A rare piece of NASCAR memorabilia has surfaced as a replica of Denny Hamlin’s iconic Martinsville grandfather clock—awarded to his crew after his 2015 victory—is now listed for sale, sparking excitement among collectors and longtime fans. The unexpected appearance of the Denny Hamlin Martinsville clock sale connects NASCAR’s rich sense of tradition with the enthusiasm of those eager to own part of racing history.
Crew Member’s Replica Clock Becomes a Coveted Collector’s Item
In March 2015, Denny Hamlin defended his legacy at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia by winning the STP 500, narrowly outpacing Brad Keselowski in an intense finish. That race marked his eighth triumph at the famous paperclip-shaped short track and his 25th overall Cup Series win, further establishing his reputation as a master of Martinsville.
Hamlin’s memorable win brought the spotlight back to Martinsville’s coveted prize: the grandfather clock. Traditionally, this full-sized, handcrafted clock is awarded to the victorious driver, serving as one of NASCAR’s most famous and adored trophies. However, in a nod to the vital role played by the entire crew, Martinsville allows team members the option to obtain scaled replicas, letting more than just the driver bring home a symbol of their achievement.
Now, a decade since Hamlin’s landmark win, one of those crew member clocks has quietly appeared on Facebook Marketplace. Priced at $2,500, the listing quickly attracted the attention of fans, collectors, and those with a deep appreciation of the traditions surrounding NASCAR. This is not Hamlin’s personal clock, but rather a crew-issued replica—a detail that adds to its unique backstory.
The sale of this piece reminds many why such trophies resonate so deeply. Crew members, often working behind the scenes, are seldom recognized beyond pit lane, yet their skill and dedication are crucial to every victory. Gifting these replicas allows each member to share tangibly in the victory and legacy, reinforcing the collective nature of a team win.
Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell has described the reasoning behind the tradition, saying,
“Figured if you give something to the driver that their wives would like, then it’s going to be in a prominent place in their home.”
— Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President. This approach helped the Martinsville grandfather clock rise to the status of a cherished, instantly recognizable prize across NASCAR.
Excitement over the listing rippled across the fanbase, with The Scene Vault Podcast humorously noting,
“There’s a Martinsville clock available on Facebook Marketplace. Forget the studio … that bad boy would look fantastic in my den! pic.twitter.com/qiVqeVYc2G”
— The Scene Vault Podcast. The reaction highlights just how much these symbolic rewards mean to fans and community members alike.
Tracing the Roots of the Martinsville Grandfather Clock
The famed clock’s origins can be traced to Martinsville Speedway founder Clay Earles. Seeking an award that would distinguish his event from others, Earles bypassed conventional cups and plaques and partnered in 1964 with the local Ridgeway Clocks company, based just a few miles from the track. Their collaboration produced a stately, handcrafted grandfather clock—a move that would forever link victory at Martinsville to this remarkable piece of craftsmanship.
Fred Lorenzen claimed the first grandfather clock after his win in the 1964 Old Dominion 500, setting off a tradition that would touch the careers of legends such as Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Denny Hamlin. Each clock, whether original or replica, carries the weight of history and a connection to the generations of drivers, crew members, and fans who have celebrated triumph at the Virginia short track.
With Ridgeway Clocks having ceased operations, the limited availability of authentic and replica Martinsville clocks has only increased their allure and collector’s value. The clocks stand as a bridge between NASCAR’s storied past and the present, giving both new fans and seasoned followers a tangible connection to memorable moments in racing.
For those lucky enough to obtain one, these clocks serve not only as a testament to speed and strategy, but also as reminders of teamwork, perseverance, and the unique character of this southern motorsports landmark.
Other Creative NASCAR Trophies Celebrate Victory in Style
While Martinsville’s grandfather clock represents the highest in racing tradition, NASCAR is also known for trophies that capture the uniqueness of their respective venues and local culture. Across the circuit, tracks strive to present winners with mementos that go far beyond a typical cup.
At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, victory comes with an especially quirky reward: a live giant lobster, dubbed “Loudon,” weighing up to 28 pounds and sourced from the area’s seafood industry. This lively prize weaves New England’s signature delicacy into the racing world. Afterward, the lobster’s shell is preserved and mounted by a taxidermist so the winner can add it to their personal collection, while the meat is often enjoyed by the triumphant team.
Dover Motor Speedway honors the challenge of the “Monster Mile” by awarding a robust trophy modeled after its mascot, Miles the Monster. The figure, which drivers like Martin Truex Jr have famously hoisted in victory lane, is not only visually impressive, but also a symbol of perseverance required to master the track’s demanding surface and layout.
At Bristol Motor Speedway, the tough, gladiatorial reputation of the circuit is captured with the presentation of a hand-forged stainless steel gladiator sword. Designed to embody the intensity and spectacle of the action within Bristol’s bowl-shaped arena, the sword is one of the most distinctive trophies in NASCAR.
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Coca-Cola 600 ups the ante by pairing the classic Bruton Smith Trophy with a restored vintage Coca-Cola vending machine. This nostalgic twist, tied to one of the sport’s longstanding sponsors, provides a collectible and eye-catching keepsake that celebrates both history and achievement.
Together, these awards do more than mark a win; they symbolize place, reflect tradition, and keep the memory of a hard-fought race alive. They are storytelling devices as much as prizes, connecting races, teams, and fans through shared history and vibrant local identity.
Why the Martinsville Clock Remains an Enduring Symbol
As the Denny Hamlin Martinsville clock sale brings a crew’s memory to the marketplace, it underscores just how deeply fans and participants value the tangible reminders of racing’s high points. With each clock’s heritage tied to Clay Earles’ vision and Ridgeway Clocks’ craftsmanship, even a replica carries a unique sense of authenticity and exclusivity, especially with the company’s closure making every remaining piece increasingly scarce.
These trophies’ stories do not end with their presentation in Victory Lane. For drivers, crew, and NASCAR enthusiasts, the grandfather clock—and other signature trophies—are much more than decorations. They encapsulate the spirit of victory, the rhythm of teamwork, and the identity of American motorsport, making every glimpse or chime a reminder of moments that shaped NASCAR’s narrative.
With this sale catching the attention of fans and collectors, the enduring significance of Martinsville’s grandfather clock stands as strong as ever. The new owner, whoever they may be, will inherit not just a valuable memento, but also a piece of the rich legacy that makes Martinsville one of the most beloved stops—and traditions—in the NASCAR world.
There’s a Martinsville clock available on Facebook Marketplace. Forget the studio … that bad boy would look fantastic in my den! pic.twitter.com/qiVqeVYc2G
— The Scene Vault Podcast (@TheSceneVault) January 3, 2026
