Martinsville Speedway
{{short description|Motorsport track in the United States}}
{{Infobox motorsport venue
|name = Martinsville Speedway
|logo = Martinsville_Speedway_logo.png
|nicknames =
|location = 340 Speedway Road
Ridgeway, Virginia
24148
|layout1 = Oval
|surface = Asphalt (straights and higher lanes of turns)
Concrete (lower lanes of turns)
|miles_first = true
|length_km = 0.847
|length_mi = 0.526
|turns = 4
|record_time = 0:18.845
|record_driver = {{flagicon|USA}} Ross Chastain
|record_car = Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
|record_year = 2022
|record_class = NASCAR Cup
|website={{URL|https://martinsvillespeedway.com/}}
|Coordinates={{coord|36|38|02|N|79|51|04|W|region:US-VA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
|Banking=Turns: 12°
Straights: 0°
|Capacity= Exact figure unknown; less than 44,000
|Image=Martinsville Speedway 2024.svg
|Events=Current:
NASCAR Cup Series
Cook Out 400 (1950–present)
Xfinity 500 (1949–present)
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Dude Wipes 250 (1982–1994, 2006, 2021–present)
Dead On Tools 250 (1960–1994, 2020–present)
Zerex 150 (1982–1983, 1986–1990)
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 (2003–2021, 2024)
Long John Silver's 200 (1995–2019, 2022–present)
|Time=UTC−5 (UTC−4 DST)|Construction_cost=$60,000 USD|Owner=NASCAR (2019–present)}}
Martinsville Speedway is a {{Convert|0.526|mi|km|adj=on}} oval short track in Ridgeway, Virginia. The track has held a variety of events since its opening in 1947, primarily events sanctioned by NASCAR. Martinsville Speedway is owned by NASCAR and led by track president Clay Campbell.
Originally a dirt oval, Martinsville Speedway opened in September 1947 under the ownership of Virginia businessman Henry Clay Earles. The facility quickly formed a relationship with NASCAR, with it hosting its first Cup Series races in 1949 and half interest of the track being purchased by the France family the year after. In 1955, the track was paved with asphalt. After 21 years of constant repaves, the lower lanes of the track's corners were paved with concrete. Martinsville Speedway underwent major expansion starting in the 1990s, adding seating capacity and renovating other amenities. In 2004, the track was bought out by the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) from the Earles and France families. 15 years later, the track was bought by NASCAR after the sanctioning body purchased ISC.
Description
= Configuration =
File:Martinsville Speedway, September 2011 overview.JPG
Martinsville Speedway in its current configuration is measured at {{Convert|0.526|mi|km|adj=off}}, with 12° of banking in each of the track's four turns and no banking on the track's straights.{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Scott |date=October 31, 2024 |title=Statistical Advance: Analyzing the Xfinity 500 |url=https://www.jayski.com/2024/10/31/statistical-advance-analyzing-the-xfinity-500-3/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=Jayski's Silly Season Site |language=en-US |archive-date=November 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111110844/https://www.jayski.com/2024/10/31/statistical-advance-analyzing-the-xfinity-500-3/ }} The track is currently paved with both asphalt and concrete. The former is used for the straights and upper lanes of the corners while the latter is used for the lower lanes of the corners.{{Cite web |last=Borden |first=Bill |date=August 22, 2025 |title=The great debate: is concrete or blacktop better for racing? |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=2&id=2985705 |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925081835/https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=2&id=2985705 }}
= Amenities =
Martinsville Speedway is located in Ridgeway, Virginia, and is served by U.S. Route 58 and U.S. Route 220.{{Cite web |last=Dalpino |first=James |date=April 4, 2024 |title=Heading to Martinsville? What to know about traffic |url=https://www.wfxrtv.com/sports/nascar/heading-to-martinsville-what-to-know-about-traffic/damp/?nxs-test=damp-102024 |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=WFXR}} As of 2019, the track has a capacity of 44,000 according to ESPN;{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Scott |date=January 26, 2019 |title=International Speedway Corporation continues to reduce track seating |url=https://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2019/story/_/id/25858279/international-speedway-corporation-continues-reduce-track-seating |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308052630/http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2019/story/_/id/25858279/international-speedway-corporation-continues-reduce-track-seating |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}} however, this number is disputed due to the additional removal of seats in 2022.
