Rain Reshuffles the Deck: NFPA 250 Starting Lineup Set by Metric
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Martinsville Speedway this Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the NFPA 250, but the road to the starting grid has taken an unexpected turn. Inclement weather has forced the cancellation of qualifying, meaning the lineup will be determined by a competition-based metric score.
What Does This Mean for the Race?
With qualifying scratched, the metric score becomes the deciding factor for starting positions. This system prioritizes performance and consistency throughout the season, but it similarly means some drivers who might have excelled in a single qualifying session will start further back than anticipated. Notably, Dawson Cram and Justin Carroll will not qualify for the 38-car race due to the metric score.
Top of the Grid: Allgaier Leads the Way
Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports will lead the field to green, securing the pole position based on the metric score. Rajah Caruth will start alongside him in second, followed by Brandon Jones and Brent Crews in rows two and three respectively. The top ten is rounded out by Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Corey Day, Jesse Love, Sammy Smith and Parker Retzlaff.
| Row | Inside Lane | Outside Lane |
|---|---|---|
| Row 1 | Justin Allgaier | Rajah Caruth |
| Row 2 | Brandon Jones | Brent Crews |
| Row 3 | Carson Kvapil | Sheldon Creed |
| Row 4 | Corey Day | Jesse Love |
| Row 5 | Sammy Smith | Parker Retzlaff |
The Full Starting Grid
The complete starting lineup for the NFPA 250 is as follows:
| Position | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Allgaier |
| 2 | Rajah Caruth |
| 3 | Brandon Jones |
| 4 | Brent Crews |
| 5 | Carson Kvapil |
| 6 | Sheldon Creed |
| 7 | Corey Day |
| 8 | Jesse Love |
| 9 | Sammy Smith |
| 10 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 11 | Sam Mayer |
| 12 | Lee Pulliam |
| 13 | Taylor Gray |
| 14 | Ryan Sieg |
| 15 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 16 | William Sawalich |
| 17 | Brennan Poole |
| 18 | Nick Sanchez |
| 19 | Andrew Patterson |
| 20 | Jeremy Clements |
| 21 | Josh Bilicki |
| 22 | Dean Thompson |
| 23 | Jeb Burton |
| 24 | Harrison Burton |
| 25 | Garrett Smithley |
| 26 | Austin Hill |
| 27 | Patrick Staropoli |
| 28 | Blaine Perkins |
| 29 | Luke Baldwin |
| 30 | Austin Green |
| 31 | Josh Williams |
| 32 | Ryan Ellis |
| 33 | Joey Gase |
| 34 | Brad Perez |
| 35 | Kyle Sieg |
| 36 | Lavar Scott |
| 37 | Myatt Smider |
| 38 | Ross Chastain |
Martinsville Speedway: A Short Track Challenge
The NFPA 250 will be contested on the 0.526-mile oval at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. Known for its tight corners and challenging racing surface, Martinsville often produces close finishes and plenty of drama. The track’s unique “paperclip” shape demands precision and strategic maneuvering from drivers.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch all the action of the NFPA 250 live on The CW, with Adam Alexander, Jamie McMurray, and Parker Kligerman calling the race. Radio coverage will be available on MRN, featuring Alex Hayden, Mike Bagley, Todd Gordon, Dave Moody, and Tim Catafalmo.
FAQ
- What caused the change in the starting lineup? Weather conditions in the area led to the cancellation of qualifying.
- How is the starting lineup determined without qualifying? The lineup is set based on a competition-based metric score.
- Who will be starting from the pole position? Justin Allgaier will start from the pole.
- Where is Martinsville Speedway located? Martinsville Speedway is located in Ridgeway, Virginia.
Stay tuned for live updates and race coverage from the NFPA 250 at Martinsville Speedway!
