Martinsville Speedway

Jayski.com Staff

Dec 23, 2018, 11:12 AM

Opened in September 1947 by H. Clay Earles, Martinsville, originally a dirt track, is one of the oldest continuously-operating race tracks in the United States
The first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville was on July 4, 1948
The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was Sept. 25, 1949
The track was paved in 1955
The first 500-lap event at Martinsville was in 1956
Concrete corners were added atop asphalt in 1976

Track Specs:
Degree of Banking: Turns: 12 degrees
Straightaways: Banking: 0 degrees(flat)
Straights: 800 feet
Grandstand Seating: 55,000

Pit Stalls:
Length: 28 feet
Width: 14 feet

Track Websites and Social Media:
Martinsville Speedway
ISC Motorsports
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Martinsville Speedway App
Track Stats - Racing-reference.info

Track Records & Stats

April 2017 Race Winner: #2-Brad Keselowski, 70.139mph, started 4th
October 2017 Race Winner: #18-Kyle Busch, 74.902mph, started 14th
Track Race Record: Jeff Gordon, Sept 1996, 82.223mph
Oldest Race Winner: Harry Gant, 51 years, 8 months, 12 days, 9/22/1991
Youngest Race Winner: Richard Petty, 22 years, 9 months, 8 days, 4/10/1960

April 2017 Pole Winner: None - due to inclement weather
October 2017 Pole Winner: #22-Joey Logano, 96.504mph, finished 24th
Track Qualifying Record: Joey Logano, March 28, 2014, 100.201mph, set in first round of qualifying
Oldest Pole Winner: Morgan Shepherd, 45 years, 6 months, 14 days, 4/26/1987
Youngest Pole Winner: Ricky Rudd, 24 years, 7 months, 14 days, 04/26/1981
Worst Starting Spot to Win: Kurt Busch, Oct 2002, started 36th

Most Wins - Active Driver: Jimmie Johnson, 8
Most Wins - All Time: Richard Petty, 15
Most Poles - Active Driver: Joey Logano, 4
Most Poles - All Time: Darrell Waltrip, 8
Most Top 5s: 30 - Richard Petty; Active leader - 19 - Jimmie Johnson
Most Top 10s: 38 - Jeff Gordon; Active leader, 24 - Jimmie Johnson

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 4 - John Andretti 4/18/1999
Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 493 - Fred Lorenzen, 9/27/1964
Most Running at the Finish: 42 - 4/18/1999 and 4/1/2007
Fewest Running at the Finish: 4 - 5/6/1951

Most Cautions: 21 - 10/21/2007
Fewest Cautions: 1 - 3 times, most recently 4/25/1971
Most Caution Laps: 127, 10/21/2007
Fewest Caution Laps: 3, 4/25/1971

Most Lead Changes: 33 - 3/30/2014
Fewest Lead Changes: 1 - 3 times, most recently 4/9/1961
Most Leaders: 14 - 10/15/2001
Fewest Leaders: 2 - 11 times last on 9/26/1976

Most Wins by Manufacturer:
Chevy*, 56;
Ford*, 27;
Plymouth, 12;
Dodge, 10;
Pontiac, 8;
Oldsmobile, 8;
Toyota*, 7;
Buick, 3;
Chrysler, 3;
Hudson, 2;
Mercury, 2
(* active)

Races won from starting pos 1: 21 [of 138]
Races won from starting pos 2: 15
Races won from starting pos 3: 15
Races won from starting pos 4: 14
Races won from starting pos 5: 7
Races won from starting pos 6: 8
Races won from starting pos 7: 8
Races won from starting pos 8: 2
Races won from starting pos 9: 5
Races won from starting pos 10: 4
Races won from starting pos 11: 2
Races won from starting pos 12: 3
Races won from starting pos 13: 2
Races won from starting pos 14: 6
Races won from starting pos 15: 4
Races won from starting pos 16: 1
Races won from starting pos 17: 4
Races won from starting pos 18: 1
Races won from starting pos 19: 2
Races won from starting pos 20: 3
Races won from starting pos 21: 2
Races won from starting pos 22: 1
Races won from starting pos 23: 2
Races won from starting pos 24: 1
Races won from starting pos 36: 1
Races won from starting pos unknown: 4
Races won from the top 5: 72 of 138
Races won from the top 10: 99 of 138

Track News and Announcements

Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive raises more than $17,000: More than 500 children-in-need in the Martinsville and Henry County area will receive Christmas gifts this year, thanks to the more than $17,300 and 306 toys donated as a part of the 24th annual Martinsville Speedway Christmas Toy Drive. The toy drive, which benefits Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, was held on December 8th at the Speedway. People could donate a new toy or $20 for the opportunity to drive their personal car around the Half Mile of Mayhem, or pay $60 to ride with Speedway President Clay Campbell in a two-seater NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race truck.[More](12-23-2018)

#22-Joey Logano won the First Data 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. The win is his second win of 2018, first win at Martinsville and 20th career win.
#11-Denny Hamlin finished 2nd followed by #78-Martin Truex, Jr.
Pole winner, #18-Busch led 100 laps and finished fourth.
Stage 1 was won by #11-Hamlin, finished second.
Stage 2 was won by #22-Logano, finished first.
There were 11 lead changes among six drivers and eight cautions for 68 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 75.31mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)

SkyDeck to bring VIP experience, breathtaking views to Martinsville Speedway: Featuring a panoramic view of the racing action below, casual seating and live music, Martinsville Speedway's SkyDeck will bring a new feel to NASCAR's oldest track. The latest fan experience at the Half Mile of Mayhem offers one of the best views in all of racing, atop the suites in turns one and two, along with grandstand tickets, food, drink and pre-race live music.[More](8-21-2018)

Martinsville interested in Cup night race: According to Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, "There's nobody that wants a night race here more than I do." But in a video posted on the track's Twitter page in response to a fan question, Campbell said, "The earliest it would happen is in 2020."[More](8-3-2018)

#14-Bowyer won the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. The win is his first win of 2018, first win at Martinsville and ninth career win.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #12-Blaney, #78-Truex, #4-Harvick, #22-Logano, #88-Bowman, #47-Allmendinger, #9-Elliott, and #2-Keseloski.
Truex earned the pole on Saturday after weather moved into the area. It eventually forced NASCAR to postpone the race until Monday. He had a quiet day, led four laps, and finished in the top-five.
Stage 1 was won by #11-Hamlin, finished 12th.
Stage 2 was won by #12-Blaney, finished 3rd.
There were 11 lead changes among 6 drivers and 4 cautions for 33 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 81.663 mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf)
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)

Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade Set For Return On Friday, March 23: Before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars take to Martinsville Speedway for the STP 500, the haulers transporting the cars will take to US 220 for the annual Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade. On Friday, the haulers will start at the city limits at the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and DuPont Road and drive down 220 South to the Speedway, giving fans the opportunity to cheer for their favorite car along the route. The parade will start around 6 p.m.[ ">More](3-20-2018)

Martinsville unveils new main gate : Martinsville Speedway has a new front door. The historic facility debuted a brand-new main gate on Friday, making the entry process a much more fan-friendly experience ahead of the STP 500 on March 25.[More](3-17-2018)

Reserved camping nearly sold out at Martinsville Speedway: For race fans still on the fence about camping at Martinsville Speedway, a limited number of reserved camping spots in the North Lot, as well as general admission camping, are all that remain for STP 500 race weekend presented by whosyourdriver.org, March 23-25. Champions' Overlook, Backstretch and the new South Lot Camping have all sold out.More](3-8-2018)

Bayne, DiBenedetto, Allmendinger, Buescher, Whitt join STP 500 Pre Race Experience at Martinsville: The Pre Race Experience not only gives fans a chance to sign the start/finish line and watch STP 500 driver introductions from the track, it also give them the opportunity to hear from seven different Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers in emceed question-and-answer sessions. Trevor Bayne, Matt DiBenedetto, AJ Allmendinger, Chris Buescher and Cole Whitt are the latest to add their names to the list of drivers participating in the $25 experience.[More](3-7-2018)

