2025 Cook Out 400: What to Expect

Kyle Larson punched his playoff ticket last week with a win at Homestead, but now it’s time for something completely different. Martinsville. The paper clip is short, tight, and built for contact. Expect plenty of beating, banging, and maybe even a little revenge as the Cup Series fights for one of the most iconic trophies in NASCAR: the grandfather clock.

What to Expect This Weekend

We’ve got a couple of fresh faces on the entry list this week. Burt Myers is back in the No. 50 for his first regular-season Cup start after running the Clash at Bowman Gray. Joining him is Casey Mears, making his first Cup Series start since 2019 in the No. 66 Ford. Otherwise, it’s the usual suspects with the 36 charter entries remaining unchanged.

With Martinsville’s concrete corners and heavy braking zones, tire wear will be something to monitor. Fresh tires provide an edge, but with NASCAR deciding not to bring back the tire option this year, most teams will be stuck conserving with limited sets. This puts extra emphasis on pit strategy and when to take fresh rubber, especially in the closing laps.

Key Drivers to Watch

Martinsville’s Next Gen package has made passing tough, so track position is everything. Qualify well, stay up front, and you’ve got a shot. Ryan Blaney has the best average finish here among active drivers. He’s had brutal luck this year with two blown engines in three weeks, but that turns around this weekend. I’m calling it now, Blaney wins the Cook Out 400.

AJ Allmendinger has rattled off two straight top tens for Kaulig Racing and tends to outperform his equipment at Martinsville. Keep an eye on him as a dark horse. Kyle Larson is coming off a win at Homestead and is always a threat, even at a track that hasn’t historically been his best. Denny Hamlin is in the mix too. It’s his home track, he has a chip on his shoulder this year, and he knows how to get around this place better than most.

Where to Watch

The Cook Out 400 goes green at 3:00 p.m. EST on FOX and Max.

What We’ve Learned So Far

Ford’s struggles are mounting, with only two wins so far and Blaney’s engine failures adding to their woes. It’s rare to see two blown motors in such a short span, raising durability concerns. NASCAR’s decision to remove the tire option also stands out, signaling a shift toward consistency over experimentation. Whether that benefits teams remains to be seen, but it’s already shaping race strategy moving forward.