Denny Hamlin edged his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell at the Cook Out 400 to claim his first NASCAR Cup Martinsville race win in a decade.
The Virginia native who is no stranger to success at this historic short track led an impressive 274 of the 400 laps showcasing his dominance and precision on one of NASCAR’s most challenging circuits.
The Cook Out 400 marked Denny Hamlin’s sixth career NASCAR Cup Martinsville race win and his 55th overall in the Series, tying him with Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for 11th on the all-time wins list.
For Hamlin, this triumph was not just another addition to his illustrious career but also a significant milestone as it ended a ten-year drought at the track where he has long excelled.
The race began with Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell starting from pole position after an impressive qualifying lap. Bell fresh off his third consecutive race win at Phoenix, had high hopes and initially looked strong, maintaining his position near the front of the pack.
However, it was Hamlin who quickly emerged as the driver to beat and after methodically working his way to the lead early in the race, he rarely relinquished control.
The 44-year old’s ability to manage tire wear and maintain consistent lap times proved pivotal during long green-flag runs, particularly in the final stages of the Cook Out 400 when he pulled away from Bell to secure a commanding victory by over 4.5 seconds.
Christopher Bell finished second, capping off a strong day for Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite his best efforts to challenge Hamlin for the much coveted NASCAR Cup Martinsville race win, he could not close the gap during the race’s decisive moments.
Bell’s runner-up finish further solidified his reputation as one of the series’ rising stars and continued his strong start to the 2025 season, which has already included multiple wins.
Bubba Wallace, driving the No.23 23XI Racing Toyota, rounded out an impressive top-three finish for Toyota teams. Wallace demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the race, navigating traffic and avoiding incidents to secure his podium finish.
Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five.
Elliott, who started from the outside of the front row showed flashes of speed but struggled to find the consistency needed to challenge for the win while Larson, fresh off his Homestead-Miami race victory, continued his strong form with another solid performance.
The day was less favorable for William Byron, the series points leader heading into Martinsville. The Hendrick Motorsports driver struggled with handling issues throughout the race and failed to lead a lap for the first time this season.
Byron ultimately finished 22nd, a disappointing result that could have implications for his points lead as the 2025 season progresses.
NASCAR Results:
- NASCAR Martinsville Cup Race Results: 2025 Cook Out 400
- 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Points Standings after Martinsville
Defending series champion Joey Logano had a mixed day as well but managed to salvage a ninth-place finish despite spinning late in the race.
Logano also claimed victory in Stage 1, earning valuable stage points that could prove crucial later in the season. His performance highlighted both his skill and determination as he worked his way back through the field after his setback.
Other notable performances included Alex Bowman and Chris Buescher finishing inside the top ten. Bowman started third but faded slightly during long runs, while Buescher quietly put together another consistent outing in what has been a strong season for RFK Racing.
The Cook Out 400 was not without its share of drama and challenges typical of Martinsville’s tight confines and aggressive racing style.
Several drivers experienced difficulties navigating traffic on the half-mile track known for its physicality and strategic demands. Tire management played a critical role throughout the event, as teams had to balance short-run speed with long-term durability on worn-out tires.
Hamlin’s impressive NASCAR Cup Martinsville race win underscored Joe Gibbs Racing’s continued dominance on short tracks. With two cars finishing first and second, JGR reaffirmed their status as one of NASCAR’s premier organizations.
Hamlin credited his crew chief Chris Gayle and his entire team for their strategic approach and flawless execution during pit stops that kept him at the front of the field.
“The car was great,” said Hamlin after collecting his sixth NASCAR Cup Martinsville race win. “It did everything I needed it to do. Just so happy to win with Chris Gayle [crew chief], get 55.
“You know, Chris, all the engineers, the pit crew, everybody really on that wall right there, just deciding they were going to come here with a different approach than what we’ve been over the last few years was just amazing.”
As NASCAR moves forward into its next race at Darlington Raceway for Throwback Weekend, Denny Hamlin’s performance at Martinsville will undoubtedly be remembered as one of his finest moments.
MORE NASCAR NEWS:
