Hey there, race fans! Bryan here, and I’m revved up to dive into another action-packed NASCAR weekend with you all.
This week, we’re heading to Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400—a track renowned for its tight turns, close-quarters racing, and, of course, those iconic grandfather clocks awarded to the winners.
Martinsville isn’t just another stop on the NASCAR schedule; it’s a true test of a driver’s patience, skill, and strategy. The half-mile “Paperclip” demands precision and often leads to some of the most intense on-track battles we see all season. Personally, I love how this track brings out the grit in drivers, making it a fan favorite for edge-of-your-seat action.
So, grab your favorite snacks, get comfy, and let’s break down the top 12 Cup Series drivers in the standings, along with how I think they’ll perform this weekend at Martinsville.
Setting the Stage: Who’s Hot, Who’s Hungry & What to Watch for at Martinsville
Before we jump into the Top 12 driver breakdown, let’s talk about the lay of the land heading into Martinsville.
We’re six races into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, and things are already heating up.
We’ve seen everything from dramatic last-lap passes to unexpected upsets and even a couple of rough weeks for drivers who were supposed to be sure bets.
The standings are tight, the storylines are building, and now we’re heading to one of the most unique tracks on the circuit—Martinsville Speedway.
The “Paperclip” is famous for its old-school feel: tight turns, short tempers, and bumper-to-bumper action that almost always delivers fireworks.
This is the kind of track where experience matters, but so does grit. You don’t need the fastest car—you need the best timing, the right strategy, and a little bit of luck when it comes to avoiding someone else’s mess.
And let’s not forget—fantasy-wise, Martinsville can be a goldmine or a complete dumpster fire.
One wreck can take out half your lineup, or one sleeper pick can launch you up the leaderboard. That’s why it’s crucial to know not just who’s scoring well this season, but who runs well at Martinsville in particular.
So with that in mind, let’s break down the current Top 12 full-time Cup drivers and how I think each one stacks up heading into the Cook Out 400. Buckle up—this could get bumpy.
1. William Byron (#24 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
Current Standings: 1st place, 244 points
Season Highlights: Byron kicked off the season with a bang, winning the Daytona 500 and securing four top-10 finishes in the first six races.
Martinsville Outlook: Byron’s consistency this season is impressive, and his smooth driving style suits Martinsville’s tight turns. While he hasn’t dominated at Martinsville in the past, his current momentum could translate into a strong performance.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. Byron’s form makes him a reliable pick for a top-10 finish.
2. Kyle Larson (#5 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
Current Standings: 2nd place, 208 points
Season Highlights: Larson has showcased his versatility with two top-5 finishes this season.
Martinsville Outlook: Larson’s aggressive yet controlled driving style can be a double-edged sword at Martinsville. If he manages to stay out of trouble, he’s a contender for the win.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium. Larson’s potential for a high finish is strong, but the short-track chaos adds an element of risk.
3. Alex Bowman (#48 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
Current Standings: 3rd place, 205 points
Season Highlights: Bowman has been the model of consistency with five top-10 finishes in the first six races.
Martinsville Outlook: Bowman’s patient and precise driving style aligns well with Martinsville’s demands. While he hasn’t secured a win here, his consistent performance suggests a top-10 finish is within reach.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. Bowman’s steady approach makes him a safe fantasy pick.
4. Tyler Reddick (#45 Toyota – 23XI Racing)
Current Standings: 4th place, 189 points
Season Highlights: Reddick has demonstrated adaptability with two top-5 finishes this season.
Martinsville Outlook: Known for his high-line prowess, Reddick faces a different challenge at Martinsville. If he can adjust to the short-track dynamics, he could secure a solid finish.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium. Reddick’s potential is evident, but his performance at short tracks remains a variable.
5. Christopher Bell (#20 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)
Current Standings: 5th place, 186 points
Season Highlights: Bell secured a win at Atlanta and has been a consistent front-runner.
Martinsville Outlook: Bell’s short-track experience from his dirt racing background could serve him well. Expect him to be competitive throughout the race.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low to Medium. Bell’s skill set aligns with Martinsville’s challenges, making him a strong contender.
