NASCAR Cup - Martinsville II

The Martinsville II NASCAR Cup Series race represents one of the most significant competitions of the 2026 season. Officially known as the Xfinity 500, this event takes place at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. The race typically serves as a crucial playoff event, often determining which drivers advance to the Championship 4.

Race Format and Structure

The Xfinity 500 covers 500 laps around the historic short track, totaling 263 miles of competition. The race is divided into three stages, with stage breaks occurring approximately at lap 130 and lap 260, before the final stage concludes at lap 500. NBC provides television coverage, while the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio deliver audio broadcasts.

Martinsville Speedway Circuit Details

Martinsville Speedway measures just 0.526 miles in length, making it the shortest track on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Known as "The Paperclip" due to its distinctive shape, the facility features two 800-foot straightaways connected by tight, banked corners. The turns carry 12 degrees of banking, while the straights remain flat.

Unique Racing Surface

The track features a hybrid surface that sets it apart from other circuits. The straightaways and upper sections of the corners use asphalt, while the lower lanes of the corners are paved with concrete. This concrete application, installed in 1976, provides superior durability against racing tire wear and weather conditions.

Technical Specifications for 2026

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season brings several technical updates that impact racing at Martinsville Speedway. Engine output for tracks under 1.5 miles has increased from 670 to 750 horsepower, providing drivers with more power through the tight corners. Cars use the short-track aerodynamic package, which includes a three-inch rear spoiler and reduced diffuser strakes.

All Cup Series cars in 2026 feature mandatory A-post flaps, a safety enhancement that deploys with roof flaps to reduce the chance of a car becoming airborne during a spin. These flaps are marked with bright orange undersides for visibility. The Next Gen car platform continues to be the standard for all competitors.

Expected Participants

The 2026 Martinsville II event will feature top NASCAR Cup Series teams and drivers from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Chevrolet introduced a new ZL1 body style for the season, and several teams have made manufacturer changes. Drivers from premier organizations who have shown strength at short tracks are expected to compete for victory.

Track History and Legacy

Martinsville Speedway opened in 1947, founded by H. Clay Earles. The facility holds a unique distinction as the only track that has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series race every year since the series began in 1949. This makes it the oldest continuously operating track on the Cup Series schedule.

The circuit began as a dirt oval and was paved with asphalt in 1955. The concrete in the corners was added in 1976. In 2017, the speedway installed permanent LED lighting, enabling night racing capabilities. The track's fundamental layout has remained largely unchanged since its opening, preserving the character that has defined it for decades.

Racing Characteristics

The short length and tight corners at Martinsville Speedway create close-quarters competition where strategy and precision matter greatly. Passing opportunities are limited, which makes track position valuable. Drivers must be aggressive and willing to make contact to advance their positions. The bumper often becomes a tool for creating passing opportunities.

Despite the intense action, qualifying speeds at Martinsville barely exceed 100 mph, the slowest on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. This reflects the technical challenges of the layout, where corner speed and braking ability take priority over straight-line velocity.

Notable Features

Martinsville Speedway holds several records and traditions. Richard Petty achieved 15 victories at the track, the most of any driver. Red Byron won the first NASCAR Strictly Stock Series race at the facility in 1949. The Martinsville hot dog has become a well-known concession item associated with race attendance.

The 2026 Martinsville II race promises to deliver the close racing and strategic battles that have defined this venue for generations. As a playoff event, the stakes are high for drivers competing for championship advancement. The combination of the historic track, increased horsepower, and championship implications creates a compelling event for NASCAR Cup Series fans.