Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MartinsvilleSpeedway Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ms1947
|
|
Martinsville Speedway Fund-Raising Silent Auction Will Be A Race Fan’s
Delight
Auction At Lt. Dan Band Concert On March 31 Will Benefit American Hero J.B.
Kerns
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 16, 2012) – Race fans will be able to pick up some
pretty impressive racing memorabilia while helping build a home for an
American hero on March 31 at Martinsville High School.
Actor Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band will play a concert at Martinsville High
School on March 31 as part of a fund-raiser for the construction of a
specially-equipped smart house for Cpl. J.B. Kerns, who lost both legs and
an arm in an explosion in Afghanistan a year ago.
Before and during the show, concert-goers will be able to bid on an amazing
array of racing items, including the autographed rear bumper from Tony
Stewart’s TUMS Fast Relief 500 winning car last fall and an autographed
driver’s uniform worn by Rusty Wallace during his Last Call Tour in 2004.
There will also be some non-racing items, including a script from CSI: NY,
signed by Sinise, the show’s star. All of the money raised from the auction
will go to the house-building efforts for Kerns.
To be eligible to bid on any items, you must have a ticket to the Lt. Dan
Band Concert.
Sinise will be the Grand Marshal for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on April 1
while Kerns will be the Honorary Starter.
“We have been amazed at how the racing community has responded with items
for this auction. They understand that J.B. is a true hero and they want to
help all they can,” said Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell. “Not
only have we gotten a large number of items to auction, but the quality and
value has been impressive. And we expect the list to grow over the next two
weeks.”
Autographed silent-auction items include: Darrell Waltrip chrome helmet;
Rusty Wallace driver uniform from his final career win at Martinsville
Speedway in 2004; rear bumper from the car Tony Stewart drove to victory at
Martinsville Speedway last fall; rear bumper from Ryan Newman’s car; Kyle
Busch helmet visor; Jeff Burton racing shoes; Richard Petty diecast car;
Richard Petty crew shirt; crew outfit from Kevin Harvick’s GM Goodwrench
team; GM Goodwrench hat from Kevin Harvick; a Kevin Harvick autographed
diecast car; the hood from the Fastenal Tunnel to Towers car driven by David
Gilliland at Richmond last year, autographed by Gary Sinise and J.B. Kerns;
and a script from CSI: NY autographed by Sinise.
Other auction items include four suite tickets to the Good Sam Club 500 at
Talladega and pace car rides and the Richard Petty Driving Experience at
Daytona International Speedway.
Tickets to the concert are $25 an may be purchased online at
www.piedmontarts.org or by
calling 276.632.3221.
Hornaday, Sauter To Headline Martinsville Speedway Truck Autograph Session
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 15, 2012) – More than a dozen NASCAR Camping World
Truck Series drivers will be on hand Friday, March 30 for an autograph
session at Martinsville Speedway.
Four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday and
defending Kroger 250 winner Johnny Sauter will headline the autograph
session.
Other NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers already committed to the
event include: Parker Kligerman, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Paulie Harraka, Ward
Burton, Jeb Burton, J.R. Fitzpatrick, John King, Timothy Peters, Bryan Silas
and Nelson Piquet Jr.
The event will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 30 in front of
Martinsville Speedway’s main ticket office.
“We want to really thank the drivers and NASCAR for making this happen here
at Martinsville again,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell.
“We have a huge number of passionate NASCAR Camping World Truck Series fans
that come out to our truck events here and this is a great way to pay them
back.”
To be admitted to the autograph session, fans must show a ticket to one of
the three race-weekend events at Martinsville Speedway: Friday’s practice
day, Saturday’s Kroger 250 or Sunday’s Goody’s Fast Relief 500.
Driver participation is subject to change and without notice. Neither
NASCAR, Inc., nor any of its affiliates are sponsors of this promotion.
Great ticket packages and seats are on sale for the entire weekend and may
be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Newman Makes Animal Friends, Talks Racing At Martinsville Speedway
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 14, 2011) – Ryan Newman is in the spotlight after a
strong fourth-place showing in this past weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
race, but Wednesday he found himself upstaged by a lumbering, lovable Great
Dane named Bodhi.
Newman was in town visiting the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA as part of a
media promotion for the upcoming Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville
Speedway. He was greeted in the parking lot on arrival by the 20-month old,
165-pound Bodhi, who seldom left his side for the next 90 minutes and even
visited with Newman at the track later in the day.
