NASCAR WCUP: Qualifying Still On Friday At Martinsville Speedway

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

March 20, 2001

There have been plenty of changes at Martinsville Speedway for the 2001 season, like a new garage area, a wider pit road and more comfortable seats on the backstretch.

But some things always stay the same at Martinsville and that’s certainly the case with qualifying for the April 8 Virginia 500 Winston Cup race. While a couple of tracks have moved their qualifying to Saturday morning this season, time trials at Martinsville Speedway will remain the same – on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

“Friday afternoon qualifying is a long-standing tradition with many of our fans,” said Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell. “We know that because our front-stretch stands are always packed for qualifying.”

As many as 20,000 fans normally turn out for Friday’s Winston Cup activities at Martinsville which culminate with qualifying at 3 p.m.

“It’s a big deal for a lot of fans,” Campbell said of Friday time trials. “A lot of local folks take the afternoon off to come out. Out-of-town folks get to town a day early for it. We want to keep the tradition alive.”

Action for the Virginia 500/Advance Auto Parts 250 weekend begins on Friday, April 6 with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice at 9 a.m. The Winston Cup cars take to the track for the first time at 11:15 for a practice session which runs to 1:20.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying for the Advance Auto Parts 250 is set for 1:30 p.m. and Winston Cup time trials will begin at 3 p.m. Friday. Tickets for qualifying are $15 for adults and children under 12 get in free.

Great seats still are available for the Virginia 500 for $40-$65. There are seats available in the Clay Earles and Bill France Towers and in all of the grandstand sections. For tickets, call the speedway toll free at (877) 722-3849 or order online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

Text provided by Mike Smith

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.