Martinsville Track News and Announcements

Track News and Announcements

• Martinsville to install tire barriers: After a full track evaluation by NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Martinsville Speedway will add to its existing barrier system in advance of the STP 500 weekend March 27-29. Tire pack barriers will be installed on the inside wall at the end of the backstretch, prior to the entrance of pit road. "We are committed to the continued safety of the drivers and our fans," said Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President. "We will continue to collaborate with ISC and NASCAR for additional safety enhancements deemed necessary."(Martinsville Speedway)(3-23-2015)
  
• Grand Home Furnishings renews as provider of Martinsville Grandfather Clock: Martinsville Speedway and Grand Home Furnishings, two companies with long and storied histories and deep Virginia roots, are continuing their long-standing relationship. Roanoke-based Grand Home Furnishings, which has long been the source of the iconic grandfather clock winner's trophy, has extended its status as the official provider of the grandfather clocks. This marks the 51st year the track has given a grandfather clock to the race winner. Fred Lorenzen took home the first clock in 1964. Since then the clock has found its way into the homes of the sport's biggest stars. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are just some of the drivers who have taken home multiple clocks. Most recently Dale Earnhardt Jr. added his name to the list of clock owners, with his win last fall.(Martinsville Speedway)(3-20-2015)
  
• Jesse Jones hot dogs out at Martinsville: When fans go to the concession stand at Martinsville Speedway next weekend seeking the "Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog," for the first time in nearly seven decades the red hots and chili will not be produced by Jesse Jones Southern Style Hot Dogs. Calling it a business decision, the track has elected to switch to Valleydale Hot Dogs, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, which is a primary sponsor on Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Sprint Cup car, driven by Aric Almirola. But according Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, the new hot dog and chili will taste the same as the old standby.
  "Does anybody think I'm crazy enough to change something so iconic and so cherished as the 'Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog?' " Campbell told NASCAR Talk. "We're not in the habit of taking steps backward, we're always going forward. The fans will still have the 'Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog' and it'll be just as good as it has been. I assure you that. We wouldn't do anything to change that. Number one, my grandfather would come back to get me if I did, and Bill France Jr. would be after me. So we're not changing it to where fans will notice any difference whatsoever. The color, taste and texture will still be the same."
  The move ends one of the longest-standing relationships between a speedway and vendor in NASCAR annals, said Jesse Jones motorsports marketing director Stephen Drummond. (NBC Sports)(3-18-2015)