This year’s purse for the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway will match last year’s purse, which was the largest sum that NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race has ever seen. Once again, the earnings amount to $125,000 which will be distributed across the field of finishing drivers.
The purse is awarded and sponsored by a number of local businesses in the Martinsville-Henry County region, including Hitachi Energy, Danville Toyota, The Lester Group, MaxPro, Five Star Bodies, Hedgecock Racing and B99.
“The Virginia Late Model Triple crown is an event both our fans and all of us here at the track eagerly await all year,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “This race is one of the toughest and roughest competitions we put on at Martinsville Speedway, and we’re glad we can reward our drivers for the incredible racing action they provide through the help of our local businesses.”
Similar to previous years, the Pole Award Winner presented by Martinsville Speedway will receive $5,000; and the lap leader at the end of both stages in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 will each receive $1,000 presented by Clarence’s Steakhouse.
Additionally, the Sunoco/Sparks Oil Most Improved Position award winner will receive $1,000; while the leader of each lap in the 200-lap race will receive $25, with $5,000 available in the laps-led bonus pool, provided by Doughton’s Racing Products.
Last year, Bobby McCarty set the fastest lap in qualifying but ultimately fell short after having issues with his motor with 55 laps to go. In the end, it was Trevor Ward who prevailed, taking home the title of Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Champion and a famous Martinsville Speedway Grandfather Clock.
Reigning NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champion Connor Hall currently leads the standings in the Virginia Triple Crown after winning at South Boston and finishing second at his home track of Langley. Hall is looking to add another championship win to his resume in next weekend’s Triple Crown finale.
The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 race weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 27 with drivers taking to the historic half mile track for practice at 3:00 p.m. followed by single car qualifying at 8:00 p.m. Then, on Saturday, Sept. 28, fans can watch the four qualifying heat races beginning at 3:00 p.m., with NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race taking place later that evening at 7:00 p.m. at Martinsville Speedway, where one driver will be crowned champion and awarded the famed Grandfather Clock Trophy in the finale of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown.
The weekend will have a multitude of fan activities for those in attendance, including an autograph session where fans can meet their favorite NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series driver ahead of the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 grand finale later that evening.
To purchase tickets or for information on the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Finale, or the upcoming NASCAR race weekend at Martinsville Speedway, please visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
