The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the first true short track race of the 2026 season. This is one of the most unique tracks on the schedule, featuring a flat 0.526-mile paperclip layout that puts a premium on braking, track position, and long-run execution. With the new Chase format emphasizing consistency, Martinsville becomes an important early-season race where drivers can gain valuable points through strong finishes.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for a classic short-track showdown. The half-mile paperclip is one of the most technical tracks on the schedule, requiring drivers to manage braking, tire wear, and track position over the course of a long race. With a tight racing surface and limited passing zones, Martinsville often produces aggressive racing, heavy contact, and late-race chaos.

Ty Gibbs Top 10 +125 on Fanduel Brad Keselowski Top 10 -140 on Fanduel Gibbs and Keselowski had two of the best cars in practice and should be able to easily run in the top 10 all race. I like both of these guys to run at the front and these are good value bets.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway for one of the most challenging and unique tracks on the schedule. Known as “The Track Too Tough To Tame,” Darlington is a 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval that forces drivers and teams to constantly adapt throughout a run. With two completely different ends of the track, drivers must balance their setups between Turns 1-2 and Turns 3-4, often sacrificing one end to be better in the other.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Darlington Raceway for one of the most challenging races of the season. The egg-shaped 1.366-mile track tests driver discipline and car control like few others. The two ends of the track require completely different approaches, forcing drivers to compromise their setups and adapt throughout each run.