MARTINSVILLE MOTOR SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS
Phone:
(877)-RACE-TIX (Tickets)
(276) 956-3151
Address:
Martinsville Speedway
PO Box 3311
Martinsville, Virginia 24112
Speedway Road
Ridgeway, Virginia 24148
Track Specs:
Degree of Banking: Turns: 12 degrees
Straightaways: Banking: 0 degrees(flat)
Straights: 800 feet
Grandstnd Seating: 91,000
Pit Stalls: 43 pits, 14-feet wide by 28-feet long
Websites:
Martinsville Speedway
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide: Martinsville Speedway
- New emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009) Comment here
- Will Martinsville lose a race? Michigan? Kansas Speedway has resubmitted its bid for a casino overlooking Turn 2, a plan that was put on hold a few months ago cause of the troubled economy. When it's approved by the gaming commission Kansas Speedway will petition NASCAR for a second annual Sprint Cup race. That will probably happen in 2011. Lesa France Kennedy is the president of International Speedway Corp., which owns Kansas Speedway and 11 other facilities that play host to Cup events. The France family has controlling interest in ISC, which is headquartered in the same building as the NASCAR offices in Daytona. NASCAR chairman Brian France is Lesa's brother. But NASCAR won't add a race. Cup has too many events now at 36 points races and two all-star events. So the second Kansas date will need to come from another ISC track. Martinsville, an ISC track and the oldest facility in NASCAR, was thought to be the location that would lose a race. Don't count on it. Martinsville is the new Bristol. The resurfaced track at Bristol has eliminated much of the bumping, banging and crashing that made the short track so popular. That leaves Martinsville as the best bumper-bashing facility left. NASCAR officials aren't going to mess that up and take a race away from the old Virginia track, a move that would cause a revolt by many fans. Martinsville appears safe for keeping both Cup dates until ISC manages to build a new short track (probably more like the .75-mile oval at Richmond) in a big market like Denver or Seattle. That's a long way off, several years at least. So which ISC track will lose a Cup date to Kansas? Most fans would opt for Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., but Michigan Speedway might be the odd-place out. Sponsors want to race twice at ACS because it's in the second largest market in the country. Michigan, an almost identical track to ACS but 30 years older, lies in one of the most depressed areas of the country. Thousands of people in the Detroit market are out of work because of the layoffs in the auto industry. Being in the backyard of GM, Chrysler and Ford's headquarters was a big reason Michigan had played host to two Cup races a year since 1969. No one knows whether all three automakers will survive. Michigan Speedway also could become a victim of the problem. How things go this season and 2010 will go a long way toward determining which ISC track loses a race to Kansas.(ESPN Insider)(4-3-2009)
- Seats available for Martinsville races: Plenty of good seats remain for all three days of action and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX, visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com or at the Martinsville Speedway ticket office. Tickets for pole day on Friday are $15 and include NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying, Sprint Cup practice and two practice sessions for the Kroger 250. Tickets for Saturday’s Kroger 250 are $30 in advance and $35 on race day. In addition to the race, fans will get to see two Sprint Cup practice sessions and qualifying for the Kroger 250. Tickets for Sunday’s Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 range from $35 to $77.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-26-2009)
- School to give tours of Martinsville Speedway: Patrick Henry Community College Students Giving Tours of Martinsville Speedway. Motorsports Association will give tours every hour starting at 9am and ending at 5pm. Tour starts at the speedway and continues to HT Motorsports, Arrington Engines & PHCC Motorsports; returning to the Speedway. Cost $10 for adults; $5 children 10 & under.(PHCC PR)(3-25-2009)
- T-38 Jets To Kick Start Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500: Three T-38C jets will rocket across the sky above Martinsville Speedway Sunday afternoon signaling that the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 is about ready to take the green flag. The three jets out of Laughlin Air Force Base, TX, will provide the flyover prior to the start of Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. The Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 will take the green flag at 2pm Sunday. The planes are out of the 87th Flying Training Squadron and are used for lead-in fighter pilot and bomber pilot training. The 87th is part of the 47th Fighter Training Wing, which commands a flying operation which exceeds 105,000 flying hours and 90,000 sorties per year. It is composed of more than 1,300 military personnel, 1,124 civilian employees and a total base community exceeding 4,200 people.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-25-2009)
- Study Reveals Martinsville Speedway Annual Economic: Martinsville Speedway has an annual economic impact of $170 million, according to a recent study by the Washington Economics Group. The historic Virginia race track hosts two top-tiered NASCAR Sprint Cup races each year, along with several other NASCAR sanctioned racing events, attracting many thousands of fans to the Martinsville and Henry County area. “We knew Martinsville Speedway had a huge economic impact on the area, but these numbers are amazing,” said Martinsville Speedway President W. Clay Campbell. “We are proud of the positive economic impact we have on Martinsville and Henry County, the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia.” The Washington Economics Group (WEG) study analyzed operating and other expenditures made by Martinsville Speedway, as well as expenditures made by those from out of town visiting Martinsville for involvement with events at Martinsville Speedway. The economic impact study was conducted over a period of several months, utilizing the IMPLAN model, which quantifies the direct and indirect benefits of economic activity. In addition to identifying the total economic impact of $170 million, the study also revealed that:
• 2,824 permanent jobs for Virginia residents result directly from the operations of the Speedway. Of this total, over 2,200 are tied directly to the Speedway, or to out-of-town visitor expenditures.