The visit to the SPCA was second nature to Newman. He and his wife Krissie
share a love of animals and formed the Ryan Newman Foundation several years
ago to help educate and encourage people to spay and neuter their pets and
to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters. The Martinsville-Henry County
SPCA has helped the Ryan Newman Foundation in the rescue of animals.
“They have a great facility, run by great people,” Newman said of the
Martinsville-Henry County SPCA. “I got to see a great skit, their Paw and
Pet Show. It was really fun, educational, cool and amazing for them to put
together something like that.”
While much of the day was spent with animals, and talking about animals,
Newman did manage to talk some racing, especially racing at Martinsville
Speedway and the upcoming Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on April 1.
Newman has come oh-so-close to winning at Martinsville, but has never
visited victory lane at the historic half-mile oval. In last spring’s
Goody’s Fast Relief 500 he looked to be on the verge of breaking through,
running fourth on lap 327 when a header pipe broke and cost him two laps in
the pits for repairs. He wound up 20th after starting second.
“You have to survive here, that’s the hardest part,” said Newman, whose
Chevrolet will be sponsored by Outback Steakhouse in the Goody’s Fast Relief
500. “You can show up and be ready to go to war, but if you are the first
person to get bombed, it’s over for you.”
Martinsville Speedway will be kicking off its 65th season of racing with the
Goody’s Fast Relief 500 weekend on March 30-April 1.
Great ticket packages and seats are on sale for the entire weekend and may
be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Earnhardt Jr. To Appear In Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone
MARTINSVILLE, Va, (March 12, 2012) –Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the
National Guard Chevrolet, will make an appearance in the Martinsville
Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max prior to the Goody’s Fast Relief
500 on April 1.
Earnhardt, who is fourth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings
after his 10th-place finish Sunday, will be joined in the Fan Zone by
four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman.
Earnhardt, Gordon and Newman will appear at different times in the
Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max. All three will take
questions from fans in emceed question and answer sessions.
Tickets for the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max are
$99 and include:
· Hot buffet beginning with breakfast items at 8 a.m. followed by lunch
items until 1 p.m.
· Four beverage coupons for Pepsi products and wine and beer (patrons 21 and
older)
· Pre-race Track Pass from 9:15 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
The $99 price does not include a ticket to the Goody’s Fast Relief 500. Fans
will submit questions when they enter the fan zone, but all questions will
not be asked.
The Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max will open at 8
a.m. on April 1 and close at 1 p.m.
Tickets for the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max may be
purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting
www.martinsvillespeedway.com
online.
Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 may also be purchased by calling
1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting
www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.
|
|
Four-Time Champion Gordon To Headline Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 8, 2012) – Four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon and three-time Martinsville Speedway pole-winner Ryan Newman will headline the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max on April 1.
Gordon and Newman will appear separately in the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max. Both will take questions from fans in emceed question and answer sessions.
“We believe the fans are in store for a great morning with Jeff and Ryan,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “These two drivers are so great with fans. They really enjoy the interaction they have with fans, so I think everyone is in for a real treat with the question and answer sessions.”
Tickets for the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max are $99 and include:
· Hot buffet beginning with breakfast items at 8 a.m. followed by lunch items until 1 p.m.
· Four beverage coupons for Pepsi products and wine and beer (patrons 21 and older)
· Pre-race Track Pass from 9:15 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
The $99 price does not include a ticket to the Goody’s Fast Relief 500. Fans will submit questions when they enter the fan zone, but all questions will not be asked.
The Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max will open at 8 a.m. on April 1 and close at 1 p.m.
Tickets for the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone presented by Pepsi Max may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.
Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 may also be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.
Goody’s® Headache Powder Selects Gary Sinise as Grand Marshal for Goody’s®
Fast Relief 500
Local Hero, Marine Cpl. Josh “J.B.” Kerns, to Wave the Green Flag on April 1
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 6, 2012) – With only 27 days until the
headache-inducing, short-track Goody’s® Fast Relief 500 race at Martinsville
Speedway, Goody’s® announced today that award-winning actor Gary Sinise will
serve as the grand marshal; while local hero and wounded veteran Marine Cpl.
Josh “J.B.” Kerns will wave the green flag to start the 500-lap event on
April 1.
Sinise, currently starring on CBS’ “CSI:NY,” launched the Gary Sinise
Foundation in 2011, a non-profit organization that honors defenders,
veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and
supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire,
strengthen and build communities. For more information, go to
www.GarySiniseFoundation.org.