== Hot dogs ==
Martinsville Speedway is known for selling $2 "Martinsville hot dogs" at its concession stands. The hot dogs are often sold with mustard, chili, cole slaw, and onions as toppings. The speedway started selling hot dogs sometime during the track's infancy and became a staple of the track over the course of decades.{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle R. |last2=Thorpe |first2=Evan |date=March 26, 2019 |title=The most famous hot dog in NASCAR: A Martinsville staple |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/motorsports/2019/03/26/nascar-martinsville-hot-dog-jimmie-johnson/81643338007/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220901/https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/motorsports/2019/03/26/nascar-martinsville-hot-dog-jimmie-johnson/81643338007/ }}{{Cite web |last=Stephens |first=Dean-Paul |date=September 19, 2024 |title=On the hunt for the elusive Martinsville hot dog |url=https://cardinalnews.org/2024/09/19/on-the-hunt-for-the-elusive-martinsville-hot-dog/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=Cardinal News |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220859/https://cardinalnews.org/2024/09/19/on-the-hunt-for-the-elusive-martinsville-hot-dog/ }} As of 2023, the hot dogs are supplied by Jesse Jones,{{Cite web |last=Sturniolo |first=Zach |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Martinsville hot dog stand stands the test of time |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/04/15/martinsville-hot-dog-stand-stands-the-test-of-time/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=NASCAR |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220859/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/04/15/martinsville-hot-dog-stand-stands-the-test-of-time/ }} which has been the same supplier since the track started selling hot dogs with the exception of a brief period between 2015 to 2018 when they were supplied by Valleydale Foods.{{Cite web |last=Bonkowski |first=Jerry |date=March 18, 2015 |title=Iconic Jesse Jones Hot Dogs out at Martinsville Speedway, replaced by another brand |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/breaking-iconic-jesse-jones-hot-dogs-are-out-at-martinsville-speedway-replaced-by-another-brand |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220859/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/breaking-iconic-jesse-jones-hot-dogs-are-out-at-martinsville-speedway-replaced-by-another-brand }}{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Dustin |date=February 27, 2018 |title=Hot Dog! Jesse Jones wieners back in Martinsville |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/hot-dog-jesse-jones-wieners-back-in-martinsville |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220859/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/hot-dog-jesse-jones-wieners-back-in-martinsville }}
Track history
= Early dirt years =
File:Red Byron 1949.png (pictured in 1949) won the first race at the Martinsville Speedway in 1947. He later went on to win the track's first NASCAR Cup Series race at the venue two years later.|left]]
After attending local stock car races in the Salisbury, North Carolina, area, businessman Henry Clay Earles partnered with Sam Rice and Henry Lawrence to build a racing facility, eventually finding a {{Convert|30|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} plot of land in Ridgeway, Virginia. The three agreed to invest $10,000 for a total of $30,000 (adjusted for inflation, ${{Inflation|index=US|value=30000|start_year=1947|r=0|fmt=c}}), with original plans including seating capacity for 5,000; however, after building the red clay track and a surrounding guard rail, the project had gone twice over the original budget.{{Cite news |last=Weekes |first=Bill |date=September 20, 1967 |title=Martinsville Speedway Celebrating 20th Year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/168432506/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=17 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=John D. |date=October 8, 1972 |title=H. Clay Earles and His Jewel of a Track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-h-clay-earles-and/168470840/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=1B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Despite the lack of capacity, Earles and Rice agreed to stage the track's first race on September 7, 1947, featuring a modified program.{{Cite news |date=September 1, 1947 |title=Top Stock Car Racers To Be Here Sunday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-top-stock-car-race/168552427/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-top-stock-car-race/168552437/ 7] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The race ran as scheduled, with Red Byron winning the event in front of a paying crowd of 6,013.{{Cite news |date=September 8, 1947 |title=Byron Wins Feature Event At Opening Of New Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-byron-wins-feature/168552447/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Pearson |first=Harold |date=August 8, 1982 |title=A speedway that went from dust bowl to gold |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch-a-speedway-that/170059443/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch-a-speedway-that/170059448/ B4] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The race itself was marred by heavy dust and an influx of non-paying spectators;{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1947 |title=Here And There About The City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-here-and-there-abo/168617457/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{Open access}} Earles later stated in a 1967 interview that "it turned out to be the dustiest place I've ever seen. Had an H-bomb dropped there, it wouldn't have been any dustier. After the race, you couldn't recognize the people leaving. They looked like 6,013 Indians."