• Speedway operations and visitor expenditures result in more than $68.2 million of worker income each year.
• The ongoing operations of Martinsville Speedway generate over $30 million of total fiscal revenues each year Martinsville Speedway, founded in 1947 by the late H.Clay Earles, is the only track which has hosted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races every year since the division’s inception in 1949.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-25-2009)
- Army Band To Perform Martinsville National Anthem: One of the nation’s most decorated military bands will perform the National Anthem prior to the running of the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on March 29. The 29th Army Band, Virginia Army National Guard, will play the Star Spangled Banner before engines are fired at the historic track. The 29th Army Band has been in existence since 1922 and has served the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation with distinction. The 29th Army Band was pressed into active duty during World War II and joined in the assault on Omaha Beach, duty for which its members received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. The band saw action in four European campaigns during World War II: Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe. Present-day duties take the 29th Army Band all over the Commonwealth of Virginia and sometimes out of the state. They perform in concert, marching band and small ensembles for military and civilian functions with a repertoire that ranges from the classics to pop to Broadway to motion picture hits. The Band’s most recent foreign assignments were in Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Stabilization Force 10 in 2002 and the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France in 2004. Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 start at $25 and may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-24-2009)
- Trace Adkins Named Martinsville Grand Marshal & Starter: Country music superstar and multi-faceted entertainer Trace Adkins will be the Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, March 29. Adkins has achieved unprecedented success as a musician, author, philanthropist and actor. Trace Adkins, as Grand Marshal, will lead 500 men, women and their families as honorary Grand Marshals. Goody’s Headache Powders and Martinsville Speedway identified these hardworking people through outreach to local businesses in the Martinsville/Henry (VA) county area. Goody’s and Martinsville Speedway salute all hardworking people and are honored to have these 500 people as guests and honorary grand marshals. Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 are available online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com or by calling 1-877-RACE-TIX.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-23-2009)
- Martinsville Speedway drops some concession stand prices: The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog, New Items Give Fans Bargain-Priced Concession Options At Martinsville Martinsville Speedway has long featured racing’s most popular concession item, The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog, at a famously low price: $2. And in these cost conscious times, The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog has some bargain-priced company. Martinsville Speedway will be rolling out a BBQ Combo Value meal at nine of its concession stands for the March 29 Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500. The meal includes a BBQ sandwich with slaw, chips and a Pepsi product for just $6. The Speedway will also be offering a kids’ meal for $4. The meal includes a Smucker’s Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, a two-pack of Oreo’s, a fruit cup and a Capris Sun juice pouch. And as always Pepsi products can be found in all concession areas for just $2. Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 start at $25 and may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-23-2009)
- Martinsville has prime seats left for Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500: With the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway just a few days away, there are some prime seats remaining in the Clay Earles Tower, which overlooks the second turn and the first spots along pit road, and in the Richard Petty Tower, between turn four and the start-finish line. Tickets in the Clay Earles Tower in the second-turn area of the track are $72. Seats remain in most all areas of Martinsville Speedway, ranging in price from $35 to $77. Tickets for children 12 and under are just $10 in select areas. Half-price tickets for all college students with a college ID are also available for a savings of $30. Also, tickets to the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Series race on March 28 are now available for $30 in advance and $35 on race day. To purchase tickets for either the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 or the Kroger 250 and may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-20-2009)
- Martinsville, Harvick join forces for 'Harvick's Home Track Advantage' Tix: Kevin Harvick has some great Martinsville Speedway memories. Now he wants to make some new memories with his fans. Harvick and Martinsville Speedway have partnered for a special ticket package, “Harvick’s Home Track Advantage,” for members of the 2009 Kevin Harvick Fan Club. Harvick lives only a half-hour from Martinsville Speedway and considers the historic half-mile oval his hometown track. The “Harvick Home Track Advantage” ticket package offers members of Harvick’s Fan Club a $66 two-day package, with tickets to the Kroger 250 Camping World Truck Series and the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup races. That’s a savings of $33. Fan club members can also get single-day tickets for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 for $44, again a savings of $33. The “33” is not a coincidence; it is the number of the Kevin Harvick Inc. truck driven by three-time NCWTS champion, Ron Hornaday. Kevin Harvick Fan Club members wishing to purchase Kroger 250 tickets only can purchase them for $26 in advance and $31 on race day for a savings of $4. Again, the “4” is not a coincidence; it is the number of the truck driven by KHI driver Ricky Carmichael, the most successful motocross racer in history, as well as Kevin Harvick in the NCWTS. Anyone wishing to join the Kevin Harvick Fan Club can visit www.kevinharvick.com. Tickets are on sale for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 and the Kroger 250 and may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or on line at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(3-10-2009)
- Fans Can Stroll Where Legends Have Driven at Martinsville Speedway: Fans will have the opportunity to walk where the stars have driven prior to the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on March 29. The new Pre-Race Track Pass will allow fans to stroll the distance of the front stretch of the historic Martinsville Speedway from 9:30am to 1:00pm/et on race day. Fans will be able to get a track-level view of what goes on along pit road in the hours leading up to the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500. They can take pictures, visit with other race fans and even autograph the wall if they like. The cost of the new Pre-Race Track Pass is just $10 and may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or visiting MartinsvilleSpeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-6-2009)
- Toyota Becomes Official Vehicle of Martinsville: Martinsville Speedway president W. Clay Campbell announced that Toyota has become the Official Vehicle for the historic Virginia track. Toyota vehicles will pace both the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on March 28 and the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on March 29. “We are proud of our new partnership with Toyota,” said Campbell. “Toyota has become a driving force in our sport. We are excited about seeing Toyotas pace our races here for years to come.” The three-year agreement between Martinsville Speedway and Toyota begins in 2009, said Campbell.
