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  *Comments on Martinsville Speedway:*
  View the most recent comment <#66> | Post a comment <#post>


  1.   Eric posted:
  02.21.2010 - 2:31 pm
   Rate this comment:      (2)      (0)

The last track from the 1949 cup Schedule that still has cup dates
today. It is one of the busiest tracks on the circuit based on dates
outside of the cup, and truck series here.

Richard Petty has the most wins here with 15.

Martinsville Speedway is one of the tracks that the ISC is looking at
taking a racing date from to give to Kansas Speedway.

The famed paper clip track is also know for their hot dogs. The new
green white checkered flag rules could make the track even more exciting
to watch.

Martinsville is a track that drivers has to take care of their brakes.
The track is more on the driver than the equipment. A majority of the
winners of the cup events here are who's who of stock car racing as a
result.


  2.   Eric posted:
  03.06.2010 - 7:06 pm
   Rate this comment:      (2)      (1)

Racing Deaths at Martinsville:

Richie Evens,and Charlie Jarzombek


  3.   Race Car Man posted:
  03.13.2010 - 10:01 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

The reason Martinsville may lose second date is because it's losing it's
popularity it's an old venue and Martinsville is one of my favorite
tracks but not all old venue stay for 60 years new venues move in and
grow popularity you watch within the next 20 years Nascar will probably
have 10 new venues and Daytona por Talladega will lose a date which
would be a disaster but in my opinion the second date for Kansas
Speedway should come from California not Martinsville.


  4.   Cooper posted:
  03.14.2010 - 3:39 pm
   Rate this comment:      (1)      (0)

Martinsville Speedway is an International Speedway Corporation-owned
NASCAR stock car racing track located in Ridgeway, Virginia, just to the
south of Martinsville. At 0.526 miles (0.847 km) in length, it is the
shortest track in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The track was also one
of the first paved oval tracks in NASCAR, being built in 1947 by H. Clay
Earles.

The track is often referred to as paper clip-shaped and is banked only
12° in the turns. The combination of long straightaways and flat,
narrow turns makes hard braking going into turns and smooth acceleration
exiting turns a must. Martinsville's surface is unique, as it paved with
a combination of asphalt (straightaways) and concrete(corners). The
track was paved in 1955 and in 1956 it hosted its first 500 lap event.
By the 1970s, a combination of high-traction slick tires and high speed
were putting excessive wear on the asphalt surface. In 1976 the turns
were repaved with concrete (a rare concept in the 1970s). By 2004, the
then 28-year-old concrete had shown significant wear. On April 18, 2004
a large chunk of concrete had become dislodged from the track's surface
and caused severe damage to the body of Jeff Gordon's car. In reaction
to this, the track was fully repaved with new concrete and asphalt.


  5.   RLewis9 posted:
  03.27.2010 - 1:35 pm
   Rate this comment:      (1)      (0)

NASCAR should let the Nationwide series race here again. They stopped
running the paperclip in 1994, came back for one in 2006 but NASCAR took
it off the schedule again.


  6.   RACE34 posted:
  05.27.2010 - 12:51 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

No one needs to worry about martinsville losing a date. I think ISC is
smart enough to not take a date away. However if it comes to Kansas
Speedway getting another date if California must keep both dates it
should come from the spring Phoenix race.


  7.   Steve.M posted:
  06.15.2010 - 7:33 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Too be honest the Hot Dogs are good, but they are over rated.
And they are way too small.

The track is awesome though!


  8.   RACING4H posted:
  07.29.2010 - 2:59 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (4)

Martinsville is cool beaten and bangin racing. Sadly all you idiot fans
complain about 1.5 tracks how dare you all drivers and teams at least
have sense to know that all tracks are different and not the same so all
you fans can stop watching Nascar if you want we won't miss you and
nascar doesn't need to always revolve around Daytona, Darlington,
Martinsville or short tracks fans need to stop crying and go with the flow!


  9.   DaleSrFanForever posted:
  08.02.2010 - 7:20 pm
   Rate this comment:      (1)      (0)

There will be no talking bad about Martinsville's Hot Dogs tolerated
here. I love this track. I live only about an hour directly South of it,
and go to it twice a year. REAL racing, the way stock cars were meant to
race.


