MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — If you have a need for speed, you’re probably familiar with the NASCAR event being held in Martinsville from April 5-7. Martinsville Speedway will host events Friday and Saturday leading up to the Cup. Sunday series race.
Martinsville Speedway is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, and according to one 2019 report, racing there contributed $170 million to the local economy. The president of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce believes the economic impact continues.
“Martinsville racing always brings great tourists and visitors to our community, and it always fills me with energy and pride for our community,” said Chamber President Brenell Thomas. He will give it to you.”
Thomas said race fans’ biggest contributions come in the form of lodging, meals, transportation and, of course, NASCAR equipment.
“Typically on Thursday nights we have a lot of NASCAR guys come out and enjoy the bands and hang out, so that definitely helps with sales,” said David Dalton, manager of Wild Magnolia in Martinsville. Told.
“The guys that work here do most of the pit work and everything else with the race car drivers,” said the head cashier at Jerry’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill, another restaurant near the track. Daiza Hairston said. “And it’s something we do every year, so it gives us continued business and puts us in a good position and we enjoy it.”
Thomas said the circuit also attracts large chain stores to the area, and other local tourist attractions also benefit from racing events.
“We never expected to see racetrack fans enjoying things like dinosaur bones,” said Robbie Hendricks Wirth, visitor services and events manager at the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville. “It’s fun to see people from different states, different regions come into the community and support us and support natural history.”
Some companies said they would trade throughout the week to focus on additional business. All told WFXR they look forward to the sense of community the racing community brings.
A homely atmosphere…you won’t feel uncomfortable no matter who you are with. It just brings, I don’t know…I would say it’s comforting,” Hairston said.
“The racing community is always really great. They’re such great guests and customers every time we have them come here. And, yeah, we’re really grateful to them,” Dalton emphasized. did.
Thomas told WFXR that the race is an opportunity not only for local businesses but also for local residents looking for additional jobs that the speedway will employ behind the scenes to make the event a success.