“Our new partnership with Martinsville Speedway as the official vehicle of the historic motorsports facility provides us an opportunity to showcase a diverse line-up of products to a wide pool of dedicated race fans,” comments Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(2-26-2009)
- Martinsville Speedway Extends Ticket Office Hours: With the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 just a few weeks around the corner, Martinsville Speedway is expanding its ticket office hours. The ticket office will extend its office hours to Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, February 28 leading up to the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 on March 29. The speedway ticket office is also open daily 9 to 5. “We know it’s difficult for a lot of people to get to the track during the week, so this should make it a little easier for them,” Campbell said of the Saturday hours. Tickets for both the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 on Sunday, March 29, and the Kroger 250 Camping World Truck Series race, on Saturday, March 28, are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(2-25-2009)
- Martinsville offering $25 Tickets for Cup race: Martinsville Speedway has dropped the price on its remaining backstretch tickets for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 on March 29 to $25. The $25 offer is the latest move by Martinsville Speedway to help race fans during the economic downturn. Fans may take advantage of the $25 backstretch offer by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com or calling 877.722.3849.
Martinsville Speedway has rolled out several attractive ticket packages for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, including:
•Four Pack: Four adult tickets for $159, a savings of $41.
•Family Four Pack: Two adults and two children (12 & under) for $99, a savings of $41.
•Children 12 to 18: One-half price tickets, up to a savings of $30
•College Students: One-half price tickets for all college students with a college ID a savings of $30.
To purchase any of these four packages, fans should call 877.722.3849. Also, tickets to the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Series race on March 28 are now available for $30 in advance and $35 on race day, a savings of $7.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(2-22-2009)
- Martinsville offers affordable ticket packages: Martinsville Speedway has always set the bar high when it comes to taking care of its fans and this year is no exception. In this current economic struggle everyone is looking for some kind of relief anywhere they can get it. Ticket packages include discounts for families, children and college students. With these added options every fan that purchases tickets can find a package to fit their needs. Packages for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 on March 29 and tickets to the Kroger 250 Camping World Series race on March 28 are now available for $30 in advance and $35 on race day, a savings of $7, may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or on line at www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Speedway concessions will also offer special “combo meal” values, as well as special pricing on the Sprint Fanview. As always, parking is free on speedway property and fans can bring their own food and beverage into the track in approved coolers and bags.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(1-17-2009)
- Renewal Customers Get Quick Entry At Martinsville: Ticket customers who renew their seats on an annual basis will be able to use Martinsville Speedway’s new Speed Way entry lanes to reach their seats quicker on race day. In what may be the first quick entry program in Sprint Cup racing, Martinsville Speedway renewal customers will receive a pass to access a dedicated ticket lane. This will help eliminate much of the wait time at ticket gates for these ticket holders. The Speed Way program will begin with the Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 on March 29. In addition to dedicated entry lanes to speed up the process, all Speed Way customers will have their tickets scanned electronically, which will make the process even quicker. Tickets for both the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 Sprint Cup race on March 29 and the Kroger 250 Camping World Truck Series race on March 28 are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(11-20-2008)
- Goody's re-ups with Martinsville thru 2010: TUMS and Goody’s Headache Powders announced that they will continue to satisfy race fans’ need for speed at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., by extending their entitlement sponsorship of the spring and fall Sprint Cup Series races through 2010. TUMS will continue its sponsorship of the fall event with the TUMS Bring It On 500 while Goody’s will extend its sponsorship of the spring race with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500. Both brands are part of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare. The three-year sponsorship of the spring and fall Sprint Cup Series races continues the long-standing relationship between GSK and the .526-mile Virginia short track. The partnership began in 1983 when Goody’s Headache Powder first sponsored the Goody’s 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Since that time, Goody’s and TUMS have sponsored a combined total of 21 races at Martinsville Speedway. Although the 2008 fall race at Martinsville is the first NASCAR race sponsored by the TUMS brand, TUMS has been involved in racing since 2006. Earlier this year, TUMS put race fans in the record books alongside their favorite racing legends after setting the Guinness World Record for the largest audience wave at Bristol Motor Speedway. In true TUMS fashion, the record-setting wave took place in record speed. In addition to sponsoring the TUMS Bring It On 500 at Martinsville Speedway for the next two years, TUMS sponsors the Top 10 TUMS Moments and TUMS QuikZone display. The Top 10 TUMS Moments is a list of the most heartburn inducing moments from each Sprint Cup Series race. The list is selected each weekend by PRN lead anchor Doug Rice. The TUMS QuikZone display is an interactive racing experience complete with TUMS Racing simulators, games and the TUMS show car. The display debuted in earlier this year in Daytona for Speedways and travels to select community events and races across the country. TUMS has been an associate sponsor on the #41 Dodge from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates throughout the 2008 racing season. TUMS will continue its partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in 2009.(Goody's PR)(10-21-2008)
- Todd Palin Named Honorary Race Official For TUMS QuikPak 500: Martinsville Speedway today named Todd Palin, husband of Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, an honorary race official for the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup Sunday afternoon. As an honorary race official, Palin will be introduced in the drivers meeting early in the day, visit with drivers and other race officials in the pits and appear in prerace activities. While new to stock car racing, Palin is a world champion snow machine racer who is a lifelong Alaskan. He is a commercial fisherman, a production operator on Alaska’s North Slope, and a member of the United Steelworkers Union. He and Governor Palin, who have five children, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Tickets for the TUMS QuikPak 500 are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(10-16-2008)
- Fall Family Special and Active Member Military Tix Available for Martinsville Races: With gas prices falling quicker than leaves from the trees this fall, and Martinsville Speedway offering some amazing ticket packages, it’s the perfect time for race fans to pack their tailgate gear and head out for the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sunday. Gas prices have plummeted to under $3 a gallon at many services stations and convenience stores within a hour of Martinsville Speedway, and some per gallon prices have dropped to $2.85 and below. The Fall Family Special is aimed at helping the TUMS QuikPak 500 more affordable for families. With the Fall Family Special, tickets for children 12 and under on the Backstretch are only $10. Children’s tickets must be purchased by an adult. There are no minimum or maximum orders required. Adult tickets on the Backstretch range from $42 to $47. With the Fall Family Special, a family of four could attend the TUMS QuikPak 500 for $104.