  10.   RACING4H posted:
  08.05.2010 - 3:38 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (3)

I never said Martinsville was bad It's one of the best on the schedule
im just saying people need to except the facts that nascar is not a
short track show it is most popular for short tracks but there are 1.5
it's just the way it is!


  11.   JDAH posted:
  09.06.2012 - 2:38 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Martinsville isn't going anywhere.


  12.   Hank posted:
  04.06.2013 - 3:33 pm
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Stupid call Harvick! Should have pitted...?


  13.   88&4Fan posted:
  07.21.2015 - 1:52 pm
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The best track on the circuit IMO. Also my home track.


  14.   JRacingFast posted:
  03.22.2016 - 9:12 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (1)

Can someone explain to me why the xfinety series doesn't race here?!?!


  15.   Brad24 posted:
  04.03.2016 - 12:59 pm
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"Can someone explain to me why the xfinety series doesn't race here?!?!"

They used to once a year until 1994. The then Busch Series came back for
one year in July 2006 for a standalone race. That date was taken away
and given to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Montreal) for a few years and
now that is gone.

I agree 100% that the Xfinity Series should be racing here.


  16.   Anthony posted:
  09.23.2016 - 9:36 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

If XF were to come back, its not really possible to run it parallel to a
Cup/Truck weekend, there isn't the space around the facility to
accommodate all the teams, especially if there is a rain out of a race.
The Trucks struggle enough as it is. It would have to be a standalone race.


  17.   JRacingFast posted:
  10.12.2016 - 2:51 pm
   Rate this comment:      (2)      (0)

It's official the track will be adding lights next year


  18.   chevyfan98 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 3:39 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Awesome news. Can't wait for the first night race! Maybe I'll even be
there for it.


  19.   Nathan8848 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 3:40 pm
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Night racing will be epic.


  20.   JSPorts posted:
  10.12.2016 - 4:35 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

This track is already so awesome, and a night race there would be
incredible. I would love to see 1 day race and 1 night race apiece in
Cup, Xfinity and Trucks.


  21.   David posted:
  10.12.2016 - 4:47 pm
   Rate this comment:      (2)      (0)

I must disagree with the prevailing opinion here regarding the addition
of lights. NASCAR needs fewer night races, not more (to be fair, though,
Martinsville at night would be preferable to any intermediate track).
Also, the track officials seemed to imply that these lights were a
backup in case of delayed races, like the fall race last year. I'd like
to see the two races kept in the daytime for the foreseeable future.


  22.   Tide1732 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 4:57 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

I Plays NASCAR 06 With Jeff Gordon in Martinsville Night

Awesome.


  23.   JSPorts posted:
  10.12.2016 - 4:57 pm
   Rate this comment:      (2)      (0)

I agree with your first statement, David. However, the idea of a
Martinsville night race replacing a night race at, say, Kansas, would be
good with me. Really, if a track has only one date, they shouldn't have
a night race except for special circumstances. And if they have two
dates, then the ones with lights should have at most 1 night race, not
ever two. Having one in the day and one at night would also make it more
difficult for a driver/team to dominate both races at a track, because
the racing surface would be different each time.


  24.   chevyfan98 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 5:02 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

I think the amount of night races we have right now is about right. But
I think a lot of the night races are at the wrong tracks. Like Kansas,
Texas, and fall Charlotte for example shouldn't be night races. I'd move
them to Martinsville, Dover, and Pocono. (Dover would be epic under the
lights, and Pocono desperately needs them anyway as rain insurance).


  25.   Smiff_2 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 5:04 pm
   Rate this comment:      (3)      (0)

I'm definitely glad to see night racing at Martinsville, but I'm also
hoping they drop a couple of night races at some of the intermediates to
make up for it. We already have too many night races, but at least
Martinsville is a short track that, when run under the lights, harkens
back to the heydey of local short track racing.


  26.   dennyfan11 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 5:35 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

That sounds great! The only problem is that there's no night races at
the track currently, and none are being moved to night.

So the only tracks left without lights are Dover, New Hampshire,
Talladega, Pocono, Michigan, and Indianapolis.


  27.   JSPorts posted:
  10.12.2016 - 5:50 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

I really don't see the problem with having more night races. I know the
TMS races are always really hot, and having a night race (especially in
the spring) makes up for a lot of that. The Truck/IndyCar races in the
summer are at night, too.


