Martinsville Speedway, one of the oldest tracks on the NASCAR schedule, has been a part of the Cup series since 1949. The iconic ‘paperclip’ track hosts two Cup races annually, including one in the Round of 8 playoff. The winner of races at Martinsville Speedway receives a unique trophy – a grandfather clock, a tradition dating back to 1964 when Fred Lorenzen received the first one after dominating the races that year.
The company manufacturing these special clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, is set to close due to financial challenges, including the impact of tariffs on essential components. Despite efforts to find a buyer, the future of the clock tradition at Martinsville Speedway remains uncertain. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mike Joy have expressed their disappointment at the closure, emphasizing the tradition and history associated with these iconic trophies.
