About the Venue
Martinsville Speedway was the home to the first ever NASCAR race on July 4, 1948. Martinsville Speedway opened with 750 seats and has grown continuously over the years. The Speedway is located three miles south of Martinsville, Virginia and is the only original NASCAR-sanctioned track still running NEXTEL Cup events.
At slightly more than half a mile, Martinsville Speedway is the shortest track on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Circuit, but it's one of the biggest when it comes to action. It has 800-foot straights, turns banked at only 12 degrees and has been called "two drag strips with a turnaround on each end."
Martinsville is constantly trying to keep race fans satisfied now and into the future. "We review our facility and the operation of it after each race and look for ways to improve," track president W. Clay Campbell says.
Venue Pictures
City Guide
Martinsville & Henry County
Martinsville Uptown is a Designated Main Street Community of Virginia Main Street and the National Main Street program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 'The Main Street Approach' provides a flexible framework that puts the traditional assets of downtown, such as unique architecture and locally-owned businesses, to work as a catalyst for economic growth and community pride.
The city of Martinsville lies in the geographic center of Henry County and the town of Ridgeway is located in the southern part of the County. Henry County is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the southern region of Virginia.
In the early days many residents made their money from tobacco, but transitioned into one of the world's foremost producers of furniture and textile items. Local companies include Bassett Furniture, Stanley Furniture, Hooker Furniture and American of Martinsville; each one is still an industry leader.
Getting to Martinsville
Martinsville and Henry County lie in a strategic position in the Mid-Atlantic region halfway between the Roanoke Valley of Virginia and the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina.
Piedmont Triad International Airport (www.flyfrompti.com), located 45 miles to the south of Martinsville in Greensboro, NC has over 100 daily departures. PTIA is served by American Eagle, Continental Express, Delta and Delta Commuters, Northwest, United and United Express, US Airways. It also has all major car rental agencies.
Roanoke Regional Airport (www.roanokeregionalairport.com) is 50 minutes north or Martinsville, and has approximately 50 daily departures, including jet service from USAir and United Express and regional service from Delta, American and Northwest Airlines. UPS operates a regional hub adjacent to the airport.
Driving to Martinsville
Martinsville is within driving distance from several major cities; below are just a few:
Baltimore, MD 300 miles
Charlotte, NC, 130 miles
Columbia, SC, 225 miles
Denver, CO 1,570 miles
Knoxville, TN, 275 miles
Pittsburgh, PA 400 miles
Raleigh, NC, 110 miles
Richmond, 175 miles
Virginia Beach, 240 miles
What to Do
Christ Episcopal Church - Parish House
"Scuffle Hill", located on Church Street, was completed in 1928, built by Col. Pannill Rucker. In 1959, it was sold to Christ Episcopal Church (next door) and later converted into the church's "Parish House", for Sunday school and other church functions. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark.
Fairy Stone State Park (www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/fairyst.htm)
Named for the crystalline crosses which in legend are said to be the result of fairy tears shed on learning of the crucifixion of Jesus, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Lodge, conference center, and cabin rentals, camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, biking and hiking are just a few of the activities waiting for you to enjoy. Pets permitted. Available for overnight stays: Fairy Stone Lodge, Fairy Stone Cabins, and Fairy Stone Campsites available. Call 800-933-7275 for reservations and more information. Located in Stuart, VA.
Gray Lady
This historic home on Church Street is listed in the Virginia and National Register of Historic Places. Home to a real estate business, this beautiful landmark offers an open-door policy during business hours. Martinsville, VA. Call 540-632-3463 for more information.
Historic Henry County Courthouse
The courthouse was reconstructed around 1824 after the original, built in 1792, was destroyed by fire. Located on the square in Uptown Martinsville; 540-632-6401.
Mabry Mill
Mabry Mill, a working grist mill built in 1910 has been called the “most photographed spot in America.” The National Park Service operates a restaurant there that specializes in buckwheat cakes and country ham. Located on Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, VA.
Philpott Lake (www.saw.usace.army.mil/philpott/index.htm)
Philpott a 2888-acre U. S. Army Corps of Engineers lake nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills. It boasts over 100 miles of shoreline surrounded by 65,000 acres of public lands. Boating, fishing, hunting, water skiing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking and wildlife watching are popular. Powerhouse tours are offered on a varying schedule. Located at 1058 Philpott Dam Rd., Bassett, VA; 276-629-2703.
