Elliott Wins at Martinsville for First NASCAR Victory of 2026

Chase Elliott edges out Denny Hamlin in thrilling race at historic short track

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:10am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold brushstrokes in neon shades of red, orange, and blue, capturing the intense racing action and competitive spirit of a NASCAR event.Two of NASCAR's top drivers engage in a thrilling late-race battle at the historic Martinsville short track.Martinsville Today

Chase Elliott secured his first NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2026 season, outdueling veteran driver Denny Hamlin at the Martinsville Speedway in Virginia on Sunday. The victory marks Elliott's 25th career Cup Series triumph.

Why it matters

Martinsville is one of the most historic and challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit, known for its tight quarters and intense racing. Elliott's win at the 'paperclip' short track is an important early-season momentum boost as he looks to contend for his second career Cup Series championship.

The details

Elliott and Hamlin battled side-by-side for the lead in the closing laps, with Elliott ultimately edging out Hamlin at the finish line. The 30-year-old Elliott led a race-high 256 of the 500 laps, showcasing his mastery of the tricky Martinsville layout.

  • The race took place on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Elliott led the most laps in the 500-lap event.

The players

Chase Elliott

The 30-year-old driver is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport's top young stars.

Denny Hamlin

The veteran driver is a three-time Daytona 500 winner and a perennial championship contender.

Martinsville Speedway

The historic 0.526-mile short track in Martinsville, Virginia is one of the oldest and most challenging venues on the NASCAR circuit.

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What they’re saying

“That was one of the most intense battles I've been a part of at Martinsville. Denny and I were really going at it there at the end, and I'm just proud we were able to come out on top.”

— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver

“We had a great car today and I thought we were going to be able to get Chase there at the end, but he was just a little bit too strong. Hats off to that team, they executed perfectly.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver

What’s next

Elliott and Hamlin will look to carry their strong Martinsville performances into the next race on the schedule, the April 13th event at Richmond Raceway.

The takeaway

Chase Elliott's victory at the historic Martinsville Speedway is an important early-season win that showcases his talent and the strength of his Hendrick Motorsports team. The intense battle with veteran Denny Hamlin highlights the competitive nature of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.