Economy doesn’t seem to have slowed Martinsville crowds

RIDGEWAY, Va. - Despite the recent downturn in the nation’s economy, things don’t seem especially dire for people attending this weekend’s race events at Martinsville Speedway.

According to public relations director Mike Smith, the numbers are about in line with the spring race and the two races in 2007.

“As of Tuesday, we were even where we were at this time last year,“ said Smith, referring to the number of people using the Speedway’s campground facilities. “More than likely we won’t sell out the race, but we’ll be close.“

Prices for those hoping to camp out can range from $60 to $150.

Vendors such as Greensboro’s Linda Maiden are feeling the crunch. But it’s pretty much business as usual.

“We do about 26 races, so we travel to New Hampshire, Michigan, Texas and Phoenix, but we won’t go to Phoenix this year because of the gas prices,“ she said. “It’s been a tough season because races that normally sell out are not selling out.“

Maiden has found that race fans are showing up for the Saturday or Sunday races, but not necessarily spending the entire weekend at the tracks.

Gas prices seem to be the one sticking point for vendors or race-goers.

Maiden said gas prices have gotten so high in North Carolina, comparatively, that she makes it a point to gas up her vehicle in either South Carolina or Virginia - depending on what direction her vending outfit ‘Green Flag Souvenirs’ is headed.

Cindy Adams, coordinator of tourism and special events for the city of Eden, said things are going well heading into the race weekend.

Eden, which sits about 17 miles from the track near Martinsville, Va., often sees a large number of race-goers staying in its hotels and eating in its restaurants.

“There are no indications out there right now that the numbers are down this year,“ Adams said. “To the best of my knowledge, everyone is booked this weekend.“

Adams said revenue from tourism and events in Eden is up 4.6 percent from this time last year, and Eden’s Hampton Inn had a record August.

A pair of families from Maryland has been coming to Martinsville for seven or eight years, and they admitted their attendance at races has been scaled back.

Rex Squier and John Stichberry, who camp in the parking lot of the old Winn-Dixie on U.S. 220, have been to three races this season.

“The economy has been the biggest reason why we have attended less races,“ Squier said. “We have attended more in the past.“

On the plus side for Squier and Stichberry, the lot in which they park has incurred just one price hike the past four seasons.

“I like Martinsville so much now, that’s why we come here twice,“ Squier said.

“Everyone we meet here is so nice, and you meet people from all over,“ said Stichberry. “We also like that they’ve kept the ticket prices pretty much the same.“

If you plan on attending this weekend’s races, rest easy. Ticket prices for Martinsville Speedway have been frozen, and no immediate plans of a ticket-price hike are in the works.

“We actually dropped ticket prices $10 to $12 this year at some levels,“ said Smith. “Nobody has enough money; we don’t, the fans don’t.“

Smith said the Speedway - acknowledging the need for younger fans - has a race special this weekend.

“A family of four (two adults and two children) can come to the track for the race for $104,“ he said. “Young people are the future of this sport, and we need to make it affordable for them and make sure they can come and have an enjoyable time.“

• Sports editor Steve Cannuli can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 28.