Short on distance, but never on danger. Noted for its unforgiving nature, the Martinsville track is not for the faint of heart, and events at the circuit are undeniably the least predictable in the entire calendar.
Only five months ago, there was a key flashpoint which demonstrated exactly why Martinsville can bring out the beast in any driver, as Matt Kenseth wrecked Joey Logano – a move which ultimately inconvenienced both drivers.
This is but one example of the type of spark which can fly without warning as the sharp twists and turns take their toll.
The unpredictability of the circuit favors fantasy managers that may wish to reserve the most popular picks (particularly from Joe Gibbs Racing) for later events and, with five different winners across as many events in 2016, a sixth addition to the pool of what will be sixteen Chase finalists would come as little surprise.
GROUP A
STARTER – Jimmie Johnson
Even with the diverse range of race winners taken into account, there is one name which has become synonymous in recent years with Martinsville success – that of Jimmie Johnson.
To date, Hendrick Motorsport’s flagship driver has won no less than eight grandfather clocks, and his current form is highly encouraging, even if Denny Hamlin is the reigning event winner.
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RESERVES – Denny Hamlin & Kevin Harvick
Hamlin himself should be strongly considered for a starting berth, coming into the race on the back of two consecutive podiums. But for the pace of Joe Gibbs Racing drivers, Kevin Harvick would be an early runaway favorite to wrest his crown from Kyle Busch. On form alone, Stewart-Haas’ main man should also be considered.
GROUP B
STARTERS – Austin Dillon & Jamie McMurray
Group B represents the key battleground on which points will be won and lost, with the unpredictability of Martinsville manifesting itself most heavily in this part of the roster.
After securing a pole in the last race, Austin Dillon fell drastically in what was ultimately a disappointing evening. As such, he will be naturally eager to atone for his disappointing performance in Fontana.
Jamie McMurray has no particular regrets ahead of this weekend’s race, but he has taken the initiative at unexpected times in the past year. He is the definitive dark horse for Martinsville.
RESERVE – Carl Edwards
By this time, allocations of Carl Edwards as a Group B started may be running thin for zealous managers not content to play the ‘long game’.
It is especially hard to ignore the fact that Edwards has three top-five finishes from five, but raw speed is unlikely to be a key factor in the race for victory lane. Instead, the ability to launch effectively from a restart will be the most telling factor, providing managers with a good reason to reserve Edwards.
GROUP C
STARTER – Chase Elliott / RESERVE – Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney is still the go-to starter in Group C.
Chase Elliott has now finished in the top ten on three occasions, but Martinsville will be by far his sternest test.
Resisting the temptation to use the entire allocation of starter berths for Chase Elliott will be paramount in keeping pace with rival managers throughout the summer and autumn.
For the latest standings and statistics, visit Motorsport24.com
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