Martinsville Speedway Bringing Sprint Car To Roanoke

Seven-hundred horsepower will roar to life in Downtown Roanoke on September 11 when one of NASCAR's top drivers will pilot a Sprint Cup car through the streets and onto the Historic Roanoke City Market.

The event, presented by Martinsville Speedway, is part the Chase Across America, a nationwide kickoff celebrating the Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR's final 10-race championship chase. Martinsville Speedway hosts the seventh race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, the Goody'sTM Headache Relief ShotTM 500 Powered by Kroger.

One of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup will drive a Sprint Cup car down Jefferson Street, across Campbell Avenue and onto the Historic Roanoke City Market where he will be met by a marching band, cheerleaders and a crowd of fans.

After leaving his car, the driver will be greeted on a stage in front of Center In The Square by Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, Roanoke City officials, and Jaclyn Rooney, Miss Sprint Cup. He will be honored by Roanoke City leaders, address the crowd and conduct a question-and-answer session with the fans. The identity of the driver will not be known until drivers are locked into the Chase in the coming weeks. It will be one of the top-12 drivers.

"The Roanoke area is very important to us. A large portion of our fan base is from that area," said Campbell. "When we were looking for a way to celebrate the Chase, we immediately thought of Roanoke. We want to bring the feel of a race day at Martinsville Speedway to the Historic Roanoke City Market that day. We want the fans to cheer for the driver, even if he isn't their favorite. We want it to be a big celebration."

When speedway officials began planning the Chase Across America event, they immediately contacted Downtown Roanoke, Inc. for help. The group, led by Tina Workman, President & CEO of DRI, was instrumental in putting the plan together.

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with the Martinsville Speedway for this Chase Across America event and help bring a driver to our Downtown," said Tina Workman, President & CEO of Downtown Roanoke, Inc. 

The action will begin at 11 a.m. on September 11 when the driver will fire up the NASCAR Sprint Cup car near Elmwood Park on Jefferson Street. He will drive the racer several blocks down Jefferson and take a right on Campbell Avenue and proceed to the Historic Roanoke City Market where the festivities will be held.

Advance tickets for the Goody'sTM Headache Relief ShotTM 500 Powered by Kroger are available in all areas of the grandstands. Advance tickets start at just $37.

Advance tickets for the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, Oct. 26 are just $30 with youth 12 and under admitted free. Tickets for Pole Day, Friday, Oct. 25, are $15. To purchase tickets for the Goody'sTM Headache Relief ShotTM 500 Powered by Kroger weekend, call 877.RACE.TIX or visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com.