Chase Elliott joins STP 500 Pre Race Experience at Martinsville: Chase Elliott made his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Martinsville Speedway in 2015. Since then, he has learned the perils and joys of racing at the Half Mile of Mayhem and will be looking to do something his father Bill never did at the STP 500 on March 25 - win at Martinsville Speedway. As a part of the STP 500 Pre Race Experience, the driver of the No. 9 for Hendrick Motorsports will get to know fans during a question-and-answer session on the frontstretch.[More](3-1-2018)

Famous Martinsville Speedway hot dog to once again feature Jesse Jones: Jesse Jones is back at Martinsville Speedway. After a two-year hiatus, the Southern Style red hot dog will once again be a part of The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog. Jesse Jones will also provide the chili that goes on the "fully-loaded" dog with chili, slaw, mustard and onions on a steamed bun.[More](2-27-2018)

Martinsville Speedway unveils new reserved camping area: To meet a growing need to accommodate large RVs, Martinsville Speedway will add South Lot Camping for the STP 500 race weekend, March 23-25. The limited number of reserved camping spots will be $200 for the week and are on sale now.[More](2-24-2018)

Bubba Wallace first to join the STP 500 Pre-Race Experience at Martinsville Speedway: Fresh of a second-place finish in the Daytona 500, Bubba Wallace is the first driver to sign on to take part in Martinsville Speedway's Pre Race Experience, which will take place prior to the STP 500 on March 25. Wallace, a two-time winner in the Camping World Truck Series at the historic Speedway will take part in a moderated question-and-answer session on the frontstretch before the race.[More](2-23-2018)

Whosyourdriver.org to present Martinsville Speedway race weekend: Driver safety is a top priority at Martinsville Speedway, not just for drivers racing the cars, but for fans travelling to and from the Speedway as well. As a way to promote driver safety, DRIVE SMART Virginia and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office's "Who's Your Driver" campaign will once again present the STP 500 race weekend, Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell announced today. For the second year in a row, the weekend will be called the STP 500 Race Weekend presented by whosyourdriver.org.[More](2-15-2018)

Famous Martinsville Speedway hot dog to be sold At Daytona 500: The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog will be sold during Sunday's Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway as a result of winning Americrown's Hot Dog Playoff, a contest where fan votes decided the best hot dog in NASCAR. The red hot dog with chili, mustard, onions and slaw on a steamed bun, will be sold at the Great American Grill 383 concession stand while supplies last on Sunday, as well as in the Bistro in the infield Fan Zone on Friday.[More](2-13-2018)

Martinsville introduces $25 tickets for youth 17-and-under: As a way to make a trip to Martinsville Speedway more affordable than ever for families, all tickets for youth 17-and-under are $25, with the purchase of an adult ticket. The $25 youth ticket applies to every seat, in every section and row of the stadium and will replace the Family Four Pack, which was restricted to certain sections and rows.[More](2-9-2018)

Martinsville Speedway removing some seats: The two ends of Martinsville Speedway will look a bit different when fans fill the grandstands in March. Speedway President Clay Campbell confirmed Friday that the Speedway is taking out rows of seats from the top of the Bill France Tower between Turns 3 and 4, and all of the seats above the press box between Turns 1 and 2.[More](1-15-2018)

Pre-Race experience gives fans up close view of driver intros at Martinsville Speedway: At a place where every seat offers a good view, Martinsville Speedway is offering fans the best view of their favorite drivers before the race at the lowest price ever. The Pre-Race Experience, $20 for adults, $10 for youth 12-and-under, gives fans the opportunity to watch driver introductions from the track prior to start of the STP 500 on March 25 as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series returns from the West Coast Swing for some short-track action at the Half Mile of Mayhem.[More](1-13-2018)

Mayhem returns to Martinsville for STP 500 on March 25, 2018: The dust hasn't fully settled on the 2017 NASCAR season, but Martinsville Speedway is already starting to plan for 2018 after a banner year at the historic Speedway. For a place that's seen plenty of defining moments in its 70 year history, 2017 will go down as one of the best ever. From Brad Keselowski winning the STP 500 in the spring, to Kyle Busch winning amid the drama that filled the closing laps of the First Data 500 in October, Martinsville Speedway lived up to the billing a "Half Mile of Mayhem." Racing returns to Martinsville March 25 for the STP 500 and tickets to the race are available now at the lowest price of the season. Prices will increase on December 14.(NASCAR Wire Service)[More](11-21-2017)

Kyle Busch wins wild race at Martinsville The sun went down, the new lights came on, and all hell broke loose at Martinsville Speedway. In a wild overtime finish that took Sunday's First Data 500 to 505 laps at the .526-mile short track, Kyle Busch beat Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series leader Martin Truex Jr. to the stripe by .141 seconds to take the checkered flag and earn a spot in the Nov. 19 Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. As Busch crossed the finish line, a multi-car wreck behind him scrambled the running order and left a parking lot of mangled cars on the frontstretch. But that was simply the final act in a drama that saw a succession of Playoff contenders lose excellent chances to win the first event in the Round of 8. Chase Elliott held the lead with three laps left in regulation distance when Denny Hamlin dumped Elliott's #24 Chevrolet in Turn 3, causing the 11th caution and sending the race into overtime. Ten laps earlier, Brad Keselowski appeared headed for victory and a guaranteed ticket to Homestead before Joey Logano developed a severe tire rub after contact from Busch's #18 Toyota in Turn 1. Logano spun off Ryan Blaney's front bumper when the tire went flat in Turn 2, and Elliott grabbed the lead after the restart on Lap 497, with Hamlin following. Hamlin punted Elliott a lap later, and hard feelings continued after the race, with Elliott running Hamlin's Toyota into the outside wall on the cool-down lap. Elliott's wreck set the stage for Busch to win for the second time at Martinsville, the fifth time this season and the 43rd time in his career. After Hamlin cleared Busch on the overtime restart, Busch cut to the inside and wheel-hopped into Hamlin's Camry, forcing his JGR teammate up the track. Hamlin fell to seventh at the finish behind Clint Bowyer in third, Keselowski in fourth, Kevin Harvick in fifth and Trevor Bayne in sixth.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](10-29-2017)

#18-Kyle Busch won the First Data 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway in NASCAR Overtime for his 5th win of 2017, 2nd win at Martinsville and 43rd career win.
After #11-Hamlin wrecked then leader #24-Elliott going for the lead, the race ended in NASCAR Overtime, adding five extra laps.
#11-Hamlin took the lead with #18-Busch 2nd, Busch was able to take the lead, #11 fell back and just before the checkered flag, #21-Blaney made contact with #11-Hamlin.
The #11 spun collecting a bunch of cars including: 11 21 41 6 19 48 31 4 20 17
The win assures that Kyle Busch will run for the championship at Homestead.
#78-Truex Jr. finished 2nd followed by #14-Bowyer, #2-Keselowski, #4-Harvick, #6-Bayne, #11-Hamlin, #21-Blaney, #20-Kenseth and #17-Stenhouse Jr.
Pole winner, #22-Logano led 59 laps and finished 24th after wrecking late while running up in top-five.
#78-Truex Jr. leads the driver points over #18-Busch by 17 points
Stage 1 was won by #2-Keselowski, finished 4th
Stage 2 was won by #2-Keselowski, finished 4th
There were 16 lead changes among 6 drivers and 11 cautions for 74 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 70.902mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).

Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade Set For Return On Friday, October 27 Before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars take to Martinsville Speedway for the First Data 500, the haulers transporting the cars will take to US 220 for the second Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade. On Friday, the haulers will start at the city limits at the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and DuPont Road and drive down 220 South to the Speedway, giving fans the opportunity to cheer for their favorite car along the route. The parade will start around 6 p.m. Haulers from all 40 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams will join the parade and fans are encouraged to line along the route to cheer for their favorites. The parade route will remain open to regular traffic, however, people traveling along 220 may encounter some delays.(Martinsville Speedway)[Read More Here](10-26-2017)

Gaither Vocal Band and Medal of Honor Recipient headline prerace ceremonies for First Data 500: The Gospel Music Association's 2017 Dove Award winners for Southern Gospel Vocal Group of the year, the Gaither Vocal Group, will perform the National Anthem as part of the prerace festivities at Martinsville Speedway before Sunday's First Data 500. In addition to the Gaither Vocal Group, Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Jack Jacobs will serve as the Honorary Starter and will wave the Green Flag to start the race. Jacobs was awarded the military's highest honor for actions in Vietnam.[More](10-23-2017)

Burton cousins set to go head-to-head for first time at Martinsville: For 13 years, brothers Jeff and Ward Burton raced against each other at NASCAR's highest level. While the South Boston natives are no longer racing, they will still have their full attention on the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. There will once again be two Burtons in the field, as Ward's son Jeb and Jeff's son Harrison will be racing in the same race for the first time.[More](10-22-2017)

Martinsville Speedway joins Team Chevy and the American Cancer Society to Paint the Curbs Pink: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers Kyle Larson and Ryan Newman joined 24 breast cancer survivors at Martinsville Speedway on Tuesday for the annual Paint the Curbs Pink event with Team Chevy and the American Cancer Society. After joining the survivors to paint the Speedway's iconic curbs pink, Larson and Newman strapped into the same Chevy Pace Cars that will pace the First Data 500 and gave the survivors some laps around Martinsville.[More](10-17-2017)

Amy Earnhardt to drive pace car at Martinsville: When Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes his final Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start at Martinsville Speedway on October 29, a familiar face will lead him and the rest of the field to the green flag. Earnhardt's wife, Amy, will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the First Data 500.[More](10-12-2017)

Ray Evernham, Ryan Newman Join Green Flag Experience: Martinsville Speedway's Green Flag Experience offers fans a chance to get to know some of NASCAR's brightest stars, but a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and a veteran driver with a win at Martinsville will bring some wisdom to balance out the youth of the current driver corps. Ray Evernham and Ryan Newman will be the third and fourth members of the Green Flag Experience, joining current drivers Joey Logano and Chase Elliott for the emceed question and answer sessions prior to the First Data 500 on October 29.[More](10-11-2017)

Teams complete first day of organizational test at Martinsville: With 12 drivers on hand for a two-day NASCAR organizational test that began Tuesday, "rhythm" was the word of the day at Martinsville Speedway ahead of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series' visit to the track for the First Data 500 later this month. The First Data 500 falls at a crucial point in the NASCAR Playoffs schedule. As the first race in the Round of 8 for the Cup Series drivers, Martinsville represents an opportunity to clinch a spot in the Championship Finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](10-10-2017)

Martinsville Speedway receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing: Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Martinsville Speedway received $50,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program grant fund. In total VTC awarded more than $967,000 for 50 tourism marketing projects across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia's localities through tourism.[More](9-22-2017)

Martinsville Speedway to host free FanFest event on Saturday, October 28: When the on track action ends at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, October 28, the fun will continue as the Speedway will host FanFest, a free event giving fans an up-close look at some of the sport's biggest stars, off the track. Following the Camping World Truck Series race at 1 p.m., the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions, and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice for the First Data 500 at 4 p.m., FanFest will pit drivers against each other in games and contests and will rely heavily on fan participation and interaction.FanFest will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29 and will run until 8:30 p.m. FanFest will be free of charge to fans. There will be special accommodations made for youth in attendance at the event so that they may experience FanFest front and center.[More](9-8-2017)

Martinsville Speedway welcomes back Texas Roadhouse for Truck race sponsorship: For the second year in a row, Texas Roadhouse will join Alpha Energy Solutions to the sponsor the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway on October 28. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, with more than 500 locations in 49 states and 6 countries, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993. The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and its lively atmosphere. The Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions is the first race in the second round of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs. Last year, Johnny Sauter won the race, on his way to winning the series championship. Kids 12-and-under are admitted free to the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions.[More](8-10-2017)

First Data to sponsor fall Martinsville race: First Data, a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, announced Wednesday it will enter into a three-year agreement, running through 2019, with Martinsville Speedway to be the entitlement sponsor of the fall Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, starting with the First Data 500, on October 29. In addition, First Data's Clover platform, a business management and point-of-sale payments solution, will be deployed at three International Speedway Corporation tracks this season: Martinsville, Phoenix Raceway, and Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](8-2-2017)

Keselowski wins at Martinsville: #2-Brad Keselowski won the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway for his 2nd win of the season, 1st win at Martinsville, and 23rd career win.
Keselowski led 120 of the 500 laps. He and #18-Busch swapped the lead back and for throughout the final 100 laps, but Keselowski pulled away at the end to win by 1.8 seconds.
#18-Busch held on for second, followed by #24-Elliott, #22-Logano, #2-Dillon, #47-Allmendinger, #14-Bowyer, #31-Newman, #20-Kenseth, and #17-Stenhouse, Jr.
Pole sitter #42-Larson led the first 23 laps, but fell back into the pack, lost a lap, got the free pass and settled for a 17th place finish.
#24-Elliott led at the end of stage 2 and held on for 3rd place.
#78-Truex, Jr. led at the end of the first stage, but finished 16th after a spin.
There were 19 lead changes among 6 drivers and 14 cautions for 95 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 70.139mph.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, April 3 at 9:30am/et on FS2; Tuesday, April 4 at 6:00 am/et on FS1
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf)
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)

Actor Rockmond Dunbar to serve as grand marshal for STP 500: Actor Rockmond Dunbar, the star of the Hulu series "The Path" and of the Fox series "Prison Break", will serve as the Grand Marshal and say the most famous words in racing, "Drivers, start your engines," for Sunday's STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. In addition to "The Path" and "Prison Break," Dunbar can next be seen in Brad Furman's crime thriller, LABYRINTH, opposite Johnny Depp.More(3-31-2017)

Martinsville, Bassett and Magna Vista High School Bands join forces for the first time ever at Martinsville: On Friday nights in the fall, they're on opposite sides of the field. However, Sunday afternoon, the Basset, Magna Vista and Martinsville High School bands will join forces to play the National Anthem at Martinsville Speedway, as part of the prerace ceremonies for the STP 500. This marks the first time the three high schools in the City of Martinsville and Henry County have integrated to form one.[More](3-31-2017)

April is Racing Virginia Month: Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the signing of a resolution to declare the month of April as Racing Virginia Month. This recognition honors the storied history of racing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which dates back over 70 years. The NASCAR weekends at Martinsville Speedway and Richmond International Raceway showcase the only major professional sport to annually visit The Commonwealth.[More](3-29-2017)

Edsel Ford to serve as honorary pace car driver at Martinsville: A Ford will lead the field to green in more than one way Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. Track President Clay Campbell announced today that Edsel Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford, will be the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the STP 500. Ford, who also serves as a board member for the Ford Motor Company, will drive the Ford Shelby 350GT pace car at the start of the race.[Martinsville Speedway](3-27-2017)

First ever Martinsville Speedway hauler parade set for Thursday: Before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars take to Martinsville Speedway for the STP 500, the haulers transporting the cars will take to US 220, for the first ever Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade. On Thursday, the haulers will start at the city limits and drive down 220 south to the race track, giving fans the opportunity to cheer for their favorite car along the route. The parade will start around 5 p.m.[More](3-26-2017)

Advanced pricing on Martinsville Speedway tickets ends Friday: With the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway just a week-and-a-half away, there is no better time to purchase tickets, as prices increase on Saturday. The race marks the first short track race of the year, and the first race back on the east coast after the "west coast swing."[More](3-23-2017)

Drivers added to Martinsville Green Flag Experience: Not only will Dale Earnhardt Jr. be back on the track at Martinsville Speedway this spring in the Hendrick Motorsports #88 Axalta Chevrolet SS, the Mountain Dew driver is also scheduled to take part in the Green Flag Experience presented by Mountain Dew prior to the race. Other guests include Earnhardt's former crew chief, Steve Letarte, as well as drivers Denny Hamlin, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ty Dillon.[More](3-9-2017)

