By Chad Parries

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will make the annual springtime stop at Martinsville Speedway this weekend for the running of the STP 500.

It’s been an unpredictable season so far, as five different winners have taken victories in five races including Kyle Larson’s second career checkerd flag on Sunday at California. He joined Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex, Jr., and Ryan Newman as winners so far in 2017.

Sunday’s race has a good chance to offer number six, as several repeat winners at the track have yet to crack the victory column this season. Jimmie Johnson is a nine time Martinsville trophy holder, including the most recent in last fall’s Goody’s 500. Denny Hamlin also has five wins, including three in a row at one point in 2009-2010. However, the team owners for both respective drivers, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have yet to win a race this season. In fact, the past three series champions, Johnson, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick have only one top five combined through the first handful of events.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Qualifying is scheduled for Friday afternoon at 4:30pm, while the Camping World Truck Series Alpha Energy Solutions 250 will take the green flag after 2:30pm Saturday. The STP 500 is scheduled to begin shortly after 2pm on Sunday.

Tickets still remain for all events by contacting the speedway at 1-877-RACE-TIX or visiting their website at http://www.martinsvillespeedway.com” www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

–Chad Parries is a teacher at Craig County High School and a big NASCAR fan