  28.   Maverick posted:
  10.12.2016 - 5:58 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

I have a feeling that the delayed ending of the 2015 fall race probably
played a factor into this. Also, Texas is already losing its night race
(the Spring will be in the day for 2017), so I think having a night race
at Martinsville would be awesome. Just make sure to do one in the day.
Now if only we could've gotten North Wilkesboro under the lights...


  29.   dennyfan11 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 6:42 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Honestly, I am wondering the purpose, as the races next year are
starting at 2:00 and 1:00, and won't be effected by sunset.


  30.   Sean posted:
  10.12.2016 - 6:54 pm
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Indy won't ever be lighted. The town of Speedway, IN has a curfew with
IMS where they will not have any on-track activity after 7 PM. I doubt
Talladega or Pocono also would due to the size of the tracks, especially
Pocono, which probably isn't as profitable as an ISC track. When Daytona
installed its lights in 1998 the economy, racing in general, and NASCAR
were all booming, and now that isn't so much the case. I believe
lighting a track of that size would now be considered too expensive for
too little return. Dover I don't ever see happening either, since it too
is an independent track.

I would say Dover, Loudon, and Michigan are the only possibilities.


  31.   Sean posted:
  10.12.2016 - 6:54 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Scratch Dover from that list since I already argued against it.


  32.   Nathan8848 posted:
  10.12.2016 - 9:54 pm
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Martinsville wouldn't spend ~5 million on lights just for a backup plan.
Night races will happen.


  33.   David posted:
  10.12.2016 - 11:52 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

"Martinsville wouldn't spend ~5 million on lights just for a backup
plan. Night races will happen."

Whether they happen in the Cup series will remain to be seen, however.

I'm fine with a Martinsville night race as long as they move a few
intermediate night races to the daytime. I would mention Kansas as an
ideal candidate, except they essentially did this exact same thing
several years ago so they could have a night race. The Charlotte Chase
race should be moved back to the daytime (in fact, Martinsville could
take over the mantle of being the sole night race if that were to
happen, and I'd support that)> Kentucky and Darlington are also good
candidates (especially if Darlington wants to go full throwback).

None of this will happen at least until 2018, though.


  34.   Anthony posted:
  10.13.2016 - 8:38 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (2)

If they put lights at Loudon, it would be a real joke


  35.   02Justin10 posted:
  10.13.2016 - 8:44 am
   Rate this comment:      (2)      (0)

If Martinsville is ever going to run night races, they've got to have
that race moved deeper into the calendar. Because in late March and late
October here in Virginia we always have cool, crisp weather. So, if they
ever decide to do a night race, either the spring date would need to
shift at least a month back, or the fall race would need to jump a month
earlier.

I'm in the minority here I guess. Martinsville is already a racey track,
which doesn't need lights to add to the excitement. Heck, I got worried
some time ago when I heard they were considering adding that fancy syrup
to the track like they did at Bristol.

Thank goodness NASCAR decided against it...for now.


  36.   Anonymous posted:
  10.13.2016 - 11:36 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

I agree with poster 35 about Martinsville.

What I want to see under the lights in Michigan International Speedway
if ISC ever despite to increase the banking in the turns from 18 degrees
to 24 degrees, banking in the start/Finish from 12 degrees to 18
degrees, front stretch from no banking to 6 degrees of banks, and back
stretch banking from 5 degrees to 11 degrees.

The reason I want added banking to MIS is making this into a nighttime
restrictor plate track race or a 500 mile night time race with extra
stress on the engine.


  37.   chevyfan98 posted:
  10.25.2016 - 4:12 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

They're putting that VHT resin stuff on the top lane apparently.

Awful, awful, awful idea.


  38.   02Justin10 posted:
  10.25.2016 - 6:02 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

chevyfan98 -- please say you're kidding? And where did you hear of this?
I thought like a month ago NASCAR/Martinsville said they considered it,
but declined it?


  39.   chevyfan98 posted:
  10.25.2016 - 6:11 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Heard it in a FB group that I'm in. I hope it isn't true either.
Martinsville is perfect the way it is.


