Chase Elliott returned to victory lane in dramatic fashion Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, outdueling Denny Hamlin in the closing laps to win the Cook Out 400 and secure his first victory of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

In a race defined by patience, track position, and perfectly timed execution, Elliott and the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team delivered when it mattered most—capitalizing on a late-race opportunity to steal the win from a dominant Hamlin.

Early Race: Hamlin Sets the Tone
From the drop of the green flag, it was clear Denny Hamlin came to Martinsville with one goal—win.

Starting from the pole, Hamlin controlled the pace early and showcased elite long-run speed, leading a large portion of the opening stage. The veteran short-track ace methodically built his advantage, navigating traffic with ease and setting the standard for the field.

Despite Elliott showing flashes of speed inside the top 10, he spent much of Stage 1 managing track position rather than challenging for the lead.

Stage 1 Results (Top 10)
1. Denny Hamlin
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Joey Logano
4. Ryan Blaney
5. William Byron
6. Christopher Bell
7. Chase Elliott
8. Kyle Larson
9. Ty Gibbs
10. Ross Chastain

Stage 1 ended under caution, reinforcing just how important track position would be for the rest of the afternoon.

Stage 2: Hamlin Stays in Control
Stage 2 looked much like the first—Hamlin out front, controlling the rhythm of the race.

While several contenders, including Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, attempted to close the gap, Hamlin’s consistency on long runs proved too strong. Elliott again stayed within striking distance, running a smart race and keeping his car clean while others battled aggressively behind him.

Stage 2 Results (Top 10)
1. Denny Hamlin
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Joey Logano
4. William Byron
5. Christopher Bell
6. Ryan Blaney
7. Chase Elliott
8. Ty Gibbs
9. Kyle Larson
10. Ross Chastain

At this point, it felt like Hamlin’s race to lose.

Final Stage: Strategy Flips the Script
Martinsville always delivers late drama—and Sunday was no different.

A critical caution in the final stage reset the field and opened the door for strategy calls. Elliott’s team seized the moment, making the right adjustments and gaining valuable track position heading into the closing laps.
From there, Elliott began his charge.

With fresher tires and clean air, the No. 9 Chevrolet showed its best speed of the day at exactly the right time. Elliott methodically worked forward, eventually taking control of the race as Hamlin tried to respond.

Closing Laps: Elliott Holds Off Hamlin
Once Elliott got to the front, the pressure was immediate.

Hamlin stayed glued to his rear bumper, looking for any opportunity to make a move in the tight Martinsville corners. But Elliott remained composed, hitting his marks and protecting the inside line—forcing Hamlin to settle for second.

It was a clinic in short-track racing discipline.

Final Results (Top 10)
1. Chase Elliott
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Joey Logano
4. Ty Gibbs
5. William Byron
6. Ryan Blaney
7. Christopher Bell
8. Austin Cindric
9. Kyle Larson
10. Josh Berry

Main Storylines

🔥 Elliott Breaks Through in 2026
After a steady but winless start to the season, Elliott delivers a signature victory and immediately becomes a serious contender moving forward.

🏁 Hamlin Dominates—but Falls Short

…but leaves Martinsville without the trophy—a tough pill to swallow at one of his best tracks.

🧠 Strategy Wins at Martinsville
​This race was a reminder:

Elliott and crew chief Alan Gustafson nailed it.

🚗 Hendrick Motorsports Strength
With multiple cars in the top 10 and Elliott in victory lane, Hendrick Motorsports continues to show elite speed and depth early in 2026.

Final Takeaway
Martinsville is a track that rewards discipline—and punishes mistakes.

Chase Elliott didn’t dominate the race.
He didn’t control every stage.

But when the moment came… he executed.

​And that’s why he’s leaving Martinsville with a grandfather clock.