NASCAR’s national series converge on Martinsville Speedway this weekend for a high-stakes doubleheader, with the Cup Series’ Cook Out 400 spotlighting the iconic paperclip track. Here’s your definitive schedule for every practice, qualifying, and race session across all broadcast and streaming platforms.
NASCAR returns to the historic Martinsville Speedway in Virginia this weekend for a critical stretch of the season, featuring a Saturday-Sunday doubleheader with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Cup Series. The Truck Series is skipped this week, but all eyes are on the prestigious Cook Out 400 on Sunday, the first of two Cup races at the track this year. As the shortest haul trip for teams from Charlotte, Martinsville’s paperclip layout promises tight racing and high drama, with the winner earning the iconic Grandfather Clock trophy—a unique honor documented by NASCAR.com.
With playoff positioning intensifying, fans are eager to track every session, from practice to the main event. Our guide consolidates all viewing details, ensuring you never miss a lap of the action.
Why Martinsville Speedway Is a NASCAR Cornerstone
Martinsville Speedway, opened in 1947, is NASCAR’s oldest track and a fan favorite for its short, paperclip design that forces bumper-to-bumper racing and strategic patience. The Grandfather Clock trophy, awarded since 1950, symbolizes excellence at this venue, with past winners often emerging as championship contenders. This legacy adds weight to every lap, making the weekend a must-watch for enthusiasts following season-long narratives.
Complete Broadcast and Streaming Schedule
The full weekend slate, as outlined by Athlon Sports, includes practices, qualifying, and races across multiple platforms. Below is a day-by-day breakdown.
Friday, March 27
- O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 4:30 PM ET on The CW App
- O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 5:35 PM ET on The CW App
Saturday, March 28
- Cup Series Practice – 12:30 PM ET on Prime (Radio: MRN)
- Cup Series Qualifying – 1:40 PM ET on Prime (Radio: MRN)
- O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: NFPA 250 – 3:30 PM ET on The CW (Radio: SiriusXM/MRN)
Sunday, March 29
- Cup Series: Cook Out 400 – 3:30 PM ET on Fox Sports 1 and HBO MAX (Driver Cam stream) (Radio: SiriusXM/MRN)
Key Storylines and Fan Implications
This weekend’s races carry significant momentum for drivers chasing playoff spots. The Cook Out 400 is particularly pivotal, as Martinsville’s tight confines often reward consistency and pit road precision. Fans are debating tire wear and fuel strategy, given the track’s abrasive surface. While the O’Reilly Series race on Saturday serves as a showcase for emerging talent, the Cup event will test championship mettle. Expect heavy focus on veteran contenders versus rising stars, with the Grandfather Clock serving as a career milestone.
How to Access Every Session: Platforms and Tips
Viewers have multiple options: The CW App streams Friday and Saturday Xfinity action, while Prime covers Cup practice and qualifying. Sunday’s main event is on Fox Sports 1, with the innovative Driver Cam on HBO MAX offering an immersive perspective. Radio broadcasts via MRN and SiriusXM provide live commentary for those on the go. Ensure subscriptions are active ahead of time to avoid blackouts, especially for streaming services.
For fans tracking fantasy leagues or entry lists, detailed previews are available through NASCAR’s official channels, but the broadcast schedule remains the definitive resource for live viewing.
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