Martinsville Speedway Celebration not hindered by economy

By Candice Nelson
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: July 3, 2008

The stage is set and fireworks are loaded at the Martinsville Speedway. The workers have an important job, getting ready to entertain more than 30,000 people

Speedway President, Clay Campbell, said it was almost cancelled.

“Due to the local economy, the downturn in everything, basically the oil and fuel prices and everything led to another,” said Campbell.

This year, Campbell thought there wasn’t enough money for the $100,000 event.

The Speedway reached out asking for sponsors, and it worked. Campbell says the number of sponsors doubled from about ten last year to over 20 this year.

It’s money that’s bringing in country music star, Tracy Lawrence, to entertain free for the public. The outpouring is something Campbell didn’t expect after an economically tough year.

“It surprised me. We’ve had several companies that have been with us from the beginning, very loyal. And it’s such a great community event,” said Campbell.

It’s something Phyllis Abbott wants to share with her grandsons.

“There was concern but businesses and people in the area - they always come through. We’ve never been before, but my grandsons are here from Charlotte. So they’re really excited about going,” she said.

Campbell expects more first-timers to come out.
   
“It means more to people this year than, I think, ever before. You’d have to go a long way to find entertainment that you’d find here tonight with the band and a fireworks show,” he said.

And hopefully it’ll attract more people to enjoy what’s right in their own backyard.

Campbell says Lawrence will begin his concert at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. He also says hotdogs and drinks will be sold for $1 a piece.