Infield Packed for Late Model Test Session
MARTINSVILLE, VA — The largest field of cars in recent history put the old “practice makes perfect” adage to test Wednesday in an open practice session for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway on October 6.
Eighty-seven cars packed the infield as drivers and their teams worked to fine tune cars for NASCAR’s most prestigious Late Model Stock race, which pays $25,000 to the winner and carries even more prestige.
Practice day is always a fun day for drivers, but it is also a day of hard work that is vital to success in the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.
“We could do this for three to four days straight. Just looking for something,” said last year’s race winner Philip Morris, who has captured four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championships. “In the past, practice has been a frustrating day. I’ve learned to back off and calm down a little. I enjoy practice now.”
Practice day is a favorite for Lee Pulliam as well.
“This is my favorite day. Practice gets me really amped up about next week,” said Pulliam, a former Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 winner who recently captured his second consecutive national championship.
Pulliam was consistently clocked as the fastest in the field Wednesday.
Matt Bowling led more than 50 laps of last fall’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300, but was still searching for the perfect setup for the challenging half-mile track.
“We have to get the car to where it was last year,” said Bowling. “It’s turning better than it was last year, but I just don’t have as much bite off the corners. We’re working on all that and we’ll keep digging.”
Young driver Austin Thaxton stressed the importance of practice for drivers without a great deal of Martinsville experience.
“We come here once a year, so it’s very important for us to get back up here and into a rhythm,” stated Thaxton. “This is a very unique race track so we take practice seriously.”
Tickets for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 are $25 and may be purchased online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com or by calling 877.RACE.TIX. Youth 12 and under are admitted free.
Tickets for the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 Powered by Kroger NASCAR Sprint Cup race on October 27 start at just $37.
Advance tickets for the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, Oct. 26 are just $30 and tickets for Pole Day, Friday, October 25 are $15. Youth 12 and under are admitted free on both October 25 and 26. To purchase tickets for the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 Powered by Kroger weekend, call 877.RACE.TIX or visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Sources: Martinsville Speedway PR