Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell have been already locked in 2023 NASCAR Cup Martinsville playoff race, whereas each Ryan Blaney and William Byron held on to the 2 remaining switch spots.
Whereas Byron narrowly escaped elimination, ending the day only a few factors away from Denny Hamlin, Blaney left nothing to probability as he captured the checkered flag.
Martin Truex Jr., Tyler Reddick, and Chris Buescher have been eradicated alongside Hamlin.
Blaney took the lead with a cross on Aric Almirola with simply over 20 laps to go. Almirola went on to complete second with Hamlin third, Chase Briscoe fourth and Joey Logano fifth.
The win is the third this season for the driving force of the No. 12 Crew Penske Ford, with two coming within the playoffs, and tenth of his profession.
“It’s superior. I grew up in Excessive Level, not too removed from right here. Nearer to Excessive Level actually, Martinsville is than Charlotte,” Blaney mentioned. “Actually cool. Desirous to win right here for a very long time. Been tremendous shut for a few years. Superior to shut it out.
“I imply, felt like we put collectively actually robust playoffs, particularly the Spherical of 8, we had an excellent run in the entire Spherical of 8. Simply total actually happy with the entire effort.
“RP (group proprietor Roger Penske) couldn’t be right here, sadly, however I do know he was watching. That is superior. Can’t wait to get to Phoenix subsequent week.”