Recently, the Gary Sinise Foundation and The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers
Foundation (named after a fallen firefighter on 9/11), announced a
partnership to build Kerns a “smart home” in his hometown of Ararat, Va., as
part of the Building For America's Bravest Program. Throughout the Goody's®
Fast Relief 500 weekend, efforts will be underway to raise funds and
awareness, including a concert with Sinise's Lt. Dan Band at Martinsville
High School on March 31. To make donations to Building For America's Bravest
Program, you can go to
http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/help_us/donate or
https://tunneltotowersfoundation.org/donate_now.aspx.
The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 will be Sinise’s first time reciting the most
famous words in racing—“Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”
“The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 weekend is going to be an unforgettable
weekend, bringing together the best racing in the world with an amazing
effort to help J.B.,” said Sinise. “I am so grateful to Goody’s®,
Martinsville Speedway and the community for allowing us to be a part of this
weekend.”
Kerns, a long-time fan of racing, will serve as the Goody’s® Fast Relief 500
honorary starter. He was injured in Afghanistan in April 2011 when an IED
exploded, costing him both legs and his right arm. Since that explosion,
Kerns has endured tremendous pain, having undergone extensive surgeries and
strenuous daily physical and occupational therapy in Bethesda, Md.
“When I was growing up I remember sitting down with my family on the
weekends and watching the NASCAR races,” said Kerns. “And now, it’s awesome
to think that I am going to be the one waving the flag that’s going to start
the race.”
“Goody’s® and BC® Powders are known for providing fast relief for tough
pain,” said Joseph Juliano, brand director for Goody’s® and BC® Powders.
“Being on the front line, in terms of helping those in need and serving our
country in combat, Gary and J.B. demonstrate that painful moments can come
unexpectedly. We hope the roles we’re giving them for our race become a
source of relief and joy in some small way. We salute the commitment and
service of both men and look forward to a fantastic Goody’s® Fast Relief
500.”
Tickets to the Goody’s® Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway are on
sale. For more information, call 877.722.3849 or visit
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
For more information about Goody’s® Headache Powder, visit
www.goodyspowder.com.
About Prestige Brands
Prestige Brands markets and distributes brand name over-the-counter and
household cleaning products throughout the U.S., Canada, and in certain
international markets. The Company’s core brands now include Chloraseptic®
sore throat treatments, Clear Eyes® eye care products, Compound W® wart
removers, The Doctors®NightGuard® dental protector, the Little Remedies® and
PediaCare® lines of pediatric over-the-counter products, Efferdent® denture
care products, Luden’s® throat drops, Dramamine® motion sickness treatment,
Goody’s® and BC® analgesics, Gaviscon® antacid, and Beano® gas treatment.
About The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is best known for its annual
Tunnel to Towers Run which follows Siller’s heroic run from a blocked-off
Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center in a desperate bid to save
lives. The Run attracts 30,000 participants, and raises much-needed funds
for the Building for America’s Bravest program. For more information go to:
www.tunneltotowers.org.
About The Gary Sinise Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation is committed to the Building for America’s
Bravest program to build smart homes for severely wounded Veterans. For more
information go to: www.GarySiniseFoundation.org.
###
Johnson’s Car Number Buys Special Martinsville Speedway Ticket Package
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 1, 20102) – Fans of Jimmie Johnson will be able to
take advantage of the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion’s famous car
number for the upcoming Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
Johnson’s car number – 48 – is the special price for the Jimmie Johnson
Martinsville Speedway Ticket Package.
For $48 fans will get a seat in the Bill France Tower and the opportunity to
sit in on a 15-minute question and answer session by Johnson in the
Martinsville Speedway hospitality area prior to the Goody’s Fast Relief 500
on April 1. The cost for children (ages 0-18) is just $10.
It will be an emceed question and answer session. There will be no
autographs or individual picture with Johnson.
The Jimmie Johnson Martinsville Speedway Ticket Package may be purchased by
calling 877-722-3849 or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Anyone interested in seats in other areas or any of the other available
packages may purchase them or get more information by calling 877-722-3849
or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Kenseth Needs Some Daytona Magic For Goody’s 500 At Martinsville Speedway
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (February 28, 2012) – Matt Kenseth probably hasn’t had
time to think about Martinsville Speedway and the Goody’s Fast Relief 500
since he capped off a wild night of racing with his second Daytona 500
victory in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
But when the tight half-mile oval does come to mind, Kenseth will probably
have better thoughts than in the past. For much of his NASCAR Sprint Cup
career, the Wisconsin native has struggled at Martinsville, but the chilly
relationship has warmed a bit the last couple of seasons.
