By James Houchins
Hi Patrick,
Can anyone tell me what the season really is? I am not one who rides roller coasters, but I find myself on the wild weather ride. Yes, the calendar shows March, and we are in spring, but you have to be prepared for both heat and cold on the same day. The weather can always make headlines.
Patrick, this week, there will be an influx of RVs, Cars, Trucks, and NASCAR haulers rolling through our county. They will be heading to Martinsville Speedway for this spring’s race. On Sunday, March 29th, the cars will take to the track for the Cook 400 at 3:30 pm.
Founded by H. Clay Earles in 1947 as a dirt track, Martinsville Speedway is the oldest active track in NASCAR, hosting races since 1948. The 0.526-mile Virginia track, known for its paper clip shape and concrete corners, is the only remaining track from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season. It’s a great place to enjoy up close door-to-door racing at its best.
The track is less than 30 miles away and, over the years, has undergone major changes to enhance its appeal to NASCAR fans. Yes, I love to watch them go around and around.
This brings me to one of my hometown favorites, the Wood Brothers Racing Team. Wood Brothers Racing is NASCAR’s oldest active team, built on family tradition, innovation, and generations of racing excellence. Founded in 1950 by Glenn and Leonard Wood, the team has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport, earning victories across seven decades and continuing to carry the Wood family legacy forward on and off the track. For 76 years, they have kept the wrenches turning.
Did you know that they have an incredible racing museum right here in Patrick County? Located on 21 Performance Drive in Stuart. If you are looking for racing history, they have it. In fact, 20 of NASCAR’S Greatest Drivers have driven for Wood Brothers Racing. The list includes Curtis Turner, Tiny Lund, Fireball Roberts, Bob Welborn, Dale Jarrett, A.J. Foyt, Glen Wood, Buddy Baker, Marvin Panch, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, Ned Jarrett, Fred Lorenzen, David Pearson, Joe Weatherly, Ralph Earnhardt, Neil Bonnett, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, and Bill Elliott.
Wood Brothers Racing has won in 8 decades, has over 120 poles, and scored its 101st win in 2025 with Josh Berry behind the wheel.
So much more could be said about the Family, the Team, and their Legacy. So, if you have some time and are looking for an adventure that will amaze you, go by this week and immerse yourself in the NASCAR culture, and see how this Family has endured all the challenges of maintaining a team for all these years.
One of Patrick County’s gems that attracts tourists from all over the country. A place to “Come, get lost, and Find Yourself.” The checkered flag is waiting on you!
Don’t forget to check out our website: https://visitpatrickcounty.org/ for all of the latest information on upcoming events.
All my best,
James Houchins
jhouchins@co.patrick.va.us
Director of Economic Development and Tourism