Also any active member or veteran of the United States military can purchase tickets in the Sprint Tower $50 each. Any child’s ticket, 12 and under, bought by military personnel can be purchased for $10. The Military Promotion is also good for the Kroger 200 Craftsman Truck Series race on October 18. With the Military Promotion, general admission tickets to the Kroger 200 are just $30 while tickets for children 12 and under are only $5. Tickets for the Martinsville races are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(10-16-2008)
- Martinsville High School To Perform National Anthem: The Martinsville High School marching band, which was founded the same year as Martinsville Speedway, will make a marching appearance and play the National Anthem prior to the running of the TUMS QuikPak 500 on October 19. Martinsville Speedway opened on September 7, 1947. That same fall, Ralph Shank, who directed the 29th infantry band in World War II, formed the Martinsville High School band. This will be the third time the entire band has performed in prerace at Martinsville Speedway. The band has performed in many other venues and events, including the 2006 Governor’s Inaugural Parade for Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, the Washington D.C. St. Patrick’s Day parade, at Universal Studios in Orlando, and at Disney World on three occasions . The Martinsville High School marching band averages 150 students and the band program as a whole regularly includes over 20% of the student population. Seven of the last nine Valedictorians at Martinsville High School participated in the band program. The Martinsville High School band is under the direction of Kevin Lewis, Brian Joyce and William Norris. Tickets for the TUMS QuikPak 500 are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(10-15-2008)
- Race Fans Can Tour Martinsville Speedway on Thurs: Fans arriving early for the TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway can spend part of Thursday exploring some of the many racing facilities in the Martinsville and Henry County area.
On Thursday, October 16 students in the Patrick Henry Community College Motorsports Program will offer 90-minute race tours, beginning at Martinsville Speedway, moving to Arrington Engines, manufacturer of Dodge race engines, the shops of BHR-VA, which fields NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series trucks for Dennis Setzer, HT Motorsports, which will be fielding a truck for rookie Joey Logano in the Kroger 200 at Martinsville and concluding at the PHCC Virginia Motorsports Technology Center. Traveling in PHCC vans, the tours will begin in front of the Martinsville Speedway ticket office every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and running until 4:30 p.m.
The tour of Martinsville Speedway will include a stop in the Speedway Suite, a drive around the track, with a photo opportunity at the start-finish line and a ride through the infield and garage area. Each tour guide will offer historical and topical information on the track and will field questions. The tour will leave the speedway and travel to Arrington Engines, a large, state-of-the-art engine manufacturing center founded by Joey Arrington. Fans will get to tour the facility and watch racing engines being constructed. The tours will then move on to the race shops of BHR-VA and HT Motorsports. The tour will wind down at the Patrick Henry Community College Virginia Motorsports Technology Center where tour members will watch PHCC students work on race cars under construction. The tour will conclude back at the Martinsville Speedway ticket office. The tour cost is $10 per person or an entire van can be reserved for a group (10 or less) for $100. Those who don’t want to take the entire tour may visit just one site for $7.50. The tour is a fundraiser for the Patrick Henry Community College Motorsports Program.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(10-14-2008)
- Soldier Grand Marshal at Martinsville: Staff Sgt. Robert Hankins of Colorado Springs, Colo., will serve as the grand marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville International Speedway in Martinsville, Va. on October 19. Hankins, who is originally from Martinsville, Va., is currently serving his third deployment in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and will be on a two-week leave to attend the TUMS QuikPak 500 and serve as the grand marshal. Hankins was selected to serve as the grand marshal after winning a nationwide contest sponsored by TUMS. TUMS set out to find a deserving race fan who had provided “quick relief” to a family member, friend or community, just like their favorite heartburn reliever – the all-new TUMS QuikPak. In addition to serving his country, Hankins provided fast relief to his neighbors in Colorado Springs when he helped a family who suffered a house fire. In his essay, Hankins described the chance to be the grand marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 as “the ultimate dream come true for the kid who grew up in a racing town, and who on that very same track, watched many cars race to take the checkered flag.” At the TUMS QuikPak 500, Hankins will lead the crowd on race day by delivering the, “Gentlemen, start your engines,” race command. He has also won the chance to attend a host of pre-race ceremonies, meet the drivers and watch the race from the comfort of a catered skybox suite. The grand marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 was selected by America, as consumers were invited to vote online for one of five finalists at www.TUMSRacing.com between Friday, Sep. 5 and Friday, Sep. 12. The individual who received the most votes was named the grand marshal.(TUMS Racing PR)(10-7-2008)
- Vote for Grand Marshal of Martinsville Cup race: TUMS has announced five finalists in the search to find the Grand Marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. on October 19, 2008. TUMS, one of the most trusted brands for heartburn relief, launched the nationwide search on July 9, 2008 and received hundreds of entries from fans who have provided speedy relief to people in need. From emergency responders to active duty military men and women, hundreds of fans from across the country signed up for a chance to serve as the Grand Marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500. Now TUMS is asking fans to visit www.TUMSRacing.com between Friday, Sept. 5 and Friday Sept. 12, 2008 to vote for their favorite finalist. The finalist who receives the most votes will be selected to serve as the Grand Marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 on October 19.