“Actually I like Martinsville and if I were a fan, it would be one of the
top five or six race tracks I would want to go to see a race,” Kenseth said
last spring. “It has been one of those places that has been mentally tough
on me. But I will say it has been better for me the last few times.”
He finished sixth in the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 last spring and was looking
at a top-10 finish in the TUMS Fast Relief 500 in the fall when a late-race
dust-up with Kyle Busch relegated him to 31st on the day.
In the spring of 2010 it looked like Kenseth was on the verge of breaking
his long Martinsville winless streak when he gave leader Jeff Gordon a nudge
late in the race. Gordon pushed back harder a lap later. Denny Hamlin wound
up winning and Kenseth was 18th in the final rundown.
In 24 career Sprint Cup starts at Martinsville Speedway, Kenseth has seven
top-10 finishes and has started on the outside pole twice.
Asked last spring what it took to be competitive at Martinsville, Kenseth
said: “I don’t know. This is probably one of my worst places. I’m probably
the wrong guy to ask about that, but I think you’ve got to have a car that
turns good and still drives off the corner without spinning the tires, and
then you have to be patient and smart and be there at the end.”
He was “patient and smart” on the way to the sixth-place run last April. He
is hoping for a repeat performance this time around.
Martinsville Speedway will be kicking off its 65thth season of racing with
the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 weekend on March 30-April 1.
Great ticket packages and seats are on sale for the entire weekend and may
be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Motor
Racing Network To Stream Entire 2012 Broadcast Schedule
CONCORD, N.C. (February 17, 2012) – Motor Racing Network – “The Voice of NASCAR”
– will be even more accessible during the 2012 racing season with today’s
announcement that it has added live web streaming for fans to access MRN race
broadcasts and other programming throughout the year.
Starting with Saturday night‟s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International
Speedway, fans can hear MRN race broadcasts online as well as over the airwaves
by visiting
www.motorracingnetwork.com. Veteran voices Joe Moore and Eli Gold will
anchor the coverage, which also will be heard on more than 350 affiliate radio
stations across the country. Motor Racing Network’s live coverage from “The
World Center of Racing” will continue Sunday with Daytona 500 Qualifying
Presented by Kroger.
“This has been a long time in the making and the patience our fans have shown
has paid off,” said MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt. “As we
start our 43rd year as „The Voice of NASCAR,‟ Motor Racing Network is excited
about the opportunity to reach our fans in the digital media space. This is a
dynamic new platform for the network and our affiliate radio stations across the
country to serve NASCAR‟s growing fan base online.”
NASCAR.com will continue to offer race radio broadcasts as part of the Trackpass
subscription product. In addition, NASCAR.com will partner with MRN to offer all
fans radio streaming for special events, rainouts and other unique NASCAR
coverage.
MRN‟s 2012 broadcast schedule features 86 live events from 33 venues, including
full coverage from Speedweeks in Daytona that will culminate with the 54th
running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26. In addition to all races
streaming live on MotorRacingNetwork.com, listeners in MRN markets will be able
to access the broadcasts on the websites of individual stations which choose to
stream the events.
Motor Racing Network’s daily and weekly programming is also part of the
agreement. NASCAR Live on Tuesday nights recently launched its 29th year. NASCAR
Today – hosted by Woody Cain and Kyle Rickey – is fed to affiliates three times
daily featuring breaking news and updates from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,
NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Motor Racing Network’s 2012 schedule began last month with a live broadcast from
the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and included around-the-clock
coverage of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It‟ll conclude in December with the NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.
Martinsville Speedway Ticket Office Now Open On Weekends
MARTINSVILLE, VA. (February 17, 2012) – Martinsville Speedway’s ticket office
will be open on weekends beginning this Saturday, February 18 and running until
the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on April 1.
Starting this Saturday, the Speedway ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. on Saturdays and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
The Martinsville Speedway ticket office is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We know a lot of people like to come out and go into the grandstands and pick
their seats out and that can be hard to do during the week,” said Martinsville
Speedway president W. Clay Campbell. “With the extra hours on Saturdays, it will
give anyone the chance to come out, walk around the grandstands and pick out the
seats they want.
