RIDGEWAY, VA :: This year’s MDCU 300 weekend will offer special dividends to the fastest two drivers in qualifying and a tweak in the race-day format.
The top two qualifiers for the MDCU 300 Late Model Stock Race on October 4 automatically advance to the 200-lap feature, bypassing qualifying races that set the field. In the past, all drivers had to compete in the heat races.
“We thought this would put a little excitement into qualifying, put a premium on winning the pole and the outside pole,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “It has always been important to be the fastest for the MDCU 300 because it guaranteed the top-qualifiers the first spot in a heat race. But now, they (the top two) don’t have to worry about the heat races.”
Campbell also announced a change in the race-day format. The race-day schedule will include three 25-lap heat races, with 10 drivers advancing out of each race, and a 25-lap last-chance race, with 10 drivers advancing for a field of 42.
On-track action for the MDCU 300 will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 with practice. Group qualifying will be utilized again and will begin at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4.
Chad Finchum of Knoxville, TN, was the fastest qualifier for last year’s MDCU 300 with a quick lap of 20.596 seconds (98.932 mph).
The nation’s richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock race, which pays $25,000 to the winner, is sponsored by Martinsville DuPont Credit Union.
Race day will kick off on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. with an autograph session on the front stretch featuring the entire field of drivers. The first heat race will take the green at 12 p.m., with the 200-lap feature beginning at approximately 3 p.m.
Tickets for the MDCU 300 are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Adult tickets are $30 and youth 12-and-under tickets are $5.
