NASCAR Truck - Martinsville

The Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 brings NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing to Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. This race covers 200 laps over 105.2 miles on one of NASCAR's most historic short tracks. The event features three stages, with the first stage ending at lap 50, the second at lap 100, and the final stage concluding at lap 200.

Martinsville Speedway Circuit Details

Martinsville Speedway is a 0.526-mile oval short track that has hosted NASCAR racing since 1947. The track features a paperclip shape with long straights and tight, nearly flat corners. The banking measures 12 degrees in the turns and zero degrees on the straights. The racing surface combines asphalt straights and upper lanes with concrete in the lower lanes of the corners.

The concrete corners were added to address the wear caused by racing slicks and harsh winter weather on the original asphalt surface. This unique surface combination creates distinct racing lines and strategic opportunities for drivers. The track accommodates fewer than 44,000 spectators and remains the only original NASCAR track still on the current schedule.

NASCAR Truck Series Competition Format

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field includes veteran competitors and developing talent. Qualifying sessions determine the starting positions for the race. The trucks compete under specific technical regulations that govern engine specifications, vehicle weight, and aerodynamic components.

Teams use specialized racing slicks that provide optimal grip on the track surface. Pit stop strategy plays a critical role due to the track's short length and the frequency of caution periods. Crew performance during tire changes and adjustments can significantly affect final results.

Track History and Recognition

H. Clay Earles founded Martinsville Speedway in 1947, and the facility held its first race that same year. The track was paved in 1955, transitioning from its original dirt surface. Martinsville has hosted NASCAR Cup Series races every year since 1949, making it the longest continuously running track on the circuit.

Winners of major NASCAR events at Martinsville receive grandfather clock trophies, a tradition that began in 1964. This award honors the region's furniture manufacturing heritage. Johnny Sauter holds the record for most NASCAR Truck Series victories at Martinsville with four wins.

Notable Track Characteristics

The track is sometimes called the "Half Mile of Mayhem" due to its compact size and the close-quarters racing it produces. The narrow straights and tight corners often lead to contact between competitors. Strategy and positioning matter as much as raw speed at this facility.

Martinsville Speedway holds track records in both race and qualifying categories. The race record stands at 74.282 mph, while the qualifying record reached 97.523 mph. The track is also known for the Martinsville Hot Dog, a popular concession item among fans who visit the facility.

The 2026 NASCAR Truck Series Race

The 2026 edition of the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 continues the tradition of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing at Martinsville. The event will be broadcast on FS1, with radio coverage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR on Channel 90. The short track format and historic venue combine to create a distinctive racing challenge for the series competitors.

Martinsville's tight layout tests both driving skill and equipment durability. The flat corners require heavy braking and precise throttle control. Track position becomes valuable because passing opportunities are limited compared to larger facilities. This race offers fans a chance to watch close competition on a track where every position matters.