Wood Brothers Racing will mark its 75th anniversary by hosting a Fan Day on October 24 in Stuart, Virginia, inviting supporters to celebrate the team’s storied history with a lineup of engaging activities and appearances. The Wood Brothers Racing 75th Anniversary event provides fans the chance to connect with legendary drivers and the Wood family, enjoy interactive exhibits, and join in the festivities leading up to Martinsville Speedway race weekend.
Fan Day Activities and Schedule in Stuart
The Wood Brothers Museum in Stuart will serve as the hub for the Fan Day celebration, opening its doors on Friday, October 24, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event marks one of the final major celebrations in the team’s diamond anniversary year, with activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Doors to the museum open that morning at 9 a.m., offering early access to displays and the team store, where exclusive anniversary merchandise and collectible sheet metal will be available.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees can explore the museum’s collection of historic cars, artifacts, and memorabilia, tracing the team’s journey across 75 years of NASCAR competition. The site at 21 Performance Drive in Stuart will also feature exhibits like the Leonard Wood and Delano Wood showcase, as well as interactive activities hosted by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Booth.
Special Guest Drivers and Autograph Opportunities
The celebration’s highlight is the presence of nine drivers closely linked with Wood Brothers Racing’s legacy. Donnie Allison, Trevor Bayne, Dale Jarrett, Harrison Burton, Michael Waltrip, Elliott Sadler, Josh Berry, Ryan Blaney, and Paul Menard are scheduled to make appearances during the event. Each group will take part in question-and-answer sessions, giving fans a unique window into the lives and experiences of these racing personalities, followed by scheduled autograph signings.
Three distinct driver groups will hold autograph sessions, with a limited number of wristbands available for each: 100 wristbands for Groups 1 and 2, and 200 for Group 3. Distribution of wristbands begins at 11:30 a.m. on event day, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot. The groupings and times are:
- Group 1 (2:30 p.m.): Donnie Allison, Trevor Bayne, Dale Jarrett
- Group 2 (3:30 p.m.): Harrison Burton, Michael Waltrip, Elliott Sadler
- Group 3 (5:15 p.m.): Josh Berry, Ryan Blaney, Paul Menard
Wood Family Participation and Signings
A major draw for many fans will be the opportunity to meet members of the Wood family, who will be present for autograph sessions at multiple times throughout the day. Unlike driver signings, wristbands are not needed for these family sessions, providing open access for interactions. Sessions with the Wood family, representing several generations responsible for shaping NASCAR’s oldest operating team, are scheduled for:
- 2:15 p.m.
- 4:15 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m.
Interactive Experiences and Entertainment
Alongside the team museum and store, various activities will run throughout the afternoon for fans of all ages. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Booth will offer hands-on displays and education, while the No. 21 Ford Motorcraft Show Car display offers a close-up view of iconic motorsport engineering.
For younger fans, the event features a Kids Zone with bounce houses, a scavenger hunt, free gift bags, and opportunities to learn about racing in a playful setting. Food and refreshments will be provided by Palumbo’s Food Truck and Kona Ice, ensuring a festive atmosphere. Trivia rounds at key intervals during the day and prize raffles contribute to a lively and interactive environment.
Comprehensive Event Timeline
The day follows a packed timetable, with activities staggered to maximize fan engagement. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m., while wristband distribution for autograph sessions starts at 11:30 a.m. Fan Day officially kicks off at 2:00 p.m., coinciding with a welcome session and introduction involving Ford Motor Company representatives. The schedule includes:
- 2:05 p.m.: Welcome & Introduction Q&A with Ford Motor Company Representatives
- 2:15 p.m.: Donnie Allison, Dale Jarrett, Trevor Bayne Q&A Session
- 2:15 p.m.: First Wood Family autograph session
- 2:30 p.m.: Donnie Allison, Dale Jarrett, Trevor Bayne autograph signing
- 2:45 p.m.: First round of trivia
- 3:15 p.m.: Harrison Burton, Michael Waltrip, Elliott Sadler Q&A
- 3:30 p.m.: Harrison Burton, Michael Waltrip, Elliott Sadler autograph session
- 3:45 p.m.: Second trivia round
- 4:00 p.m.: Q&A with first and second-generation Wood family
- 4:15 p.m.: Second Wood Family autograph session
- 5:00 p.m.: Ryan Blaney and Josh Berry Q&A
- 5:15 p.m.: Third trivia session
- 5:15 p.m.: Ryan Blaney, Josh Berry, Paul Menard autograph session
- 5:30 p.m.: Third Wood Family autograph session
Primary parking is provided in the grass lot next to the museum entrance, with overflow parking set up at a nearby location. Continuous shuttle service ensures all attendees can access the venue smoothly throughout the day.
The Significance of Wood Brothers Racing’s Legacy
Founded in 1950 by Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing stands as an enduring icon in NASCAR history. As the sport’s longest-tenured team, the organization has claimed 101 victories and 120 pole positions in the NASCAR Cup Series, forging a remarkable legacy. The team’s commitment to Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford cars, remains a core part of its identity. Leonard Wood’s innovations in pit stop strategy left a permanent mark on motorsports, helping revolutionize the competition.
Today, Wood Brothers Racing carries its tradition into the future with driver Josh Berry competing in NASCAR’s premier series. The 75th anniversary festivities reflect both gratitude for past achievements and optimism for continued adaptation and innovation in racing. The team’s loyal fan base, drawn from generations of supporters, is integral to this ongoing journey.
What Fans Can Expect from the 75th Anniversary Fan Day
The Wood Brothers Racing 75th Anniversary Fan Day offers a unique moment for fans, drivers, NASCAR alumni, and the Wood family to gather and celebrate. With a diverse lineup of autograph sessions, memorabilia, and interactive experiences, attendees will be able to revisit highlights of racing history and look ahead to future milestones. The event’s joyful atmosphere, shaped by community participation and nostalgic reverence, underscores the cultural significance of Wood Brothers Racing within Stuart, Virginia, and the broader motorsports community. As one of the year’s cornerstone celebrations, this Fan Day provides both a tribute to the past and a signal of continued energy for seasons to come at NASCAR’s oldest continuous team.
