Martinsville Speedway opened in 1947 with only 750 seats. Today the track holds over 70,000 race fans and is continually improving the facilities. The track itself is one of the smallest in NASCAR at just over a half mile, but its considered one of the biggest in action with two 800-foot straights and only a 12-degree bank it is said to feel like running on two drag strips with a turn-a-round on each end. The layout of the short track provides drivers plenty of opportunities to push and shove one another giving spectators with plenty of excitement.
The Speedway’s race calendar includes NASCAR, Nextel Cup Series, Late Model Stocks, Craftsman Truck Series and much more. Tickets for most events start at $20.00 for a one-day race pass. They offer several package options for multi-day tickets or packages that include hotel rooms. For RV’s and campers there are several options to choose from. Three of the RV camp sites require a season ticket purchase. The other two camp sites are general admission with the cost starting at $100 for the race weekend.
Racing runs deep in Virginia and the Martinsville Speedway isn’t the only track in the area. The Fork Mountain Raceway is an action packed dirt track located in nearby Bassett. Their events include; Late Models, VSS Alcohol Sprints, Modified Legends, Special U Car , Stock cars, Super Street and Mini Stock to name a few. Tickets start at $10.00 per person. Another local track is the New Boston Speedway in nearby South Boston is known as “America’s Hometown Speedway” and offers race fans a huge selection of events. Their calendar includes Late Model, Legends, Pure Stock, SV Modifieds, Legendary Flatheads, Grand Stock, T-Limited as well as several shows and fun nights. Adult tickets start at $10.00.
The Virginia International Raceway located in Danville is home to a variety of amateur and professional car and motorcycle events. They offer drive schools and their facilities include the VIR Motorsports Country Club. The club is a high performance driving venue that includes resort facilities. Their race events include; KART, Mazda Club, Code Superbike, Ferrari Club, BMW, CCS Motorcycle Road, Vintage Bikes, AMA Suzuki, Historic Sports car and much more. Several car clubs also meet at the facility on a regular basis. Tickets start at $20.00 with multi-day packages available.
One of the newest events at the VIR is their Camp Motorsport. The camp teaches safe driving techniques, racing facts and history, gear ratios, motor basics, training in a race car simulator and much more. Then you suit up, strap on a helmet and get behind the wheel. Whatever your race preference, you’ll find it at one of Virginia’s great tracks.