Martinsville Speedway Continues Read Your Way to the Race Program

School is back in session and when students hit the books this year, they will once again have the opportunity to hit the track, through Martinsville Speedway’s Read Your Way to the Race program.

Depending on their age, students ranging from pre-k through fifth grade who read 15 books or chapters in five weeks will receive a free ticket to either the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race or the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. 

“Reading is such an important part of life,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “It’s the one subject that really gets applied to all subjects and is used every day. To know that we have a role in encouraging students to read is a good feeling.

“The program has been around for 11 years now, and every year we see the participation numbers grow, which tells me it’s been a success.”

More than 15,000 students from school districts in both Virginia and North Carolina are eligible for the program. Last year more than 2,000 students participated.

Not only does the program encourage students to read, teachers say it gets the entire family involved in the child’s education.

“Henry County Public Schools has participated in Read Your Way to the Race for over 10 years and it’s by far one of the most successful ways to get our kids to read for enjoyment,” Dr. Melissa Lannom, a reading specialist at Rich Acres Elementary School, said. “This reading incentive is completed in the home environment and encourages interaction with family members, which develops oral language as well as reading skills.  The parents and grandparents enjoy this time with their children and grandchildren, and the adults look forward to attending the race too.” 

While the kids do the work, the parents benefit as well. When the child qualifies for the free race ticket, the parent qualifies for a discounted ticket to the same race.

Students who participate in Read Your Way to the Race are not only rewarded with a race ticket, but are also entered into a drawing for the chance to participate in the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions 200 race day festivities including pre-race ceremonies, victory lane and a pace car ride.

Classrooms with the highest participation also have the chance to win prizes ranging from leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions 200 or the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 and a pizza party and tour of the speedway.

For more information on the Read Your Way to the Race program call 276-956-7229.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 race weekend is October 28-30 and includes Virginia Lottery Pole Day on Friday, the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday and the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on Sunday.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 is the first race in the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.