Fans have many great deals to choose from for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500,
including:
The $99 Family 4 Pack, which includes two adult tickets and two children’s
tickets (18 and under) to the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 along with vouchers for
The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog® (four) and four Pepsi.
The $99 Family 4 Pack seats are located in rows 6 through 14 of the Clay Earles
Tower overlooking the second turn.
65th Anniversary Special: To celebrate Martinsville Speedway’s 65th anniversary,
the track is offering a special $65 ticket package for the Goody’s Fast Relief
500.
The 65th anniversary ticket package includes a seat in the Sprint Tower (rows
15-48), the South Terrace or the Old Dominion Tower and a pre-race track pass.
The Sprint Tower overlooks the first turn while the South Terrace and Old
Dominion Tower overlooks the first and second turns.
The pre-race track pass allows fans to walk along the front stretch of the
historic half-mile track from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on race morning. Fans are
close enough to the pits that they can get a good look at what happens there on
race morning.
Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on Sunday, April 1, the Kroger 250
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, March 31 and NASCAR Sprint
Cup and Camping World Truck Series practice on Friday, March 30 are on sale and
can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. Tickets may also be purchased online
at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Late
Model Drivers Will Be Gunning For Bigger Bucks At Martinsville, South Boston,
Langley
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (February 14, 2012) – Martinsville Speedway, South Boston
Speedway and Langley Speedway have joined forces in 2012 to offer area race fans
a unique tripleheader — the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series.
The Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series will consist of the season-opening
NASCAR Whelen Late Model 300 Presented by Danville Toyota at South Boston
Speedway on March 10, the Langley Hampton Heat 200 on July 28 in Hampton and the
Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 on Oct. 21 at Martinsville Speedway.
All three races already feature big-money payouts, but the implementation of the
Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series will add an even bigger bonus for three
drivers and a ton of hype and excitement for the region’s short track racing
fans.
The NASCAR Whelen Late Model 300 Presented by Danville Toyota and the Langley
Heat 200 each feature $10,000 payouts for the first-place finishers and the
winner of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 claims a $25,000 payday.
The winner of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series this year will receive
an additional $5,000. The runner-up in the competition will claim $3,000 and the
third-place finisher will receive $2,000.
The Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series was established to reward the top
finishers in the three “big-money” races at South Boston, Langley and
Martinsville. Points will be awarded to competitors based on their finish in the
“feature” race at each site and the points will be applied using the standard
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series point structure.
The driver with the highest point total over the course of the three races will
claim the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series title.
Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said the news of the Virginia Late
Model Triple Crown Series would make the event at his speedway even more
enticing for the fans and competitors.
“We are really excited about the Virginia Triple Crown Series,” Campbell said.
“We all know how big NASCAR Whelen Late Model Stock racing in Virginia is and
this is just going to make it bigger.
“And, from a selfish point of view, with the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
being the final race in the Triple Crown, it’s going to make our race more
exciting than ever,” Campbell added.
South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice said fans and competitors were
already thrilled that the NASCAR Whelen Late Model 300 Presented by Danville
Toyota would be kicking off the 2012 season at America’s Hometown Track and the
addition of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series would only add to the
hype for that event.
“We are certainly proud to be a part of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown
Series,” Rice said. “There is already a lot of excitement and anticipation
surrounding our season-opening NASCAR Whelen Late Model 300 Presented by
Danville Toyota race on Saturday, March 10, and the announcement of the Virginia
Late Model Triple Crown Series just adds to the hype for our event.
“We know that the region’s best Late Model Stock Car drivers will be on hand for
the NASCAR Whelen Late Model 300 Presented by Danville Toyota and it will be
exciting to see who gets a victory in what we refer to as the short track
version of the Daytona 500 and who will emerge as the early leaders in the
Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series,” Rice added.
Bill Mullis, owner of Langley Speedway, said he believed the Virginia Late Model
Triple Crown Series would become an annual event that fans and competitors alike
would look forward to.
“The staff and management of these three outstanding facilities are pleased and
confident the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series will become an annual
event that highlights and promotes the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and the
dozens of talented drivers who race in the series week after week,” Mullis said.
“It’s safe to say we’ll see some NASCAR Sprint Cup stars of tomorrow in this
year’s Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series and Langley Speedway is proud to
be part of this great series.”
Actor
Gary Sinise Announces Fundraiser To Help Build Home
For Young Martinsville-Area Soldier Who Is Triple-Amputee
Forrest Gump, CSI NY Star Will Perform Benefit Concert Goody’s 500 Weekend
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (February 9, 2012) – Award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary
Sinise is going to make sure Cpl. J.B. Kerns’ dream of a log cabin on the Ararat
River becomes a reality.