  40.   BluesTravelerFan posted:
  10.27.2016 - 1:45 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

They are adding lights at Martinsville?! Okay I don't really keep with
any NASCAR news during the weeks anymore so it's not surprising this got
past me, but I was a but surprised to find this out. I have mixed
feelings about it myself. I don't think the track really needs it, but
if it creates a buzz and gets even more interest in Martisville then I'm
for it. It shouldn't hurt the racing unlike intermediate tracks because
the speeds are so low, so I don't really see it making much of a
difference in the racing. The thing I'm less for though is the VHT
stuff. I do understand why they would consider it, it is annoying to see
everyone who restarts on the outside automatically get kicked back, but
I think there's better ways to address that problem.

As far the track in general goes though, Martinsville is simply the
best. One of the few "pure" races we get to see each year. I seriously
hope I get to one day finally see a Cup race in person, and this would
be the only place I would go to see one for sure. I'd also love to try a
hot dog here (which is saying something because I'm a SUPER picky
eater). Maybe one day...


  41.   Eric posted:
  07.10.2017 - 8:04 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (1)

Here is proof of Richie Evans death at Martinsville:

http://articles.latimes.com/1985-10-25/sports/sp-14301_1_richie-evans

Here is proof of Charlie Jarzombek's death at Martinsville:
http://articles.latimes.com/1987-03-23/sports/sp-8825_1_nascar-driver


  42.   Eric posted:
  07.10.2017 - 8:27 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (1)

I gave proof of the two deaths because someone gave me a thumbs down
before when I mentioned the two names.


  43.   Sandy posted:
  10.29.2017 - 6:56 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Chase deserved to win. Hamlin wrecked him!
Now it looks like Chase is out of the championship.


  44.   kup posted:
  11.21.2017 - 3:44 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

NASCAR CUP
Martinsville Speedway
1949-2017

UPS: universal points system.
Driver's UPoints = Miles / Aver.Finish

1 827 Jeff Gordon 12 239 / 6.7
1 288 Richard Petty 14 421 / 11.2
1 155 Darrell Waltrip 12 472 / 10.8
1 087 Jimmie Johnson 8 370 / 7.7
903 Mark Martin 12 373 / 13.7

894 Terry Labonte 12 515 / 14.0
876 Rusty Wallace 10 430 / 11.9
867 Ricky Rudd 13 086 / 15.1
866 Bobby Allison 9 530 / 11.0
835 Dale Earnhardt 9 942 / 11.9

796 Cale Yarborough 6 922 / 8.7
695 Ken Schrader 13 134 / 18.9
685 James Hylton 7 462 / 10.9
684 Kyle Petty 12 791 / 18.7
672 Dale Earnhardt Jr 9 075 / 13.5

669 Dale Jarrett 10 298 / 15.4
652 Matt Kenseth 9 389 / 14.4
643 Jeff Burton 9 650 / 15.0
635 Bill Elliott 10 787 / 17.0
619 Tony Stewart 8 673 / 14.0

606 Denny Hamlin 6 063 / 10.0
588 David Pearson 5 943 / 10.1
587 Buddy Arrington 8 510 / 14.5
549 Michael Waltrip 11 477 / 20.9
594 Dave Marcis 10 987 / 18.5

554 Ryan Newman 8 204 / 14.8
551 Bobby Labonte 10 302 / 18.7
549 Sterling Marlin 9 888 / 18.0
539 Kevin Harvick 8 519 / 15.8
533 Harry Gant 6 870 / 12.9


  45.   RaceFanX posted:
  01.14.2018 - 8:48 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Mike Joy called this track "the nation's prettiest race track" back in
1992.


  46.   Karl posted:
  07.27.2018 - 10:38 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Question of the Day:

Would it be a good idea to have an Indycar race at Martinsville?


  47.   ShinyMew151 posted:
  07.27.2018 - 11:22 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Hell no


  48.   Matt posted:
  07.28.2018 - 2:49 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

@46, lol, I wondered that before, I think no, but indycars at Bristol
would be awesome.


  49.   joey2448 posted:
  03.26.2019 - 4:28 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Martinsvile is receiving a big shakeup on the newly-released 2020
schedule. The spring race is now a Saturday night event on Mothers Day
weekend (May 9), while the fall date is now the penultimate race on the
schedule in November, meaning it will decide the championship four
drivers for the season finale.


