Going to a Race at Martinsville Speedway
http://www.martinsvillespeedway.com

updated 04/01/01

General Comments:  Martinsville tickets are among the most affordable on the Winston Cup circuit.  Sixty dollars can buy anything from an excellent frontstretch tower seat to an average turn three tower seat.  The action is fast and loud here, and most any seat is a good seat.

Date and Race Attended:  I've been to the fall race once (1997) and the spring race four times (1998-2001).

Seats:  For most races, I've sat in the Bill France Tower because I waited too long to get my tickets.  However, the France Tower is extremely comfortable and easy to reach. I've sat as low as row 3, and still enjoyed a pretty good view of the track.   The picture on this page is the view from section B4 Bill France Tower Row 14.

I've also sat in turn one, about thirty rows up, and I loved those seats. And, I've sat at the end of the frontstretch, about 45 rows up. Those were great. (You can see the view in the pictures below.) Really, counting qualifying, I've been around most of the track, and I've never found a bad view.

What You Need to Know:  I've been extremely happy with all of my seats -  pretty good views, comfortable with a back rest, and plenty of room.

Parking can be tough.  Most people park in a huge field north-northwest of turn four.  The parking lot isn't paved, so a rain will definitely get you muddy.  Because of this, I try to arrive at the race at least four hours early and look for a parking space close to the perimeter of the lot.

It's taken me about three hours after the race to get on the road.  If you want to go south toward Greensboro after the race, you'll first have to go north and search for a place to turn around.  Traffic in this small town is a nightmare.

Coolers are allowed, and are your only way to enjoy a cold beer.

Blue Ridge Tower (approx. row 40)
click for larger view

Turns 1-2	Backstretch	Turns 3-4

Other links:

NASCAR Primer - a four-part series designed to introduce NASCAR to its newest fans

Track Reviews (get the low-down on what you need to know about attending races at Winston Cup tracks):