NASCAR Cup Series Heading to Martinsville Speedway for Xfinity 500

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action on November 1 at Martinsville Speedway for the Xfinity 500, marking the ninth event in the 10-race championship battle. As the 2026 Cup Series Chase moves closer to its final stages, drivers face the demanding 500-lap short-track race where heavy braking, tight corners, and navigating traffic are crucial.

Denny Hamlin secured the pole position for the race after posting a 98.492 mph lap during Saturday's qualifying session at the 0.526-mile track. Edging teammate Ty Gibbs, Hamlin also claimed the title of the oldest driver to win a Cup Series pole at Martinsville, where he has previously earned six victories. Kyle Larson qualified in the third position.

Heading into the weekend, Larson maintains a 73-point advantage over Hamlin in the standings. To officially secure the championship regardless of other competitors' results, Larson needs to score 59 points, though he will still be required to start next week's finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway before NASCAR officially crowns him champion.

Several other drivers mathematically remain eligible for the title alongside Hamlin and Larson, including Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Tyler Reddick. Pre-race television coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with the green flag expected around 2:09 p.m. ET from the Virginia short track.

Fans without traditional cable television access have multiple streaming options available across the United States. Platforms carrying the event include Peacock, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV, while HBO Max provides in-car camera coverage for viewers seeking additional angles. Radio broadcasts are available through the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Channel 90.

Supporting series wrapped up their competition at the venue ahead of the Cup event. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Chandler Smith claimed victory at the Black's Tire 200 after passing teammate Layne Riggs on a late restart. Meanwhile, Carson Kvapil secured a win in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series National Debt Relief 250 after leading 121 laps and holding off Justin Allgaier.