We spent Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia, for the 2026 Cook Out 400, and from the time we rolled in, you could feel that good short-track tension hanging in the air. Martinsville has a way of pulling everybody right into the action, and that is exactly why our Martinsville NASCAR packages are such a fun fit for fans who want racing up close. This one had the cool early-spring feel, the buzz of race morning, and all the bumping, battling, and late-race pressure folks come to The Paperclip to see.
Welcoming Our Group in Greensboro
I was the only host for this weekend, so I got to know our group real well, and that is always one of my favorite parts. We had a great mix of guests, with about one-third having traveled with us before, which always gives a weekend a comfortable feel right from the start. There is something special about seeing familiar faces come back and settle in like old friends, while new guests get to experience RaceAway for the first time.
I especially loved welcoming our Australian guests, who chose Martinsville for their very first NASCAR experience! Now that is one memorable way to be introduced to this sport. If you are going to show somebody what stock car racing feels like, Martinsville is a mighty good place to do it. The track is tight, the tempo is fast, and the crowd reacts to every little nudge and every restart like it truly matters.
Our hotel for the weekend was the Embassy Suites Greensboro Airport, and RaceAway’s March 2026 package paired that two-night stay with private round-trip motorcoach transportation and Cup race tickets. On race day, our charter picked up right in front of the hotel, and the ride to the speedway was about 45 miles, though guests were advised to expect closer to a 90-minute drive.
Race Day at The Paperclip
Sunday had a smooth flow to it. Our charter transportation departed the hotel for Martinsville Speedway at 10:30 a.m., with driver introductions scheduled for 2:55 p.m. and the green flag for the 3:30 p.m. Cook Out 400. That early departure gave everybody time to get settled, get through the gates, and start soaking in the atmosphere before the big moments of the afternoon.
Once we got inside, our guests had exactly what they were hoping for: amazing views, a full taste of the Martinsville atmosphere, and of course those famous Martinsville hot dogs that are part of the tradition at this place. RaceAway’s Martinsville package page highlights the kind of sightlines fans can expect here, including views of the full half-mile, pit road, and the start-finish area, and that up-close perspective really is a big part of what makes this track so enjoyable.
The race itself had that classic Martinsville feel from green flag to checkered. There was contact, there were tempers, there were tight battles all through the field, and it never felt like anybody could relax for very long. Denny Hamlin had control for much of the day, but late-race strategy changed the picture, and Chase Elliott took full advantage. He got the track position he needed and then held off Hamlin in the closing laps to win the 2026 Cook Out 400. It was exactly the kind of finish that keeps a crowd loud all the way to the stripe.
What Made This Weekend Stand Out
From where I sat, this weekend was not just about the winner. It was about watching repeat guests enjoy another smooth RaceAway trip, seeing first-timers light up as they took in their first NASCAR race, and feeling that shared energy when Martinsville started getting rough and tense the way Martinsville always can. That is the sweet spot for a hosted race weekend. Folks get the comfort of having the details handled, but they still get all the raw excitement that makes this sport so much fun in person.
Highlights from This 2026 Weekend
- 2026 Cook Out 400 race day at Martinsville Speedway was on March 29, 2026
- About one-third of our group were returning RaceAway guests
- We welcomed Australian guests experiencing their first NASCAR race
- Private charter transportation ran from Embassy Suites Greensboro Airport to the track on Sunday
- Guests enjoyed unique views, Martinsville hot dogs, and classic short-track chaos
- Chase Elliott won after a late strategy shake-up and held off Denny Hamlin to the finish
By the time we loaded back up after the race, it felt like one of those weekends that reminded everybody why Martinsville stays high on so many fans’ lists. It had the history, the noise, the drama, and that close-up short-track feel you just cannot fake. I was proud to host this group, and I would love for folks to join us at Martinsville Speedway or explore some of our other NASCAR travel packages.