File:Henry Clay Earles 1973.png (pictured in 1973) ran Martinsville Speedway from 1947 until 1999. ]]
Following the track's first race, a series of renovations were completed on the venue in 1948. A new surrounding fence was constructed in March to keep out non-paying spectators.{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1948 |title=Martinsville Race Track Being Repaired |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-race/169340626/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401172543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-race/169340626/ }} {{Open access}} The following month, a {{Convert|43|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} farm was bought out by the speedway to expand parking space for the venue.{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1948 |title=Race Track Purchases Additional Property |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-race-track-purchas/168619298/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401172542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-race-track-purchas/168619298/ }} {{Open access}} By the track's first race of the 1948 season in July, a new concrete grandstand with a seating capacity of approximately 4,000 was completed.{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1948 |title=Drivers To Race On Improved Track Sunday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-drivers-to-race-on/168621603/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401172542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-drivers-to-race-on/168621603/ }} {{Open access}} The following year, Martinsville Speedway ran its first NASCAR Strictly Stock Series (now known as the NASCAR Cup Series) race on September 26, with Red Byron winning the event.{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1949 |title=New Kind Of Stock Car Race Here Sept. 18 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-new-kind-of-stock/169343311/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401172544/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-new-kind-of-stock/169343311/ }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1949 |title=Clyde Minter Is Fourth In Stock Car Race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-clyde-minter-is-fo/169343560/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 1, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401172542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-clyde-minter-is-fo/169343560/ }} {{Open access}} In 1950, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. bought out Rice and Lawrence's shares in the track, having previously agreed to a business partnership with Earles in July 1947.{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Gerald |date=September 17, 1968 |title=In The Beginning |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-news-in-the-beginning/169880701/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |work=The World-News |pages=12 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220743/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-news-in-the-beginning/169880701/ }} {{Open access}}
= Paving, expansion =
In the following three decades, Martinsville Speedway went through consistent expansion. In 1953, the first talks about a potential paving of the track were mentioned by Earles in the Martinsville Bulletin.{{Cite news |last=Hudson |first=R. D. |date=May 31, 1953 |title=Martinsville Speedway May Be Improved |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/169346193/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=8A |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/169346193/ }} {{Open access}} After stating that the option of paving was being given "serious consideration" a year later,{{Cite news |last=Hudson |first=R. D. |date=May 31, 1954 |title=Track Here Needs 100 Bags Of Calcium Chloride |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-track-here-needs-1/169376687/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-track-here-needs-1/169376687/ }} {{Open access}} in June 1955, Earles officially announced the paving of the track alongside the additions of a concrete retaining wall and the expansion of seating capacity.{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1955 |title=Martinsville Speedway Track To Be Paved Soon |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/169377235/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/169377235/ }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Gene |date=July 7, 1955 |title=New Rival For Myers... Flock Sets Two Track Records... New Martinsville Oval |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-new-rival-for-myers-f/169377274/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Greensboro Daily News |page=2-7 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Work on the project began in July{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1955 |title=Work Begins On Alterations At Local Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-work-begins-on-alt/169377589/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-work-begins-on-alt/169377589/ }} {{Open access}} and was completed in September;{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1955 |title=Sportsmen To Compete Sunday In First Race On Paved Track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-sportsmen-to-compe/169378923/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-sportsmen-to-compe/169378923/ }} {{Open access}} with the expansion, seating capacity in the grandstand was increased to 8,670 according to a 1956 advertisement.{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1956 |title='The Virginia 500' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ledger-star-the-virginia-500/169418257/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 2, 2025 |work=Ledger-Star |page=43 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/ledger-star-the-virginia-500/169418257/ }} {{Open access}} The construction of a new grandstand containing 7,000 seats named the East Grandstand was announced and completed the following year, expanding capacity to approximately 16,000.{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1956 |title=Seating Capacity At Speedway Here To Be Greatly Increased |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-seating-capacity-a/169416724/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Barrier |first=Smith |date=May 16, 1956 |title=Virginia 500 Set For FFV -- New High In Everything |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-virginia-500-set-for-ffv/169418293/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=Greensboro Daily News |page=2-4 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403084919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-virginia-500-set-for-ffv/169418293/ }} {{Open access}}
