The Spice Newsletter
March 28, 2026
It’s Race Weekend in Martinsville!
It’s race weekend here in Martinsville, Virginia, and the weather is shaping up to be as unpredictable as ever. Temperatures are expected to range from 62 to 82 degrees, with a mix of clouds, sunshine—and yes, rain. Around here, locals know: if it’s race weekend, there’s a good chance it’s going to rain at some point, just like it did Friday night.
If you’ve ever attended a race at Martinsville Speedway, you already know—preparation is key, especially for the spring race. Be sure to bring everything you might need: sneakers, sandals, a jacket, rain gear, sunglasses—you name it. You just might use all of it in one day!
Martinsville Speedway has a rich history dating back to September 1947, when it opened as a dirt track under the direction of H. Clay Earles. Located in nearby Ridgeway, Virginia, the track is famously known for its unique “paperclip” shape and compact length of just .526 miles. It features 12-degree banking in the corners, flat straightaways, and a caution speed of 45 mph.
In 1955, the track was paved with asphalt. Today, it features a combination of both asphalt and concrete— with asphalt on the straightaways and upper lanes, and concrete in the lower corner lanes, making it one of the most distinctive tracks in racing.
Race weekend is an exciting time for the entire Martinsville-Henry County community. We’re always happy to welcome race fans from near and far. Our local small businesses, restaurants, and shops truly appreciate the increased traffic, and visitors will find plenty of options for camping if they’re planning to stay for the full experience.
We hope you enjoy your time in Martinsville and Henry County. Have a safe and memorable race weekend!
The Spice Newsletter Edition 1
1/27/2026
I woke up to 8 degrees outside this morning, and the wind chill was also 8 degrees. Not a pleasant thing in my opinion. By nature, I am not a claustrophobic person. Winter is not my favorite season. As I write this, there are approximately 2 inches of snow and ice outside. There is just something about this weather that makes me feel closed in, that I don’t have the freedom to ramble if I wish.
There are numerous business closures in my area. They are showing an abundance of caution for their employees and clients. A number of them need to have their parking lots cleared and treated. The main thoroughfares may be open, but it’s the side streets and the residential driveways that are a problem.
My sincere thanks to the VDOT crews that go out in this mess trying to stay ahead of the game if they can.
There are plenty of things in the house for me to do, but I keep looking out the window. I will try to go out around the middle of the day and chip away at what is in my driveway as well as dig out a spot for my Beagle, Sally, to do her thing. She’s not happy with this mess either.
Thankfully, the sun is shining and the electricity is working. I can be happy about that. Hopefully we will be seeing 35 – 45-degree weather this week.
I hope that wherever you are, that you are seeing sunny skies and beautiful scenery.