TROY, NC :: Tommy Lemons, Jr. came to Martinsville Speedway this past weekend in search for another grandfather clock, the trophy that the track gives to it’s Sunday race winners. He left with another one and etched his name further into the Late Model Stock Car history books.
Lemons qualified ninth for the Valley Star Credit Union 300 on Saturday after practicing among the fastest of the 80 cars that attempted to make the 42-car field. Lemons started the first heat race from the third position and finished fourth to transfer himself into the 200-lap main event. That put him starting in the 12th position for the Valley Star Credit Union 300.
Lemons having experience in this race and being a former winner knew that surviving this race and being in the right place at the right time was the best strategy. Taking that experience he found himself a safe spot to ride and for the first 150-laps he just kept his car in one piece and was riding in the eighth position when the mandatory caution waved at lap 150.
The “blind draw” for the invert at lap 150 turned out to be an eight putting Lemons at the front of the field for the restart. From there Lemons never relinquished the lead and held off a strong challenge at the finish including contact coming out of turn four to win his second Valley Star Credit Union 300.
“We had a good clean race,” said Lemons following the race. “Once we got inverted to the pole for the final 50-laps, I was planning to do everything I could to stay there. We had several different people challenge us for the top spot but we were able to stay in the lead to the finish.”
Lemons’ 2015 season hasn’t been the best. He’s been up and down with momentum and only had two wins to his credit but this win trumps all of that.
“We haven’t had the best season. We’ve had a lot of bad luck at bad times. Getting this win makes it all worth it though. There’s only one race a year at Martinsville and for the next year we’ll be the driver everyone remembers winning it.”
Making the win even more special is the fact that Lemons and his wife Laura are expecting their first baby in about a month.
“To win this race this year with us expecting our first child makes it even more special to win here. This will be a memory we’ll have for a long time.”
Lemons will take some time to celebrate this win as his next event won’t take place until November 1st at Hickory Motor Speedway for the CARS Tour Series finale.
Lemons is supported by Lemons Backhoe, Colonial LP Gas, Hedgecock Racing Enterprises, John West Racing Engines and Robinwood Enterprises. For more information on Tommy Lemons, Jr. or the Lemons Motorsports team, check out their website at www.tommylemonsjr.com.