In 1960, a scaffold was erected over the West Grandstand to cover part of the grandstand.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1960 |title=Sportsmen Races Each Sunday To Begin Following Virginia 500 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-sportsmen-races-ea/169527298/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=10A |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Two years later, a new air-conditioned press box was constructed over the track's fourth turn.{{Cite news |last=Warf |first=Bob |date=September 18, 1962 |title=Wood Ponders Over Driving In Old Dominion 500 Sunday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-news-wood-ponders-over-driving/169469317/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=The World-News |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 1963, the track was slightly altered, with the track surface in the turns being widened by {{Convert|2|in|cm|abbr=on}}.{{Cite news |last=Lawing |first=Houston |date=September 1, 1963 |title=Freddie Lorenzen Starts In Pole Position Monday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-freddie-lorenzen-s/169469394/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Further additions to seating capacity were in the following two years, setting capacity to 21,000 in 1965.{{Cite news |last=Sigsworth |first=Alma |date=April 12, 1964 |title=New Star Looms On Dirt Tracks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-new-star-looms-on-dirt/169469480/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=D5 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1964 |title=2,000 More Seats Ready For Big Race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-2000-more-seats-r/169490826/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Coughlin |first=Don |date=March 28, 1965 |title=Point After Point |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-point-after-point/169836340/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 1969, the track length was changed from {{Convert|0.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|0.526|mi|km|abbr=on}} after NASCAR implemented a new track length measurement system.{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1969 |title=Track Record at Martinsville Is Higher Than Is Recorded |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-track-record-at-ma/169881909/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=Winston-Salem Journal |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The following year, three groups sought to buy the track and transform the track complex to include a {{Convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} speedway, with Earles setting a price of $1,000,000 (adjusted for inflation, ${{Inflation|index=US|value=1000000|start_year=1970|r=0|fmt=c}}) in July.{{Cite news |last=Hundley |first=R. B. |date=July 8, 1970 |title=3 Groups Seek To Buy Local Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-3-groups-seek-to-b/169883010/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220743/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-3-groups-seek-to-b/169883010/ }} {{Open access}} However, within the month, all offers for the track failed to materialize.{{Cite news |last=Weekes |first=Bill |date=July 23, 1970 |title=All in the Game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-all-in-the-game/169883926/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220743/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-all-in-the-game/169883926/ }} {{Open access}} In 1972, a $25,000 beautification project was completed, which included the repaving of the track's turns.{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1972 |title=Speedway Readies for Fall Slate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-readies-f/169888823/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=12 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409220859/https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-readies-f/169888823/ }} {{Open access}} Another $100,000 project was started the following year, which repaved the entire track and increased seating capacity to "just over 30,000" by 1974 with the construction of seats in the first and second turns.{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1973 |title=Speedway 'Improving' For Fall Race Schedule |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-improvin/169941733/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=7C |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Merritt |first=Robert |date=July 21, 1974 |title=More Delays for Superspeedway? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch-more-delays-for/169979799/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2025 |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |page=E9 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
= Era of mass expansion =
File:Martinsville 1985 (3279103691).jpg
