Dead On Tools 250

Saturday, October 28 @ 3:30PM

The NASCAR Xfinity Series arrives at the Paperclip, Martinsville Speedway, this weekend. Eight will become Four as this weekend’s race is the cutoff for both the Xfinity and Cup Series. Sam Mayer locked himself into the Championship 4 after a very impressive win in Homestead-Miami.

In the points: As previously mentioned, Mayer is already locked in. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Sammy Smith (6th), Chandler Smith (7th), and Sheldon Creed (8th) find themselves in must-win scenarios. Justin Allgaier (5th) is the lone driver on the outside of the Championship 4 looking in who can still make it on points, sitting just 3 points out. Meanwhile, both Austin Hill (4th) and Cole Custer (3rd) sit just 3 points ABOVE the cut line. John H. Nemechek (2nd) is the only driver on the plus side of the cut line who is comfortable. Sitting 44 points above the cut line, barring disaster, Nemechek should be a near lock to make it to Phoenix.

Most Recent Winner at Martinsville: John H. Nemechek

Names To Watch: Layne Riggs, Josh Berry, Sheldon Creed

My Pick To Win: Josh Berry

Xfinity 500

Sunday, October 29 @ 2:00PM

The last time the Cup Series was at Martinsville in the Fall, Ross Chastain had just pulled off one the most incredible moves in NASCAR history, “The Hail Melon”. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing that this time around. This past Sunday, Christopher Bell locked himself into the Championship 4 for the second year going in an incredible comeback. After struggling for much of the race and nearly going a lap down at one point, Bell drove the wheel off his Toyota Camry to get back to the front. He would hold off Ryan Blaney late to win his second race of the season.

In The Points: Christopher Bell (1st) joins Kyle Larson (2nd) as the second driver guaranteed to race for a Championship. William Byron (3rd) sits a relatively comfortable 30 points above the cut line. Ryan Blaney (4th) is 10 points above the cut line and Tyler Reddick (5th) subsequently is 10 points below the cut line. The most fascinating part of the points battle is the surprising fact that Martin Truex Jr (6th) and Denny Hamlin (7th) are 17 points out of the Championship 4. Finally, Chris Buescher (8th), his job is simple, he has to win.

Most Recent Winner at Martinsville: Kyle Larson

Names To Watch: Ryan Preece, Bubba Wallace, Chris Buescher

My Pick To Win: Ryan Blaney