After 70 Years, Martinsville Speedway "Flips the Switch" With seven decades under its belt, and an eye toward the future, historic Martinsville Speedway has officially flipped the switch. The "Light Up Martinsville" project concluded today, as the facility debuted its new LED lights - the first major motorsports facility to do so. "Today is truly a historic day in the history of Martinsville Speedway," said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. "This is a venue which has a long and storied past, but with these lights now in place, we're looking forward to a bigger and better future - and certainly a brighter one." The industry-leading LED lighting solution, located around the perimeter of the facility and the infield of the track, will provide better illumination as well as greater flexibility and efficiency than traditional metal halide lights. This will lead to a better visual experience for fans in attendance at races, in addition to providing better clarity for television viewers. The installation was managed by Graybar, a leading distributor of high-quality electrical and communications products and services, featuring Eaton's Ephesus Stadium 750 LED professional sports lights (Martinsville Speedway)[More](3-3-2017)

Cup to qualify and race same day at Martinsville Speedway in Oct: As Martinsville Speedway celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2017, fans will get more value for their ticket to the fall race, as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will qualify and race on the same day, Sunday, October 29. Saturday will have an "old-school" feel as well, as NASCAR will return to a true "happy hour" practice session, immediately following the Alpha Energy Solutions 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. All kids 12-and-under are admitted free on Saturday. Martinsville Speedway and NASCAR are also planning a fan event on Friday, October 27, featuring some of NASCAR's top stars. More information on the event will be available in the coming months.[More](3-1-2017)

Experience a Full Weekend with the Family at Martinsville Speedway: This year families can take in the STP 500 race weekend presented by whosyourdriver.org at Martinsville Speedway for just $324 with the Weekend Getaway Family 4 pack. The package includes camping, race tickets for all on track activity and food. The Weekend Getaway Family 4 pack is geared toward families with children 12-and-under, giving them the opportunity to spend a weekend at the track with only one click of the mouse. Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway March 31-April 2 for the STP 500 race weekend. The campgrounds open on March 25. This year the historic track celebrates its 70th anniversary. The weekend starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be in action on Sunday with the running of the STP 500. The race is the first short-track race of the season and marks the series' return to the east coast after the "West Coast Swing." Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway)(2-11-2017)

Martinsville to test lighting system UPDATE: Martinsville Speedway will test its new LED lighting system on Wednesday. NASCAR's oldest venue, which celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2017, announced the project to illuminate the half-mile paperclip-shaped circuit last October. For track president Clay Campbell, whose grandfather H.Clay Earles founded Martinsville Speedway in 1947, the progress has been exciting to watch. "They put the last light pole up last week," Campbell told Motorsport.com. "They've got another month to do the wiring and focus all the individual lights. I think each light pole has about 19 or 20 lights on it, so each one has to be individually focused. We're doing a test this coming Wednesday with all the lights on the backstretch to start focusing those. It's pretty thrilling to see 'em coming up. They're pretty well on schedule so it will be ready shortly."(Motorsports)(1-25-2017)
UPDATE: The spotlight, or spotlights to be more specific, shined on Martinsville Speedway Wednesday night, as four of the track's new LED light towers were powered on. The lights, located along the backstretch of the half-mile racetrack, gave engineers and track staff the first glimpse of what the "Light Up Martinsville" project will look like when complete. "This is really exciting and such a historic day for Martinsville Speedway," Track President Clay Campbell said. "I think we all had an idea of what it would look like, but know you can really visualize it. I can't wait to see the whole track lit up. I think the fans are really in for a treat." Campbell said he thinks there isn't a more fitting way to celebrate the track's 70th anniversary than by looking to the future. The $5 million project will make the track the first major motorsports facility in the country with LED lights. The ValleyStar Credit Union 300, NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race is the first race scheduled to be held under the lights, on September 23.(Martinsville Speedway)(1-26-2017)

Martinsville Speedway Offers Replica Grandfather Clocks With STP 500 Ticket Purchase: As part of its 70th anniversary celebration, Martinsville Speedway is offering fans a little something extra when they purchase a ticket to the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on April 2. Any fan who purchases the "Grandfather Clock Ticket Package" will receive a six-inch commemorative replica of the track's iconic grandfather clock trophy. The $70 ticket package includes a race ticket in select seat locations throughout the track and a voucher to be redeemed at the track to pick up the clock. The "Grandfather Clock Ticket Package" will be available while supplies last or until January 31. In addition, each person who purchases a ticket will be entered into the Fans 500 Sweepstakes, where one lucky ticket holder will receive the same grandfather clock trophy the winners take home. Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway for the STP 500 race weekend, March 31-April 2, 2017. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(PR)(1-7-2017)

First Light Poles at Martinsville Speedway Installed: Martinsville Speedway's "Light Up Martinsville" project hit a major milestone Tuesday as the first of 19 light poles was put in place. The project will make the track the first major motorsports facility in the United States to have LED lighting. NASCAR's only remaining track from its original 1949 schedule will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2017 and Track President Clay Campbell said he doesn't know of a more fitting way to celebrate the past than by celebrating the future. "It's a big day for Martinsville," Campbell said. "Who would have ever thought we would have had lights here? For a long time, that was not really in the cards. We're excited to finally have the lights going up. I think it's going to be an exciting year being our 70th anniversary. Our first night race. It's just an exciting day. You're finally getting to see something and it's exciting for all of us. While the installation of the lights marks the visual, Campbell said the work started not long after the track announced they would be installing the lights. "There's been a lot of work going on ever since we made the announcement," Campbell said. "But, you get a visual now of what this place is going to look like with the lights on. We're pretty excited. We're finally getting to the point where you're seeing something happen, not just what's underground." Campbell said the project is on schedule and should be completed around the end of January. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway)(12-21-2016)

Martinsville Speedway debuts new logo for 70th Anniversary: In 1947 there were no credit cards, no computers and no NASCAR. However, there was Martinsville Speedway. The half-mile racetrack opened its doors for the first time and has held races ever since. In celebration of 70 years, the track will have a special 70th anniversary logo and will brand itself as "The Original," an homage to its being the only track remaining from NASCAR's original 1949 schedule. "Seventy years is something to be really proud of and something we're taking great pride in," Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. "We wanted to give an iconic look to such an iconic place; a place that's a true piece of NASCAR history. I think the logo does just that by focusing on the past, while also celebrating the present." The 70th Anniversary logo features a 70 highlighting Martinsville's unique paperclip-shaped layout. The seven represents the frontstretch grandstands that were in place when the track first opened at the zero represents the track, in its modern form. The words "The Original" are also featured on the logo, in a script font, much like the fonts used on early stock cars.(Martinsville Speedway)(12-15-2016)

Martinsville to give Grandfather Clock Trophy to Ticket Holder: In celebration of 70 years, the winner of the STP 500 won't be the only one leaving Martinsville Speedway with an iconic grandfather clock trophy. One lucky ticket holder will win one as well. For each ticket purchased before March 29, fans will be entered into the Fans 500, a drawing to win the same Martinsville Grandfather Floor clock the winner takes home. Fred Lorenzen won the first clock in the spring of 1964 and the track has given one away to every NASCAR Premier Series winner since. Since 2005 every winner at the historic half-mile speedway has taken home a clock. For more information, eligibility and the rules and regulations for the Fans 500 Grandfather Clock Contest visit http://www.martinsvillespeedway.com/Fan-Info/Subscriptions/Clock-Sweepstakes.aspx.
The STP 500 race weekend is March 31-April 2, 2017.(Martinsville Speedway)(12-9-2016)

