HISTORY OF THE MARTINSVILLE MOTORSPEEDWAY

Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia, is one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues and a true one-off on the calendar. First opened in 1947, it is the oldest track still hosting NASCAR Cup Series racing. It's famous “paperclip” shape measures only 0.526 miles, making it the shortest circuit at the sport’s top level.

Martinsville has been part of Cup Series history from the very beginning. The track hosted its first NASCAR Cup race in 1949, won by Red Byron, and it has remained a regular stop ever since. The layout creates a very different style of racing compared to larger ovals, with heavy braking, strong acceleration, and constant side-by-side contact. It rewards discipline and precision, but it also encourages tough, physical battles that can produce late drama and memorable finishes.

The speedway typically stages two Cup weekends each season, one in the spring and one in the autumn. The fall race is part of the NASCAR Playoffs and is often a defining moment in the championship story, with pressure at its highest and mistakes heavily punished. Permanent lighting, added in 2017, has also allowed for night racing and an even stronger atmosphere on big weekends.

Over the years, the paperclip has produced plenty of standout performances. Richard Petty remains the most successful Cup driver at Martinsville with 15 victories, while names such as Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson also built outstanding records there. More recently, drivers including Kyle Larson, William Byron,n and Joey Logano have continued the tradition by winning at one of NASCAR’s toughest short tracks.

Martinsville’s appeal goes beyond the Cup Series as well. NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series races add even more action across the weekend, and the tight confines often create opportunities for younger drivers to shine. Off the track, the venue is known for its approachable, fan-focused feel, and for many visitors, no trip is complete without trying the famous Martinsville hot dog, a long-standing race-day tradition.