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Martinsville Today
By the People, for the People
Chase Elliott wins Martinsville race, F1 takes break
Elliott holds off Denny Hamlin for first 2026 victory as Formula 1 begins five-week hiatus.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:33pm
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Elliott's thrilling Martinsville victory injects new energy into the 2026 NASCAR season as Formula 1 takes a much-needed break.Martinsville TodayNASCAR driver Chase Elliott won the race at Martinsville Speedway, passing Denny Hamlin late to claim his first victory of the 2026 season. The win comes as Formula 1 begins a five-week break in its schedule.
Why it matters
Elliott's win at the short track of Martinsville is an important early-season victory, as he looks to build momentum and challenge for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. The F1 hiatus also marks a significant pause in the global motorsports calendar.
The details
Elliott was able to catch and pass Hamlin in the closing laps to secure the win at the historic Martinsville circuit in Virginia. The victory is Elliott's second career triumph at the track.
- The NASCAR race took place on March 31, 2026.
- Formula 1 is now entering a five-week break in its 2026 schedule.
The players
Chase Elliott
A NASCAR Cup Series driver who won the race at Martinsville Speedway.
Denny Hamlin
A NASCAR Cup Series driver who finished second to Elliott at Martinsville.
What they’re saying
“It was a hard-fought battle out there today, but I'm proud of the team for giving me a car that could get the job done.”
— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
What’s next
The NASCAR Cup Series will continue with the next race on April 7th at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The takeaway
Elliott's victory at Martinsville gives him crucial early-season momentum as he looks to challenge for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship, while the F1 break provides a natural pause in the global motorsports calendar.
