NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Starting Grid Set for NFPA 250 at Martinsville

Inclement weather forces cancellation of qualifying, lineup determined by competition-based metric score

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Martinsville Speedway this Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the NFPA 250. Due to inclement weather, qualifying has been canceled, and the starting lineup will be determined by a competition-based metric score instead. This means some drivers who may have excelled in a single qualifying session will start further back than anticipated, including Dawson Cram and Justin Carroll who did not qualify for the 38-car race.

Why it matters

Martinsville Speedway is known for its tight corners and challenging racing surface, often producing close finishes and plenty of drama. The unique 'paperclip' shape of the 0.526-mile oval demands precision and strategic maneuvering from drivers. With the starting lineup set by metric score rather than qualifying, the race could see some unexpected results as drivers work to overcome their starting positions.

The details

Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports will lead the field to green, securing the pole position based on the metric score. Rajah Caruth will start alongside him in second, followed by Brandon Jones and Brent Crews in rows two and three respectively. The top ten is rounded out by Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Corey Day, Jesse Love, Sammy Smith and Parker Retzlaff.

  • The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Martinsville Speedway this Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the NFPA 250.

The players

Justin Allgaier

The driver who will start from the pole position based on the competition-based metric score.

Rajah Caruth

The driver who will start alongside Allgaier in second position.

Dawson Cram

A driver who did not qualify for the 38-car race due to the metric score.

Justin Carroll

A driver who did not qualify for the 38-car race due to the metric score.

Martinsville Speedway

The 0.526-mile oval in Ridgeway, Virginia where the NFPA 250 will be contested.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The cancellation of qualifying and the use of a competition-based metric score to determine the starting lineup for the NFPA 250 at Martinsville Speedway could lead to some unexpected results, as drivers who may have excelled in a single qualifying session will now have to work harder to overcome their starting positions on the challenging short track.