Fans Leave No Doubt Martinsville Speedway Is Favorite Track

It's no secret Martinsville Speedway is a fan favorite. It's been that way since founder H. Clay Earles first opened the gates to the half-mile oval in 1947.

Sixty-six years later fans are still leaving races with smiles on their faces and great memories to share with friends and neighbors.

"I finally fulfilled a dream of mine to go to a race at Martinsville last weekend and the only thing I can say is ‘why did I wait so long,' " said Jon Goddard of Chattanooga, TN, after his first trip to Martinsville for the Goody's® Headache Relief Shot® 500 Powered by Kroger two weeks ago.

"From the staff to the track walk, the ticket and concession prices, and even the relative ease of exiting the parking lot after the race, the experience couldn't have been better. I've been to numerous tracks through the years, but now I have a new favorite track."

Jim Freed, a policeman from Bethlehem, PA, and his wife Laura also made their inaugural visit to Martinsville two weeks ago. They were blown away by the experience.

"I wanted to start by stating that this was by far the best race and race track that I've ever been to," Jim said in an email to track president Clay Campbell. "It was incredibly easy and smooth driving into the parking area for the track. I couldn't believe how close the parking was to the track. I was able to go back and forth from the track to my vehicle without having to walk very far."

The Freeds said it was the most "fan friendly" track they had been to, that they were able to get pictures with several drivers and celebrities, including Jeff Gordon.

The entire experience had a lasting effect on the Freeds.

"My wife and I were so impressed with the track and the area in general, that when I retire in three years from my police department, we are going to relocate to your area," Jim said.

"We work hard to make sure fans have an enjoyable, worry-free visit to Martinsville Speedway," said Campbell. "But it is always so gratifying when we here so many good stories like the ones we've gotten since our fall race. It gets us excited to go to work on the STP 500 on March 30."

Carl Vandevander and his wife discovered on race morning their tickets were nowhere to be found. Expecting the worse, Vandevander checked with the ticket office. The Greenville couple was amazed with the response.

"Your employee worked out a stressful morning for my family and I before arriving to the race. If we had been at any other venue, we would have most likely been told we were out of luck and would have had to purchase another set of tickets," Vandevander said in an email to Campbell. "This is one reason our family has continued to return to your race track each year, due to the great hospitality and kindness of your staff."

Racing excitement returns to Martinsville Speedway with the STP 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend March 28-30, 2014. The Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is scheduled for March 29 and Pole Day on March 28.

Martinsville Speedway tickets remain the most affordable in racing again in 2014, with STP 500 tickets starting at $35 and Kroger 250 tickets at $25. This guaranteed special pricing is available for a limited time, now through December 3.

Tickets for the STP 500 weekend are now on sale and can be purchased calling 877.RACE.TIX or online, at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.