Denny Hamlin Dominates Cook Out 400 for Sixth Martinsville Win

Denny Hamlin won the Cook Out 400 in dominant fashion at Martinsville Speedway, adding to his collection of Martinsville triumphs.

Hamlin won his sixth NASCAR Cup Series event at Martinsville on Sunday, snapping a 10-year drought at his home state track. The victory was the first for Hamlin at Martinsville since March 29, 2015.

Race Results: NCS Cook Out 400 at Martinsville

The Chesterfield, Virginia driver led 274 of the race's 400 laps, won the second stage, and earned the Xfinity Fastest Lap award in a dominant performance. It was Hamlin's first win of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Over a 75-lap green flag run to end the race, Hamlin displayed his mastery of tire management on the short tracks, winning by nearly five seconds over Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell.

"You know, Chris Gayle, all the engineers, the pit crew, everybody really on that wall right there, just deciding they were going to come here with a different approach than what we’ve been over the last few years," said Hamlin. "It was just amazing.

"The car was great. It did everything I needed it to do. Just so happy to win with Chris, get 55."

It's Hamlin's 55th win in NASCAR's premier series, but his first since partnering with new crew chief Chris Gayle entering the 2025 season. For the competition, getting that first win in such impressive fashion could be a sign of things to come.

"He’s been such a soldier to come in here to this 11 team, kind of learn our style. Over the last few weeks, just putting his final touches on it. It’s really been a great mesh. Our relationship is getting better.

"Man, really happy to get a win with him. Obviously back here in Martinsville where I spent so many years racing late models and whatnot. Gosh, I love winning here."

Bell also had a fast Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, but struggled to find the right balance on his No. 20 to compete with Hamlin for the win.

"We were back and forth on balance a little bit," said Bell. "I asked to be freer throughout the whole race. That last run I just went a little bit too loose and lost my drive off.

"It was a great weekend for Joe Gibbs Racing. Showed a lot of pace. All four of the cars were really good. Really happy to kind of get back up front. The last two weeks have been rough for this 20 team. Proud of all our partners, DeWalt, Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing. Really happy for Denny. He’s the Martinsville master. Second is not that bad."

Bubba Wallace completed a Toyota sweep of the podium, finishing third in the No. 23 Camry for 23XI Racing. That gives Wallace back-to-back third-place finishes after last week's effort at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"What a great day," said Wallace. "Continuing to rebound from the start of our season. Super proud of our group here at the 23 team. McDonald’s Toyota Camry was fast all weekend.

"That final restart, I let that second get away. I don’t know if I had anything for Denny. It would have been fun to try. But all in all, hell of a day for Toyota. Top three. That’s nice. Keep the momentum going, having fun."

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five finishers.

Following the Cook Out 400, William Byron leads the NASCAR Cup Series points standings. Byron holds a 17-point advantage over Larson entering next week's Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.

The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Live coverage will air on FOX Sports 1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

-Photo credit: Danny Hansen, LAT for Toyota Gazoo Racing