Updated with Starting Positions: How to Play Short Track NASCAR DFS on DraftKings: Martinsville Strategy Guide

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How to Play Short Track NASCAR DFS on DraftKings: Martinsville Cook Out 400 Strategy Guide – Updated with Starting Positions

This week’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is a 400-lap short track showdown — and that changes everything in DraftKings DFS strategy. Short tracks like this are all about dominator points, and Martinsville is one of the most dominator-heavy races on the schedule.

DFS Strategy for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville’s 0.526-mile short track, known as “The Paperclip,” emphasizes dominator points in DFS due to the high number of laps. With 400 laps scheduled, there’s a total of 100 points available for laps led and 180 points for fastest laps in DraftKings scoring, making the selection of drivers who can lead and maintain speed crucial.​

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Top DraftKings Picks Based on Starting Positions

1. Christopher Bell ($10,500) – Starting 1st

Bell secured the pole position with a lap time of 19.718 seconds (96.034 mph). His starting spot and recent performances position him as a primary dominator candidate, with the potential to lead a significant portion of the race.

2. Chase Elliott ($10,200) – Starting 2nd

Elliott, starting alongside Bell, has a strong track record at Martinsville, including multiple top-three finishes. His position offers a high probability of leading early laps and accumulating dominator points. ​

3. Alex Bowman ($9,800) – Starting 3rd

Bowman, part of the Hendrick Motorsports team, has shown consistency at Martinsville. Starting from the second row enhances his potential to lead laps and secure a top finish, making him a valuable DFS asset.

4. Kyle Larson ($10,000) – Starting 4th

Larson’s starting position in the second row, combined with his aggressive driving style, makes him a strong contender for dominator points. His ability to maintain speed and challenge for the lead adds to his DFS appeal. ​

5. Denny Hamlin ($10,800) – Starting 5th

Hamlin, a five-time Martinsville winner, starts from the fifth position. His experience and success at this track make him a formidable candidate for leading laps and securing a high finish.

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Value and Sleeper Picks

1. Joey Logano ($9,200) – Starting 7th

Logano’s starting position within the top ten, coupled with his competitive edge, positions him as a potential dominator. His ability to navigate short tracks effectively adds to his value. ​

2. Bubba Wallace ($7,500) – Starting 8th

Wallace’s top-ten starting position offers opportunities for place differential points. His recent performances indicate potential for a strong finish.

3. Ryan Blaney ($9,000) – Starting 32nd

Blaney’s deep starting position presents significant place differential potential. Despite the challenge, his proven ability at Martinsville makes him a high-risk, high-reward option. ​

OTHER SLEEPERS:

1. Bubba Wallace ($7,200) – Starting 8th

   • Wallace has demonstrated strong performance on short tracks, and his recent form suggests he’s a contender for a top finish. His starting position within the top ten enhances his potential to accumulate valuable points.​

2. Cole Custer ($6,300) – Starting 22nd

   • Custer’s past performances at Martinsville indicate his capability on this track. Starting from the 22nd position provides ample opportunity for place differential points, making him a cost-effective addition to your lineup.​

3. Todd Gilliland ($5,600) – Starting 25th

   • Gilliland has shown promise in practice sessions, indicating potential for a solid performance. His starting spot offers significant place differential upside, and his affordable salary allows for flexibility in roster construction.​

4. Shane van Gisbergen ($5,900) – Starting 33rd

   • Van Gisbergen’s limited Cup Series experience at Martinsville includes a commendable finish after starting deep in the field. His current starting position mirrors this scenario, presenting a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for DFS players seeking a differentiator.​

5. Austin Cindric ($8,500) – Starting 12th

   • Cindric has demonstrated proficiency in managing tire wear, a crucial factor at Martinsville. His starting position offers both dominator and place differential potential, making him a valuable mid-tier selection.​

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DFS Lineup Construction Tips

• Prioritize Dominators: Allocate a substantial portion of your budget to drivers starting in the top positions with a high likelihood of leading laps.​

• Balance with Place Differential Candidates: Incorporate drivers starting further back who have the potential to move up and secure top finishes, maximizing points from position gains.​

• Monitor Race Conditions: Short tracks like Martinsville often see frequent cautions and lead changes. Selecting drivers known for consistency and adaptability can mitigate risks associated with in-race incidents.​

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By focusing on these strategies and leveraging the confirmed starting positions, you can optimize your DraftKings lineup for today’s Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.

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If you’re building lineups for DraftKings, your #1 priority is identifying the drivers who will lead laps and run fastest laps — because that’s where the real scoring comes from.

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1. Dominators Are Everything (And Yes, They Can Still Hit 100+ DK Points)

Let’s do the math for a 400-lap race:

• 0.25 points per lap led

• 0.45 points per fastest lap

• 400 laps = 100 DK points available for laps led

• 400 laps = 180 DK points available for fastest laps

That’s 280 bonus points up for grabs — and unlike longer tracks, they tend to be concentrated among just a few drivers.

A top-tier dominator at Martinsville might:

• Lead 200+ laps (50 DK points)

• Grab 90 fastest laps (40.5 DK points)

• Win the race (45 points)

That’s over 135+ DraftKings points — not hypothetical, this happens every year on short tracks. If you don’t roster the key dominators, you’re likely drawing dead in tournaments.

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2. Build Around Two Dominators — and Leave Room for a Third

Given the 400-lap length, there’s still plenty of room for multiple dominators. In many Martinsville races, one driver leads early, another controls the mid-race, and a third takes over late.

In your builds:

• Lock in one dominator with early track position (starts 1–5)

• Pair with a second dominator who may take control later (starts 4–10)

• Consider rotating a third in multi-entry lineups

If one of your dominators leads 150+ laps and logs fastest laps while winning or finishing top 3, you’re in great shape.

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3. Use Place Differential for Upside — But Avoid Junk Plays

Place differential is still important on DraftKings — a driver starting 28th and finishing 10th is worth +18 points just on differential, plus finish points and any dominator crumbs.

But don’t fall into the trap of punting on drivers who have no path forward. On short tracks, traffic is constant and slower cars don’t magically pass 15 cars. Look for:

• Top 15 potential

• Solid team and equipment

• Price in the mid- to low-range

These drivers offer real upside without costing you dominators.

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4. Avoid the Mid-Pack Fade Zone

This is the graveyard of DraftKings lineups.

Drivers who qualify 12th–18th and finish in that same range are often lineup killers unless they:

• Lead laps

• Gain significant positions

• Or are extremely cheap

You’ll often get more value from a $6,000 driver who moves from 28th to 19th than a $7,800 guy who starts 13th and finishes 14th.

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5. Stars and Scrubs Usually Beats Balance

For short tracks like Martinsville, Stars & Scrubs is often optimal:

• Two expensive dominators

• One or two high-upside differential plays

• One cheap punt who just survives

That last slot doesn’t need a miracle. If they finish 22nd on the lead lap and cost $5,200, that’s a win. You want that salary savings to free up both dominators.

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Sample DraftKings GPP Build for the Martinsville 400

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Final Thoughts

For the 400-lap Martinsville race, success in DraftKings DFS hinges on two things:

• Nailing your dominators

• Avoiding dead weight in the middle of the field

With 280 bonus points in play, DFS scoring will be lopsided. One or two drivers will dominate — literally and figuratively — and you need them in your lineup.

Short tracks are chaotic, but predictable patterns emerge for those who study practice, qualifying, and track history. Build around that, and you’ll have a real shot this week.