  50.   Brad24 posted:
  04.03.2019 - 2:12 pm
   Rate this comment:      (3)      (0)

Just saw on their Facebook page that the Xfinity Series will be
returning in 2020. It will part of a playoff triple-header along with
the Truck and Cup Series.


  51.   Timothy_Eklund posted:
  04.03.2019 - 2:18 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

I wonder when Kyle retires from cup if he will attempt to win this race.
If it doesn't turn out to be a one off.


  52.   Matt20 posted:
  04.03.2019 - 10:28 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Cool to see Xfinity return to Martinsville. No matter what cars are on
the track you always see a good show. The best part is they made it the
playoff race so we won't see any Cup drivers.


  53.   Sebastian posted:
  04.04.2019 - 11:28 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Any companion races with the Martinsville night race? Just noticed that
truck won't be there that weekend


  54.   Brad24 posted:
  04.04.2019 - 11:49 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

@53:

They're supposed to be making an announcement within the next few weeks
in regards to that. My guess is either Modified or Late Model, although
the Late Model race is usually held in September. Perhaps a K&N race
could take place. The trucks will only run one race there in 2020. It's
cool to see Martinsville be part of the playoffs in the Xfinity and
Trucks, but I'm also disappointed they took a Truck race away. It looks
like the Spring Truck race will given to Richmond.


  55.   Sector posted:
  04.04.2019 - 12:47 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

The question I have is this.

Will they essentially rid of the Fall Martinsville race and move the
Spring Martinsville in the Fall, instead of the other way around? Alas
250 laps instead of 200 laps?


  56.   Sector posted:
  04.04.2019 - 2:29 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

For the Truck Series that is.


  57.   LJTolitoYouTuber posted:
  04.04.2019 - 2:30 pm
   Rate this comment:      (1)      (0)

Glad to see all of the top 3 series go to martinsville again


  58.   Sebastian posted:
  04.04.2019 - 2:30 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

@54 that would be nice if it was a modified race or even late models I
gues. I hope it isn't a K&N race though. The WMT would put on a much
better show


  59.   Timothy_Eklund posted:
  09.27.2019 - 1:05 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

The xfinity race next year will be a night race


  60.   TTaylor944 posted:
  09.27.2019 - 1:50 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

With the Xfinity Series returning to Martinsville, and Bubba Pollard
getting together with JR Motorsports for the late model race, I'm really
hoping this might lead to Bubba running a JRM car in the Xfinity Series.
He is such a lethal force on short tracks, I really believe in good
equipment he could run in the top-5 right now, and possibly contend for
the win.


  61.   Halcyon posted:
  03.23.2020 - 6:51 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

So as of right now this is the next scheduled race correct? Ugh
hopefully things can get going again sooner than that but at least
there's hope for now


  62.   Canadianfan posted:
  04.17.2020 - 1:21 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

From Jeff Gluck:

NASCAR has now officially postponed the Martinsville race scheduled for
May 9.


  63.   JSPorts posted:
  04.20.2020 - 12:49 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Top 10 drivers since 2017:

1st: Brad Keselowski
2nd: Kyle Busch
3rd: Martin Truex, Jr.
4th: Denny Hamlin
5th: Ryan Blaney
6th: Joey Logano
7th: Kevin Harvick
8th: Chase Elliott
9th: Clint Bowyer
10th: Ryan Newman


  64.   Canadianfan posted:
  03.13.2021 - 1:25 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

They posted a video on their twitter they are removing the grass in the
corners.


  65.   Canadianfan posted:
  03.31.2021 - 3:07 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

From Bob Pockrass:

NASCAR to test rain tires Thursday at Martinsville. Larson & Buescher.
Goal is to see if can run in the damp -- not to run in downpour -- at
short, flat tracks such as Martinsville, Richmond, Loudon, Phoenix.
Possibly have those tires ready as early as Richmond in couple weeks.


  66.   Canadianfan posted:
  04.09.2021 - 7:19 am
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

From Bob Pockrass:

Checked with the track and while it looks like asphalt, the area inside
of the curbs at Martinsville is concrete. It was painted to then add
sponsor logos. The grass was taken out b/c of wreck in Xfinity race last
October that required a red flag to clean grass and dirt off track.


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