MARTINSVILLESPEEDWAY

Martinsville Speedway is NASCAR's oldest track, predating the sanctioning body itself. When H. Clay Earles built the half-mile oval in 1947, he could never have imagined it would still be hosting races more than 75 years later.

The track's distinctive "paperclip" shape—long straightaways connected by tight, flat turns—creates racing unlike anywhere else in NASCAR. With only 12 degrees of banking in the corners, drivers must brake hard and accelerate out, leading to intense battles and frequent contact.

Perhaps no tradition in NASCAR is more beloved than Martinsville's grandfather clock trophy. Since 1964, winners have received these handcrafted timepieces instead of traditional trophies. Drivers covet these clocks, with many considering a Martinsville win among their most treasured achievements.

The track is also famous for its hot dogs. Jesse Jones hot dogs, served with chili and coleslaw, have been a Martinsville tradition since the early days. Fans consume tens of thousands during race weekends.

Martinsville rewards patience and precision over raw speed. The best Martinsville drivers know when to bide their time and when to make their move. It's a chess match at 100 mph, and the winner is usually the driver who makes the fewest mistakes.