Sinise announced today that the Gary Sinise Foundation and The Stephen Siller
Tunnel to Towers Foundation (named after the NY firefighter who perished on
9/11), are partnering as part of their Building For America’s Bravest program to
build a “smart home” for Kerns that will allow him to live independently.
Kerns lost both legs and his right arm last April as a result of a blast from an
improvised explosive device (IED) while on his third tour of duty in
Afghanistan. The heroic Marine, who’s had to undergo dozens of surgeries, is
from Ararat—a small, rural town in Patrick County, about 30 miles from
Martinsville Speedway.
The fundraising centerpiece for the project will be a concert performed by
Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band at Martinsville High School on Saturday, March 31,
at 7 p.m, and 100% of the ticket sales will go toward funding the
specially-equipped smart home for Kerns. The next day, at the running of the
Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Sinise and Kerns will play a
special role in the Speedway’s pre-race program.
General admission to the Martinsville concert will be $25. There will also be a
limited number of VIP passes available, which include a ticket to the Goody’s
Fast Relief 500 and a Sunday morning meet-and-greet with Sinise at Martinsville
Speedway.
Tickets will be sold by the Piedmont Arts Association in Martinsville and will
go on sale Friday, Feb. 10. They may be purchased online at
www.piedmontarts.org or by
calling (276) 632-3221. To make donations to Building For America’s Bravest
Program, you can go to
http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/help_us/donate or
https://tunneltotowersfoundation.org/donate_now.aspx .
Sinise, nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Lt. Dan—the
character who lost both legs in battle in “Forrest Gump”—and the star of CBS’
popular “CSI: New York,” is also an accomplished musician. He formed the Lt. Dan
Band in 2004 primarily for USO Tours, and now performs 30 to 40 concerts a year
to entertain troops and families, to raise funds for charitable efforts to help
wounded warriors and families of the fallen, and to support charities devoted to
the same.
Said Kerns, "I am overwhelmed at the support my community has given me. I have
loved auto racing and NASCAR my whole life, and the fact that Martinsville
Speedway, a star like Gary Sinise, and a foundation named after a 9/11 hero
fireman, have come together so that I can have a home that is going to give me a
good life, is awesome."
“It is my honor to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to raise the
necessary funds to support the building of a home for JB Kerns,” said Sinise.
“JB has given so much in service to his country, and it is a privilege to do
what I can to give something back to him. I hope that the entire community will
join me and my band to help show our support and our gratitude to a great
American hero, JB Kerns, the night of March 31. As our 30th president Calvin
Coolidge said, ‘The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be
forgotten.’ Let's come together to honor this brave American, and show him that
we will not forget what he has sacrificed in defense of our freedom.”
Purchase of the site for Kerns’ house—land overlooking the Ararat River—is being
finalized. Its acquisition is made possible by the partnership between the Gary
Sinise Foundation and The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Since 2011, the two foundations have joined forces to build smart homes for
three quadruple amputees. In 2012 they are partnering on nine additional homes
for very-severely wounded warriors from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They
completed one home for Spc. Brendan Marrocco, on June 11, 2011 in Staten Island,
NY; will break ground on Feb. 14 in Temecula, CA for Cpl. Juan Dominguez’s home;
broke ground October 26, 2011 at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO for Cpl. Todd
Nicely’s smart home; and this year, in addition to a home in Ararat, VA for JB
Kerns, will begin raising funds for homes in Brooklyn, NY, Albany, NY, Columbia,
MO, Atlanta, GA, Marietta, OH, and Whitehall, PA.
The Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to serving the Nation by honoring our
defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by
creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire,
strengthen and build communities. For more information, go to
www.GarySiniseFoundation.org.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named after fallen NY
firefighter Stephen Siller, is best known for its annual Tunnel to Towers Run
which follows Siller’s heroic run from a blocked-off Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to
the World Trade Center in a desperate bid to save lives. The Run, held the last
Sunday of each September, attracts 30,000 participants from around the world.
Beginning in 2011, cities all across America—including some of the largest—held
their versions of the Tunnel to Towers Run and raised hundreds of thousands of
dollars for the Foundation’s “Building for America’s Bravest” program. For more
information, go to
www.TunneltoTowers.org.
