HENRY COUNTY (WSLS10) - All day Thursday, haulers and fans made their way into Martinsville Speedway for this weekend's races.
"It's just a lot of excitement," said Don Bittenber, when asked what he likes most about the races.
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"Been coming down here for 15 years. It's one of the best tracks," said a man who goes by the name Buffalo.
As usual, even with three days before Sunday's big race, campers are settling in at Martinsville Speedway.
Bittenber said he has been coming here for decades and keeps coming back to see all of the people he's met over the years.
"Good people here, camping's good," Bittenber pointed out. "Everything's, I won't say cheap, but it's reasonable compared to other tracks."
Earlle Mize makes the drive up from North Carolina for both races each year and also for the camaraderie.
"[I] meet my buddies right here and we come and tailgate and just have a good time," Mize explained.
He hopes to cap off the weekend with a win with Kyle Busch's number 18 M&M's Toyota taking the checkered flag on Sunday.
"He's gonna run tomorrow, so he'll get a clock," Mize said, smiling slightly.
Buffalo and his wife brought their RV and their campfire all the way from Ferndale, Michigan for the race.
"Short track, I don't know, I just like it," he said. I like Keselowski. I like Greg Biffle."
Lynwood Jones says the excitement of short-track racing is what keeps him coming back.
"You can't beat it. It still bump and run right here in Martinsville. It's the only sport they got," Jones proudly exclaimed.
He says now that Gordon's retired, he's hoping to see rookie Chase Elliot drive the number 24 to victory lane this weekend.
"I'm hoping so. He needs a win," Jones said.
Sunday's race is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.