RIDGEWAY, Va. (WFXR) — If you’re a racing fan planning to drive to and from the Martinsville Speedway for this weekend’s races, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) encourages you to watch out for signs and message boards with recommended traffic patterns.

Between Thursday, April 7 and Saturday, April 9, the Martinsville Speedway will host three top NASCAR series races, including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200; the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 Powered by Call811.com; and the NASCAR Cup Series Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400.

On Saturday, VDOT expects that both vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy around the Ridgeway racing venue. As a result, traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize overall congestion as much as possible.

According to officials, all traffic will be entering on Speedway Boulevard at the main gate, but make sure to watch for a gradual drop in the speed limit from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway.

Here are some driving tips from VDOT for fans traveling to the Martinsville Speedway this weekend, especially on Saturday:

  • From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Motorists traveling south on Route 220 should continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass past the speedway interchange and turn right onto the access road that leads into the speedway.  Signs are in place designating the entrance to the speedway, which is located one mile east of the Route 220 interchange and may provide easier access.
  • From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track.
  • From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville:  Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic.
  • From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track.

VDOT says crews will place a number of signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers.

Those attending the races are urged to closely follow directional information, plan to arrive early, and expect heavy traffic and delays.