Media Contacts:
Mike Smith (Martinsville Speedway)
(276) 956-7232
Staci Wolfe (Gary Sinise Foundation)
staci_wolfe@polarispr.com
(323) 939-7535
Catherine Christman (Tunnel to Towers Foundation)
(803) 240-5863
|
|
Ticket Special Gives Fans Reason To Celebrate Martinsville’s 65th
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (January 30, 2012) – It’s Martinsville
Speedway’s anniversary, but fans are getting an anniversary
present.
In honor of Martinsville Speedway’s 65th anniversary,
the track is offering a special $65 ticket package for the
Goody’s Fast Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on April 1.
The 65th anniversary ticket package includes a seat in the Sprint Tower (rows 15-48), the South Terrace or the Old Dominion Tower and a pre-race track pass. The Sprint Tower overlooks the first turn while the South Terrace and Old Dominion Tower overlooks the first and second turns.
The pre-race track pass allows fans to walk along the front stretch of the historic half-mile track from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on race morning. Fans are close enough to the pits that they can get a good look at what happens there on race morning.
Fans may
take advantage of the 65th anniversary package by
calling 877.722.3849 or ordering online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
The offer is available while supplies last.
“We think this is a great way to kick off our 65th
season. It’s a great value for fans and gives them not only the
chance to see great racing from really good seats, but a chance
to have a good time down on the track on race morning,” said
Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell.
The 65th
Anniversary Ticket Package is the first of many season-long fan
promotions and events to celebrate the 65 years of history at
Martinsville Speedway.
The anniversary year will culminate with a grand pre-race
celebration before the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on October 28 when
the speedway will host many of the old time drivers who raced
here for interaction with fans.
Tickets for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on Sunday, April 1 or for the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, March 31 may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 or online a www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
2012 Schedule:
March 30: NASCAR Practice Day
March 31: Kroger 250
April 1: Goody's Fast Relief 500
October 21: Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
October 26:
NASCAR Practice Day
October 27: Kroger 200
October 28: TUMS Fast Relief 500
Follow us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MartinsvilleSpeedway
Follow us on Twitter:
Jan. 26, 2012
Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell on
the Passing of Dr. Joe Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway:
“Doc Mattioli was larger than life. His smile and personality took
over a room when he entered. He left an indelible mark on our sport
and his loss leaves a huge void. He set a high standard that so many
of us tried to reach. Our sympathy goes out to his wife Rose and all
of the Mattioli family.”
Mike Smith
Director, Public Relations
Martinsville Speedway
2012 Schedule:
March 30: NASCAR Practice Day
March 31: Kroger 250
April 1: Goody's Fast Relief 500
October 21: Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
October 26: NASCAR Practice Day
October 27: Kroger 200
October 28: TUMS Fast Relief 500
Follow us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MartinsvilleSpeedway
Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/ms1947
Martinsville Speedway Will Mark 65th Anniversary With
Year-Long Celebration
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (January 23, 2012) – When Martinsville Speedway opened in
1947, bread was 13 cents a loaf and a gallon of gas was just 15 cents. A
postage stamp was three cents, The Diary of Anne Frank had just been
published, the Miracle on 34th Street was the big draw at the movies and
Harry Truman lived in the White House.
As it celebrates its 65th anniversary, the world is vastly different from
when Martinsville Speedway founder H. Clay Earles first opened the doors on
September 7, 1947. But even with all the change that 65 years brings, some
of Earles’ basic philosophies remain, in fact are the reason the historic
oval has not only survived, but thrived.
“My grandfather often said a working man or woman deserved to get what they
paid for and that’s always been our philosophy here,” said W. Clay Campbell,
president of Martinsville Speedway and Earles’ grandson. “I think that has
been the key to our success over the years. We have always worked hard to
take care of the fans.”
Fans will be the focus of Martinsville Speedway’s year-long 65th anniversary
celebration which will include special ticket offers, interactive social
media campaigns and web promotions, special commemorative merchandise and
collectible items.
The anniversary year will culminate with a grand pre-race celebration before
the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on October 28 when the speedway will host many of
the old time drivers who raced here for interaction with fans.
Martinsville is a year older than NASCAR and is the only track that remains
on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule from its inaugural season in 1949. The
historic half-mile has grown and progressed with the sport, offering up fan
amenities that rival any sporting venue in the country. It kicks of its 65th
year of racing action with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 weekend March
30-April 1.
Other than its fan philosophy, the only thing that hasn’t changed at
Martinsville Speedway is the shape of the track itself. The unique paperclip
shape with long straights and tight turns consistently produces exciting,
action-packed racing.
