What happened to NASCAR’s iconic Martinsville clock trophy maker?

Martinsville Speedway is one of the oldest tracks on the NASCAR schedule, and it was part of the original eight-race season in 1949. The historic half-mile hosts two Cup races every year and is part of the Round of 8 playoff round.

Since 1964, the track known as the 'paperclip' has given out a very special trophy to the winner -- a grandfather clock. The first recipient was Fred Lorenzen, who won the 1964 race from pole position. He actually swept the Martinsville races that year, leading an astonishing 980 out of 1,000 laps between the two races.

The Ridgeway Clock brand that produced the iconic prize was later sold to Howard Miller in 2004, which has continued making the clocks, as well as cabinets and other pieces of furniture. 

Daniel Hemric, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

However, the company that supplies these grandfather clocks is set to close, per a recent report. President and CEO Howard J. Miller, the grandson of the 100-year-old company's founder, claims it was “unsustainable” to carry on. 

He went on to say that they have been hurt by the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, making it far more expensive for them to purchase some essential components for the clocks. 

“Our business has been directly impacted by tariffs that have increased the cost of essential components unavailable domestically and driven specialty suppliers out of business, making it unsustainable for us to continue our operations,” he said in a statement.

While Miller would still entertain offers, he has yet to find a new buyer for the company. It's unclear what this means for the Martinsville clock tradition on NASCAR race weekends, but they can of course look for a new supplier if needed.

Public reaction

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacted to the closure with the following social media post: "Whomever makes the next version better make them exactly like the previous versions. Don't get cute and f*** this up."

Mike Joy, who is the lead commentator for NASCAR on FOX, also responded to the news, including a bit of history:

"When we first visited Ridgeway Clocks for TNN (early '90s) the clocks were made there, and a star employee was chosen to present the special "Speedway Clock" to the race winner ... When we returned for FOX (early '00's) the clocks were still assembled and finished in Ridgheway, using components made in China ... When ISC (NASCAR) bought the track, they dissolved the association with Ridgeway Clocks. Drivers were mad, so ISC started buying finished clocks from stores to present to race winners ... Howard Miller Co in Michigan bought the Ridgeway Clock brand and closed the factory in Ridgeway. The building is still abandoned ... Today, Howard Miller announced (unless a buyer is found), it will shut down at the end of this year. Their brands, including Howard Miller, Ridgeway and Hekman will disappear. Very sad."