NFPA 250

O'Reilly Series Intelligence • v2.0 Pre-Race
Martinsville Speedway
Saturday, March 28, 2026
TV: The CW / CW App
RADIO: MRN / SiriusXM
STAGES: 60 / 120 / 250

Tech Section: 2026 Short-Track Aero & Power

The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series utilizes the 2026 short-track aero package featuring composite bodies and a 3-inch spoiler. Why? This configuration reduces downforce compared to intermediate tracks, placing a premium on mechanical grip. So What? Expect tighter racing in the concrete turns where aero-push is minimized, allowing drivers to use the "bump-and-run" effectively.

Power Specs: These cars run ~650-670 HP. Why? The high-response engine tune is designed to help drivers "launch" out of the flat 12° turns. So What? Managing rear-tire wheel spin will be the difference between a top-5 run and fading during the final 50-lap stage.

Goodyear Technicals: A softer left-side compound is utilized for Martinsville’s concrete corners. So What? This creates a 1-2 second drop-off over 30 laps, making pit strategy for tires more valuable than fuel mileage.

Drivers & Teams Intelligence

Lee Pulliam: The short-track legend makes his series debut this weekend. Why? Pulliam brings decades of experience on flat ovals. So What? His technical feedback on track-surface transitions (asphalt to concrete) could provide an edge over series regulars.

Andrew Patterson: Confirmed for an eight-race schedule with Jordan Anderson Racing. So What? Martinsville serves as a critical evaluation race for his ability to manage equipment on high-brake-wear tracks.

Joey Gase Motorsports: Blake Lothian joins the team for a five-race schedule starting this weekend. So What? The team is focusing on short-track stability to maximize owner points.

Pre-Race Schedule & Alerts

Friday, March 27: Practice (4:30 PM ET) and Qualifying (5:35 PM ET) streaming on The CW App. Saturday, March 28: Race start at 3:30 PM ET on The CW.

Alert: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been named the entitlement sponsor for this event. Technical inspections will occur Friday afternoon; watch for potential "L1" penalties regarding under-body aero modifications.

Track Metrics: The Paperclip

Length: 0.526 Miles
Banking: 12° (Turns) / 0° (Straights)
Surface: Asphalt straights; Concrete lower lanes.
So What? The "grip-gap" between the two surfaces often causes wheel-hop. Drivers must adjust brake bias forward to maintain stability entering Turn 1.

Official Social Buzz

#NFPA250: Fans are buzzing about the return of "Old School" racing. So What? The series is seeing a resurgence in short-track viewership due to the 2026 aero tweaks.