Xfinity 500
The Xfinity 500 turned heads from the start of practice when Denny Hamlin wrecked and was forced to start from the rear of the field. Then, Martin Truex, Jr. made noise by winning the pole for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway.
Once the green flag waved, it appeared to be a Hendrick Motorsports showdown for the Xfinity 500. While Kyle Larson and William Byron showed their prowess throughout the entirety of the race, Chase Elliott, who needed a win to advance to the Championship 4, won Stage 1. The tides shifted slightly when Brad Keselowski won the second stage.
The final stage was more HMS dominance until 46 to go. At that point, Ryan Blaney zipped around Byron to take P3. Then, 23 laps later, Blaney worked his way around Larson with his eyes set on race leader, Elliott.
With 14 to go, Blaney methodically timed his pass, got around Elliott, and took off for the Martinsville sunset.
As he crossed the stripe and locked himself into the Championship 4, there was a kerfuffle as to who was the fourth and final driver heading to Phoenix to vie for the 2024 Championship.
NASCAR officials were re-watching Christopher Bell’s final lap where they felt he attempted the infamous Hail Melon move from 2022. There was also some discrepancy over whether all drivers gave 100% in the closing laps.
When all was said and done, NASCAR deemed Bell’s move illegal and awarded Byron the final spot in Phoenix.
Rich MARvelous Move of the Race
There was a lot to be said about the NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend. So much so that our team could not come up with a solid Rich MARvelous Move of the Race – we were divided across the board! So, we’re throwing it to the fans! Check out our nominations below and vote for your Rich MARvelous Move of the Race from the Xfinity 500!
Options on the Table
- Goodyear – for making a better (not perfect!) tire option for Martinsville. Having attended the spring and fall races the past few years, this was by far the best NCS, and the tire likely contributed to that.
- Nos. 1 & 3 – while it might be considered race manipulation, we looked at the way Austin Dillon and Ross Chastain played “bodyguard” for Byron throughout the closing laps. Their protection allows Chevy to race for a championship next weekend!
Austin Dillon's onboard
What was said on the radio that wouldn't have been said during a normal race & the finish to the race. pic.twitter.com/ViiiJrHlYk
— Andrew (@Basso488) November 4, 2024
- NASCAR’s post-race call with Playoff implications – this was originally made in jest, but the PPN member who suggested it said, “It was an impressive bit of ‘addressing what we can right this second and blatantly ignoring the rest.'”
- The Field vs. Hocevar – On Lap 158, Carson Hocevar wrecked Harrison Burton. Thirty-eight laps later, Hocevar spun Daniel Hemric who collected Todd Gilliland. Then, on Lap 398, Alex Bowman was done and spun Hocevar.
Bowman doing the Lord's work wrecking Hocevar #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/eWPu67pawy
— Jett Kraus (@JettMDK) November 3, 2024
- Elliott “not totally junking the 17” – This staff member noted, “This could have been a lot worse for both of them!”
Big hit for the 9 car
Is this damage going to be the reason why Chase Elliott’s season ends early?pic.twitter.com/ZiXphsO52b
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) November 3, 2024
- Blaney’s “three-wide power move” – On Lap 345, Blaney bumped Shane Van Gisbergen (who was a lap down). In turn, SVG nudged Byron out of the way and up the track allowing Blaney to lay claim to P2.
Blaney uses SVG as a weapon and takes second place
Things are getting physical In Martinsville.pic.twitter.com/1PVbpZDLfu
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) November 3, 2024
Cast Your Vote
Now it’s your turn to cast your vote for the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race! We’ll announce the winner following the Phoenix race!
Thank you to Rich Mar Florist for sponsoring the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race. Give them a follow on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) to stay up-to-date with all the Team Rich Mar NASCAR happenings. Be sure to check out their website for all your floral needs.
