Can another short track deliver up to expectations in the playoffs? NASCAR has been looking for feasible solutions to build upon its short-track racing product. On one hand, doubts might arise about the short-track races this season. However, Martinsville is the ultimate short track in NASCAR, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a prediction that might augur good things for the fans.

The former two-time Xfinity winner believes that playoff urgency will play a huge role here, with Martinsville being the final race before the finale at Phoenix. With only two empty spots left, there is no doubt what approach drivers will take when making passes. Will they be cautious or let the pressure get the best of them? Hear it from Dale Jr. himself.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not a big fan of short-track races this season.

The most significant improvement to make is the functioning of the Next-Gen car on short tracks. With the lanes congested and neck-to-neck contests ensuing, dirty air finds a way to get inside things. Next-Gen vehicles have experienced reduced downforce in traffic this season, reducing their handling and making them more prone to crashes.

Speaking to his co-host Mike Davis on the latest episode of his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, he emphasizes the playoff presence in the race. With six drivers having a make-or-break situation on Monday, it will be interesting to see each driver’s racing method. Misfortune could also become the central theme of the race, as well-setup teams could face the wrath of short-track racing gods.

“I’m looking forward to Martinsville, man. I know the short tracks this year because they have been a snoozefest, follow-the-leader. NASCAR’s got their hand full trying to figure out how to make that better. Martinsville could potentially be much of the same.” conveyed Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“I’m hoping that with so much at stake, that will create some fireworks.” Jr. then added that Martinsville became a talking point thanks to Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell’s victories in prior weeks. Using Ross Chastain’s iconic and innovative move at last year’s playoff race in Martinsville, he noticed how even the provision of that has been canceled.

“It has to. We had the Hail Melon last year; that’s what I call it. I saw that somebody posted on social media get ready this week to see this move, countless times being promoted and using promotion for the event that is now illegal and no one can do and it is really kinda comical. They don’t want you to tune in for the crashes, but that’s gonna be on the promo reel.”

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It would be fascinating to see another driver develop a similar technique to have his opponents beat on the track. Denny Hamlin could be forced to try something of that sort if the race doesn’t play out as planned by the #11 team.

Dale Jr. expects controversy and drama to erupt in Martinsville

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Martinsville has donned the colors of controversy many times before this race. The occasion of the season’s penultimate race being held here has only added to the essence of the short track. The shortest track on NASCAR’s schedule could prove to be a litmus test with a precarious situation on the cards for veterans like Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr.

Coming back to his point of another version of Ross Chastain’s Hail Melon appearing at Martinsville again, he continued, “We won’t see that. That’s for sure, but we should certainly see some fireworks.  Some drivers may not so happy after the race getting out and talking about it. I think pit road, post-race in Martinsville, there’s more sound bites there than any other race track in the last ten years. The percentages are good Mike. “

Some controversy could also add considerable nuance to the stakes, which will be high for the championship race in Phoenix. Martinsville will not only give us the following two drivers to race in Phoenix but also a hint at the next NASCAR Cup Series champion.

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