 For more than five decades, America has had a growing fascination with motorsports and racing. Almost since the invention of the automobile, Americans have been testing the limits of their cars, trying to see just how fast driver and machine could go.
And through it all, Virginia's Racing Region has been in the middle of that burgeoning interest we call "motorsports".
Martinsville Speedway, founded by H. Clay Earles a year before NASCAR was formed, was one of the earliest tracks in America that's still part of the Nextel Cup series. In those days, the track was a red dirt oval, with seating for a scant 6,000 folks. Now the Speedway is one of the most popular spots on the Nextel Cup tour, with the 86,000-seat track sold out for two Cup races every year.
 Fork Mountain Raceway is a 3/8 mile clay tri-oval race track. Races are held on Saturday night beginning at 7:00. There are currently seven different classes for show and features shows are rotated between the classes. The racing is action packed and the drivers put on an excellent show. Come out and join us - hope to see you there!
In South Boston, home of Nextel Cup stars, and brothers, Ward and Jeff Burton, South Boston Speedway has been the site of hundreds of thrilling races over its 44 years in operation. During its history, the speedway has been the site of a number of NASCAR Grand National (now Nextel Cup) events, with the likes of Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, David Pearson, Buddy Baker and Buck Baker taking Grand National wins at the oval.
Known as America's Hometown Track, South Boston Speedway puts on a great show, with competitions among some of the best Late Model Stock car drivers around.
 Virginia International Raceway, in Alton, re-opened in 2000, 26 years after closing the gates to the 3.27-mile road course. With new buildings and a resurfaced track, the course boasts a rich history, with some of the biggest names in racing taking victories there. Roger Penske, Carroll Shelby, Walt Hansgen and others rode to victory circle during their careers at VIR - dubbed by some of those very racers as the toughest road course in America.
These three facilities, as well as dozens of smaller tracks and drag strips, dot the landscape of Virginia's Racing Region. But, there is much more to the area than racing.
Restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, festivals, fairs, museums, art galleries and a host of other events throughout the year are here for your enjoyment.
With Philpott Lake, Fairystone State Park, Staunton River State Park, nearby Buggs Island and Smith Mountain lakes, and the unmatched beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, recreational and outdoor opportunities are almost limitless.
So, after you've had your fill of racing, or if you're looking for a weekend get-away during any time of the year, remember Virginia's Racing Region !
You'll be glad you did !
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