6. Chase Elliott (#9 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
Current Standings: 6th place, 181 points
Season Highlights: Elliott has secured three top-10 finishes and continues to be a consistent performer.
Martinsville Outlook: Elliott’s smooth driving and strategic mindset make him a threat at Martinsville. While he hasn’t dominated here, he’s often in the mix.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. Elliott’s consistency makes him a reliable choice for fantasy lineups.
7. Bubba Wallace (#23 Toyota – 23XI Racing)
Current Standings: 7th place, 166 points
Season Highlights: Wallace has shown growth with multiple top-10 finishes this season.
Martinsville Outlook: Martinsville’s short-track nature could play to Wallace’s strengths. If he maintains focus and avoids incidents, a top-15 finish is achievable.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium. Wallace’s potential is evident, but consistency remains key.
8. Denny Hamlin (#11 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)
Current Standings: 8th place, 164 points
Season Highlights: Hamlin has been a steady presence in the top 10 this season.
Martinsville Outlook: With five career wins at Martinsville, Hamlin’s experience here is invaluable. He’s a strong candidate for a top-5 finish and could contend for the win.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. Hamlin’s track record at Martinsville makes him a top fantasy pick.
9. Chris Buescher (#17 Ford – RFK Racing)
Current Standings: 9th place, 164 points
Season Highlights: Buescher has been quietly consistent, securing multiple top-10 finishes.
Martinsville Outlook: While not often in the spotlight, Buescher’s steady approach could yield a top-15 finish at Martinsville.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium. Buescher is a dependable choice for those seeking a solid, if not spectacular, performance.
10. Ryan Blaney (#12 Ford – Team Penske)
Current Standings: 10th place, 162 points
Season Highlights: Blaney’s been solid this season, with multiple top-10 finishes and a whole lot of consistency—just the kind of stuff fantasy players love.
Martinsville Outlook: Here’s the kicker—Blaney won at Martinsville last fall. It was his first victory at the track, and it wasn’t a fluke. He led laps, managed chaos, and earned himself a grandfather clock. He’s one of the most dependable short-track drivers right now, especially when it comes to staying out of trouble and finishing strong.
Fantasy Risk Level: Low. He’s proven he can win here, and with Team Penske backing him, I’d say he’s a top-tier fantasy play this week.
11. Joey Logano (#22 Ford – Team Penske)
Current Standings: 11th place, 160 points
Season Highlights: While he hasn’t grabbed a win yet this season, Logano’s quietly collecting points and hanging around in the mix.
Martinsville Outlook: Logano is no stranger to the bump-and-run game that defines Martinsville. He’s got a win here, plus a handful of top-five finishes, and he knows exactly how to use his front bumper when the laps wind down. If you’re looking for a guy who thrives in the elbows-out environment, Logano’s your man.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium. He’s got the talent and the grit, but sometimes that aggression gets him into trouble.
12. Josh Berry (#21 Ford – Wood Brothers Racing)
Current Standings: 12th place, 142 points
Season Highlights: Josh Josh Berry’s been one of the season’s pleasant surprises. He’s quietly cracked the top 12 and is building solid momentum.
Martinsville Outlook: Short-track ace, alert! Berry is a former Xfinity Series short-track standout and has run well in Cup at Martinsville before—especially when filling in for injured drivers last season. Now in his full-time ride with the Wood Brothers, he’s hungry and ready to prove he belongs among the Cup elite.
Fantasy Risk Level: Medium to High. Tons of upside if he keeps his nose clean, but inexperience could bite him.142
Dark Horses: The Underdogs Who Could Shake Up Martinsville
Now that we’ve gone through the Top 12, let’s take a step back and talk about the drivers who aren’t necessarily lighting up the leaderboard yet—but who could absolutely make some noise this weekend at Martinsville.
Every year, Martinsville gives us a few surprises. Whether it’s a short-track specialist sneaking into the top 10, or a mid-tier driver surviving the chaos to land a career-best finish, this is the place where underdogs can thrive. And when it comes to fantasy, grabbing a low-owned driver who delivers big points? That’s how leagues are won.
These are the guys flying a little under the radar right now—but don’t be surprised if they’re front and center when the dust settles on Sunday.
