Martinsville "News" and Notes

In honor of his final season with Roush Racing, Martinsville will rename itself this weekend for longtime driver Mark Martin.

Speed Channel pit reporter Ray Dunlap was suspended for this weekend's activities after making an off-color joke about Hispanics during taping. When asked about his feelings on the suspension, Lou Pinella had no comment.

Ward Burton returns to Nextel Cup action this weekend, proving that if you hold out long enough, a top-flight ride with stable sponsorship will become available.

Ken Schrader makes his 700th career Nextel Cup start this weekend. This isn't that impressive when you consider that, when all series are included, its his 400th start this month.

Looking toward next year, TNT is reportedly considering broadcasting its races with no commercial breaks. This sounds like a great idea, until you consider that it just means more time with Bill Weber.

ODDS:
3:1 A driver will eat his own hand, believing it to be a Martinsville hot dog.
10:1 Jimmy Spencer will eat his own hand, just because he's hungry.
50:1 Denny Hamlin will eat his own hand, hoping it will spark another run of wins.