Martinsville isn’t just another short track—it’s the short track. The Paperclip. Tight turns, hard braking, and tempers hotter than the rotors by lap 200. It’s the oldest track in NASCAR and still one of the toughest to master. Win here, and you don’t just get a trophy—you get a grandfather clock and bragging rights. Like always, I dug through the stats, recent form, and track history to find six drivers worth betting: two favorites, two mid-tier guys with upside, and two long shots that could cash big.

Let’s go clock hunting!
 

 

 

Cook Out 400 Best Bets: Winner Predictions

Ryan Blaney (+450 FanDuel Sportsbook)

Blaney has been knocking on victory’s door all season—and Martinsville might be the place where the door finally swings open again. He’s won two of the last three races at this track, including the most recent one in November 2024. Over his last six starts here, he’s rocking an absurd 3.5 average finish with five top-fives. The man’s been fast everywhere in 2025, just brutally unlucky. Remember Homestead? He was dominating before his engine let go. If he catches a break, this could be a statement win. Another clock for the collection?

Kyle Larson (+600 Caesars Sportsbook)

Larson’s Martinsville arc is wild—he went from being borderline terrible here to becoming a genuine threat. He’s scored a win and four top-fives in his last six starts, averaging a 5.5 finish in that span. That tells me he’s figured this place out. He’s always had the speed, but now he’s got the patience to go with it. If the race goes green for long stretches, Larson’s precision and ability to manage tire wear make him dangerous. He’s locked in right now.

 

 

 

Cook Out 400 Mid-Range Picks

Joey Logano (+1000 BetMGM)

Logano knows how to get around Martinsville—he's got two career wins here, and when the rubber hits the concrete, he usually finds his way near the front. Over his last 10 starts, he’s put together seven top-10s and led 670 laps. But here's the kicker: in the last six races at Martinsville, Logano owns the second-best average finish at 5.2—only behind his teammate Ryan Blaney. That’s elite company. He’s physical, fearless, and thrives when things get dicey. You want someone who isn’t afraid to rattle a bumper late in the race? That’s Joey. Don’t be shocked if he parks it in Victory Lane.

Chase Briscoe (+1400 BetMGM)

Briscoe’s quietly become one of the more reliable short-track guys in the garage. At Martinsville, he’s posted five top-10 finishes in his last six starts, including a couple of top-fives. His average finish over that stretch? 8.7. That’s no fluke. He ran up front last fall and even led a few laps before fading late. If SHR gives him a decent piece, he’s got the feel for this place to steal one. Great value in this tier.

 

 

 

Cook Out 400 Long Shot Picks

Josh Berry (+3000 BetMGM)

This is a feel-good pick with upside. Berry finally got his first Cup win at Vegas earlier this year, and now he’s heading to one of his best tracks. He straight-up won in his Xfinity Series debut at Martinsville and has multiple top-fives there in lower series. He hasn’t had many Cup reps here yet, but his short-track skillset is real. He runs the bottom like a veteran and doesn’t get rattled in tight traffic. If he qualifies well, watch those odds drop.

Ryan Preece (+3500 BetMGM)

Preece always brings something extra to Martinsville. This is one of his best tracks, hands down. He’s led 135 laps here and has a strong short-track background from his Modified days. His average finish over the last four races here is 14.5, which doesn’t pop—but he’s consistently been better than that in the early going, only to fade late. If the No. 41 team nails the strategy and keeps him out of trouble, he’s got the upside to surprise.

 

 

 

Best NASCAR Props for the Cook Out 400

We nailed A.J. Allmendinger for a Top 10 last week—yeah, that A.J.—and now it’s time to keep the good vibes rolling. Martinsville is the kind of track where trends matter and track feel means everything. Here are two props I like this week.

Joey Logano – Top 5 Finish (+150 BetRivers)

Martinsville and Joey Logano just go together. He’s aggressive enough to make passes when he has to but smart enough not to burn up his tires or brakes early. He’s finished inside the top five more often than not here lately, and he’s second only to Blaney in average finish at this place over the last six races. You’re telling me we can get plus money for a guy who practically lives in the top five at this track? Yes, please.

Josh Berry – Top 10 Finish (+115 BetRivers)

This one’s all about comfort and confidence. Berry doesn’t have a ton of Cup experience here, but he’s no stranger to Martinsville’s rhythm from his Xfinity days—where he won on his first try. He’s not flashy, but he doesn’t make many mistakes either, which is exactly what you want from a Top 10 prop. He’s coming in with momentum after grabbing his first Cup win earlier this season, and the confidence is showing. Smooth hands, clean lines, and good instincts—it’s all there. Quietly love this one.

BONUS: Bubba Wallace Matchup vs. Alex Bowman (+100 at BetMGM)

Love this one. Bubba’s been rock solid lately—P3 at Homestead and top-five in average running position this season. At Martinsville, he’s finished P4 and P9 in his last two starts, while Bowman’s gone P8 and P17. Over the last three races here, Bubba’s average finish is 7.6 vs. Bowman’s 13.6. Even money for the hotter hand and better recent track record? Yes, please.

Alright, that’s the card. We’ve got our six-pack of drivers lined up—two favorites, two value plays, two longshots—and some props I really like. Logano for a Top 5, Berry to sneak into the Top 10, and Bubba over Bowman at even money? Let’s ride. We nailed the A.J. call last week when nobody else saw it coming, and I’m feeling just as good about this slate. Short track racing at Martinsville always brings the chaos, and we’ve got the bets to match. Let’s cash some tickets—and maybe hear that sweet chime of a grandfather clock when it’s all said and done.