The five finalists include:
Victoria Vonderwell of Wilmington, N.C. – Vonderwell is an Emergency Department nurse, who is constantly racing around the ER helping patients. She says that her job – like her favorite sport – could benefit from a speedy “pit crew to tune me up on my breaks.” Vonderwell’s job as an ER nurse forces her to be at the ready to shift into high gear at a moment’s notice. She never leaves home without her trusty TUMS.
Diane Sattler of Asheville, N.C. – Sattler is an emergency response coordinator and huge racing fan. Upon hearing her pager blare, she snaps into action coordinating the disaster action team, American Red Cross volunteers and any additional professional help that may be called upon to help in a given emergency. As she describes it, Sattler’s job is literally to provide relief to community members – fast – just like her favorite heartburn reliever, TUMS.
Robert Hankins of Denver, Colo. – A Martinsville native, Hankins is a huge race fan and a hometown hero. During the race, Hankins will be on leave from his third deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and he has also provided fast relief to his family and community in Colorado Springs, outside of Ft. Carson, where he currently resides. He describes the chance to be the Grand Marshall at Martinsville “the ultimate dream come true for the kid who grew up in a NASCAR town, and who on that very same track, watched many cars race to take the checkered flag.”
Faline Rowland of Shelby, Ohio – Rowland has spent 30 years in active military service. She is currently the Wing Family Program Coordinator for the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, Ohio. How did she last 30 years? By having a trusty pack of TUMS on her desk and in her pocket. Rowland serves as a liaison for families during deployments, assisting families during emergencies or personal crises. Sure her job is stressful, but she looks forward to Saturday Nationwide races, and Sunday NASCAR Sprint Cup races – all with TUMS by her side.
Wendy Shepherd of Hebron, Ky. – Shepherd is a local, hometown “crew chief.” Just in time for Independence Day this year, Shepherd went to work planning a surprise fundraiser for a neighbor, whose medical expenses were piling up. In addition to her charitable efforts, Shepherd and friends plan all-girls weekends around NASCAR races. One of her favorite moments? “We kidnapped a neighbor’s life-size cardboard replica of his favorite driver and took pictures hanging out.” She calls herself the “unofficial” spokesperson for TUMS Cocoa & Crème antacids as a big believer in the brand.
The lucky finalist who is selected to serve as the Grand Marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 will lead the crowd on race day by delivering the, “Drivers, start your engines” race command. The Grand Marshal will also attend a host of pre-race ceremonies, have the chance to meet the drivers and will watch the race from the comfort of a catered skybox suite.(PR)(9-9-2008)
- Martinsville Offers Fan Suite Seating For TUMS QuikPak 500: Fans will have the opportunity to take advantage of the ultimate VIP seating for the TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 19. The speedway will be offering luxury suite seating to fans for the TUMS QuikPak 500 weekend with a spectacular view of the action from above the front stretch. The suite seating will be available for the three days of action, from October 17 through October 19. Each suite pass includes suite seating for Carilion Clinic Pole Day on October
17, the Kroger 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on October 18 and the TUMS QuikPak 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on October 19. Also included with each suite pass will be a pre-race pit pass for the TUMS QuikPak 500. There will be one Suite Parking pass included for each two suite passes ordered. Lunch and snacks will be served on Saturday and Sunday and appetizers on Friday. Pepsi products will be served all weekend long. A cash bar will be available all three days. The cost of the luxury suite seating is $450 per seat. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(PR)(8-16-2008)
- Martinsville Speedway Celebrates 2nd Annual Open House Aug. 24: What began as a birthday party a year ago has turned into a tradition. A year ago, Martinsville Speedway celebrated its 60th birthday with a huge open-house birthday party that included an opportunity for fans to drive their own cars on the famed .526-mile oval. The day was such a big hit with fans, speedway officials have announced the Second Annual Martinsville Speedway Open House, scheduled for Sunday, August 24 from 1pm to 5pm. And again, the
event is free of charge. It should be noted, fans won't get to drive exactly like the legends did. It will be a guided trip around the paper-clip shaped oval, led by the track's official pace car for the TUMS QuikPak 500. The drive-arounds will be just a part of the day's experience, though. Guided tours of the track will run continuously from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will include stops in the press box, corporate suites, the flagman's stand, the infield and the garage area. Famous Martinsville Speedway hotdogs and Pepsi products will be free while supplies last.
