For the last three years, Martinsville Speedway has held a popular and annual Christmas lights display, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far.
This year, the Christmas lights marathon will be bigger and better than ever before. In fact, it’s already begun – with several streets and neighbourhoods decked in their holiday finery.
So, is it really raining in Martinsville Speedway? You betcha! And it’s going to be a glorious display. We spoke with the folks at Martinsville Speedway about their plans for this year’s display, the weather conditions, and how you can catch a glimpse of it all from the comfort of your home.
Visitors Come From Near And Far To See The Lights
“We have had people from all over the place,” said George Decker, general manager of Martinsville Speedway, when reached by phone. “We had people come from Japan, Puerto Rico, and all over the U.S. And a lot of them have been here since August, which is pretty incredible.”
Decker said that while many visitors come just to see the lights, more and more are planning on taking a tour of the track as well. He noted that the track itself is now decked in lights, offering another glimpse of the season for spectators.
“The lights are a big deal for us,” he said. “But we also put up a ton of decorations and do a lot of community work, so people can get to know the track and its owners.”
The Weather Report
The good news is that this year is shaping up to be a beautiful one, which should help make up for any dampened spirits brought on by the rainy season. Temperatures will range from the low 40s to the high 50s, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh.
That’s not to say that the weather has been perfectly pleasant, though. In fact, one particularly brutal storm in October 2016 left half a million people without power for several days before being fully restored. The damage was estimated at more than $20 million.
The Biggest Display Yet
Decker said that while there have been many complaints about the weather in recent years, this year’s display has gone beyond expectations. He said that the rain has actually been a plus, since it has made the colour of the lights pop.
“We’ve had a lot of people come back and say that it was the best they’ve ever seen,” he said. “We had a few rainy days, but that actually helped. The lights are nicer because of the rain. Plus, the dark is ideal for pictures.”
Decker said that while the track itself is not yet open for racing – the gates open in November – teams and drivers have been hard at work preparing for the season. He expects teams to begin showing up in greater numbers as the season draws closer, making for some exciting racing ahead.
“With all the advancements in technology, cars are getting faster and faster,” he said. “So, even if it rains, I think the racing will be great.”
Catch It All From The Comforts Of Your Home
Martinsville Speedway does its bit to encourage fans to attend the races. In addition to putting on an excellent display, the track offers a live stream of the entire event, along with a highlights package.
“It’s a real family affair,” said Decker. “We’ve got a lot of volunteers who really work hard to make it happen, so the whole community can enjoy it.”
The stream and highlights package are available on the track’s website, and can be accessed from any device. The stream is also available through the track’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.
Decker said that the display has been a long time coming. He recalled that his grandparents started the tradition back in the 1950s, with just a few strings of lights and a radio playing Christmas songs. Nowadays, the display is a lot bigger and better than it’s ever been.
“In the old days, we would just put all the lights and decorations up on the Friday before the race, and take them down on Monday,” he said. “This year, we’ve had to put them up a little earlier, and take them down a little later, because of the rain. But it’s been worth it.”
As for the future of the display, Decker said that he and his team are already looking ahead to next year. While it has been a rough season, the lights have shone bright, and it’s only fitting that they should be set back to shine even more brightly in the coming year.