Hey race fans, Bryan here—back with another round of fantasy NASCAR picks! This week, we’re diving into the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, affectionately known as “The Paperclip.” This half-mile short track is notorious for its tight turns and close-quarters racing, making driver selection crucial for your fantasy lineup.
Let’s break down my picks for this week.
Elite Tier: My Top 12 Must-Haves for Martinsville
My Main Driver (Locked-In): Tyler Reddick (#45 Toyota – 23XI Racing)
Tyler Reddick‘s adaptability has been impressive this season, securing his spot as my season-long pick.
While Martinsville’s tight confines present a unique challenge, Reddick’s aggressive yet calculated driving style should serve him well.
His ability to navigate through traffic and capitalize on opportunities makes him a solid anchor for my lineup.
Ryan Blaney (#12 Ford – Team Penske)
Why I’m locking him in:
Ryan Blaney is a beast at Martinsville lately. He finally snagged his first grandfather clock last fall, and let me tell you—it wasn’t a fluke. He’s finished top 10 in six of the last seven Martinsville races and seems to have cracked the code on how to survive the chaos while also running up front.
Team Penske has Martinsville circled on their calendar every year, and Blaney knows how to keep his cool when the bumpers start flying. Plus, with him sitting comfortably in the top 5 in points, you know he’s not holding anything back.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. Blaney’s about as safe a short-track pick as it gets.
William Byron (#24 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
Why I’m locking him in:
William Byron is quietly having one of the strongest starts to the 2025 season, and it’s no surprise why. He’s consistent, he’s clean, and he’s proven he can run well at Martinsville. Last year, he won the spring race here after leading a ton of laps—and that wasn’t a one-off.
This team is smooth and strategic. They don’t overdrive the car, they don’t make unnecessary risks—they just chip away and land top 5s. Byron is exactly the type of driver who could sneak into Victory Lane again with a well-timed move on a restart.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. Byron’s a smart, efficient driver with a top-tier car.
Picks from Outside the Top 12
Chase Briscoe (#19 – Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
Why I’m locking him in:
Chase Briscoe has shown promise on short tracks, and Martinsville could be a breakthrough opportunity. With odds at +1200, he’s a valuable pick from outside the top 12. His determination and growing experience make him a potential dark horse.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium. Briscoe is trending up, but he’s still looking for his first breakout result at Martinsville.
Ross Chastain (#1 Chevrolet – Trackhouse Racing)
Why I’m locking him in:
Ross Chastain‘s aggressive approach can be a double-edged sword, but at Martinsville, assertiveness often pays off. With odds at +2200, he’s a sleeper pick who could deliver a strong performance. If he can balance aggression with patience, Chastain might surprise us.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium-High. When he’s good, he’s great—but if chaos breaks out, he might be at the center of it.
Ryan Preece (#60 Ford – RFK Racing)
Why I’m locking him in:
Ryan Preece has a solid average finish of 14.5 at Martinsville and holds the 9th best driver rating at this track. His short-track background and recent performances suggest he’s poised for a strong showing. He led the most laps here last spring before a pit penalty took him out of contention—he’s got something to prove.
Fantasy Risk Level: High. He’s got the talent and history here, but SHR has been inconsistent this season.
Dark Horse Pick
Ryan Preece (again!)
He’s in my bottom three, but he deserves a second shoutout. Ryan Preece is a modified guy. He knows how to handle tight tracks like this. He’s not getting a ton of fantasy love out there, but don’t sleep on him. If SHR gives him a halfway decent car and he keeps it clean, he could seriously shake up the standings.
Fantasy Risk Level: High. But if you’re playing to win, not just finish mid-pack, he’s worth the swing.
Drivers to Steer Clear Of
Ty Dillon (#10 Chevrolet – Kaulig Racing)
Hate to say it, but there’s just not a lot of upside here. Dillon’s Martinsville stats are… not great. No top 10s, no momentum, and Spire’s equipment isn’t going to give him the boost he needs. Even if he stays out of trouble, he’s a long shot for fantasy points.
Austin Cindric (#2 Ford – Team Penske)
Yes, he’s in top-tier equipment, but Cindric just hasn’t figured Martinsville out yet. His average finish here is 26.6, which isn’t giving me any confidence. Until he shows he can consistently survive (and thrive) in the bump-and-run chaos, I’m keeping him on the bench.
Final Thoughts: Who's My Pick to Win?
While my fantasy lineup is set to maximize points across the board, if I had to pick one driver to take the checkered flag at Martinsville, it’d be Ryan Blaney. His recent dominance at this track and current form make him the standout favorite.
Remember, short-track racing is unpredictable, and Martinsville often delivers surprises. Ensure your lineup balances top contenders with strategic picks from outside the top 12 to cover all bases. Good luck, and enjoy the race!
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