There will be NASCAR Whelen Modified and Late Model Stock cars on display, along with vintage race cars and Martinsville Speedway pace cars. Martinsville Speedway's ticket office will be open during the open house. Anyone purchasing tickets to the TUMS QuikPak 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race during the open house will be entered in a drawing to win either a pair of tickets for the Bud Fan Zone on the morning of the TUMS QuikPak 500.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(8-8-2008)
- Martinsville Speedway Offers Family Special: Martinsville Speedway wants to make sure no child gets left home for the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup race on October 19. With the Fall Family Special, tickets for children 12 and under on the Backstretch and in the Clay Earles Tower are only $10. Children's tickets must be purchased by an adult. There are no minimum or maximum orders required. Adult tickets on the Backstretch and in the Clay Earles Tower range from $42 to $60. With the Fall Family Special, a family of four could attend the TUMS QuikPak 500 for $104. To take advantage of the Fall Family Special, call 1.877.RACE.TIX or visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com, tickets in other areas may also be purchased as well as tickets for the Kroger 200 Craftsman Truck Series race on October 18.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(7-30-2008)
- Martinsville Speedway Offering Special Ticket Prices For Military: To pay tribute to members of the United States Armed Forces, Martinsville Speedway is offering a special Military Promotion for the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway on October 19. Any active member or veteran of the United States military can purchase tickets in the Clay Earles Tower, the Sprint Tower or the South Annex for $50 each. Any child's ticket, 12 and under, bought by military personnel can be purchased for $10. The Military Promotion is also good for the Kroger 200 Craftsman Truck Series race on October 18. With the Military Promotion, general admission tickets to the Kroger 200 are just $30 while tickets for children 12 and under are only $5. Tickets for the TUMS QuikPak 500, the sixth race in the Chase For The Sprint Cup, are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(7-22-2008)
- Work Begins On Martinsville Speedway's Pit Road Surface: Martinsville Speedway's pit road roared to life Thursday morning, but not with the usual equipment.
Instead of race cars, air guns and pit crews, it was heavy equipment and dump trucks as work began on a resurfacing project that will see a concrete pit road in place by the October 19th running of the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup race. A layer of asphalt about six inches deep is being removed from pit road and will be replaced by concrete. It is the first time in recent history that pit road has been resurfaced. The refurbishing of pit road is one of several capital improvement projects set to be finished before the TUMS QuikPak 500. A new, 120-foot tall scoreboard with three 30-foot video display screens will be in place by the fall. The video screens will be utilized for everything from scoring rundowns to instant replays. It will be visible to all seats. Plans also call for about 100 feet of SAFER barrier to be installed on the fourth-turn pit gate and the exit of the fourth turn. It is the most challenging of the summer projects. Presently the gate opens inward, but with the addition of the SAFER barrier, it must open outward. And that means the roadway outside of the gate will have to be cut down, leveled and resurfaced. Tickets for the TUMS QuikPak 500, the sixth race in the Chase For The Sprint Cup, are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(5-28-2008)
- Martinsville Speedway Announces $2 Million Improvement Project: Fans and competitors will be the beneficiaries of more than $2 million in improvements set for Martinsville Speedway before the October 19th running of the TUMS QuikPack 500. Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell said work will begin on them in the next few weeks and will be completed by the fall event. The centerpiece of the track enhancements will be a new, state of the art scoreboard. Campbell also announced that pit road would be resurfaced, the fourth-turn pit gate will be reconfigured to include SAFER barrier technology and portable chair seats surrounding the track will be replace with individual stadium seats. The scoreboard will be 120 feet tall and be positioned behind the backstretch. It will feature three 30-foot video display screens that can be utilized for everything from scoring rundowns to instant replays. There will also be rotating signage atop the scoreboard. The addition of roughly 100 feet of SAFER barrier to cover the fourth-turn pit gate and the exit of the fourth turn will improve safety in that area. It is a major undertaking that will include the excavation and resurfacing of the road outside of the gate. Presently the gate opens inward, but with the addition of the SAFER barrier, it will need to open out. Because of that, the roadway will have to be cut down several feet, leveled and resurfaced.
