NASCAR has released the qualifying order for the Cup Series playoff race at Martinsville Speedway as part of the 2026 Chase postseason. The short-track event marks a critical round in the championship elimination format, with drivers vying for advancement to the next stage.
The qualifying session determines starting positions for the race at the historic 0.526-mile paperclip-shaped oval in Virginia. Martinsville's tight corners and limited passing zones make track position especially valuable, placing added emphasis on single-lap speed during time trials.
Playoff contenders will aim to secure front-row starts to control the early race rhythm, while drivers below the cut line need strong qualifying efforts to maximize their chances of racing their way into the next round. The session follows NASCAR's standard group qualifying format for short tracks.
