One New Toy Will Buy You A Drive Around Track

Race fans will be able to trade toys for a ride around Martinsville Speedway’s historic half-mile track on Saturday, December 12.

Martinsville Speedway and the Grace Network are again partnering for the Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive on December 12. The toy drive will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone donating a new, unwrapped toy or making a $5 cash donation will have the opportunity to drive their personal vehicle around Martinsville Speedway, traveling in the tire tracks of Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon.

Martinsville Speedway staff members will be manning the infield concession stand, serving up the World Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dogs and Pepsi products. The hot dogs and soft drinks will be $1 each, with all proceeds going to purchase additional items needed for the toy drive.

“Last year’s event was great fun and helped a lot of youngsters in the Martinsville and Henry County area,” said Martinsville Speedway president  W. Clay Campbell, who will be heading up the hot dog-crew in the concession stand. “The need is probably greater this year than ever in our area. We all need to do everything we can do to make sure there are plenty of smiles on Christmas morning.”

The Grace Network will distribute the collected toys to families in need.  The monetary donations will be used to purchase additional toys. All of the toys will remain in the Martinsville and Henry County area.

Last year’s toy drive netted 1,769 toys and almost $2,000, enough to fill the Christmas wishes of 375 children.

People came from as far away as Charlotte last year for the opportunity to drive around Martinsville Speedway. Even at a speed a bit slower than the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers hit, the drive-around was a great addition to the toy drive.

“Everyone absolutely loved driving around the track last year,” said Campbell. “It’s something most people never have the opportunity to do. And it only costs a toy or a $5 donation.”

The entire day will have a festive, Christmas feel, with Santa showing up to listen to youngsters’ wish lists from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas music will be played over the track’s public address system all day.