Reynolds Homestead CEC (www.cis.vt.edu/reynolds_homestead)
The birthplace and boyhood home of R. J. Reynolds who founded the tobacco company. The 19th century restored home is a national and Virginia historic landmark. The Reynolds Homestead also offers a variety of performances and art exhibits throughout the year. About 25 minutes from Martinsville, located off Highway 58 west at 463 Homestead Ln., Critz, VA.; 276-694-7181.
Virginia Museum of Natural History (www.vmnh.net)
The official museum of natural history in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it houses displays of dinosaurs, Virginia animals, fossils, archaeology, rocks and shell life. Permanent exhibits include the Age of Reptiles Hall featuring an triceratops replica, Nature Nook with hands-on activities for kids, Rock Hall of Fame exhibiting Virginia's geologic treasures, and Virginia Mammal Hall featuring a giant sloth replica. Mon-Sat 10-5pm; Sun 1-5pm. Adults, $4; Seniors and ages 12-18, $3; Kids 3-11, $2. Located at 1001 Douglas Ave., Martinsville; 276-666-8600.
Day Trips
Wood Brothers Racing Museum and Shop (www.woodbrothersracing.com)
The museum contains cars, trophies, uniforms and other memorabilia spanning 50 years. Open Mon-Fri 9-5pm, Sat of both Nascar races at Martinsville Speedway. Located at 21 Performance Dr., Stuart, VA; 540-694-2121.
Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (www.blueridgeinstitute.org)
See how life was lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1800’s on a re-created Virginia-German farmstead. The Blue Ridge Institute Galleries showcase regional folkways in such areas as crafts, music, customs, and decorative arts. Open mid-May through mid-August; Sat 10-5pm; Sun 1-5pm. About a 45 minute drive from Martinsville on US-220 North to Rt. 40 in Rocky Mount. Follow Rt. 40 west 10 miles to Ferrum College (the Museum is located on the western edge of the campus).
Blue Ridge Parkway-Mabry Mill-Morrisette Winery (www.chateaumorrisette.com)
The Parkway is ranked “America’s most scenic drive.” Mabry Mill, a working grist mill built in 1910 has been called the most photographed spot in America. A few miles up the Parkway from the Mill is the Chateau Morrisette Winery. Tours and tastings are offered daily and the luncheon and dinner menus offer interesting gourmet selections. Located in Floyd County, VA.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
The monument is dedicated to the black educator that founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and was a powerful political force and spokesman for black Americans until his death in 1915. The park includes reconstructed farm buildings where demonstrations of farm life in Civil War Virginia help bring to life the setting of Washington’s childhood. Open year-round. The monument is about a 45 minute drive up US-220 North to Rocky Mount and east on St. Rt. 122 at 12130 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Hardy, VA; 540-721-2094.
Chinqua-Penn Plantation (www.chinquapenn.com)
Chinqua-Penn is located near Reidsville, NC, approximately 35 minutes from Martinsville. The 27-room mansion was built in the 1920’s by Virginia native Thomas Jefferson Penn who moved to North Carolina to establish the American Tobacco Company. The home is filled with art, antiques and furnishings from around the world. Open Tues-Sat 9-5pm. Closed Mondays, January and February. Take US-220 south to Ridgeway, HWY 87 to Eden, NC and Hwy 14 toward Reidsville, NC. Watch for Chinqua-Penn signs. 2138 Wentworth St., Reidsville, NC; 800-948-0947.
Historic Danville (www.danvillechamber.com)
A 30 minute drive down US-58 east takes home of Dan River Mills and the last capital of the Confederacy. Several historic tours are offered and brochures can be picked up at the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce (635 Main St., Danville). Victorian Walking Tour of Millionaires’ Row is a must. You’ll see one of the finest collections of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the South. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is a fine example of the grandeur of the mansions (Tues-Fri, 10-5pm; Sat & Sun 2-5pm). A self-guided tour of Civil War sites is also available.
Patrick County Historical Museum
Located in Stuart, a 40 minute drive up US-58 West from Martinsville. Exhibits highlight the 200 year history of Patrick County. Call 540-694-2840 for more information.
Smith Mountain Lake
22,000 acres of water, mild climate and plentiful recreation makes Smith Mountain Lake is one of the premier resort lakes in the eastern United States. Fishing, boating, swimming and golf are a few of the leisure activities offered. Call the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce at 540-721-1203 for more information. From Martinsville take US-220 north to Rocky Mount and east onto St. Rt. 122. About 50 minutes driving time.