NASCAR offers big economic boom for Virginia: NASCAR has seen attendance decline at its events in recent years, from 7.66 million in 2008 to under 6 million in 2015, and tracks are removing seating. Its teams struggled to get by as the Great Recession left sponsors less able to put money into their brand and into the sport. But despite these setbacks, the sport continues to be profitable and popular. Not only that, but it has proved to be a major draw and huge economic driver in the state. The Old Dominion University report said that while many studies and surveys talk about economic impact of sporting events and activities, such as college football games, it often excludes what it called "displaced expenditures." NASCAR fans from across the country come to where a race is being held and spend days in the area. They spend money lodging at local hotels, fueling up at area gas stations, eating at local restaurants and shopping at local stores. The report highlights two economic studies from 2009 on tracks in Virginia. One showed that Richmond International Raceway, which hosts two NASCAR premier series events every year, generates $557 million for the state, including $36 million in local and state tax revenues. The other showed that Martinsville Speedway generates $170 million a year statewide. That track also hosts two events a year. The report said stock car racing plays a major role in many parts of the state, both economically and socially. However, its concern is that if the trend of weakening attendance continues, it not only affects the sport, but also hurts the economies of these smaller communities in southern Virginia that in many cases are already struggling.(in part from WTOP)(12-6-2016)

GEICO To Sponsor Restart Zone at Martinsville Speedway: Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell announced that GEICO, the second-largest private auto-insurance company in the U.S. will sponsor the track's restart zone, starting in 2017. The multi-year partnership includes several tracks owned by Martinsville Speedway's parent company, International Speedway Corporation. The GEICO Restart Zone is the defined area between turn four and the start/finish line where the lead car can start to accelerate when taking the green flag. "I'm very excited that GEICO views NASCAR as a great platform to showcase their brand," Campbell said. "They're involved at many levels, from car sponsorship to track entitlement and now in a role at many tracks. The restart zone will also bring added visibility to GEICO, both for fans watching on TV and fans at the track." The GEICO Restart Zone will be in place when NASCAR's Premier Series returns for the STP 500 race weekend, March 31-April 2. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(11-30-2016)

Martinsville Speedway Already Planning Historic 2017: The calendar still says 2016, but 2017 is already shaping up to be one of historic proportions at Martinsville Speedway. Not only will the track be installing a state-of-the-art LED lighting system, but will also be celebrating its 70th anniversary. Founded in 1947 by the late H. Clay Earles, the historic half-mile oval is the only track from the original NASCAR schedule that is still visited by NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. For 2017, the track is planning celebrations to last throughout the year. The celebration starts at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in January, where Mr. Earles will receive the Landmark Award for outstanding contributions to NASCAR. Racing at Martinsville Speedway starts with the STP 500 race weekend, March 31-April 2. The weekend starts Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will be in action on Sunday with the STP 500. Tickets for the STP 500 race weekend are on sale now. The new lighting system will also be put to the test for the first time ever as the 2017 ValleyStar Credit Union 300, NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race will also be the brightest. The race will be the first held under the lights. The Chase for both Cup and Trucks will also return to Martinsville in the fall of 2017. For more information about Martinsville Speedway or to purchase tickets for the STP 500 race weekend, visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX.(Martinsville Speedway)(11-15-2017)

Pedestrians struck after Martinsville race UPDATES: Multiple pedestrians were struck by a vehicle in a Martinsville Speedway parking lot after Sunday's race, a track official confirmed. A track spokesperson told NBC Sports that it didn't appear that there were any life-threatening injuries. The spokesperson stated that some pedestrians were evaluated and treated on scene and others were taken to Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, Virginia. A track spokesperson also stated that one person was taken into custody after the incident. At least four ambulances and eight police cars were spotted at the scene.(NBC Sports)(10-30-2016)
UPDATE: More than 20 people were injured when a vehicle hit them in a parking lot after Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. According to the Virginia State Police, 22 people were injured, with the majority treated at the scene for minor injuries. There were no fatalities among those injured, whose ages ranged from 13 to 65. Of the 22 injured, 13 patients were treated at the scene for minor injuries; another nine patients were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Seven individuals were transported to Memorial Hospital of Martinsville, Virginia, with two taken to Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, North Carolina. The accident occurred about an hour after the race, when a 2005 Chevrolet SSR convertible attempted to pass a Jeep Patriot. The Chevrolet struck the Jeep and then struck several nearby pedestrians. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash, according to the state police.(ESPN.com)(10-31-2016)
UPDATE2: Virginia State Police say they've charged a man with reckless driving after a crash injured 22 people in a Martinsville Speedway parking lot after a NASCAR race. Police said in a statement Monday that 65-year-old Gary T. Edem of Fairfax, Virginia, was released after a magistrate placed him on unsecured bond. Troopers say Edem was driving a Chevrolet when he tried to pass a Jeep in the disabled parking area Sunday evening. Investigators say Edem struck the Jeep and the pedestrians. The incident remains under investigation. (Associated Press)(11-1-2016)

Variety of factors let to long caution at Martinsville: The convergence of several unusual incidents during Sunday's Goody's 500 at Martinsville Speedway, produced a record 29-lap and nearly 20-minute delay - one NASCAR officials vowed not to let repeat in the future. At the end of an unusually long green-flag run and in the middle of green-flag pit stops, Carl Edwards' #19 Toyota blew a tire on Lap 356 of 500 which immediately put the race under caution. Many teams had not yet completed their stops when the caution was displayed and several teams were caught on pit road, a phenomena which typically causes scoring headaches for NASCAR. In addition, the race leader at the time of the caution, A.J. Allmendinger ran out of fuel and was forced to pit, while Jimmie Johnson - one of the cars still on the lead lap - had a fuel pickup problem and accidentally hit his engine kill switch, which briefly cut off his engine.
The individual problems kept delaying the restart, as some drivers took it upon themselves to pull up along other cars - a practice to indicate to NASCAR they were questioning their position in the lineup.
"Today's situation was very unique and we were in the middle of green-flag pit stops," said Sprint Cup Series director Richard Buck. "That presents one set of issues and then as we got the lineup ready we had the leader run out of fuel, so we had to start over. We understand the stakes of the Chase - they are extremely high. Our job is to get it right. We then had another dynamic with (a large group) of wave-arounds. We took our time to make sure we got it right. It took a while but we felt very confident we got it right." Buck said NASCAR would consider a stopping the race (a red flag) but the problem Sunday was the circumstances kept changing. "We felt we were headed to a quick resolution and then we were presented with completely different circumstances and we were focused on making sure we got it right."(Motorsport)(10-31-2016)

Johnson wins at Martinsville: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Goody's Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway for his 4th win of the season, 9th win at Martinsville and 79th career win. Johnson led 92 of the 500 laps.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd, followed by #11-Hamlin, #20-Kenseth, #18-Busch, #88-Gordon, pole sitter #78-Truex, Jr., #1-McMurray, #22-Logano, and #47-Allmendinger.
Three Chase drivers finished off the lead lap - #4-Harvick in 20th, #41-Busch in 22nd, and #19-Edwards in 36th.
#19-Edwards cut a tire down with just over 100 laps to go and hit the wall. He had to go to the garage for repairs. NASCAR had to throw the caution during green flag pit stops, which led to a 29 lap caution period as NASCAR had to work to determine the restart positions for all drivers.
There were 15 lead changes among 9 drivers and 5 cautions for 54 yellow flag laps.
Average race speed: 78.540mph
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more [NOTE: money/winnings are no longer reported] at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Lap Summary Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)

Sprint's Meesters to serve as honorary pace car driver at Martinsville: For the last 13 years, Sprint has led NASCAR, by serving as the entitlement sponsor of the sport's top series. On Sunday, they will once again be out front of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but this time it will be in a more literal role, as Kimberly Meesters, the general manager of the NASCAR Sprint Cup sponsorship will serve as the honorary pace car driver before the Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. While Meesters will be holding the steering wheel, she said she is just the representative for the entire Sprint family. "It's a very kind gesture from Martinsville Speedway to recognize us in such a visible way," Meesters said. "We have really worked hard to be a member of the motorsports family and I think this is a great example of that coming to fruition." Meesters said looking back there are too many memories to list, but seeing the first class of inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Jimmie Johnson make history with five straight Sprint Cup Series championships, the start of the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup and the retirement of Jeff Gordon all come to mind as some of the highlights.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-28-2016)

