CONCORD, N.C. - Martinsville Speedway -- a racetrack known for its paperclip shape, famous hot dogs and grandfather clocks.
The Virginia track is special for Hendrick Motorsports for many reasons, including the fact that it is where the organization earned its first win ever in 1984.
Over the years, Hendrick Motorsports has captured 22 victories and 17 poles at Martinsville.
But before our drivers head just up the road in hopes of bringing home another grandfather clock, let’s take a look back at a few very memorable Martinsville moments.
Sept. 27, 1987 – It was Darrell Waltrip’s first year driving for Hendrick Motorsports and he was still without a win for the season, but that all changed when he arrived at Martinsville. Waltrip qualified for the race 14th, but by Lap 72 he was leading the pack. He led 138 laps en route to Victory Lane for his eighth career win at the Virginia Track. Before retiring from racing, Waltrip earned 11 wins at Martinsvillle.
Oct. 3, 1999 – When the green flag dropped, Jeff Gordon rolled off from the fifth position. The driver of the No. 24 led 29 laps of the race and eventually took home the checkered flag and a grandfather clock. He finished the 1999 season with a total of seven wins. To date, Gordon has eight Martinsville clocks and has led 3,744 laps at the short track.
April 7, 2013 – Jimmie Johnson dominated the spring race at Martinsville in 2013. He started by winning the pole award and rolled off the grid first for the race. He then stayed out front for most of the race leading 346 of the 500 laps. And after a long, 12-caution race, Johnson pulled his No. 48 Chevrolet into Victory Lane. That made for Johnson’s second consecutive win and pole at the paperclip.