The pit-road project will mark the first resurfacing of the area in recent history. The decision was made to use concrete because of its durability. "Pit road has gotten rough and bumpy over the past few years. It was something we really need to do," said Campbell. "And I think the drivers and pit crews will appreciate it." For years, a row of padded, portable chairs have circled the track just below the high-rise seats. They have always been some of the track's most popular seats, but over the years have aged. The new individual seats should be even more appealing, with folding seats and storage space underneath.(Martinsville Speedway)(5-2-2008)
- Martinsville Grand Marshal can't make it: Inclement weather has derailed the schedule of Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer, who was set to serve as grand marshal for today's Goody's Cool Orange 500 race at Martinsville Speedway. Icy weather in Blacksburg grounded Beamer's flight plans, according to the coach, who spoke to the media via telephone this morning. Recent knee surgery has made it difficult for Beamer to get around. "I had a helicopter that could bring me right to the track and I was going to be in good shape, but then they couldn’t fly (due to the ice)," said Beamer. "Once that happened, I felt like I needed to cancel out." Beamer apologized repeatedly for his cancellation, lamenting the fact that he couldn't attend in person. "I’m very sorry because I really like racing, and I really like the Martinsville track, and I really like the people at the Martinsville track," said Beamer. "I think the heart of NASCAR is right here in Virginia when you talk about Bristol and Richmond and then Martinsville." A spokesman for Goody's Cool Orange, the race's primary sponsor, said various members of the Virginia Tech community, including the Tech band, which is set to play the national anthem, would serve in Beamer's place as grand marshal. The most notable grand marshal duty is announcing the famous racing line, "Gentlemen, start your engines."(Martinsville Bulletin)(3-30-2008)
- Tums to sponsor fall Martinsville race and #40, #41 cars: TUMS announced that it is using its newest product, the TUMS QuikPak instant dissolve powder, to bring its fastest relief ever to Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., as the entitlement sponsor of the October 19, 2008 Sprint Cup series race – The TUMS QuikPak 500. The TUMS QuikPak 500 will be the first NASCAR race sponsored by the TUMS brand. The race sponsorship will continue to build on the long-standing relationship between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare and the .526-mile Virginia short track. The partnership began in 1983 when Goody’s Headache Powder first sponsored the Goody’s 500 at Martinsville Speedway. In addition to the TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway, TUMS will serve as an associate sponsor of the #40 and #41 Dodges for Chip Ganassi Racing with
Felix Sabates (CGRFS) throughout the 2008 season. The TUMS logo will appear on the B-post and rear quarter panel. The agreement also includes a primary sponsorship in two races. TUMS QuikPak will serve as the primary sponsor of Sprint Cup series rookie Dario Franchitti’s #40 Dodge Charger for the Aaron’s 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway on
April 27. CGRFS teammate Reed Sorenson will carry the TUMS QuikPak paint scheme under the lights August 23 for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. TUMS will host 18 fan events at race tracks during the season. For each event, TUMS will bring its blue QuikZone display to the fan concourse area along with TUMS Racing simulators, games and the TUMS show car. Fans will have an opportunity to learn more about TUMS fast relief and simple solutions for heartburn and sample the new TUMS QuikPak. The TUMS QuikZone debuted in Daytona for Speedweeks. The TUMS QuikZone also will travel to community events throughout the country. For more information on TUMS Racing, visit www.TUMSracing.com.(Clear!Blue PR) see images of the cars on my #40 Team Schemes page and #41 Team Schemes page.(3-29-2008)
- Tix still available for Martinsville Cup race: The Goody's Cool Orange 500 weekend is just about here, but fans still have time to purchase tickets for all three days of action. Hospitality packages with appearances on Sunday with appearances by Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart or Kasey Kahne also remain available to fans. Tickets remain in many areas of the track's grandstands for Sunday's Goody's Cool Orange 500, ranging in ticket prices from $42 to $80. Families can take advantage of the Spring Family Special for the Goody's Cool Orange 500 with adult backstretch tickets priced at $42 and $47 and tickets for children 12 and under just $10. Martinsville Speedway proudly offers special pricing for members of the United States Armed Forces. Under the special Military Offer, military members can purchase a seat in either the Clay Earles Tower or the South Annex for $50, with children tickets in those areas just $10. The Military Offer is also in place for the Kroger 250 Craftsman Truck Series race on March 29. The special offers adult general admission tickets to the Kroger 250 for $30 while tickets for children 6-12 are $5 and children under six are free. Gordon, Stewart and Kahne will headline three separate fan zones prior to the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Gordon will be in the Pepsi Fan Zone, Stewart will be in the Goody's Cool Orange Fan Zone and Kahne in the Bud Fan Zone. Each driver will make an appearance in his respective fan zone for an emceed question and answer session. The price for each fan zone is $99. The price includes a ticket to the fan zone, continental breakfast and lunch buffet, Pepsi products and four beer coupons per adult, track tram tour rides from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Martinsville Speedway souvenirs and door prizes. The $99 price does not include a ticket to the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Each of the three fan zones will open at 8 a.m. Tickets for both the Goody's Cool Orange 500 on Sunday, the Kroger 250, on Saturday, and hospitality passes are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-28-2008)
- Goody's Cool Orange 500 News and Notes:
Coach Beamer to Grand Marshal: Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Frank Beamer, one of college football's most revered coaches, has accepted Grand Marshal duties for
the upcoming Goody's Cool Orange 500 race at Martinsville Speedway, March 30. The Hillsville, Va native is an avid NASCAR fan that has waved the green flag at racing events but has never said the famous words "Gentleman start your engines". Beamer's Hokies won the ACC championship and finished ninth in the country last year. He was the
national coach of the year in 1999 and is ranked third in wins among all active Division I coaches. With team colors of maroon and orange, and having competed in this past season's Orange Bowl, Beamer is the perfect fit for the Goody's Cool Orange 500, a race named after the newest flavor of Goody's headache powder.
Jeff Hammond to wave the green flag: To celebrate Jeff Hammond's long history at Martinsville Speedway, it is only fitting he gets to wave the green flag for the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Hammond has been named as Honorary Starter for the upcoming Goody's Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway. As a jackman, Hammond stood
in Martinsville's victory lane four times with driver Cale Yarborough. Once promoted to crew chief for Darrell Waltrip, Hammond found victory lane 10 more times at Martinsville, four of which were Goody's 500 events (1984, 1987, 1988, 1989). Hammond secured a total of 43 wins as a crew chief. NASCAR fans now enjoy Hammond's commentary during FOX and
SPEED television broadcasts.
