This year NASCAR is celebrating its 60th anniversary and there is only one track that holds the honor of being on its very first schedule back in 1948 - Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA.
The half-mile short track, located in southern section of Virginia, started with 750 seats when it opened in 1947. Nicknamed the "Pretty Paperclip" based on its long straight-aways and tight turns, no significant changes have been made to the track's configuration since its introduction other than repaving projects. The first NASCAR race at Martinsville was held on July 4th in 1948 meaning that Martinsville, not Daytona International Speedway, was the first track to celebrate the Independence Day tradition. The following year, Martinsville was added to the inaugural schedule for the Strictly Stock Series, the first form of today's Sprint Cup Series.
A list of other Martinsville traditions will also take center stage this weekend as the track welcomes the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the Goody's Cool Orange 500. The first is a new twist on a favorite treat of Martinsville fans and Sprint Cup teams alike. The world famous Martinsville Speedway hot dogs are renowned as one of the most-recognized food items on the NASCAR circuit. This weekend the track is introducing in-seat service for the fans seated in the South Terrace, as they will be able to purchase hot dogs and Pepsi products without missing a lap of racing action.
Another Virginia favorite will be the inclusion of the Virginia Tech military marching band, known as the Highty-Tighties, who will perform prior to Sunday's Sprint Cup race on March 30. The band, which is known for continuously marching regardless of when the music stops, will play the national anthem in addition to another performance earlier in the day.
The Virginia Tech theme will continue as Hokie football coach, Frank Beamer, will serve as the grand marshal for the Goody's Cool Orange 500. It continues a theme of orange for Beamer who led his team to the Orange Bowl in Miami last January for the final game of their season.
NASCAR fans, regardless of their state alliance, will have the opportunity to see three premier NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers during hospitality appearances on Sunday morning with the purchase of a track hospitality package. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne will each host a Q&A for attendees at their respective fan zone. Fans can find more information located on www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
FOX is scheduled to broadcast live television coverage of the Goody's Cool Orange 500 beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET. The green flag is scheduled to fall at 2 p.m. ET.
Goody's Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway
Qualifying Record: Tony Stewart (93.083 mph, 19.306 seconds), October 21, 2005
Race Record: Jeff Gordon (82.223 mph, 3 hours, 11 minutes, 55 seconds), September 22, 1996
2007 Winner: Jimmie Johnson
Total Purse: $5,027,520