Tricia Helfer to give command to fire engines at Martinsville: A star on the FOX hit drama "Lucifer" and long-time NASCAR fan Tricia Helfer will say the most famous words in racing, "Drivers, Start Your Engines," before the Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday. Best known as the face of the series, and for her Leo award-winning lead performance as the humanoid, Cylon 'Number Six' in the critically acclaimed Syfy series, "Battlestar Galactica," Helfer has since gone on to book leading roles on a wide variety of networks. Before acting, Helfer launched her modeling career at age 17, and erupted into an international superstar after winning the Ford Models' Supermodel of the World Contest in 1992.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-27-2016)

Ticket Prices for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Increase on Monday: With the Goody's Fast Relief 500 race weekend at Martinsville Speedway just a week away, there is no better time to purchase race tickets, as prices increase on Monday. The Goody's Fast Relief 500 is the only short-track race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The half-mile speedway offers great views of the entire track from nearly every seat and every seat has a view of the action on pit road. For families, the track is once again offering the Family 4 Pack. Starting at just $119, the package includes two adult and two youth 12-and-under tickets in the Clay Earles Tower rows 6-14. Families can also add four Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dogs and Four Pepsi products for just $20. For fans looking to enhance their race day experience, the Green Flag Experience returns on Sunday morning. Fans will hear from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch Kasey Kahne and more in the Plaza on the top of the hill outside turn four. They can then walk on the frontstretch, sign the start/finish line and watch driver introductions from the track. The Green Flag Experience is $60 for adults and $20 for youth 12-and-under.
Ticket prices for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 weekend will increase $10 on Monday. Adult ticket prices for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 start at $45. Seats in the Bill France Tower are only $50. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-22-2016)

Danica paints Martinsville Speedway's Curbs Pink: Danica Patrick joined Chevy Racing, the American Cancer Society and four breast cancer survivors Wednesday to Paint the Curbs Pink at Martinsville Speedway. The event is part of Team Chevy and the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. In addition to painting the iconic curbs, Chevy Racing will donate $350, up to $50,000, to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for every caution lap run during the Goody's Fast Relief 500 on October 30. Last year the race saw 109 caution laps.
"What's unique about Paint the Curbs is it's like a precursor to the event weekend that's coming up in a couple of weeks," Jeff Chew, senior marketing manager for Chevy Racing, said. "So we want to one bring out the survivor group from the local community to join us and we want to make a splash in the local media, in the community and in the area about what's coming. The whole Martinsville Speedway Paint the Curbs Pink program is so cool. It's the only one I know of in the sport."
"It's a great honor to be a part of something that is so important," Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. "Breast cancer has affected most of us in some way and we are thankful that Chevy Racing and the American Cancer Society want Martinsville Speedway to be a part of it."
Like most everyone, Patrick has a personal story about the importance of breast cancer awareness and research. Her story isn't about her or even an immediate family member, but a high school classmate. "I have a very good friend who, 10 years ago we were in our mid-20s, she was tested for the breast cancer gene, because it ran in her family," Patrick said. "Her results were overwhelming and she decided to have a double mastectomy to take away the chance that she would develop breast cancer someday.
"Those kinds of things happen because of events like this. People like Chevrolet that donate so many millions of dollars, $6 million since 2011, that's very, very cool. Those things help with research and everything. That is why my friend won't have to worry about (breast cancer)."
For breast cancer survivors the day was filled with emotion. "When you look at the effort that everyone makes towards helping me is awesome. It's absolutely awesome," Beverly Rakes, a breast cancer survivor said. "I'm one who doesn't like attention and am just getting used to being called a survivor. It was October of last year that I got the diagnosis."
"It's wonderful," April Hammock, a three year survivor, said. "I didn't even realize they did all of that for breast cancer awareness. I had no idea they do the donations for each caution lap." And from a fan standpoint, Hammock was also grateful to get to spend some time with Danica. "She was fun. I've never been that up-close-and-personal with her. I've seen her close and gotten to take pictures of her, but I've never gotten to talk to her. She's great. She's really down to earth. I liked getting to spend some time with her."
In addition to donating money for caution laps, Team Chevy will donate $5, up to $500,000, to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer every time the hashtag #IDriveFor is shared on Instagram or Twitter. The Goody's Fast Relief 500 Race Weekend is October 28-30.
The weekend starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is in action Sunday with the Goody's Fast Relief 500. Adult ticket prices for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 start at $45. Seats in the Bill France Tower are only $50. Ticket prices increase the week of the race. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(PR)(10-20-2016)

Martinsville Speedway to install lights: After nearly seven decades of automotive racing without lights, historic Martinsville Speedway is finally set to flip the switch. International Speedway Corporation announced that it will commit $5 million to equip the track with LED lighting, making it the first major motorsports facility to do so. The lights, which will begin installation following this year's Goody's Fast Relief 500 on October 30 and are scheduled to be in place by January 2017, represent the largest capital investment by ISC into Martinsville to date. "Bringing lights to Martinsville Speedway is something that has been a priority for us," said ISC President John Saunders. "But just like Martinsville, we wanted the lights for this project to be unique. They had to be of the highest-quality for both the competitors and the fans." The project, dubbed "Light Up Martinsville," will see the installation of an industry-leading LED lighting solution, which provides better illumination, greater flexibility and more efficiency than traditional metal halide lights. In addition to enhancing the fan experience at Martinsville Speedway, LED lighting will also enhance the quality of the broadcast for fans watching at home. The lighting solution will consist of multiple structures located around the perimeter of the facility and the infield of the track.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-12-2016)

Martinsville Speedway won't make changes to track surface: After trying a suggestion from a NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, Martinsville Speedway won't make any changes to its track surface for its Chase race later this month. #4-Kevin Harvick suggested NASCAR use the same substance on Martinsville Speedway that was applied to Bristol Motor Speedway's surface in August. Bristol treated its lower groove with a substance similar to what is used at the starting area in drag racing to help tires gain grip. NASCAR stated that resin was put on that track after the Camping World Truck Series race and then the Xfinity Series race. The result was two-wide racing. The 20 lead changes in Bristol's Sprint Cup race ranked second among the track's last eight races. Harvick applauded the changes and said more tracks should be treated as Bristol was. Martinsville Speedway applied the substance to its top groove in the corners during Wednesday's tire test, the second of a two-day test. #78-Martin Truex Jr., one of four drivers who took part in the session designed for the 2017 season, doesn't think Martinsville should do anything to its track next year. "It wasn't as tacky as it was at Bristol,'' Truex said of Martinsville's surface after it was treated. "I don't know if there was less of it down. The thing I didn't like about it was that you could pretty much run anywhere on the racetrack in the concrete in the corners and run like the exact same speed."(NBC Sports)(10-7-2016)

Kurt Busch Joins Martinsville's Green Flag Experience: Two-time Martinsville winner and the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion is the latest driver added to the Green Flag Experience lineup, prior to the Goody's Fast Relief 500 on October 30 at Martinsville Speedway. Busch, who won at Martinsville most recently in 2014, joins Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne and his brother, 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch, as drivers scheduled to participate in the moderated question-and-answer sessions on race morning. Additional drivers participating in the Green Flag Experience will be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to the moderated question-and-answer sessions, the Green Flag Experience also gives fans the chance to watch driver introductions from the track, along with a morning full of fun and excitement on the track and under the large tent in The Plaza, located on the hill behind the souvenir display area. Fans have the opportunity to walk the frontstretch on race morning, sign the start/finish line, a photo opportunity in mock Victory Lane, enjoy music, games and prizes along with doughnuts, Danishes, coffee and juice. The cost of the Green Flag Experience is $60. Admission to the Green Flag Experience does not include a ticket for Goody's Fast Relief 500.
Advance ticket prices for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 begin at just $45.(Martinsville Speedway)(9-29-2016)

Martinsville Ticket Office to Open on Saturdays: With the Goody's Fast Relief 500 quickly approaching, Martinsville Speedway will once again open the ticket office from 9:00am-3:00pm on Saturdays, starting this weekend. The ticket office will also be open on Sunday, October 23 from noon until 4:00pm. Fans can also stop by the track Monday through Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm. Fans have many great deals to choose from for the Goody's Fast Relief 500. Adult ticket prices for the Goody's Fast Relief 500 start at $45. Seats in the Bill France Tower are only $50. Ticket prices increase the week of the race.(Martinsville Speedway)(9-15-2016)

