Martinsville Speedway, located in southern Virginia, hosted its latest NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 16th. The NOCO 400, which began at an earlier time than previously scheduled due to bad weather, saw Kyle Larson emerge victorious after an impressive fight back through the field (USA Today).
Larson won the race by pulling ahead of Joey Logano, solidifying his status as a front-runner in this year’s NASCAR Cup Series (CBS Sports). The win also marked the first time Larson had reached victory lane at the Martinsville Speedway (NASCAR on NBC Sports).
The speedway has been a fixture of the NASCAR calendar since 1949, making it the oldest track hosting the Cup Series (Sporting News). However, things have changed significantly since those early days. The facility was renovated in 2016, with upgrades to the track, infield, and parking areas among the improvements made (Fox Sports).
And it’s not just the track itself that has undergone significant changes in recent years. The NASCAR Cup Series calendar has also been subject to regular tweaks, with Sunday’s race being the first of the 2023 season to take place at the Martinsville Speedway (Sporting News).
The start time of the race was moved up due to expected inclement weather, with fans packing the stands in anticipation of a thrilling race (WSLS). With the likes of Ryan Preece and Chase Elliott joining the competition, many were eager to see who would emerge victorious (Charlotte Observer).
The weather played a factor throughout the race, with rain threatening to delay proceedings (Action Network). However, it was Larson who ultimately emerged on top, securing his second Cup Series win in the space of just a few weeks (Fox Sports).
As the Martinsville Speedway continues to host major NASCAR events like the NOCO 400, it remains a cornerstone of the sport and a must-visit destination for fans from across the country (NASCAR on NBC Sports).
