In an exciting race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it was Kyle Larson who claimed victory and punched his ticket to the NASCAR post-season. Now NASCAR heads to the paper clip at Martinsville Speedway for the 2025 Cook Out 400.
The season continues to heat up as more drivers hope to find Victory Lane. Beating and banging are in store for the series as NASCAR’s best look to claim an iconic grandfather clock trophy this Sunday in Virginia.
2025 Cook Out 400 Entry List
As NASCAR hits the short track at Martinsville, we get to see a pair of names that haven’t graced the entry list yet during the regular season. First up is Burt Myers in the #50. The modified legend appeared earlier this season at the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium but this will mark his first regular-season appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The other name making an appearance for the first time this regular season is former Cup Series race-winner Casey Mears. Mears makes a NASCAR Cup Series start for the first time since 2019 as he gets behind the wheel of the #66 Ford.
Martinsville makes magical moments. pic.twitter.com/0PCESwxfpu
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 28, 2025
As expected, the 36 charter entries remain unchanged for this weekend.
2025 Cook Out 400 Race Predictions
While the option tires provided a nice change at Phoenix and improved the racing, it appears NASCAR and Goodyear have elected to roll with just one type of tire for the remainder of the season. I prefer to have the changes in pace and strategy offered by the option tire but we’ll have to see if the Cup Series can deliver on short tracks without that added element.
In the NextGen Car, passing on short tracks remains terribly difficult meaning track position will once again be at a premium come Sunday. Qualifying up front and staying up front will be the goal of each team.
Among current Cup series drivers, Ryan Blaney has the best average finish at Martinsville. The driver of the #12 runs extremely well here and in spite of his bad luck, expect him to be a factor on Sunday. Two blown engines in three weeks with an extremely fast car makes for a disheartening start but that luck turns around at some point. I think this weekend marks the beginning of a streak for Blaney. He wins the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville.
Who's ready to make some more memories this weekend?? 🙋 pic.twitter.com/kEudwMVmBV
— Martinsville Speedway (@MartinsvilleSwy) March 27, 2025
I’m also keeping an eye on AJ Allmendinger in the #16. Dinger has rattled off two straight top tens for Kaulig Racing and tends to outperform his equipment at Martinsville.
For other possible winners, keep an eye on Larson to keep his streak going and Denny Hamlin to find success on his hometown track. I’m also watching Chase Elliott given his win in the Clash at Bowman Gray earlier this year.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Friday 03/28
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 2:10 p.m. CT on FS2
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 4:35 p.m. CT on the CW App
Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 03/29
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 2:10 p.m. CT on Prime
US Marine Corps 250 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 4:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 03/30
Cook Out 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on FOX and Max
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