Matt Johnson
Who will win the NASCAR race this weekend? The Cup Series is headed to the iconic Martinsville Raceway this weekend for the seventh points race of the 2026 season. At a short track that can deliver plenty of chaos and showcase the best drivers, it’s always fun to try and predict what happens.
Let’s dive into our NASCAR predictions for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville.
Kyle Larson Wins the Pole at Martinsville
Hendrick Motorsports is coming off an underwhelming showing at Darlington and doesn’t have a win this season, not even a stage victory or pole winner through six races. Kyle Larson will change that on Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. In the last six qualifying sessions at this track, he’s placed fifth or better on four occasions. He boasts a 4.4 average starting position in the last five races at Martinsville and he’s started from the pole three times here. This is the perfect time for the No. 5 team to get back on track.
Related: NASCAR Entry List Martinsville
Denny Hamlin Wins Stage 1
Denny Hamlin will finish second in qualifying and start alongside Kyle Larson in the Cook Out 400. He turns that into his first stage win at the season, meaning he’ll have won the last three stages (Stages 2 and winner in Spring 2025 and Stage 1 this year) at a track he’s historically dominated. This will also be Hamlin’s first stage win of the 2026 season.
Related: Denny Hamlin Addresses Tyler Reddick’s Future with 23XI Racing
Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2
Bubba Wallace already leads the Cup Series in stage points (60) this season and he’s one of just three drivers to record stage points in every race this year. The No. 23 team has always made stage points a priority, including at Martinsville where Wallace has placed third or better in Stage 1 or 2 during the spring race in each of the last two seasons. Wallace will become the first driver to have three stage wins in 2026.
Related: NASCAR Stage Winners 2026
Ryan Preece Among Top-5 Point Scorers
Ryan Preece is quietly having a strong season, especially as of late, ranking 12th in points heading into the Cook Out 400. This happens to be one of his best tracks, as evidenced by his pair of top-10 finishes here last year in his first season with RFK Racing. At a track where he’s earned multiple stage points in his last three trips, Preece will come out of the Cook Out 400 with a top-10 finish and he’ll be among the top-five in points accrued.
Related: NASCAR Weekend Schedule Martinsville
Christopher Bell Wins the Cook Out 400
Christopher Bell had to settle for second place last season in the Cook Out 400, with teammate Denny Hamlin simply having the more dominant car. The roles will be flipped this season. Hamlin, who we have winning Stage 1, finishes second behind the No. 20 car. Bell gets his redemption at Martinsville and his first win of the season.
Related: NASCAR Odds for Martinsville 400, Cook Out 400 Prop Picks
