The stage for the Championship 4 is almost set, and it all comes down to Martinsville. This track has delivered some incredible memories over the years — from Ross Chastain’s famous “Hail Melon” to Matt Kenseth taking out Joey Logano* to keep him from making the championship race. With a shot at racing for a title on the line, anything can happen!

We’ll start things off with the Craftsman Truck Series, where Corey Heim* enters as the favorite and is already locked into the Championship 4. Grant Enfinger* and Daniel Hemric* are in must-win situations to advance to Phoenix, and the task will be a tall one. But if a couple of the frontrunners slip up, either Enfinger* or Hemric* could sneak their way in and keep their title hopes alive.

Winner Prediction: Layne Riggs*
Championship 4 Prediction: Corey Heim*, Layne Riggs*, Rajah Caruth*, Kaden Honeycutt*

Next up is the Xfinity Series, where heavy favorites Connor Zilisch* and Justin Allgaier* are already locked into the Championship 4. Jesse Love* has a 40-point cushion, so you have to feel good about his chances. JR Motorsports teammates Carson Kvapil* and Sammy Smith* sit fourth and fifth, separated by just 11 points. One driver to watch is Sheldon Creed* — the runner-up in the spring — who’s in a must-win situation for the Haas Factory Team. The driver of the No. 00 might just pull it off.

Winner Prediction: Sheldon Creed*
Championship 4 Prediction: Connor Zilisch*, Justin Allgaier*, Jesse Love*, Sheldon Creed*

Now we turn our attention to the Cup Series, where Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Chase Briscoe* and Denny Hamlin* are already locked in. Their teammate Christopher Bell* holds a 37-point advantage above the cut line, while Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson* sits 36 points above. William Byron*, Joey Logano*, Ryan Blaney* and Chase Elliott* find themselves in must-win situations heading into Martinsville.

If Bell* and Larson* have solid, average days — and there’s no new playoff winner — both should advance comfortably. But the four below the line are all capable of playing spoiler. Last year, Christopher Bell* attempted a wall-ride move that helped William Byron* advance to Phoenix. Could Byron* repay the favor this time? Can Ryan Blaney* make it three straight Martinsville fall wins? Will Chase Elliott* play spoiler and chase his second championship? Or can veteran Joey Logano*, a three-time Cup Series champion, shake up the playoff picture once again?

Winner Prediction: Ryan Blaney*
Championship 4 Prediction: Chase Briscoe*, Denny Hamlin*, Ryan Blaney*, Kyle Larson*

There’s going to be a lot to unpack after this weekend, and we’ll have full championship previews for all three series next week — so be sure to tune in. Until next time!

An asterisk denotes a driver still eligible in their respective series playoff picture.

Yesterday in NASCAR History:
October 24, 2004 – Jimmie Johnson won the Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway, marking his first career victory at the track.