Venue & Race Info
Track: Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway, Virginia
Nickname: “The Paperclip” – a flat, half-mile short track
Race Distance: 250 laps (131.5 miles)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 6:30 PM ET
Broadcast: CW Network (national), streaming on Fubo in select markets
Weather & Track Conditions
Forecast: Clear skies, temps in the mid-60s at green flag, dropping into the 50s by race end.
Track Surface: Concrete/asphalt mix, expected to cool quickly under lights—tightening handling and favoring cars with long-run balance.
Tire Strategy: Teams allotted five sets; tire wear is moderate but track position is critical.
Injury/Driver Status
No driver injuries reported.
Connor Zilisch (locked into Championship 4) starts deep in the field after practice damage.
Driver Matchups to Watch
Harrison Burton vs Carson Kvapil: Burton’s pole-winning lap was less than a hundredth faster than Kvapil’s. Burton also won here in 2020, making him a strong short-track threat.
Aric Almirola vs Playoff Drivers: Running for the Owners’ Championship in the No. 19, Almirola is a Martinsville ace and could steal a win.
Sam Mayer vs Chandler Smith: Both need strong finishes to secure Phoenix berths; Mayer’s aggressive short-track style vs Smith’s consistency will be pivotal.
Connor Zilisch: Already locked in, but starting 30th+ means he’ll be slicing through traffic—risk vs reward.
Race History
Martinsville Xfinity Fall Race: Known for chaos—tight racing, bump-and-run finishes, and playoff drama.
2024 Race: Featured multiple cautions and late-race contact that shaped the Championship 4.
Signature Prize: Winner earns a Grandfather Clock trophy, one of NASCAR’s most iconic awards.
Recent Driver Form
Harrison Burton: Momentum from pole and past Martinsville success.
Aric Almirola: Strong Martinsville record, spoiler potential.
Sam Mayer: Aggressive but inconsistent; thrives on short tracks.
Chandler Smith: Steady playoff performer, needs points.
Connor Zilisch: Locked into Phoenix, but dangerous even from the back.
Betting Trends
Favorites: Burton (+450), Almirola (+500), Mayer (+600).
Value Picks: Chandler Smith (+850), Carson Kvapil (+1000).
Underdog to Watch: Sheldon Creed (+1600)—short-track savvy.
Trend: 4 of last 5 Martinsville playoff races won by non-favorites or drivers below the cutline.
