Martinsville Speedway
The Tums Fast Relief 500 kicks into gear this week at Martinsville. (Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide | 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
Overview
Both pedals get a workout at Martinsville Speedway, as the 0.526-mile track's unique shape (think paper clip) gives drivers two straightaways and two very tight corners where brakes get tested more than anywhere else on the circuit.
The sixth race of the season was staged here March 29. And on Sunday, the Tums Fast Relief 500 will be the fifth-to-last race of the season, when the championship battle is taking shape and the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders.
Nestled in the mountains of south-central Virginia, Martinsville is a throwback track. Hey, it opened in 1947, after all. Most of the drivers honed their skills on short tracks, and this takes them back to those days when racing was all about beating your friends on Saturday night.
When at the track, try one of the famous hot dogs; you'll be glad you did.
Address
340 Speedway Road
Ridgeway, VA 24148
martinsvillespeedway.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
Notable Events
Tums Fast Relief Weekend
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
• Practice Day
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series qualifying
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009
• Kroger 200, 1 p.m.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009
• Tums Fast Relief 500, 1:30 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Tickets
Ticket office: 877-722-3849
Online: Buy tickets | Seating chart
Pit passes: Not available.
Fan hospitality and special packages: Call the track
ticket office for details or visit the Web site.
Track Specs
Track length: 0.526 mile
Banking: Corners — 12 degrees; straights — 0 degrees
Frontstretch: 800 feet
Backstretch: 800 feet
Race length: 500 laps
Grandstand seating capacity: 65,000
Opened: 1947
(See more on our Pilgrimage to Martinsville)
Carry-In Items
Coolers: Allowed (one only — limit of 6"x6"x12"; one clear, plastic bag —
limit of 18"x18"x4"; plastic bags may not contain ice).
Glass containers: Not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Allowed.
Cameras/binoculars: Allowed.
Souvenirs and Displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Scanners: Scanners available for rent on-site.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.
Pit Area Guidelines
Pit passes not available.
Camping
Reserved: Available.
Non-reserved: Available.
Call the track ticket office for more information.
Associated Driving Schools
Petty Driving Experience
800-BE-PETTY
Web site
Getting There
The track is located on U.S. 220 South, 2 miles south of Martinsville, Va.,
about halfway between Roanoke, Va., and Greensboro, N.C.
Parking
Free parking: Available.
Handicapped parking: Limited availability; arrive early, permit required.
• Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide
• 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
