Drivers will test their open-top cars on the historic half-mile track before competing in the highly anticipated Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 doubleheader weekend in October. Testing will take place Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is open to fans who want to get a taste of the sights and sounds of the Whelen Mazda Mx-5 Cup Series.

“We can’t wait to see these cars racing at Martinsville Speedway, and we want to show fans what to expect so they can feel that excitement too,” said Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, in a press release from the track. “The sound of the open-top cars echoing through the facility here is so unique. It will be unlike anything you’ve heard at previous races at Martinsville. We can’t wait for our community to experience this historic debut event with us.”

The Mazda MX-5 Cup Series tested at Martinsville Speedway last summer, with some of the series’ big names racing alongside some familiar faces from the world of NASCAR.

At the October race, fans will see open-top cars at Martinsville Speedway for the first time since the 1950s.

Fan parking will open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The first test session will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A second test session will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The test is free for all fans who wish to participate.

The Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 on Oct. 26 will be a doubleheader, with the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup racing a 100-lap short-track race, immediately followed by the 200-lap NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Championship finale. Times for both races have not yet been announced.

For more information about the “Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300” and to purchase tickets for the race weekend, fans can visit www.MartinsvilleSpeedway.com.