Mason Diaz talks with crew members at Martinsville Speedway. (Dinah Thompson/Race22.com photo)

Mason Diaz is looking forward to racing against NASCAR stars and some of Late Model Stock Car racing’s best in the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown presented by Toyota at Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway on Thursday night.

The 17-year-old has been preparing for the race for weeks.  He has tested at Langley Speedway and was going to compete in a race at Langley on April 7th before the race was canceled due to rain.  However, he has had some seat time at the track and is ready to get back in his Late Model Stock Car.

“I’m looking forward to being back in a race car,” Diaz said.  “When we left the practice day, the team and I were happy with the car.  Mike Darne and the crew went back to the shop and did some homework as well.  I’m really hoping for a strong finish on Thursday night.”

The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, which has been off the calendar for a couple seasons, is a unique race and a unique opportunity for Diaz.  The race will attract big names such as former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, former Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, Timothy Peters and more.

Diaz is planning to make the most of the opportunity to race against some of NASCAR racing’s best and learn from it.

“I’m looking forward to racing the Cup guys that are coming down,” Diaz remarked.  “It’ll be a cool experience.  I’m going to learn as much as I can from them and take it with me after the race.”

The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown will go green at 9pm on Saturday night at Langley Speedway.

Following the Showdown, Diaz will take a few weeks off before returning to the cockpit on May 12th at Hickory Motor Speedway and May 19th at Dominion Raceway.  His next race in a Super Late Model will come on May 25th when he competes in the PASS South Super Late Model Series race at Concord Speedway.

Diaz has one win and two top-five finishes on the 2018 season.

Mason Diaz is supported by Solid Rock Carriers, The Sign Shop, TSS Motorsports, MAD Motorsports, TSS Services and Prince William Marina.

To learn more about Mason Diaz Racing, check out his website at www.masondiaz24.com, “like” Mason Diaz Racing on Facebook or follow @masondiazracing on Twitter.