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[/media-credit]MARTINSVILLE, Va. (January 23, 2012) – When Martinsville Speedway opened in 1947, bread was 13 cents a loaf and a gallon of gas was just 15 cents. A postage stamp was three cents, The Diary of Anne Frank had just been published, the Miracle on 34th Street was the big draw at the movies and Harry Truman lived in the White House.
As it celebrates its 65th anniversary, the world is vastly different from when Martinsville Speedway founder H. Clay Earles first opened the doors on September 7, 1947. But even with all the change that 65 years brings, some of Earles’ basic philosophies remain, in fact are the reason the historic oval has not only survived, but thrived.
“My grandfather often said a working man or woman deserved to get what they paid for and that’s always been our philosophy here,” said W. Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway and Earles’ grandson. “I think that has been the key to our success over the years. We have always worked hard to take care of the fans.”
Fans will be the focus of Martinsville Speedway’s year-long 65th anniversary celebration which will include special ticket offers, interactive social media campaigns and web promotions, special commemorative merchandise and collectible items.
The anniversary year will culminate with a grand pre-race celebration before the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on October 28 when the speedway will host many of the old time drivers who raced here for interaction with fans.
Martinsville is a year older than NASCAR and is the only track that remains on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule from its inaugural season in 1949. The historic half-mile has grown and progressed with the sport, offering up fan amenities that rival any sporting venue in the country. It kicks of its 65th year of racing action with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 weekend March 30-April 1.
Other than its fan philosophy, the only thing that hasn’t changed at Martinsville Speedway is the shape of the track itself. The unique paperclip shape with long straights and tight turns consistently produces exciting, action-packed racing.
“Fans know when they come to Martinsville they are going to see hard-nosed, grass-roots racing. They know they are going to see beating and banging, close action,” said Campbell.
Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway March 30-April 1 with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 weekend. Tickets for both events are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