Virginia Lottery returns to Martinsville Speedway as pole day sponsor: The Virginia Lottery is returning to Martinsville Speedway to once again sponsor Virginia Lottery Pole Day on October 28, Speedway President Clay Campbell announced. The Virginia Lottery, which has partnered with the race track since 2014, will also sponsor Pole Day for the STP 500 race weekend in the spring of 2017. The Virginia Lottery generates more than $1.4 million per day for Virginia's K-12 public schools. Operating entirely on revenue from the sale of Lottery products, the Virginia Lottery generated nearly $534 million for Virginia's public schools in Fiscal Year 2015. In addition to qualifying for the Goody's Fast Relief 500, there will be plenty of more excitement on Virginia Lottery Pole Day. The Camping World Truck Series will practice for the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will practice for the Goody's Fast Relief 500.(Martinsville Speedway)(7-19-2016)

Texas Roadhouse namesake of Martinsville fall Truck race: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway on October 29 has a new name. The race is now the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions. "Alpha Energy Solutions has enjoyed a great partnership with Texas Roadhouse for several years across multiple states," said Gerry Lewis, Director of Sales for Alpha Energy Solutions. "During the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 weekend at Martinsville Speedway in April, we stayed next to the construction site of a new Texas Roadhouse in Roanoke that will be opening soon. We had such a great experience at Martinsville Speedway, so we decided to approach Texas Roadhouse to join us for the fall race. We are thrilled to share the excitement the Texas Roadhouse 200 Presented by Alpha Energy Solutions will add to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series chase for the championship." Texas Roadhouse is an casual dining chain that with 485 restaurants in 49 states.(Martinsville Speedway)(6-13-2016)

Kyle Busch wins at Martinsville: #18-Kyle Busch won the STP 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway for his 1st win of the season, 1st win at Martinsville Speedway and 35th career win. He led the most laps - 352 of 500 laps.
#47-Allmendinger finished 2nd, followed by #42-Larson, #3-Dillon, #2-Keselowski, #19-Edwards, #14-Vickers, #27-Menard, #49-Johnson, and #31-Newman.
Pole winner, #22-Logano, lost a lap early but got back on the lead lap and finished 11th.
There were 11 lead changes among 5 drivers and 8 cautions for 51 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 80.088mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more [NOTE: money/winnings are no longer reported] at:
Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
Lap Summary Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf)
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)

Melissa Joan Hart to drive pace car at Martinsville: Melissa Joan Hart, star of God's Not Dead 2 will lead the field to green as the Honorary Pace Car Driver in Sunday's STP 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Having made her first national commercial at age four, Hart is now a veteran of television, film and theater. She is best known for her starring roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Clarissa Explains It All, and Melissa & Joey. On the big screen, Hart starred in the romantic comedy Drive Me Crazy, for which she won a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award and she made a memorable appearance in the graduation night comedy Can't Hardly Wait. It was recently announced that Melissa and Paula Hart's Hartbreak Films will be collaborating with 44 Blue Productions to develop the docuseries, Sweet Harts. The docuseries will follow the Hart family and its journey as they open their dream dessert shop.(Martinsville Speedway)(3-31-2016)

Martinsville Speedway using Kenseth-Logano feud in advertising: The controversial accident between #20-Matt Kenseth and #24-Joey Logano at Martinsville Speedway last fall happened and track president Clay Campbell will not shy away from it. In a TV commercial advertising the upcoming STP 500, footage is used of Kenseth intentionally wrecking Logano. The act resulted in Kenseth being suspended for two weeks while Logano failed to advance from the second to last round in the Chase. It's why some are upset the track would use the wreck as a promotional tool. But according to Campbell, including it wasn't a difficult decision.
"Yeah, it stirred up controversy but what do people want me to show, the pace lap? That would be like (the media), you write about the deal after it happened but you can't do it anymore," Campbell said on Tuesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame promoting this weekend's race. "Is that going to sell newspapers? Is that going to sell what you do? I get paid to sell tickets. I don't think that crossed over the line."
Campbell referenced other incidents that have also been highlighted throughout the years, such as the fight after the 1979 Daytona 500. While lore has it NASCAR didn't feel it was good for the sport at the time since it was the first race broadcast flag-to-flag on cable TV, it has been shown over and over since then. "No, I wouldn't think twice about it. Unfortunately, somebody did get penalized on it, that was the bad part about it, but we didn't make a highlight out of that incident. It was just a small blurb of it. Was it a difficult decision, no," Campbell reiterated. "I wouldn't be doing my job, and I don't think anyone sitting in this room would have done anything any different if what I'm paid to do is sell tickets. The golden rule is that if there's an injury or anything like that, certainly you don't cross over that line."(Popular Speed)(3-30-2016)

Rusty Wallace Speaks at Martinsville/Henry County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: It's been 11 years since Rusty Wallace wheeled a race car around Martinsville Speedway, but the seven-time winner at the historic half-mile was back in town Thursday night [Jan 21] as the guest speaker at the Martinsville/Henry County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Wallace, who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2013, talked to a group of more than 200 business leaders at Chatmoss Country Club about some of his favorite memories both at the track and around town. "My very first win here at Martinsville," Wallace said when recalling his favorite wins. "I won at Bristol, Tennessee about three weeks before that and a lot of people thought that was just a fluke. Then I came to Martinsville and I won again. When I won, in my heart I said I've made it. It wasn't a fluke. It was the real deal. I'd locked up two victories in a three or four week period." Wallace also talked about his final career win as another victory that will always stand out in his mind. "I had a spell where I didn't think I was going to win again because it was getting tough on me," he said. "Then, I come here and win for my 55th victory and lock it down and announce my retirement from driving a car and that was it." Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said that for what Wallace did on the track, he has done just as much for the sport in retirement. "Since the day Rusty stepped out of the car he has been working to help grow the sport," Campbell said. "Rusty's been involved as a car owner, broadcaster and works tirelessly as an ambassador for NASCAR. Having him here tonight certainly helps Martinsville Speedway, but it also helps NASCAR as a whole." Wallace is no stranger to the venue for the dinner either, as he said it was one of his favorite places to visit, not just in Martinsville but on the whole tour. "Talk about relaxed and feeling good, when I had a chance to go golfing that was a really cool time. And this particular place where at right now, Chatmoss, they always took care of me real good," he said. "I'm a big golfer. I love to golf and all the drivers love to golf. So when I leave the racetrack, we get done with practice on Saturday at noon, and when we get done with practice the first thing I would do is load up and come right out here to go golfing." Of course it helped that he always felt at home on the track at Martinsville, as well. "If you hate short track racing, I'm already in your head, because I'm going to kick your butt dude," he said. "I love this place and it's was just one of those race tracks I always looked forward going to."(Martinsville Speedway)(1-24-2016)

Martinsville truck races to be sponsored by Alpha Energy Solutions: Alpha Energy Solutions will sponsor both Camping World Truck Series races at Martinsville Speedway for the next three years, Track President Clay Campbell announced. Alpha Energy Solutions is no stranger to Martinsville Speedway. In 2014, they sponsored the Pole Award for the STP 500. The Louisville-based company sees the race sponsorship as a way to grow their relationship with Martinsville Speedway and the International Speedway Corporation. The Alpha Energy Solutions 250 on April 2 and the Alpha Energy Solutions 200 on October 29 will be their first race entitlements. NASCAR announced last week that the Camping World Truck Series will have a seven-race, eight-driver playoff with two drivers being eliminated after the first three races and again after the second three races, setting up a four driver championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Alpha Energy Solutions 200 will be the first race in the Round of 6.(Alpha Energy Solutions)(1-23-2016)

