Founded in 1947 by the late H. Clay Earles, Martinsville Speedway is only track which has hosted Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races every year since the division’s inception in 1949. At .526 miles in length, Martinsville Speedway is the shortest track on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series circuit. Because of its small size, tight corners and unique shape – described most often as a paperclip – Martinsville offers some of the most exciting and close-quarters racing in the sport. Also because of its size, fans are closer to the action than any other track on the circuit. The cars are never more than a few hundred yards away and sometimes they seem close enough to reach out and touch. The track is also one of the most modern, with high-rise aluminum chair back seating, corporate and fan suites and state-of-the-art facilities for the media. In a recent poll of race fans by a major publication, Martinsville Speedway was voted as the top bargain in all of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing as well as the track having the best view of the action. Now owned by International Speedway Corporation, Martinsville Speedway conducts three major race event weekends each year. The track annually hosts the STP 500 and the First Data 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Series races, the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 and Texas Roadhouse 200 Presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races and the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race.