William Byron Wins Martinsville Xfinity 500 Securing Championship 4 Spot

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Martinsville Speedway was crucial for drivers fighting for the final Championship 4 spots. Ryan Blaney, despite a strong performance and leading 177 laps, narrowly missed advancing to the Championship 4 after finishing second to William Byron, who dominated the race and secured the victory. Blaney faced a must-win scenario following poor finishes in previous races, but his late-race pit stop strategy could not overcome Byron's stronger restart in the closing laps. Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe had already secured their Championship 4 spots earlier, with Hamlin winning the spring Martinsville race and projected to be a strong contender, though his focus may shift toward the season finale. Hendrick Motorsports employed strategic teammate restarts during the race to maintain positions, but their efforts were disrupted by Blaney's charge. The race featured a new tire compound from Goodyear, increasing tire wear and adding strategic complexity to the final playoff round, which was broadcast on NBC and streaming platforms.