Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville Speedway, located in Ridgeway, Virginia, near Martinsville city, is the oldest and shortest track in NASCAR. Established in 1947, this half-mile oval short track has become an iconic venue known for its unique blend of stock car racing heritage and tight, competitive racing action. Owned by NASCAR and managed by track president Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway remains a key fixture on the NASCAR circuit, celebrated for its history, atmosphere, and distinctive racing challenges.

History

The track was founded in 1947 by local businessman H. Clay Earles, who invested significantly—well beyond his initial $10,000 plan, reportedly spending about $60,000—on a 30-acre site to build a permanent racing facility. The initial track was a dirt oval, and despite being modest with only 750 seats, it attracted over 6,000 fans for its inaugural race on September 7, 1947, where Red Byron emerged victorious. This event was notable for heavy dust, a factor the promoters had tried to mitigate with oil treatments, resulting instead in what Earles later described as the “dustiest race” witnessed.

Martinsville quickly gained affiliation with NASCAR early in its history, hosting its first NASCAR Strictly Stock (now Cup Series) race in 1949. In 1950, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. acquired a stake in the Speedway, cementing its role in stock car racing’s top tier. The dirt surface was paved with asphalt in 1955, significantly enhancing racing conditions. In subsequent decades, Martinsville expanded its seating and facilities and became renowned for its unique concrete surface on the lower portions of its turns, which improves tire wear and racing dynamics.

In 2004, ownership transferred from the Earles and France families to the International Speedway Corporation, which itself was later acquired by NASCAR, placing the Speedway under direct NASCAR control. Over its history, Martinsville has been a constant presence on the NASCAR schedule, notable as the only track to have continuously hosted a Cup Series race every year since NASCAR’s inception.

Most Famous Races Held

Martinsville Speedway is known for its marquee NASCAR Cup Series events, notably the First Data 500 and the Xfinity Series races. The track’s history includes numerous memorable moments, such as Red Byron’s wins in the inaugural events and legendary drivers like Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon recording significant victories. Its short track format, tight turns, and close-quarters racing style make Martinsville a fan favorite and a rigorous test for drivers. The track is also recognized for its signature trophy: a custom-designed, functional Martinsville grandfather clock awarded to winners, symbolizing the track’s unique identity.

Track Information

Martinsville Speedway measures 0.526 miles (0.847 kilometers) and features a flat, oval layout with tight, tight-radius turns and relatively narrow straights. The combination creates a demanding racing environment where driver skill and braking are paramount. The track surface combines asphalt straights with concrete in the lower turns, a rare design that improves grip and tire management. Seating capacity has grown over time to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators.

The Speedway’s location in southern Virginia places it within a region rich in American motorsports tradition. Despite its smaller size compared to superspeedways, Martinsville generates significant economic impact and remains a cultural landmark in stock car racing, celebrated for its longevity and continuous innovation.