Martinsville Speedway: NASCAR Track Review

Several times a year, the attention of NASCAR fans is focused on Martinsville, Virginia and the internationally renowned Martinsville Speedway. Founded in 1947 by the late H. Clay Earles, the Martinsville Speedway is only track that has hosted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races every year since its inception.

The History

H. Clay Earle, the founder of Martinsville Speedway, was passionate about stock car racing and created the track in 1947. When Earles first opened Martinsville Speedway, it was a simple dirt track which accommodated 750 patrons; however, the more than six thousand fans would crowd the Speedway to watch the growing pastime of racing. At this time, NASCAR was merely an idea.

The first race featured modified stock cars and the legendary driver and World War II veteran Red Byron took the $ 500.00 purse. By the next year, Martinsville held its first NASCAR sanctioned event with great names like Fonty Flock, Bill France, Herb Thomas, Buck Baker, Pee Wee Martin, and Bill Blair. France created NASCAR, Thomas and Flock made history by taking the prizes at Martinsville. Flock won in 1948, while Thomas won in both 1950 and 1952.

Once NASCAR created its "strictly stock division, the long relationship between Martinsville and NASCAR was cemented. At that race, on September 25, 1949, Red Byron took the win, while a Lee Petty came in second.

By 1950, Martinsville began running at least two NASCAR races per year. It remains the only track that still hosts NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events to this day and now can accommodate over 60,000 fans. Generally fans get to see the Goodys Fast Pain Relief 500 in March and the Tums Fast Relief 500 in the Fall.

The track was paved in 1955 and events 500 lap events were first held in 1956. Racing legends such as Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon have set records and "wowed" fans at this azalea adorned track.

The Specifications

Lying in the beautiful rural regions of Henry County, Virginia, the Martinsville Speedway is affectionately referred to as the "Perfect Paperclip" for good reason. The track which is .526 miles (.847 kilometers) in length is one of NASCAR's shortest and is shaped like a large paperclip. Its two straight-aways are 800 feet in length and its four turns are short and tight.

The track has not changed in design since its dirt track days. The track set up works for fans, who are closer to the action and voted Martinsville one of the top bargains in Sprint Cup racing. For fans, there are family sections, VIP suites, and general seating.

Traditions and Such

H. Clay Earles always believed in giving the fans what they wanted. He also thought of touches that would make races at his track stand out. While other racing events offer trophies, winners at Martinsville Speedway receive a Grandfather Clock.

Just as famous as the grandfather clocks is Martinsville Speedway's concession. Celebrated for its reasonable prices, drivers and fans alike cannot wait for the Martinsville Speedway hotdog. More than a frank on a bun, this race fan favorite was even showcased in USA Today.

The Martinsville Speedway, owned by International Speedway Corporation since 2004, also hosts the NASCAR Kroger 250 and Kroger 200 Camping World Truck Series as well as the Made In America Whelen 30, the Bailey's 300 Late Model Stock Car, and Whelen Modified Tour races.

Martinsville Speedway holds a great deal of NASCAR history. While one of the oldest and shortest tracks in the NASCAR series, it is one of favorites of fans and drivers.

For more information about the history of or events taking place at the Martinsville Speedway, check out these websites:

http://www.martinsvillespeedway.com

http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/mar/index.html