Ryan Preece (#60 Ford Mustang– RFK Racing)
✔ Why he’s a sleeper:
If you’ve been following short-track racing for any length of time, you already know Preece cut his teeth on tracks like Martinsville. The guy’s a modified racing star, and last spring he showed exactly why—leading a race-high 135 laps before a pit road speeding penalty ruined what could’ve been a career-making win.
✔ Why he might surprise us this week:
He’s got the skills, the short-track background, and a chip on his shoulder. Plus, Stewart-Haas could use a bright spot this season. If Preece can avoid mistakes, he might just crack the top 10—or better.
Fantasy Risk Level: High. There’s always risk when picking someone this deep, but there’s serious reward potential here too.
Justin Haley (#7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports)
✔ Why he’s a sleeper:
Haley’s quietly becoming one of those drivers who gets the most out of his equipment. His finishes don’t always show it, but he races smart—especially on tracks where track position and patience matter more than raw speed.
✔ Why he might surprise us this week:
Martinsville takes finesse, and Haley has that. He’s pulled off surprise finishes before and could be a sneaky-good budget option if you need a filler for your lineup.
Fantasy Risk Level: High. But if you’re playing in a deep league or need a long shot with upside, he’s worth a look.
Drivers to Avoid: High Risk, Low Reward Picks for Martinsville
Alright, time to wave the caution flag.
As much as I love finding the hidden gems, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that there are just some drivers you don’t want to gamble on—especially at Martinsville. Whether it’s a history of poor finishes, an inability to stay clean on short tracks, or just a lack of momentum this season, these are the picks that could torpedo your fantasy week.
It’s not personal—every driver has their off tracks. But when it comes to stacking fantasy points, you’ve gotta know when to hit the brakes.
Here are the drivers I’m hitting the “pass” button on for the Cook Out 400.
Ty Dillon (#77 Chevrolet – Spire Motorsports)
Why I’m staying away:
Love the guy, but he just hasn’t found the pace at Martinsville—or really much this season. His average finish here is in the mid-20s, and nothing I’ve seen in 2025 says that’s going to change.
Fantasy Risk Level: Very High. There are better value picks even in lower-tier equipment.
Austin Cindric (#2 Ford – Team Penske)
Why I’m staying away:
This one might sting, but Cindric just hasn’t clicked with Martinsville yet. His stats here are underwhelming, and for a Penske driver, that’s saying something. Average finishes outside the top 20 don’t exactly inspire fantasy confidence.
Fantasy Risk Level: High. Great equipment, yes—but until the results start coming, he’s a risky play.
Noah Gragson (#10 Ford – Stewart-Haas Racing)
Why I’m staying away:
I want to like this pick—I really do. But even with his aggressive style (which you’d think would suit Martinsville), Gragson hasn’t put together a strong showing here in Cup yet.
Fantasy Risk Level: High. He might make noise early, but I wouldn’t bet on him closing strong.
Final Lap Thoughts: Strategy, Storylines & What’s Coming Next
As we head into the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville, one thing’s for sure—this race has the potential to shake up the standings and your fantasy leaderboard in a big way.
Martinsville is one of those tracks where reputations are made, grudges are reignited, and patience gets pushed to the absolute limit. With only a half-mile of asphalt to work with and 36 hungry drivers trying to make their move, things get personal fast.
The top of the leaderboard is stacked with veterans who’ve proven they can get it done here—guys like Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron. But don’t count out those just outside the spotlight either. The right call on a dark horse or avoiding a risky play (looking at you, Cindric) could be the difference between winning your week or watching it all go up in smoke by Lap 120.
I always say fantasy NASCAR isn’t just about who has the fastest car—it’s about who can survive the chaos, stay clean in traffic, and capitalize when opportunity knocks. That’s what Martinsville is all about.
Stay Tuned for My Fantasy Picks!
Later this week, I’ll be locking in my six-driver fantasy NASCAR lineup for the Cook Out 400—including 2 top-12 picks and 3 drivers from outside the top 12. You’ll get the full breakdown, plus insight on why I’m rolling the dice on certain drivers and who I’m trusting to anchor my week.
Don’t miss it—your fantasy roster (and bragging rights) might depend on it.
See you later this week, race fans!
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