Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville Speedway is both the oldest and shortest track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit.

Built in 1947 by H. Clay Earles, it is the only track that has been on the NASCAR circuit since its beginning in 1948.

The flat, .526-mile track is shaped like a paper clip and features some of the closest, most physical racing in NASCAR. With drivers often bumping and banging their way around the track, the 500-mile races there are often a test in skill, survival and temperament.

The track played host to its first NASCAR-sanctioned race on July 4, 1948 and has held two NASCAR Cup races a year since 1950.

The track became a joint venture between Earles and brothers Jim and Bill France Jr. In 2004, it was sold exclusively to the France family for $192 million.

The 65,000-seat track, located in Ridgeway, Va. just outside Martinsville, is a throwback to the golden days of NASCAR racing and still features a Norfolk Southern Railway track running behind the grandstands on the backstretch, the train passing by in the middle of most Cup races.

The track also features one of the most unique trophies in NASCAR – a seven-foot tall, hand-crafted Grandfather Clock made by Martinsville-based Ridgeway Clocks.

Among the legendary drivers who have won races at the track are Richard Petty (15) and Darrell Waltrip (11).