Martinsville Mayhem

Xfinity 500:

More. Short. Tracks. Martinsville delivered once again. Sure, the first 400 laps were a little mundane and fairly straightforward, but we got what is needed in a cutoff race at a short track: chaos, stories, content, drama, a show. Whatever you want to call it, but I call it Martinsville. It was perfect. The last 100 laps were passionate, hardcore racing and the epitome of what NASCAR was built on and what makes short track racing so special. Add in that two more playoff spots were up for grabs after Chase Elliott clinched on points after sweeping the first two stages, we had a set up for some hella good stories. And it happened.

Cautions bred cautions in the last 60-some laps. It was fantastic. I was on the edge of my seat that entire last sequence of the race. Bump banging, shoving around, door slamming hardcore, glorious short track racing. It was what I love about NASCAR. There were fights for the lead, fight for playoff spots, and passionate drivers not giving one inch. What flipped the script from my view was Brad Keselowski dumping (accidentally) Chase Elliott. That signaled go time and that Brad was going to do whatever it took beyond the limits to advance. From then it was on 100% from the playoff drivers. It delivered some of the best 50-ish laps of racing of the season. And of course, the drama for win.

I've never driven anything more competitive than trying to beat family in go-kart races, but I have watched enough racing to know that what Bowman did was not intentional. Under braking, driving deep and going for the win the car stepped out. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Hamlin was there and around he went. It is what it is - short track racing. Now, if I'm Denny or his fans, I'm pissed. If I'm Bowman and I'm his fans, I'm elated we're in Victory Lane. And that my friends is what makes Martinsville so damn special. Two intense drivers going for wins for nothing more than to snag a grandfather clock (and Denny confirming his spot for a championship). It was glorious and I loved every minute of it. Was Denny's cool down lap antics too much? Maybe. Depends. I don't care. People are talking about NASCAR, it was great racing, and it has me jazzed for Phoenix.

Dead on Tools 250:

Noah Gragson called his shot and delivered. Another fantastic race and drivers should take notice of Noah being confident off that win. Aside from that, I felt this race was straightforward. Great racing, great battles, but it was overall a clean and smooth race. The Xfinity Series has dealt solid races all year and Saturday night was no exception. The final two restarts had my heart beating 100mph and Gragson sending it off on the high-side to snag the lead back from Hemric was a ballsy move and I was shocked he pulled off the move. This race sets up what is going to be dogfight for the Xfinity title Saturday night

United Rentals 200:

This was was pure chaos. I love the truck series - it is often times the most fun and entertaining race of the week. Saturday was entertaining, but my goodness. 89 laps of 200 under caution. Bonehead moves that triggered big crashes and playoff altering crashes is not what the Truck Series needs in my opinion. Now, do I want full military-style decorum and professionalism? No. But let's try to make 50+ laps with knocking each other out and into the wall. But again, an outsider stepped up, made it through pandemonium and sealed their fate with a chance to win the Truck Series title - Zane Smith! I would not have guessed it but he did the damn thing and earned it which should make Friday's night championship race entertaining...for 2nd place. I still believe John Hunter Nemecheck is going to stink up the show and win the race and the title.

Predictions:

I cannot believe we are headed into the final race of the year. 2021 has flown by and has been a great season. I was worried it was over-hyped, but for the most part, it was a damn good season. New tracks, different tracks, and a fair amount of drama on and off the track. Even though this is the last race of the season, I am already looking forward to 2022.

But before that, we have to crown champions. For this season, I firmly believe the race winner will also be the champion for each series. Here are my picks below:

Truck:

• John Hunter Nemecheck

Xfinity:

• Noah Gragson - although I think Allmendinger gives him a run for his money.

Cup:

• Chase Elliott - but look out for MTJ, he's the most dangerous of the four to sneak in and win it all.

Until next year folks: Have a Merry Offseason and Happy Christmas!

Header Photo: Chris Owens Photos