Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville Speedway is an iconic motorsport track located in Martinsville. Opened in 1947 by H. Clay Earles, it is one of the oldest continuously-operated racetracks in NASCAR and is famous for its unique shape and challenging layout. Often referred to as “The Paperclip” due to its elongated oval design. Martinsville Speedway is notable not only for its rich history but also for the physical characteristics of the track. Hosting two major NASCAR Cup Series races annually—the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 in the spring and the Xfinity 500 in the fall—Martinsville Speedway remains a staple in the NASCAR series. 

HISTORY 

Martinsville Speedway, nestled in Martinsville, Virginia, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and enduring legacy of NASCAR. The track’s origins trace back to its inaugural NASCAR-sanctioned event on July 4, 1948, marking the beginning of a storied journey in American motorsport. Originally a joint venture between brothers Jim and Bill France Jr. and H. Clay Earles, Martinsville Speedway quickly established itself as a cornerstone of NASCAR racing.

Throughout its history, Martinsville Speedway has witnessed numerous milestones and adaptations reflective of the sport’s evolution. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented changes, including the rescheduling of the 2020 Mother’s Day Cup event to a Wednesday night in June—an unusual occurrence in NASCAR history. Despite the challenges, Martinsville Speedway remained resilient, adapting to ensure the continuation of racing traditions.

In 2021, Martinsville Speedway expanded its offerings with the addition of a second Xfinity Series race, enhancing the excitement for fans and further solidifying its status as a premier racing destination. Notably, the track’s distinctive tradition of awarding winners with a longcase clock—a unique trophy symbolic of the track’s heritage—underscores Martinsville’s commitment to honoring its racing history and champions across various series.

The track’s ownership underwent significant changes over the years, culminating in the exclusive acquisition by the France family in 2004 for over $200 million. This transition underscored Martinsville Speedway’s enduring value and its integral role within the NASCAR community.

As Martinsville Speedway continues to evolve and adapt, its unwavering commitment to preserving racing traditions and delivering exhilarating on-track action remains steadfast. With each race, the storied track continues to etch its name in NASCAR lore, perpetuating a legacy that spans generations of racing enthusiasts and drivers alike.

TRACK INFORMATION

Martinsville Speedway features a distinctive oval track known for its unique combination of asphalt straightaways and concrete corners, which create a demanding racing environment for drivers. The track measures approximately 0.526 miles (0.847 km) in length, making it the shortest in the NASCAR Cup Series. This compact size contributes to the intense and often strategic racing for which Martinsville is famous.

The layout includes four turns, each with a 12° banking, providing some elevation change on the otherwise flat track. The straights, in contrast, have 0° banking, which challenges drivers to manage their speed and braking effectively as they transition between the straightaways and the tighter corners.

An interesting aspect of the track’s infrastructure is the change in seating capacity, reflecting broader trends in spectator sports. According to ISC’s 2018 annual report, the seating at Martinsville Speedway was reduced from 55,000 to 44,000. This adjustment aligns with a focus on enhancing the overall fan experience and comfort, even if it means accommodating fewer spectators.

Adding to the unique experience at Martinsville, the speedway is also famous for its iconic concession item: the Martinsville hot dog. These hot dogs are served with a specific combination of chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions, making them a beloved part of the race day tradition for fans.