Cup to qualify and race same day at Martinsville

Brian Vickers at Martinsville

As Martinsville Speedway celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2017, fans will get more value for their ticket to the fall race, as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will qualify and race on the same day, Sunday, October 29. Saturday will have an "old-school" feel as well, as NASCAR will return to a true "happy hour" practice session, immediately following the Alpha Energy Solutions 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. All kids 12-and-under are admitted free on Saturday.

"I think the weekend schedule is really going to add value to a Martinsville Speedway ticket," Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. "The fans are the ones who are the real winners here. A Sunday ticket gets fans all of the same excitement they've always had, but now they get to watch qualifying as well. On Saturday, you can bring the kids for free and treat them to a full day of action, as they will get to see the current Cup stars practice and the future of the sport race in the Alpha Energy Solutions 200."

Martinsville Speedway and NASCAR are also planning a fan event on Friday, October 27, featuring some of NASCAR's top stars. More information on the event will be available in the coming months.

NASCAR makes its first visit to Martinsville Speedway March 31-April. This year the historic track celebrates its 70th anniversary. The weekend starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race. Kids 12-and-under are admitted free Friday and Saturday. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be in action on Sunday with the running of the STP 500. The race is the first short-track race of the season and marks the series' return to the east coast after the "West Coast Swing."

In addition to buying tickets at the track, tickets can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com. Martinsville Speedway PR