make winning decisions under pressure.

The details

For most of the race, Denny Hamlin controlled the action, leading through the first two stages. But a late caution allowed Elliott and the No. 9 team to gamble on a two-stop strategy in the final stage. This gave Elliott the lead, and he was able to hold off Hamlin in the closing laps as the two navigated through lapped traffic to secure the victory.

  • The race took place on March 30, 2026 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia.
  • The final caution that set up Elliott's winning strategy came around the halfway point of the final stage.

The players

Chase Elliott

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, driving the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

Denny Hamlin

The Las Vegas race winner, driving the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

Hendrick Motorsports

The championship-winning NASCAR team that fields cars for drivers like Chase Elliott, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman.

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What they’re saying

“Sure is a lot of fun when days like this work out.”

— Chase Elliott, Driver, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

“I told them about half, three-quarters of the way through I really don't dislike my balance, I just wish I could control my runs a little better. Fortunately we got to the lead on that last one and fell into a really good pace.”

— Chase Elliott, Driver, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

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

— Chase Elliott, Driver, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

What’s next

Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports will look to build on this win as they continue their quest for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

The takeaway

This victory showcases the strategic thinking and driving talent of Chase Elliott, as well as the strength of the Hendrick Motorsports organization. It sets them up for a strong run in the remainder of the 2026 season as they aim to contend for another title.