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell Receives Buddy Shuman Award: Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell was honored as the 2015 NASCAR Buddy Shuman Award recipient at the annual NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas. The award was established in 1957 and named for racing pioneer Buddy Shuman. The Buddy Shuman Award is given to annually to recognize individuals and organizations that have played vital roles in the growth of professional stock car racing. Past recipients have included Bill France Sr., Richard Petty, Ken Squier, and Rick Hendrick. "All I can say is I am quite honored to be among the list of recipients of this award," Campbell said. "When I was young I remember seeing the passion people like my grandfather (Martinsville Speedway Founder H. Clay Earles), Bill France Sr. and Richard Petty had for our sport. I got a lot of my passion for NASCAR from them and I just hope that I have been able to share it with others." Starting at a young age, Campbell could often be found at the speedway following in his grandfather's footsteps. When he graduated high school he started working full-time at the track and was named track president in 1988. Martinsville Speedway was founded in 1947 and is the only remaining track from NASCAR's original schedule. "Nearly 70 years since its founding, Martinsville remains a cornerstone of Cup racing, an impressive feat that is largely due to Clay Campbell's visionary leadership and relentless focus on the fan experience," said Michael Proud, director of marketing, North America, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, the award sponsor. "We are proud to celebrate his significant contributions to our sport through this prestigious award."(Martinsville Speedway)(12-4-2015)

Gordon presented with the H. Clay Earles Award: Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell presented Jeff Gordon with the H. Clay Earles Award. The award, given for "Outstanding Dedication to Auto Racing", was established in 2000 and is named for Martinsville Speedway Founder H. Clay Earles. "Jeff Gordon is one of the greatest drivers NASCAR has ever seen," Campbell said. "However, if you look at what he has meant to the sport - the commitment he has made to it and the role he played in helping grow it to a popularity never seen before - that's what I'll think of when I look back on his career and that's what the H. Clay Earles Award is all about." Gordon, an eight-time Martinsville winner, said receiving the award means a lot, for a variety of reasons. "This place is special; more than just the race track. It's what they've done to the track to keep it authentic, to keep the fans engaged. I'm really honored by it." Former NASCAR President Bill France Jr. was the first recipient of the award.(Martinsville Speedway)(11-2-2015)

New SAFER barriers narrow Martinsville track: The push to anchor SAFER barriers to every square foot of unprotected concrete in the Sprint Cup Series has been an ongoing crusade this season aimed at benefiting drivers. The addition of 1,600 feet of the energy-absorbing walls at Martinsville Speedway also could benefit fans who enjoy the 0.526-mile oval's reputation for engendering contact. "First of all, (NASCAR drivers) appreciate the SAFER barriers," Carl Edwards said. "The fans should appreciate it (at Martinsville) because it's going to make it more narrow than it was. It seems driving down the straightaway trying to pass cars even in practice, it just seems really tight. As narrow and tough as this place was, it's just going to be narrower and tougher."
The track erected SAFER barrier over the summer along the exterior of the frontstretch and backstretch, removing about 30 inches of racing surface from each of the 800-foot straightaways. Jeff Gordon said he apparently scuffed the right side of his #24 Chevy in practice, but a reduction of the racing surface wasn't as significant as initially feared when looking at an updated photo of the track. "I looked at it, and my eyes got big, and I thought, 'Wow, that's a pretty big change,' " Gordon said. "It wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be."
Martinsville already had SAFER on the interior of the frontstretch and backstretch and the outside of the turns, leaving the interior turns (which have curbing) as the only sections without the barrier.(NBC Sports)(10-31-2015)

Richard Petty, Goody's and Martinsville Speedway are like three old friends who can't be separated. The three iconic NASCAR symbols will join together as Petty, a 15-time Martinsville winner, has been named co-Grand Marshal for Sunday's Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500. Tom Harman, marketing director of Circle K stores, will join Petty as co-Grand Marshal and in giving the command to start the engines. "I can hardly remember a time when Goody's or Richard Petty wasn't a part of Martinsville Speedway, and it's great to have both back here again." Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. "For Goody's to bring a new brand in, it goes to show their commitment to growing our sport."
"Goody's is very honored to have our spokesperson Richard Petty serve as Grand Marshal, along with Tom Harman of Circle K at this year's Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 race," said Joseph Juliano, brand director for Goody's. "It is a privilege to have Richard on the Goody's team as he is not only one of the most famous names in NASCAR, but an icon in the sport. Tom and the Circle K have shown true commitment and support to the Goody's brand and we appreciate having them here with us today."(Martinsville Speedway)(10-31-2015)

PowerShares QQQ becomes official Investment Management Company of Martinsville: Martinsville Speedway has entered a partnership with PowerShares QQQ. As a result of the partnership, PowerShares QQQ will be the Official Investment Management Company of Martinsville Speedway starting in 2016. PowerShares QQQ is a subsidiary of Invesco Ltd., a leading independent global investment management firm, dedicated to helping investors worldwide achieve their financial objectives. By delivering the combined power of distinctive investment management capabilities, Invesco provides a wide range of investment strategies and vehicles to clients around the world. Operating in more than 20 countries, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IVZ.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-31-2015)

Goody's and Martinsville Speedway extend relationship: Dale Earnhardt Jr. understands the significance of the long-term relationship between Martinsville Speedway and Goody's and was excited when he found out the two had renewed their partnership for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500. "The great thing about the Martinsville-Goody's relationship is that it goes back over so many years. It really shows the kind of devotion that Goody's has to the sport and to the Martinsville racetrack and the area," said Earnhardt, a student of the history of the sport. "They're very proud of that relationship and they've grown it over the years. It's been very productive for them and you just sort of associate one with the other: Martinsville and Goody's." Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell and Joseph Juliano, Brand Director, Goody's, announced this week that the long relationship would continue with the renewal of Goody's sponsorship for the fall NASCAR Sprint Cup race for 2016. It will mark the 29th year of involvement between Goody's and Martinsville and the 36th Martinsville race sponsored by Goody's.(Martinsville Speedway)(6-11-2015)

Grand Home Furnishings renews as provider of Martinsville Grandfather Clock: Martinsville Speedway and Grand Home Furnishings, two companies with long and storied histories and deep Virginia roots, are continuing their long-standing relationship. Roanoke-based Grand Home Furnishings, which has long been the source of the iconic grandfather clock winner's trophy, has extended its status as the official provider of the grandfather clocks. This marks the 51st year the track has given a grandfather clock to the race winner. Fred Lorenzen took home the first clock in 1964. Since then the clock has found its way into the homes of the sport's biggest stars. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are just some of the drivers who have taken home multiple clocks. Most recently Dale Earnhardt Jr. added his name to the list of clock owners, with his win last fall.(Martinsville Speedway)(3-20-2015)

Jesse Jones hot dogs out at Martinsville: When fans go to the concession stand at Martinsville Speedway next weekend seeking the "Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog," for the first time in nearly seven decades the red hots and chili will not be produced by Jesse Jones Southern Style Hot Dogs. Calling it a business decision, the track has elected to switch to Valleydale Hot Dogs, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, which is a primary sponsor on Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Sprint Cup car, driven by Aric Almirola. But according Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, the new hot dog and chili will taste the same as the old standby.
"Does anybody think I'm crazy enough to change something so iconic and so cherished as the 'Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog?' " Campbell told NASCAR Talk. "We're not in the habit of taking steps backward, we're always going forward. The fans will still have the 'Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog' and it'll be just as good as it has been. I assure you that. We wouldn't do anything to change that. Number one, my grandfather would come back to get me if I did, and Bill France Jr. would be after me. So we're not changing it to where fans will notice any difference whatsoever. The color, taste and texture will still be the same."
The move ends one of the longest-standing relationships between a speedway and vendor in NASCAR annals, said Jesse Jones motorsports marketing director Stephen Drummond.(NBC Sports)(3-18-2015)

Martinsville Mobile App will improve fan experience: Race fans can begin downloading the new Martinsville Speedway Mobile App which should make their next trip to Martinsville Speedway a much easier experience. The new app, which is available at no cost for iOS and Android, has features that will help visitors navigate their way around Martinsville Speedway's property on event weekends. The first event fans will be able to utilize the Martinsville Speedway App will be the STP Gas Booster 500 weekend April 5-7. Key features of the new App include: interactive GPS map, detailed facility maps, race weekend schedule, ability to find your friends at the track, and much, much more.(Martinsville Speedway)(3-8-2013)

Martinsville Speedway News Archive