For sure, it has been a tough stretch for Stewart-Haas Racing over the previous few seasons.
After Kevin Harvick gained 9 races for the group in 2020, it solely gained one race in 2021 earlier than solely accumulating three victories in 2022. In 2023, the group went winless, and with Harvick retiring after 2023, it appeared like Stewart-Haas was within the worst spot it had been in because the late 2000s.
Whereas none of its drivers presently reside within the high 16 in factors, Chase Briscoe sits an honest 18th, whereas Josh Berry and Noah Gragson have proven flashes of potential with stable finishes in just a few races this 12 months. Nonetheless, the group has didn’t see all 4 of its automobiles in competition for a win this 12 months. Martinsville is perhaps the place that adjustments.
Final 12 months within the Martinsville spring race, Preece gained the pole and led the primary 135 laps earlier than a pit street penalty set him again. Two SHR automobiles in Briscoe (fifth) and Aric Almirola (sixth) completed within the high 10, with Harvick surprisingly mentioning the rear for the group, although he did lead 20 laps.
Martinsville is crucial race in a very long time for Stewart-Haas Racing, just because it is their greatest likelihood to win early within the season. At a time when their future relationship with Ford is shaky, a giant win, and even getting all 4 automobiles within the high ten would make a giant assertion.
All SHR can appear to seek out inside the media proper now’s criticism, however Sunday’s race at Martinsville is their likelihood to close the pundits up.
The Cook dinner Out 400 airs at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon. The race can be aired on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
