NASCAR returns to Martinsville, renewing a tradition that has lasted since the sport's inaugural season in 1949

Ascot Stadium, Auto Club Speedway, Carrell Speedway, Riverside Raceway, Ontario Motor Speedway and Willow Springs Speedway were no match for California real estate prices. Ontario Motor Speedway, once called the “Indianapolis of the West” held the NASCAR finale from 1971 to 1980 before being sold and demolished at the end of 1980.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson wants NASCAR to return to the south California region following the demolition of Auto Club Speedway.

In the meantime, NASCAR is embracing concepts outside traditional race tracks. The series debuted ... but with the closing of Irwindale Raceway last year, just a handful remain.

Patrick Staropoli, a Houston-based Retina Surgeon, will compete part-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) and the ARCA Menards Racing Series (ARCA) in 2025. On Friday, March 28, Staropoli will kick off the multi-race campaign under the lights of Martinsville Speedway where he will compete in - - March 24,

Instead of running the traditional, 3.4-mile Formula One layout, NASCAR chopped one mile off the track and raced a revised 2.4-mile layout. And guess what? It worked, showing less really is more.