Opened in 1949, the Martinsville Speedway is NASCAR’s oldest racetrack. The 0.5-mile Virginia short track, nicknamed “The Paperclip” because of its track layout, has seen countless memorable moments on the racetrack throughout its storied history.

Along with the thrilling bumper-to-bumper, short-track racing that the Martinsville Speedway provides, there is one other thing “The Paperclip” is known for.

The hot dogs.

Named the Martinsville hot dog, the concession stand staple is best known for its unique red color, the litany of toppings, and its cheap price. When NASCAR comes to Martinsville, fans flee to the concession stand lines to grab one of NASCAR’s most famous food items.

What is The Martinsville Hot Dog?

The Martinsville hot dog is not any ordinary hot dog that one cooks on a grill at a tailgate.

Colored with Red-40, the Martinsville hot dog is regular-sized and has a bright red color, making it a Jesse James Southern-style wiener. The hot dogs are boiled or steamed and come with a traditional bun.

Fans have the option of getting a plain red hot dog. Or, they can buy the “All The Way” version that comes with a number of toppings. That includes yellow mustard, chili, diced onions, and Southern-style vinegar cole slow.

The Martinsville hot dog is also famously known for being only $2.00. Whether it is hot dogs, hamburgers, or sodas, food and drink products at any sporting event typically tend to be pricey. The Martinsville hot dog, however, is an exception to this rule, making it another reason why it is such a fan favorite.

Much like the track itself, the Martinsville hot dog has stood the test of time and is easily one of NASCAR’s most famous food items at any racetrack.

For the fans that are set on coming to the Martinsville Speedway this weekend, there will be no shortage of hot dogs to enjoy. There will also be no shortage of on-track action.

This weekend’s lineup of races are the next-to-last race of the season for all three of NASCAR’s top series. The Craftsman Truck Series circuit will be on-track Friday night, while the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will race on Saturday night.

Finally, the weekend will wrap up with the Cup Series race on Sunday afternoon. It is a critical race regarding the championship for all three series as the 2026 season wraps up next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway.