A family legacy is at the heart of both Hermle North America and Martinsville Speedway - one in clockmaking, the other in motorsports. But what other connection could these two companies have? Normally there is no intersection between the quiet and measured world of clocks and the revved engines speeding around a NASCAR raceway. Some would say they are complete opposites. So what is the connection between the two?
An Unusual NASCAR Trophy
As the oldest racetrack in NASCAR, the Martinsville Speedway has been iconic for over 60 years - but not just for the track itself. It's founder H. Clay Earles started a tradition of offering an unusual trophy to race winners - a majestic grandfather clock. Now one of the most sought after trophies in motorsports, the tradition of the grandfather clock trophy has become synonymous with the Martinsville Speedway.
Grandfather Clock Tradition Continues
Grandson, and speedway president Clay Campbell faced a challenge in 2025 as the original manufacturer of the trophy clock announced they would be shutting down. Not long after the news went public, Hermle North America (based in Amherst, Virginia), was chosen to help continue the NASCAR clock tradition. Production of the clocks has begun in earnest as the 2026 racing season takes shape.
One of these intricately made grandfather clocks takes around 15 people and over 20 hours to produce. Made of cherry wood and manufactured with a mix of precision machinery and handcraft, the new Hermle clock takes this winning icon to a new level of heirloom craftsmanship.
Clock Renamed After Raceway Founder
Hermle North America is proud to be the new clockmaker for the Martinsville Speedway trophy and in honor of the raceway's founder recently renamed the grandfather clock: 'H. Clay Earles'. As this legacy continues may this unusual trophy become even more meaningful and sought after as a symbol of excellence, overcoming the odds, and tenacious achievement, for many generations to come.
Read more about the Hermle North America and Martinsville Speedway partnership: here.
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