“Fans know when they come to Martinsville they are going to see hard-nosed,
grass-roots racing. They know they are going to see beating and banging,
close action,” said Campbell.
Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway March 30-April 1 with the Goody’s
Fast Relief 500 weekend. Tickets for both events are on sale and may be
purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
|
|
Campbell Loses Sugar-Bowl Bet, Will Serve Hot Dogs To Media In Michigan
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Jan. 4, 2012) – Tuesday night’s down-to-the-wire Sugar Bowl
victory for the University Michigan was quite sweet for Michigan International
Speedway president Roger Curtis, but a bit sour for Martinsville Speedway
president Clay Campbell.
Michigan’s 23-20 overtime victory over Virginia Tech on Tuesday means Campbell
will have to make a trip west in June to serve up MIS’ signature Coney Dogs to
the press prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race June 17.
Campbell will wear a maize and blue University of Michigan shirt while serving
the media.
“Hail to the victors!” Curtis said. “We are so excited Clay will be in Michigan
to greet our guests and serve up the famous Coney Dog to the press. The game was
a nail-biter to the very end, and while I’m obviously pleased Michigan won, it
was a thrilling game for fans of both teams.”
Campbell’s concessionaire duties are the result of a Sugar Bowl wager he made
with Curtis. Each backed his state’s top football team in the Sugar Bowl.
Campbell was behind Virginia Tech while Curtis supported Michigan. The bet was
simple: if the Hokies won, Curtis would have travelled to Martinsville to serve
the Famous Martinsville Speedway Hotdog® to media. If Michigan won, Campbell
would visit MIS to serve the Coney Dogs to the press.
“I can’t complain because Virginia Tech played a heck of a game,” said Campbell.
“We all thought Tech had won with Danny Coale’s touchdown reception in overtime.
But It was sort of like leading a race on the last lap and blowing an engine.
You know you should have won, but it was snatched out of your hands and there is
nothing you can do about it.
“I look forward to my trip to Michigan this summer, and I don’t mind serving hot
dogs to the media. I just wish it was the same good hot dog they are accustomed
to getting from me.”
After Coale’s apparent TD reception was overruled, Tech kicker Justin Myer
missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. A few plays later, Michigan kicker Brendan
Gibbons hit a 37-yarder of his own to give the Wolverines’ victory.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, 30 miles from Ann
Arbor, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR
national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and
camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race
fans and drivers alike.
Founded in 1947 by the late H.Clay Earles, Martinsville Speedway is the only
track remaining on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit that hosted an event in the
series’ inaugural year, 1949. While the facility has grown with the times to
include modern, state-of-the-art amenities, the racing hasn’t changed. It is
“racing the way you want it to be.”
Latest Martinsville Speedway Construction Project Progressing Smoothly
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (January 3, 2012) – With the help of mild and dry winter
weather, work on the latest major construction project at Martinsville Speedway
is well ahead of schedule and should be completed well before the Goody’s Fast
Relief 500 on April 1.
The project includes demolition of all the restrooms under the Richard Petty
Tower on the fourth-turn end of the front stretch and construction of larger,
modern restrooms. The new restrooms are being built about 30 feet further back,
allowing for a much wider concourse area to help improve pedestrian traffic. In
fact, the width of the concourse in that area will be almost doubled.
“We have been very fortunate that with the exception of a couple of days, the
workers haven’t been slowed by weather,” said Martinsville Speedway President
Clay Campbell. “It also helps that the general contractor (Frith Construction
Co. of Martinsville) is very efficient. They haven’t wasted any time.”
The new restrooms will be almost twice as large as the present ones and contain
amenities comparable with any large entertainment venue.
Fans will also notice a refurbished ticket office when they return for the
Goody’s Fast Relief weekend this spring, which includes a new façade and
redesigned and refurbished interior.
Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway March 30-April 1 with the Goody’s Fast
Relief 500 weekend. Tickets for both events are on sale and may be purchased by
calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at
www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
2012 Schedule:
March 30: NASCAR Practice Day
March 31: Kroger 250
April 1: Goody's Fast Relief 500
October 21: Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
October 26: NASCAR Practice Day
October 27: Kroger 200
October 28: TUMS Fast Relief 500
Follow us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MartinsvilleSpeedway
Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/ms1947
Copyright © 2012 Redbud69 Web Designs. All Rights Reserved.
