The Carolina Pro Late Model Series and the newly established Carolina Crate Modified Series have filled their final open date with a trip to Callaway, VA for the Battle of the Commonwealth at Franklin County Speedway.

July 10th will see the top Pro Late Model and Crate Modified drivers from the Carolina’s tackle the high banks of Virginia’s most unique bullring. The Carolina Pro Late Models will take to the track for a 100-lap feature while the Carolina Crate Modifieds will fight it out for 62-laps on the 3/8-mile track nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Franklin County Speedway promoter Langley Austin says it’s an opportunity to give fans something they won’t see anywhere else in the state of Virginia.

“The Carolina Pro Late Models proved to be one of the hottest touring series programs during 2020,” Austin commented. “They overcame the obstacles of racing while a pandemic was raging through this country and much like we did, they had an incredibly successful season. It’s a perfect pairing to bring this series for its only Virginia stop.”

Carolina Pro Late Model and Carolina Crate Modified series owner Keith Graham is also excited to bring his budding series to Franklin County Speedway.

“It’s exciting to take our series to Virginia for the first time and to have that event at Franklin County,” Graham stated. “I’ve never been there but we all saw how great the CARS Tour race went there last year. The track seems really racey and a perfect fit for our cars. I’m looking forward to making the trip and putting on a great show for the fans.”

Franklin County Speedway had a rough and tumble reputation over the years but in recent years under Austin’s guidance, the track has become one that every fan knows for the great racing on the track. Last August the CARS Tour made their first visit and in that first race left a lasting impression of the racing Franklin County Speedway is capable of producing with what many have called the best CARS Tour race of its six-year history.

“That race just showed everyone what those of us who grew up at Franklin County already knew,” Austin explained. “I’m biased clearly but growing up there and then traveling while building race22.com over the years I’ve seen racing at a little bit of everywhere and there’s almost nothing that compares. Those who follow the Carolina Pro Late Models are going to get to see it this year. This track produces the best racing anywhere and I expect this race to be much the same.”

The Carolina Crate Modified Series is a new series developed to give a touring spotlight to the GM 602 engine-based Modifieds, which have really begun to grow nationwide. This series is expected to have strong car counts throughout the season. Franklin County Speedway will also launch a 602 Modified division for the track on a part-time basis, which will further help the development of the division and feed into the Carolina Crate Modified Series as drivers work their way from weekly drivers to touring series competitors.

“The 602 based Modifieds have such great potential,” Austin said. “I’ve been saying it for several years as I’ve watched them grow up in the Northeast. It is past time for a series here to really grow this division in the south with the right leadership and vision. I think Keith has proved that he has the passion and his vision for the Pro Late Models was met with instant success. I think you’ll see the same thing for the Carolina Crate Modified Series this season and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the Carolina Pro Late Model Series and Carolina Crate Modified Series, visit their website at carolinalatemodels.com and follow the series on Facebook.

For more information on Franklin County Speedway visit our website at FCSpeedway.com and like us on the track’s Facebook page.

Cover photo by Eric Creel.