It’s NASCAR race day at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, and we’ve got the actual race start time, the starting lineup and some other facts about today’s race for you below.
NASCAR At Martinsville 2012: Start Time, Starting Lineup, TV/Radio Schedule And More
What time does the race start today? Richard Petty will be the grand marshal for today’s race and will give the command to fire engines at 1:08 p.m. EDT. Actor Gary Sinise was originally scheduled to be the grand marshal, but he was injured in a car accident on Friday (not seriously) and had to bow out. After the cars get rolling, wounded veteran J.B. Kerns will wave the green flag at 1:14 p.m. So if you want to skip the pre-race show and just tune in for the race, turn on your TV set by 1:14 p.m. Eastern time.
Race name/distance: Martinsville is NASCAR’s shortest track (even shorter than Bristol), measuring at .526 miles. The “500” in the “Goody’s Fast Relief 500” refers to the number of laps – thankfully, not miles. The total distance is 263 miles.
TV and radio: Today’s race can be seen on FOX. Every Sprint Cup Series race through May will be on the FOX network. Unfortunately, there is no live streaming of the race – but you can listen on the Motor Racing Network’s Web site (just click the red link). You can also check MRN’s site for a list of affiliate stations in your area.
National anthem: The Virginia Tech Regimental Band known as the “Highty Tighties” – a nickname that sounds way too close to “tighty whities” – will do the national anthem honors today.
Tickets: Martinsville is not a sellout. If you want to make a last-minute trip to the track today, you shouldn’t have a problem finding tickets.
Weather: The unofficial NASCAR weatherman, Brian Neudorff, says today’s race will be rain-free and pleasant with temperatures in the mid-70s. All things considered, it’s shaping up to be one of the nicest Martinsville races in years.
Last time: Kevin Harvick denied Dale Earnhardt Jr. a streak-ending win one year ago in the Goody’s Fast Relief 500; in October, Tony Stewart showed his Chase run was for real with a stirring win in the fall Martinsville race.
Starting lineup for today’s NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway:
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