Doug Agee Awards: Doug Agee, a pioneer of racing promotions, will be on hand to present the Doug Agee Award at the Goody's Cool Orange 500. The Goody's
Headache Powders brand created the award to be given to a person or persons who most embodies the value and spirit of Doug Agee and is presented annually at Martinsville Speedway - a track as deeply rooted in NASCAR as Goody's 31-year tenure in racing. Agee invented the fan favorite Goody's Headache of the Race promotion with MRN Radio and
brought Goody's to NASCAR. He also started what is now a lifetime relationship with Richard Petty.
Virginia Tech's Highty-Tighties Perform: To celebrate Goody's new flavor, Goody's Cool Orange will have a Virginia Tech flavor with both Head Football Coach Frank Beamer as grand marshal and the Highty-Tighties performance. The world-renowned Regimental Band of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, better known as the Highty-Tighties, will perform at the Goody's Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Always a crowd favorite, the Highty-Tighties will entertain the race fans during pre-race ceremonies and also perform the national anthem. The military marching band carry traditions dating back 125 years with performances at presidential inaugurals since President Eisenhower.
Fan Participation: Goody's will be giving away Goody's Cool Orange towels to race fans entering the grandstands at Martinsville Speedway for Sunday's Sprint Cup race the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Fans will be encouraged to wave the orange-colored towels during the start and end of the race. The stands will look like a sea of orange celebrating Goody's long time relationship with both the race fan and the Martinsville Speedway. Goody's has been a strong supporter of Martinsville Speedway since the first Goody's 500 in 1983.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-27-2008)
- Martinsville Fans In South Terrace Won't Have To Leave Seats for food: Fans sitting in the South Terrace at Martinsville Speedway will no longer have to leave their seats to sample the world famous Martinsville Speedway hotdogs. Beginning with the Kroger 250 Craftsman Truck Series race March 29 and the Goody's Cool Orange 500 on March 30, fans in the South Terrace, overlooking the first and second turns, will be able to purchase hot dogs and Pepsi products without missing a single lap of action. It is the first time, at least in recent memory, that sellers have taken their products directly to the fans at Martinsville Speedway. Tickets are available in the South Terrace area and are $105 for the two days of racing. They can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com. Tickets in the South Terrace can only be purchased as a two-day package. Tickets are also available in other areas for both the Goody's Cool Orange 500 on Sunday, March 30, and the Kroger 250, on Saturday, March 29.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-5-2008)
- Virginia Tech's Military Marching Band Will Perform National Anthem at Martinsville: Virginia Tech's world-renown military marching band, the Highty-Tighties, will perform prior to the Goody's Cool Orange 500 Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway on March 30. The Highty-Tighties will perform the national anthem in prerace ceremonies. Earlier in the day they will perform their precision marching and music on track. The Goody's Cool Orange 500 will have a very Virginia Tech flavor to it. The Hokies' football coach, Frank Beamer, one of the most successful college coaches in the country, will serve as the race's grand marshal. The Highty-Tighties grew out of Virginia Tech's Corp of
Cadets on the Blacksburg campus in 1893. Since then their record of excellence has continued to grow and they are a sought-after marching unit for special events and parades around the country. Tickets for both the Goody's Cool Orange 500 on Sunday, March 30, and the Kroger 250, on Saturday, March 29, are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-3-2008)
- Great Deals Remain For Martinsville Race: The Goody's Cool Orange 500 is barely a month away, but some pretty awesome deals remain for race fans. Good seats are still available for the Sprint Cup event scheduled for March 30. In addition there are openings remaining in fan hospitality, featuring Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. Gordon, Stewart and Kahne will headline three separate fan zones prior to the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Gordon will be in the Pepsi Fan Zone, Stewart will be in the Goody's Cool Orange Fan Zone and Kahne in the Bud Fan Zone. Each driver will make an appearance in his respective fan zone for an emceed question and answer session. The price for each fan zone is $99. The price includes a ticket to the fan zone, continental breakfast and lunch buffet, Pepsi products and four beer coupons per adult, track tram tour rides from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Martinsville Speedway souvenirs and door prizes. The $99 price does not include a ticket to the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Each of the three fan zones will open at 8 a.m. Great seats remain at great prices, and the speedway ticket office has some even better ticket deals for fans. Families can take advantage of the Spring Family Special for the Goody's Cool Orange 500 with adult backstretch tickets priced at $42 and tickets for children 12 and under just $10. Martinsville Speedway proudly offers special pricing for members of the United States Armed Forces. Under the special Military Offer, military members can purchase a seat in either the Clay Earles Tower or the South Annex for $50, with children tickets in those areas just $10. The Military Offer is also in place for the Kroger 250 Craftsman Truck Series race on March 29. The special offers adult general admission tickets to the Kroger 250 for $30 while tickets for children 6-12 are $5 and children under six are free. Martinsville Speedway is also offering a group sales plan for the Goody's Cool Orange 500. Groups of 15 tickets or more are available in the Bill France Tower, rows 1-10, for $50. Groups of 30 tickets or more in rows 11-45 in the Bill France Tower are available for $60. Tickets for both the Goody's Cool Orange 500 on Sunday, March 30, the Kroger 250, on Saturday, March 29, and hospitality passes are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-3-2008)
- Martinsville to upgrade pit road: Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, said officials plan to upgrade the track's pit road this summer. That would mean putting a concrete surface on pit road -- it is asphalt now -- new inner walls and maybe some other things. Campbell said that pit road likely won't be any wider because of the limited space in the infield. Campbell also said that he'll continue racing. He plans to drive a Late Model at South Boston Speedway and Motor Mile Speedway in select races.(Roanoke Times)(2-18-2008)
