A First-timers Guide to Martinsville Speedway

Before you hear those magic words, "Drivers, Start Your Engines," let us help you prepare for your first race day at Martinsville Speedway.

What time do I arrive? Where do I park? What can I take in? How do I dress? We can answer these questions for you, but should you need more background information, be sure to call the Martinsville Speedway at 1.877.RACE.TIX.

One of our most commonly asked questions is, what time should I arrive at the Speedway? This can be a difficult question. Depending on what pre-race activities you are interested in, that time can vary significantly. The Xfinity 500 officially begins at 2:00 p.m. Allow yourself time to park, find your seats and browse the pre-race activities and demonstrations as well as souvenir trucks beforehand. As a local NASCAR & Martinsville Speedway fan, I usually am at the track 4 hours before the scheduled start on race day. Parking lots, the ticket office, and the midway officially open at 9:00 a.m. Don't worry about arriving too early because there is always lots of entertainment leading up to the race.

Martinsville Speedway offers their fans free parking in the fields adjacent to the track. Many recent updates have improved the parking areas as well as accessibility. Or, if you prefer you may also choose to park along the roadside of Business 220 as many local business and homeowners open their property for race fans to park for a fee. Your choice: free parking in the fields or pay a fee to park along the roadside. Fans that choose to pay to park usually do so because it's quicker to get out and you typically avoid a lot of traffic.

The concession stands are wonderful but if you choose to bring your own snacks and drinks, remember that coolers can be no larger than 14" X 14" X14" (wheels and telescoping handles are not permitted).

As far as dressing is concerned- have layers and dress comfortably. The average daytime high in Martinsville in October ranges from higher 50’s to mid 70’s. For the latest forecast, click here!

If you have visited the track or ordered your tickets online already, you should have received the official Martinsville speedway Fan Guide which covers many topics of interest to help your race day experience flow more smoothly. Information such as cooler/bag limitations, parking information, handicap accessibility, facilities map, etc. is included.

Even though this is your first time attending a race at the Martinsville Speedway, I'm sure you have heard of the Famous Martinsville Hot Dog! No trip to the speedway is complete until you've had one, or two, or three...  Did you know that many of the NASCAR drivers and team members keep a running tally on the beams in the pit area of how many hotdogs they've eaten over the weekend?

If you are close enough to the area you may stop by the Speedway to purchase your tickets if you haven't already done so. The ticket box office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The VisitMartinsville team hopes you have a blast during your first Martinsville Speedway experience!