Nascar fans count down to a championship and an election – in pictures

Roughly 50,000 racing fans packed the grounds of Martinsville Speedway for the penultimate race of the Nascar season – as enthusiasm for another big American showdown reached a fever pitch

Known as ‘The Paperclip’ for its half-mile, oval shape, Martinsville is one of the shortest and narrowest tracks on the Nascar circuit – and the only track that has been on the schedule from the inaugural season in 1948.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

This year’s fall race, which determined the final berth for next Sunday’s winner-take-all season finale in Phoenix, took place two days before the US presidential election and offered both a diversion from and platform for politics.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Donald Trump carried Henry county by 29 points in 2020, the same margin as four years prior.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Fans fill the grounds with RVs, campers and tents from Thursday, creating a festive, community-like atmosphere throughout race weekend. Children in costume took the opportunity to extend their Halloween holiday and go trick-or-treating throughout the campsites.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Drivers start racing on practically flat tires with pressures in the single digits on short tracks like Martinsville. Less air can help the tire grip the track’s surface and the pressure will build to the optimal level as they heat up on the track.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

The hot dogs at Martinsville have become nearly as famous at the track itself. Known for their bright red color and classic Southern style, they’re served with chili, slaw, onions and mustard. No substitutions.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

The famous Martinsville hot dog sells for the princely sum of $2.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

About 50,000 fans turned up for Sunday’s race following smaller crowds for Saturday’s Xfinity Series and Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series races.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Vintage Nascar memorabilia is hawked by vendors at pop-up tents next to gas stations outside the property.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

The Bandits Flight Team perform a flyover during pre-race ceremonies before Sunday’s Xfinity 500.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Fans can rent scanners to listen in on uncensored driver and team communications in addition to the play-by-play radio broadcast.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

A young spectator takes in the race from the concourse beneath the bleachers on Sunday.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

A pair of longtime fans take in the action from turn two.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Fans in elaborate costumes adds to the character of Martinsville, a uniquely American event.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Martinsville’s rural Virginia setting near the North Carolina border, combined with its old-school, fan-friendly atmosphere, creates an environment reminiscent of Nascar’s early days.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Richard Petty holds the record for most victories at Martinsville Speedway with 15. The 87-year-old Nascar legend, who also holds the all-time Nascar wins record with 200, served as the grand marshal for Sunday’s race.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

A star-spangled spectator takes in a perfect Sunday afternoon for stock-car racing.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Drivers need exceptional skill, patience, and resilience to handle the sharp turns and heavy braking, which often result in incredibly close racing and frequent contact.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Martinsville’s signature trophy, a Ridgeway grandfather clock, has been awarded to race winners since 1964.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian

Ryan Blaney, last year’s Nascar champion, crossed first in the No 12 Menards Ford Mustang and earned the chance to defend his title at Phoenix Raceway in seven days’ time.

Photograph: Lauren Caulk/The Guardian