The track was again repaved in 1976; however, the lower lanes were repaved with concrete instead of the usual asphalt, with Earles deciding on concrete because he thought it would last longer than an asphalt surface.{{Cite news |last=Waid |first=Steve |date=September 24, 1976 |title=Martinsville's revamped track 'better than it was' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-news-martinsvilles-revamped-t/170052745/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The World-News |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 1979, a new $100,000, 105-seat press box over the track's first and second turns was completed.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=March 11, 1979 |title=Earles Designs and Builds 100-Seat, Ultra-Modern Facility |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-earles-designs-and/170054176/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-earles-designs-and/170059857/ 6D] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} On October 24, 1985, the first fatality in the track's history occurred when modified driver Richie Evans crashed in the track's third and fourth turns, dying from multiple trauma.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=October 25, 1985 |title=Evans' Death Stuns Drivers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-evans-death-stuns/170059778/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-evans-death-stuns/170059781/ 3C] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=King |first=Randy |date=October 25, 1985 |title=Modified champion Richie Evans dies in Martinsville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-modified-champion-rich/170059869/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=B4, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-modified-champion-rich/170059879/ B7] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 1987, a 2,000-seat tower over the first turn was completed, increasing seating capacity to 32,000.{{Cite news |date=April 3, 1987 |title=For H. Clay Earles, a dream keeps growing at Martinsville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-for-h-clay-earles-a/170060074/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page= |pages=Race{{hyphen}}4, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-for-h-clay-earles-a/170060078/ Race-12] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} On March 22 of the same year, the track also experienced its second fatality after modified driver Charlie Jarzombek sustained a stuck throttle and crashed into the first and second turns.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=March 23, 1987 |title=Driver killed at speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-driver-killed-at-s/170060057/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-driver-killed-at-s/170060059/ 8A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
Heading into the 1990s, expansive and frequent changes to both seating capacity and other amenities were made.{{efn|The extent of how many seats were added during expansion is disputed; in a 2004 report, it was found that the actual capacity was 63,000 for that year. Prior to 2004, the seating capacity number listed was inconsistent, with different sources listing disputing numbers.{{Cite news |last=McFarling |first=Aaron |date=May 15, 2004 |title=Huge deal makes track look smaller |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-huge-deal-makes-track/170231661/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=Sports{{hyphen}}1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-huge-deal-makes-track/170231678/ Sports-5]}}|name=Seating capacity dispute}} In 1989, numerous additions were made toward the track, including new retaining catchfences and a new 2,500-seat tower,{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Clay |date=June 22, 1989 |title=Racing speeds into the future |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-racing-speeds-into/170060222/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=4A |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=September 20, 1989 |title=Speedway improvements unnoticed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-improveme/170060227/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-improveme/170060233/ 2B] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} in the process removing the roof from the West Grandstand.{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1989 |title=Martinsville Speedway is razing the roof |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bedford-bulletin-martinsville-speedway-i/170083723/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Bedford Bulletin |page=3B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Additional seating was constructed over each of the following five years, with additions of 2,500,{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1990 |title=Speedway adds more seating |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-franklin-news-post-speedway-adds-mor/170083535/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Franklin News-Post |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} 3,000,{{Cite news |last=Zeller |first=Bob |date=July 10, 1991 |title=Big crash leaves Waltrip a little sore – but not for long |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-big-crash-leaves-waltr/170084333/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=B5 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} 5,000,{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Tom |date=September 25, 1992 |title=Winston Cup race highlights anniversary at Martinsville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-winston-cup-race/170085836/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Charlotte Observer |page=6B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} 1,200,{{Cite news |last=Zeller |first=Bob |date=September 19, 1993 |title=Martinsville gearing up |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-martinsville-gearing-u/170086953/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=D13 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} and 3,000 seats being built each year, respectively.{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Tom |date=April 5, 1994 |title=Speedway's facility officially dedicated today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-speedways-facili/170086977/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Charlotte Observer |page=2B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 1996, a new 7,000-seat tower named after Bill France Sr. was constructed over the third and fourth turns.