Cook Out 400: Short Track Showdown at Martinsville Speedway
The Bissett Perspective DFS DraftKings lineup
Tick, Tock: The Race for the Clock is Here
Race: Cook Out 400
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Track: Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile short track)
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2025
TV: FS1
The roar of engines returns to the legendary "Paperclip" as the NASCAR Cup Series descends upon Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400. This historic half-mile track, known for its tight corners and intense, door-to-door racing, promises a high-stakes battle where more than just points are on the line.
The ultimate prize? A coveted full-sized grandfather clock – NASCAR's most unique trophy, awarded only to victors at this iconic speedway. This cherished timepiece is more than just hardware; it's a symbol of triumph, a testament to a driver's skill and tenacity on one of NASCAR's most demanding circuits.
With championship contenders like William Byron and Chase Elliott positioned near the front of the pack, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Expect a race filled with edge-of-your-seat action, strategic maneuvering, and the relentless pursuit of the coveted grandfather clock.
Driver Lineup:
Ryan Blaney $11,200
Ryan Blaney's performance at Martinsville is showing some serious potential this weekend. During Saturday's practice, his No. 12 Ford was absolutely flying - the fastest car on the 30-lap average. But true to form, Blaney's not one to get cocky. When reporters asked about his speed, he was typically humble, saying they still needed to "get the car dialed in" while admitting it was "fairly fast."
Let's be real - Blaney's basically become Mr. Consistent at Martinsville. In the Next Gen era, he hasn't finished lower than seventh, and he's snagged two wins in the last three races here. The DraftKings folks aren't sleeping on him either, pricing him as the top driver at $11,200.
What's wild is he qualified way back in 32nd place. Most drivers would be stressed, but Blaney? He seems unfazed. That deep starting spot actually gives him massive place differential potential. The sportsbooks still see him as the favorite, and honestly? It's not surprising. Even when he's doubting himself, Blaney has this uncanny ability to turn a race around.
If anyone's betting, Blaney's not just a good pick - he's practically a sure thing this weekend.
William Byron $10,400
Starting 10th for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway feels like a solid position, especially knowing the track's history. As a Hendrick Motorsports driver, the starting spot might seem less impressive compared to teammates, but past performance tells a different story. With two wins in the last three Spring Martinsville races and eight top-10 finishes across 14 races here, the track has been a personal playground.
The season so far has been strong - one win, four top-10 finishes, and leading the regular season standings with an impressive 8.7 average finish. Practice sessions showed promising potential, ranking 16th in overall lap averages while consistently hitting top-10 speeds in the 10, 15, and 20 consecutive lap categories.
The right equipment, consistent practice speeds, and a solid track record at Martinsville suggest a top-10 finish as the team builds toward a strong performance in today's race. The confidence comes from knowing every lap, every strategy, and past performances will be critical to success.
Chase Elliott $9,900
Chase Elliott is proving once again why he's become a Martinsville master in the Next Gen era. During Saturday's practice, the No. 9 Chevrolet displayed steady speed, ranking ninth-fastest in the 30-lap average. Qualifying only elevated expectations, with Elliott securing the outside pole position right beside Christopher Bell.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Over the last six races, Elliott has dominated Martinsville, leading a combined 515 laps. In five of those six events, he's led 54 or more laps - the sole exception being the spring 2023 race, where a mid-pack 24th starting position complicated his strategy.
This weekend looks different. Starting up front gives Elliott prime positioning to lead early and often. With his consistent performance and race-winning potential, he's more than just a solid DraftKings pick at $9,900 - he's a strategic powerhouse waiting to make his mark.
The Cook Out 400 might just become another chapter in Elliott's Martinsville legend.
Brad Keselowski $7900
Brad Keselowski's 2025 season is shaping up to be a storyline of missed opportunities and mounting frustration. Sitting 30th in points, he's become this year's most notable underperformer. Zero top-10 finishes, two crashes, and an underwhelming best average running position of 20th have defined his season - especially stark when compared to teammate Chris Buescher's four top-10 finishes.
Martinsville only amplified these struggles. Keselowski qualified 27th, while Buescher secured sixth position - a contrast that seems counterintuitive given Keselowski's historically strong performance at this track. His past victories in 2017 and 2019 with the Gen 6 car suggested potential and last year's fall race was a glimmer of hope, where he led a race-high 170 laps despite finishing ninth.
But 2025 feels different. The departure of crew chief Matt McCall and the arrival of Jeremy Bullins has seemingly disrupted whatever rhythm Keselowski previously maintained. While DFS players might see the place-differential potential on paper, the risk feels substantial. This isn't the Keselowski of previous seasons - this is a driver searching for his racing identity in a rapidly evolving NASCAR landscape.
Riley Herbst $5,500
Riley Herbst's Martinsville Weekend tells a story of contrast and potential. Qualifying 35th - a number that eerily matches his car - he stood in sharp relief to his 23XI Racing teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, who both secured top-10 starting positions.
This marks Herbst's first NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville, a track that typically demands seasoned expertise. While his Cup Series performance might seem underwhelming, his Xfinity Series history suggests untapped potential. He's proven consistently competitive, scoring five top-10 finishes and notably securing back-to-back top-five performances in the fall races of 2022 and 2023.
The deep starting position creates an intriguing place-differential narrative. Herbst enters as an unknown quantity at this track - a rookie looking to prove he belongs among NASCAR's elite. With 23XI Racing's strong equipment and his own demonstrated ability to navigate challenging tracks, he represents a high-risk, high-reward prospect for the weekend.
This race could be the moment Herbst transitions from a promising prospect to a legitimate contender.
Ty Dillon $5000
Ty Dillon's Martinsville weekend carries the quiet potential of a dark horse competitor. Starting 28th, he's positioned at his highest qualifying spot for a Cup race at this track since 2020 - a statistic that hints at underlying momentum.
His Martinsville history reveals a driver who consistently finds his way through the field. In 12 previous starts, Dillon has secured three top-20 finishes and remarkably earned a positive place differential in 11 of those races. This season's early performance mirrors that resilience, with two top-20 finishes and three races featuring positive position movement.
Practice sessions painted an intriguing picture. Dillon ranked third in overall lap averages, with respectable 17th and 16th positions in 10 and 15 consecutive lap metrics. These numbers suggest a car with more speed than its starting position would indicate.
For DFS players, Dillon represents a strategic play. Deep starting position, proven track record of advancement, and practice speeds that whisper of top-20 potential make him a value pick across formats. He's not just racing - he's hunting for opportunity.