Take a Drive at Martinsville Speedway

How good is the weather forecast for this Saturday's 16th Annual Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive? Santa called and asked if he could wear shorts. 

Never fear, Santa will be in his traditional outfit, but Mother Nature is certainly doing her part for the toy drive with temperatures predicted to be near 70 and just a small chance of showers.

"It looks like it's going to be a perfect day for all of us to come together and help as many children for Christmas as we possibly can," said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. "It's going to be a fun day with race car rides and Santa and we can use all that fun to help out the kids in our area."

The 16th Annual Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the track's infield. Santa will make his appearance at noon.

During the toy drive, fans will get to drive their personal vehicles around Martinsville Speedway's famous half-mile track if they donate a toy or make a $10 donation. Volunteers from the Grace Network will be at the pit gate to collect the donations.

For the first time, rides in an authentic Sprint Cup car are being offered for a donation of $25. Campbell, an accomplished racer who competes in the NASCAR K&N East Series, will be behind the wheel of the car. The car is outfitted with a driver's safety seat on the passenger side with all safety features. Riders will be outfitted in a driver's suit, helmet and HANS Device. You must be at least 16 years old to participate in the ride-along.

Fans will also be able to walk into the infield via the pedestrian tunnel and drop off toys and monetary donations at a table set up close to the infield concession stand.

The Grace Network, a local group comprised of almost 100 churches, will distribute the collected toys to families in need. The monetary donations from Saturday will be used to purchase additional toys. All of the toys will remain in the Martinsville and Henry County area.

Martinsville Speedway staff members will be making and selling The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog® and Pepsi products for $1 each, with proceeds going to the Grace Network.

Anyone unable to make it to the toy drive Saturday can drop off toys or donations at the Speedway office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.