Race Picks Martinsville: Spade Racing vs. AI

Join me as I test my wits against various AI programs in picking the 2026 Cup races.  Once they’ve made their picks, I’ll make my normal Favorite, Next Favorite, and Dark Horse picks (in addition to my regular O’Reilly & Truck Series picks).  At the end of the year we’ll see who knows more—me, or a soulless machine gobbling up water and electricity.


Microsoft Co-Pilot (7 wins) sez: If I had to make one pick, I'd take Ryan Blaney to win the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville.


Truck Series (3 wins) Black’s Tire 200 Friday 6pm ET on FS1: KADEN HONEYCUTT—aren’t all tires black?


O’Reilly Series (4 wins) National Debt Relief 250 Saturday 4pm ET on CW: JESSE LOVE—he’d just LOVE to lock up the championship (sorry).


Cup Series Xfinity 500 2pm ET on NBC  FAVORITE (2 wins): KYLE LARSON—locking in the championship a week early.  NEXT FAVORITE (3 wins): DENNY HAMLIN—too little, too late.  DARK HORSE (2 wins): ROSS CHASTAIN—no “hail melon” though.



www.spaderacing.com updated four times weekly


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www.twitter.com/spaderacing


Visit the store https://www.cafepress.com/spaderacing


Buy the book 100 Stock Car Racing What Ifs Unauthorized


Does this track have lights?


A MOXOC Media production

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Spade Racing Opens Three 2026 Select “Blaster” Boxes—Pack 6 of 18


I’m moving away from Hobby Boxes to three “Blaster” Boxes this time for the 2026 Panini Select cards.  Join me as I go through all 18 packs!


Pack 6: Function, assumption, and gumption


First Look: I choose to believe that tight fire suits have some reason beyond highlighting lady racers’ curves.


To the Back: We’re…really all going to just assume Z-man is destined for greatness despite his rookie year, huh?


Say What: “YOU try convincing the government that this sponsorship makes sense.”


Final Rating: 6 restarts out of 10



www.spaderacing.com updated four times weekly


www.facebook.com/spaderacing


www.twitter.com/spaderacing


Visit the store https://www.cafepress.com/spaderacing


Buy the book 100 Stock Car Racing What Ifs Unauthorized


Does this track have lights?


A MOXOC Media production

www.moxoc.com

Foundational Bricks—The 1994 Brickyard 400: 43rd, Mike Chase

Join me as I take a look back every Monday at the starting lineup for one of the biggest races in NASCAR history, the inaugural Brickyard 400. 


Starting 43rd (West Series provisional): Mike Chase #58 Tyson Foods JTC Racing Chevy


Finished: 42nd (DNF—Crash)


The back of a Mike Chase trading card
from Trading Card Database
Career Highlights: 1994 Winston West Series champion, 1987 Southwest Series champion, lone West Series driver to make this race, TECHNICALLY “won” this race as far as the West Series is concerned.


Total Brickyard 400 Starts: 1


Best Brickyard 400 Finish: 42nd (1994)




1994 Fun Fact: Since TECHNICALLY this was a combination race with the Winston West Series, Mike Chase (the only West Series driver to qualify) TECHNICALLY won this race as far as the West Series statistics go.  Technically winning—its the best kind of winning!




www.spaderacing.com updated four times weekly


www.facebook.com/spaderacing


www.twitter.com/spaderacing


Visit the store https://www.cafepress.com/spaderacing


Buy the book 100 Stock Car Racing What Ifs Unauthorized


Does this track have lights?


A MOXOC Media production

www.moxoc.com