The NASCAR Cup Series continues on in the next-to-last race of the 2026 season, the Xfinity 500 on Nov. 1 at Martinsville.

Kyle Larson can clinch the Cup Series championship if he is 77 points ahead of the competition after Martinsville. He currently leads Denny Hamlin by 73 points, Christopher Bell by 74 points and Chase Briscoe by 79.

Larson has recorded a finish of ninth or better in eight straight Martinsville races, including a win in 2023.

Here are The Tennessean's expert picks for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville:

NASCAR predictions for Martinsville Cup Series race: Here's who wins the Xfinity 500

Mike Organ's pick: Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford

Joey Logano is usually good at Martinsville, where he won in 2018. He will finish in the top-5 in points.

Nick Gray's pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

The Chase won't be decided before the final race, right? Denny Hamlin will have a puncher's chance to win the Cup title at Homestead next week after he wins at Martinsville.

Tom Kreager's pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Denny Hamlin is more than likely just racing for trophies at this point in the 2026 season. So why not add another Grandfather clock to the trophy case? He already has six of them.