Fun fact for you: the 2017 movie Logan was based off a comic named old man Logan, which follows Wolverine when he finally aged, and almost all his friends have passed on of old age. Haven’t seen the movie yet, (want to) but I’m assuming that the comic story line ties in. That said, it seems fitting that I should title this article after that, as Martinsville is the oldest track in Nascar. And like the Wolverine, it has outlasted all it’s companions. While every other great and memorable track slowly disappears, this track lives on, undeterred by time, and healing from any wound inflicted on it.

Martinsville is one of the last remaining nods to the long ago ages of racing. A half mile paperclip, this track is as flat as flatbread, and as feisty as a caged tiger. While it is the slowest track in Nascar, it is easily one of the most difficult and respected tracks on the circuit. For exactly seventy years, this track has hosted races. When it was first built, the track was dirt, but since the race was on Sunday, ladies couldn’t come because they would ruin their Sunday church clothes. That was such a problem, that in 1955 Clay Earles, the track owner and builder, paved the raceway. There were some concerns about whether that would ruin the racing, but if you watch a race nowadays, those concerns were unneeded. Martinsville has always been one of Nascar’s most thrilling race’s.

The 70th anniversary is a big race. A race which you would love to win. And for Hendrick Motorsports, it’s a race which it would really like to win. This was the first track Hendrick won at, and several of it’s greatest victories have come here. What better way to celebrate that than with another win? Jimmie Johnson won the last race here and has nine total wins here. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a win here in 2014, and considers this one of his favorite tracks. Chase Elliot has consistently shown progress at this track, and arrives on a hot streak. Kasey Kahne, as usual, is the team’s weak link. Overall, watch for the Hendrick squad.

How about Chip Ganassi Racing? What a pleasant surprise for 2017. Kyle arson has been the class of the field, and is all but secure in the Chase because of his win at Fontana. And Jamie McMurray has been showing speed we’ve never seen out of him. Now we come to Martinsville. This is a track where both Ganassi Racing drivers have proved themselves, and both are serious threats to win. Ironically, neither has ever won here. Now, Larson has only had a couple starts, so that’s no shock. McMurray’s best finish is second in 2015, right behind Jeff Gordon. No small feat. Watch out for CGR.

Richard Childress Racing probably circles Martinsville on it’s calendar. Ryan Newman has won here before, Austin Dillon finished in the top five in this race last year, and Paul Menard was actually a contender for the win in this race last year. As long as they secure their batteries right, they may have a shot. (Seriously, who puts the battery behind the wheel?)

I don’t usually mention the, but keep on the JTG Daugherty Racing duo of Chris Buescher and AJ Allmendinger. Both have been doing their best this season with the equipment they have, but this is a track where a smaller team can make do with less than stellar equipment. Allmendinger was second here last year. Maybe he can improve by one spot this time around.

On to the Fords. Team Penske has a solid duo for Martinsville, but like Ganassi, neither has ever actually won here. Both Brad keslowski and Joey Logano have had success here in the past, but can’t seem to win. Of course, this is the place where hitting your opponent is necessary to winning, so Brad and Joey aren’t cut a lot of slack. Team Penske affiliate Wood Brothers Racing hasn’t had much success here lately. Ryan Blaney hasn’t really figured this place out yet, but who knows? He’s surprised so far this year. Might continue.

And of course, Stewart-Hass Racing. The transition to Ford has been smooth, and they could use a boost here. Kevin Harvick always seems to have issues here. Kurt Busch has won here before, but struggled lately. Danica Patrick is actually pretty good here. And Clint Bowyer has a checkered past here, but strong runs. Believe it or not, Bowyer and Danica may be the strong ones out of this camp.

And…. Toyota. Last year’s dominant team turned this years struggling team, Joe Gibbs Racing hasn’t been to victory lane in a points paying race this year. However, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch form a formidable trio at this half mile venue, and all three are hungry for a win. Rookie Daniel Suarez hasn’t had a Cup start here, so who knows what to expect. However, he’s being reunited with his Xfinity championship winning crew chief Scott Graves, who actually has won the past two Xfinity Series championships with two different drivers. Sounds like a nice sub for Daniel. (Suarez’s normal crew chief Dave Rogers is on personal leave)

And last but certainly not least, Furniture Row Racing. Martin Truex Jr. already has the win which most likely puts him in the Chase, so no worries this weekend. On the other hand, rookie Eric Jones has been showing solid speed thus far. Truex is a bit ehh at Martinsville, but Jones has some solid races on short tracks. Watch the 77.

So, now that I’ve shown the roster, which of these guys (or girl) can win this 70th anniversary race? Well, I’m going to go out on a bit of a limb here, and pick Jamie McMurray. At first glance, it seems a bit random. But I’m a studier of stats, momentum, and all out speed. All three support the driver of the no. 1 car. He just seems overdue, and he’s been so aggressive this season, I have to picture he will win eventually. It just seems like this is his race. And yes, that picture up top is of Martinsville, prior to being paved,