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1996 |title=Martinsville Speedway Prepares for Future Growth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/170121903/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=100 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The following year, the Bill France Tower was expanded by 5,000 seats. In addition, pit road was expanded by six pit stalls.{{Cite news |last=Zeller |first=Bob |date=April 13, 1997 |title=Interest still building in Martinsville's 50th year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-interest-still-buildin/170089910/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=C9 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Another tower was built on the frontstretch in 1998, with 8,000 seats being added.{{Cite news |last=Zeller |first=Bob |date=April 12, 1998 |title=It's a seller's market at Martinsville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-its-a-sellers-market/170090462/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=C4 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In April 1999, the backstretch pit road was removed from the track layout, with all pit stalls being condensed onto one singular pit road.{{Cite news |last=Cardwell |first=Eric |date=April 19, 1999 |title=New pit road worked just fine |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-new-pit-road-worke/170129291/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-new-pit-road-worke/170129299/ 3B] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
On November 16, 1999, Earles died from illness,{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1999 |title=Speedway founder dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-founder-d/170128373/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-founder-d/170128392/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} with his grandson Clay Campbell taking over control of the facility.{{Cite news |last=Bogaczyk |first=Jack |date=February 12, 2000 |title=New man, old ways |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-new-man-old-ways-par/170128774/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-new-man-old-ways-par/170128789/ C6] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 2000, a 5,000-seat grandstand on the first and second turns, eight suites, a new press box, were constructed.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=February 28, 2000 |title=Speedway growth spurt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-growth-sp/170129220/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-growth-sp/170129233/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Multiple renovations were made in 2001, including the construction of a new infield garage building for Cup Series teams,{{Cite news |last=Lawson |first=Steve |date=January 23, 2001 |title=Gentlemen, house your engines |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-gentlemen-house-y/170129947/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-gentlemen-house-y/170129953/ 3B] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} the resurfacing of the concrete sections of the track surface, and a widened pit road.{{Cite news |last=Lawson |first=Steve |date=April 1, 2001 |title=Martinsville Speedway: A work in progress |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/170130337/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/170130345/ 5D] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The concrete portions of the track surface were resurfaced in 2002, initially causing concerns of higher than usual tire falloff{{Cite news |date=October 16, 2002 |title=Rubber meets the road |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-rubber-meets-the-r/170130423/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=5B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-rubber-meets-the-r/170130434/ 6B] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} before being dispelled after the running of the 2002 Old Dominion 500.{{Cite news |last=Poole |first=David |date=October 21, 2002 |title=Surface doesn't cause problems drivers feared |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-surface-doesnt-c/170163058/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The Charlotte Observer |page=4C |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Daski |first=Robert |date=October 21, 2002 |title=Martinsville Speedway passes test |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-advance-martinsville-speedw/170163172/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=The News & Advance |page=B5 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} A $2.5 million renovation project aimed at adding 2,000 seats and the moving of a nearby Norfolk Southern railroad for additional seating was announced in 2003, with a scheduled completion date of October of that year.{{Cite news |last=Root |first=Brian |date=January 31, 2003 |title=Track adding 2,000 seats |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-track-adding-2000/170157034/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-track-adding-2000/170157059/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} However, the plan was delayed,{{Cite news |last=Marks |first=Andy |date=November 30, 2003 |title=Speedway postpones project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-postpones/170157187/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-postpones/170157208/ 4D] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} with work on the railroad not starting until 2004{{Cite news |last=Sweeney |first=Darren |date=April 16, 2004 |title=Speedway to begin expansion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/danville-register-and-bee-speedway-to-be/170234513/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=Danville Register & Bee |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/danville-register-and-bee-speedway-to-be/170234529/ 9A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} and not completed until 2005.{{Cite news |last=Daski |first=Robert |date=April 7, 2005 |title=Martinsville battles to retain both of its Nextel Cup races |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-advance-martinsville-battle/170234563/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The News & Advance |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-advance-martinsville-battle/170234579/ D6] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 2004, both the concrete and asphalt portions of the track surface were repaved after parts of the concrete were dislodged in the 2004 Advance Auto Parts 500.{{Cite news |last=McFarling |first=Aaron |date=April 19, 2004 |title=Gordon can't work his way out of track's hole |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-gordon-cant-work-his/170231092/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=Race-2 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} SAFER barriers were also added in 2004 around the outside perimeter of the track.{{Cite news |last=McFarling |first=Aaron |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Resurfacing gives race track new feel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-resurfacing-gives-race/170233635/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=Sports{{hyphen}}1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-resurfacing-gives-race/170233661/ Sports-3] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
= ISC purchase =
File:Xfinity restart martinsville (53643541676).jpg
In February 2004, the Bulletin reported that an unspecified buyer was seeking to purchase Martinsville Speedway.{{Cite news |last=Wray |first=Ginny |date=February 26, 2004 |title=Buyer courts the speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-buyer-courts-the-s/170157382/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-buyer-courts-the-s/170157395/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Although Campbell denied interest of selling the facility the following month in The Roanoke Times,{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Dustin |date=March 20, 2004 |title=Passing may be difficult |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-passing-may-be-difficu/170231062/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |page=Sports-6 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} on May 14, the France family-owned International Speedway Corporation (ISC) announced their purchase of Martinsville Speedway for $192 million (adjusted for inflation, ${{Inflation|index=US|value=192000000|start_year=2005|r=0|fmt=c}}).{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Dustin |date=May 14, 2004 |title=Source: Martinsville Speedway sold |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-source-martinsville-s/170231467/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-source-martinsville-s/170231493/ 6A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Dustin |date=May 15, 2004 |title=Will NASCAR leave Martinsville in the dust? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-will-nascar-leave-mart/170231608/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-will-nascar-leave-mart/170231634/ 9A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 2005, Martinsville Speedway ran its first night race, using temporary lights to host a modified race.{{Cite news |last=McFarling |first=Aaron |date=March 3, 2005 |title=Lighting up track brightens the future |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-lighting-up-track-brig/170257314/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=Sports{{hyphen}}1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-lighting-up-track-brig/170257342/ Sports-4] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Johnny |date=September 5, 2005 |title=Night riders |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-night-riders-part/170258150/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-night-riders-part/170258179/ 6B] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Three years later, a new scoreboard, media center, and additional SAFER barriers were constructed at a cost of around $2 million.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=May 2, 2008 |title=Speedway upgrades |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-upgrades/170300841/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=1B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Johnny |date=October 19, 2008 |title=Death and taxes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-death-and-taxes-p/170300887/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-death-and-taxes-p/170300904/ 4D] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Another $3 million was spent in 2011 on a new speaker system and the widening of grandstand seats.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=January 13, 2011 |title=Making it better |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-making-it-better/170302516/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-making-it-better/170302532/ 6B] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Powell |first=Mickey |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Speedway unveils upgrades |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-unveils-u/170302569/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-speedway-unveils-u/170302600/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 2013, Martinsville Speedway decreased its capacity by 8,000, resetting its seating capacity to 55,000.{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bill |date=April 5, 2013 |title=NASCAR sees tracks downsize |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/danville-register-and-bee-nascar-sees-tr/170303781/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Danville Register & Bee |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/danville-register-and-bee-nascar-sees-tr/170303792/ B3] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} A permanent lighting system for hosting night races was constructed in 2017, with the system costing approximately $5 million to install.