Track Trivia: Martinsville Speedway

Built in 1947, this track is the only one remaining running Cup events from the original lineup of venues from 1949. Martinsville Speedway, located in south-central Virginia, is a .526-mile oval and the 500 lap race will be 263 miles. The track is considered flat, with minimal 12 degree banking in the turns, and as such has some of the slowest speeds of any oval on the circuit. The grandstands hold 65,000 people, and while this may be the oldest, slowest track in the Cup series, the stands should be full. Like Bristol, fans love the short-track action at Martinsville because the cars have to run close together--there's nowhere else to go. 

Drivers who came up through their local short tracks love racing here, and usually do well, as do those with a background in road racing. Don't be surprised to see a faster driver nudge a slower driver who won't move over out of their way--it's just racin'. I have Jimmie Johnson on my fantasy league, and the Hendrick cars are expected to dominate. The race at this little paper-clip shaped track marks the first time this year the owner points from 2009 decide who is guaranteed a spot in the race, but qualifying still will be key for a good pit selection. Lets hope Sunday's trip back to the roots of stock car racing is a memorable one.