Erik Jones is the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver to sign on to participate in Martinsville Speedway’s Pre Race Experience before the STP 500 on March 24.
Jones, the first driver to win Rookie of the Year in all three NASCAR National Touring Series, will take part in a moderated question-and-answer session on the frontstretch of the half-mile speedway.
“I think Erik is the perfect fit for the Pre Race Experience,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “He grew up racing on asphalt short-tracks around the country, he’s a talented driver from one of the biggest teams in the garage and he’s part of the crop of drivers that make up the future of our sport.”
Last year, Jones picked up his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona, earning a spot in the Playoffs for the first time in his career, while driving the No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Additional drivers taking part in the Pre Race Experience will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to the emceed question-and-answer sessions, the Pre Race Experience offers fans the opportunity to walk the frontstretch on race morning, watch driver introductions from the track, sign the start/finish line and enjoy music, games and prizes.
The cost of the Pre Race Experience is $25 for adults and $10 for youth 17-and-under.
The driver question-and-answer sessions, music, games and prizes will be held on the frontstretch beginning at 10:30 a.m. and will remain open until the conclusion of driver introductions.
Admission to the Pre Race Experience does not include a ticket for the First Data 500.
The STP 500 weekend is March 22-24.
The weekend starts with a practice day for the truck series on Friday, followed by NASCAR America Fan Friday and the Hauler Parade.
On Saturday, the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series is in action with a 250 lap race. Following the race the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will qualify for Sunday’s STP 500.
Sunday the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is in action with the running of the STP 500. The race is the first short-track race of the season and the first race back on the East Coast after the Series’ “West Coast Swing.”
Advance ticket prices for the STP 500 begin at $47 with youth tickets for fans 17-and-under just $25 regardless of location. Youth 17-and-under are admitted free to the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series 250 lap race on Saturday. Friday’s practice day is free to everyone.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Martinsville Speedway PR