{{Cite news |last=King |first=Randy |date=October 13, 2016 |title=Campbell: Speedway to finally see light |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-campbell-speedway-to/170305516/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=Sports{{hyphen}}1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-campbell-speedway-to/170305529/ Sports-8] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Scott |date=March 3, 2017 |title=Let there be light |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-let-there-be-light/170305560/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Winston-Salem Journal |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-let-there-be-light/170305571/ A8] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Two years later, seating capacity decreased further to 44,000 according to ISC archive records.{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Scott |date=January 26, 2019 |title=International Speedway Corporation continues to reduce track seating |url=https://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2019/story/_/id/25858279/international-speedway-corporation-continues-reduce-track-seating |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308052630/http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2019/story/_/id/25858279/international-speedway-corporation-continues-reduce-track-seating |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}} In the same year, control of the facility was bought out by NASCAR after the sanctioning body purchased ISC.{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Mark |date=May 22, 2019 |title=NASCAR buys International Speedway Corp. for $2B |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nascar/2019/05/22/nascar-buys-international-speedway-corp-for-2b/5089070007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524161106/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nascar/2019/05/22/nascar-buys-international-speedway-corp-for-2b/5089070007/ |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}} In 2022, additional seats were removed in the first and second turns and were replaced by grass.{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Cara |date=October 23, 2022 |title=Martinsville Speedway debuts changes that 'ties back to the origins' of the track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/170323534/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-martinsville-speed/170323557/ B4] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
Events and other uses
= NASCAR =
{{See also|Cook Out 400 (Martinsville)|Xfinity 500|NASCAR Xfinity Series at Martinsville|NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Martinsville}}
File:Martinsville 1985 Petty Elliot (3280093514).jpg race at Martinsville Speedway in 1985. Since 1949, the track has held the series annually.]]
Martinsville Speedway hosts two annual NASCAR weekends as of 2025, highlighted by Cup Series races currently known as the Cook Out 400 and the Xfinity 500. The former was first held in 1950{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1950 |title=Two Stock Car Races Slated For Local Speedway In May |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-two-stock-car-race/170388817/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=May 22, 1950 |title=Turner Wins Stock Car Race, Paschal Second, Minter Fourth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-turner-wins-stock/170388346/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Martinsville Bulletin |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} and the latter was first held in 1949. To date, Martinsville Speedway is the only track to hold a Cup Series race every year since the series' creation in 1949.{{Cite web |last=Reardon |first=Logan |date=October 31, 2024 |title=NASCAR at Martinsville: Schedule, watch info, picks for Xfinity 500 |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nascar-martinsville-schedule-watch-tv-stream-picks-predictions-playoffs/3755428/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=WRC-TV |language=en-US |archive-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105181245/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nascar-martinsville-schedule-watch-tv-stream-picks-predictions-playoffs/3755428/ }} Along with its Cup Series races, the facility also hosts lower-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series support races for the Cup Series, with current races including the U.S. Marine Corps 250, the National Debt Relief 250, the Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200, and the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200.{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Dustin |date=August 29, 2024 |title=NASCAR releases 2025 Cup, Xfinity, Truck schedules |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/nascar-releases-2025-cup-xfinity-truck-schedules |url-status=live |access-date=January 29, 2025 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404153707/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/nascar-releases-2025-cup-xfinity-truck-schedules }}
= Filming production =
The track was used as a filming location for The Last American Hero, a 1973 film inspired by NASCAR driver and team owner Junior Johnson.{{Cite news |last=Shaver |first=Jim |date=October 31, 1972 |title=Shooting Starts on Film At Martinsville Raceway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-shooting-starts-on-fil/169892236/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=The Roanoke Times |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-roanoke-times-shooting-starts-on-fil/169892261/ 2] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
Race lap records
As of October 2024, the fastest official race lap records at Martinsville Speedway are listed as:
Notes
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{commons category-inline|Martinsville Speedway}}
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Category:Motorsport venues in Virginia
Category:Tourist attractions in Henry County, Virginia
Category:Martinsville, Virginia
Category:NASCAR races at Martinsville Speedway
Category:Buildings and structures in Henry County, Virginia