10 Most Unwanted NASCAR Records at Martinsville Speedway

Most Unwanted NASCAR Records at Martinsville

Martinsville Speedway

10. Michael Waltrip – Most Starts Without a Win

Michael Waltrip made over 30 Cup starts at Martinsville without ever winning, making it one of his toughest tracks statistically. The tight corners and braking-heavy rhythm never matched his strengths, leading to consistently missed opportunities.

9. Ricky Rudd – Laps Led Without Converting (Early Career)

Before finally breaking through, Rudd led hundreds of laps at Martinsville in the ’80s without sealing a victory. Those early near-misses highlight how track position and late-race execution can make or break a Martinsville run.

8. Kevin Lepage – Worst Average Finish (Min. 15 Starts)

Kevin Lepage holds one of the poorest average finishes at Martinsville among regular starters, typically running outside the top 20. The track’s physical demands and narrow racing groove exposed underfunded teams more than most venues.

7. J.D. McDuffie – High DNF Rate at Martinsville

J.D. McDuffie recorded a large number of DNFs at Martinsville due to crashes and mechanical failures across his career. The constant contact and brake wear at this short track made survival especially difficult for smaller teams.

6. Jamie McMurray – Lead Lap Finishes Without a Win

McMurray frequently stayed on the lead lap at Martinsville and showed competitive pace throughout races. However, he never converted those solid runs into a victory, often falling just short in the closing stages.

5. Ryan Newman – Most Top 5s Without a Martinsville Win

Ryan Newman racked up multiple top-five finishes at Martinsville but never captured the iconic grandfather clock trophy. His consistency made him a threat, but the final step to victory lane always slipped away.

4. Rusty Wallace – Long Wait for First Martinsville Win

Rusty Wallace needed more than 20 starts before finally winning at Martinsville despite being a short-track ace. The delay showed how even elite drivers can take years to master the rhythm of this unique paperclip layout.

3. Jeff Gordon – Dominant Runs Without Wins (Late Career Stretch)

Late in his career, Gordon had multiple Martinsville races where he led laps and controlled segments but didn’t win. Restarts, pit strategy, and traffic repeatedly denied him what looked like certain victories.

2. Denny Hamlin – Martinsville Wins Without Title Payoff

Denny Hamlin built one of the strongest Martinsville résumés with multiple wins and dominant performances. Yet several of those victories came in seasons where he failed to secure the championship, making the success feel incomplete.

1. Mark Martin – Most Runner-Up Finishes Without a Martinsville Win

Mark Martin finished second at Martinsville multiple times without ever taking the checkered flag. Despite elite consistency and racecraft, the track remained one of the biggest missing pieces in his legendary career.