Racing fans from around the country will descend on Martinsville next weekend as NASCAR’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series arrive with races holding major implications for the championships of both.
The Monster Energy Series heads to the first race of the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Playoffs, while the Camping World Truck Series enters the first race in the Round of 6. Find a full schedule for the weekend at NASCAR’s website.
The Dan River Basin is home to a lode of stock-car racing history throughout the sport’s history, from its earliest days up through 2018. We reached out to Warrick Scott, grandson of legendary racecar driver Wendell Scott, the first African-American to win a NASCAR race, for an insider view for race fans descending on Southside this weekend, or any time of the year.
Warrick is president and CEO of the Wendell Scott Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has provided mentoring, job skill training, educational opportunities, and supportive services to at-risk, under-served youth ages 8 to 18, with a focus on STEAM fields—science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
In December, the Wendell Scott Foundation will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Scott’s win at Jacksonville with its first annual Legacy Gala, a fundraising event that will include a live auction, award ceremony, and performance by Lalah Hathaway, the Grammy Award-winning daughter of Donny Hathaway. For more information, check the Wendell Scott Foundation’s Facebook page.
Warrick Scott’s insider tips for race weekend
We asked Warrick for some tips for people visiting the region.
1) For race fans coming to Southside for the Martinsville NASCAR race, how can they engage with the Wendell Scott legacy? Is there a marker or physical place they can go to learn more about him?
They can find my grandfather’s footprint on Wendell Scott Drive, where his original garage stands. It is a registered historical landmark. Also, visit the Danville Mall, Danville Science Center and Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
2) What are some good places to eat? Places that serve good breakfast, barbecue, soul food, & southern food in general would be great.
Soul Food-Something Special Restaurant, Mrs. Kitty’s Home Cooking Away From Home (Eden, NC)
Fine Dining-Golden Leaf Bistro
American- Philly Cheese Steaks & Things, Hugo’s (Martinsville), Firehouse Subs (Danville)
Coffee- Main Street Coffee Emporium, Crema & Vine
Breakfast- Biscuitville, Nikki’s (Danville)
3) If there’s a rain delay and the race gets pushed back, where should they go?
Springfield Distillery (Halifax Va)
Uptown Pinball (Martinsville)
4) What other racing-related high-end shopping experience should people check out?
5) What’s a good place to check out live music?
Something Special Restaurant and Lounge
6) What’s a good place to buy a unique souvenir?
Reid Street Gallery (Chatham)
Lou’s Antique Mall (Danville)
7) What’s something you’ll find in the region that you won’t see anywhere else?
Wendell Scott’s community
The River District (Danville)
Looking for more ideas?
Check out some of our other trip ideas. Plan these into your race weekend, or schedule another trip.
- Racing Tour of the Dan River Basin
- 5 Ways to Find Fall Color in the Dan River Region
- Happy Birthday, Wendell Scott
Find even more on our ever-growing list of Trip Ideas.
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