You see a lot of things at Martinsville Speedway. Neon pink hot dogs, TV, film and music stars, racing legends, sports icons…

The hot dogs are a given. Yummy bits of boiled goodness with chili and slaw. We’re surprised it is not some kind ordinance to make it mandatory to have at least one when attending a race…

Stars of entertainment are usually around either for official duties with the National Anthem or sponsorships or whatever. Country music stars such as Danielle Peck and Trace Adkins have performed in the past. Mario Lopez was around this past weekend to start the race. Emmy award winner Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, (producers, “The Bible” mini series) were there to start engines.

Richard Petty, racing icon and the face of STP, has been seen around Martinsville compared with Elvis sightings…

VA Tech football coach Frank Beamer was in the pace car for the STP Gas Booster 500… (more…)

The opinions and thoughts on Facebook and other sites concerning the American debut of the USA version of the popular British automotive show “TOP GEAR” were rather harsh but reflected the enthusiasm car folk often display when it comes to their cars.

“I’ll watch it – Give it a chance…” to “No way – Can’t touch the original…”

So… How was it? I watched it. Despite my love of the British original I sat down at the TV and flicked on the History Channel at 10:00PM Sunday night and tried to pry open the mind to what I suspected would be a distilled version of the original. I was, as much as the pre-show opinions reflected, as much entertained as disappointed. (more…)