Story by: Mark Rogers Jr. ~ [email protected]
Hampton, VA(October 18, 2012) – Alright, that’s it, enough talk. If you’re not ready, then you were never going to be in the first place. It’s time for The Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway, so get them loaded up in the hauler because it’s time to go. It’s shaping up, minute by minute, all the preparations, all the hard work, for this one prestigious race. Rightfully so as NASCAR’s biggest payoff at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious tracks is once again playing host. Now get this, $25 grand to the winner along with Martinsville Speedway’s Grandfather Clock. Numerous bonuses throughout the race and did you know that our own RACE22.com is doing some bonuses too?
Drivers and race teams, you need to ask because looking pretty ain’t ever paid so well! That’s right, and all you need to do is sport a RACE22.com wrap on your piece, please check with webmaster Langley Austin for full details. Lots of things going on before the drop of the green for this year’s event; a change in race formats, a new tire rule and that’s just the beginning. Cool thing is everyone is on a level playing field and for the teams financially challenged so to speak, these rules will help and I wouldn’t be so surprised to see a good race car beat some really great cars before the checkers fly at Martinsville Speedway.
Martinsville has always produced desperation and last chance efforts in making the field for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300. Intense side by side racing regardless of the lap count and that has always been a crowd pleaser. Expect more of this same product because whether your name is Lee Pulliam, Phillip Morris, or a CE Falk, everyone has to race their way in… Everyone! I love this type of championship format, no gimmes, no pardons and no exceptions. Bubba, you either race and win or lose and go home. In a matter of moments your name will be forgotten and someone is right there to take your place.
No doubt my friends, Martinsville is glamorous in all its fine glory. Winning can take your racing career to the next level or it can make you look as if you never belong. Those who won your local short track championships, it doesn’t matter now! Those who won more races then the others, that doesn’t mean a thing now when you come to Martinsville. What’s really cool is that you get to run speeds and times very similar to the Cup guys. That big bump that is on the inside of all four turns painted yellow, hit that and you’ll wreck just like those Cup guys too. The racing is so similar to the Cup guys that maybe that’s why these drivers love this place so much.
Man oh man, the intensity and the excitement is the thrill and being a race fan for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 has never been better with over 80 different drivers, and still, the possibility of more on the way. Narrowing the field to 42 spots is going to be a challenge and those same 42; it could be a nervous wreck themselves for the last 150 laps. So who’s going to win it? Who’s got the stuff and just who has the nerve to lay it all on the line in those final laps? Well, I’m not going to make claims of my expertise and nor am I going to put myself out there as saying, take it from me. Let’s just say, this is all I know:
Martinsville is a big motor track, we’re racing half mile now and not the 4/10’s mile everyone all season has become accustomed to. Drivers will be in the throttle much longer, turning up more RPMs than before. A tired motor from the regular season will be tested beyond its limits and failure is possible. Big deal will be made in having a strong, fresh motor for this race. Kowalski engines have bragging rights at Martinsville Speedway for the past couple of years. Morris, in 2010, won with a Kowalski Chrysler motor and last year’s winner Lee Pulliam had Kowalski GM power doing the work. Big motor making big power makes a big deal.
I know, motor doesn’t mean nothing if the car can’t turn left, yes I know. But who is going to turn left better is a mystery and he may be in the back of the field too. Tire management is key in this race and protecting the right rear is critical as the tight hair pin turns will demand maximum grip in order to have any turn speed whatsoever. With front and backstretch speeds near 110 to 120 mph, brakes are critical as corner speeds are only 55 to 65 mph if you’re hooked up. Making 3,100 pounds (with the driver) fast is a huge challenge and doing it all day, well that’s the secret and a 25 thousand dollar question!
While many will talk about who has all the components to mechanically win, I think there’s one element that deserves much attention if you’re going to win this race, big time race experience. We’re not at your local short track adjusting air pressures and cranking on the track bar. Bubba, Martinsville requires her own set up. She’s her own beast and the race team that does their homework will prove to be the better rides. Experience at this track could be the single piece of advantage one can have, now factor the other mechanical aspects then ask yourself who has it all for this very race?
Ahhh, doesn’t matter who or what I think can win this race. What matters is who wants it more and is willing to lay it all on the line to do it. I like the racers who never apologize and don’t mind a reputation. I like the guy who could care less what his car looks like and the guy that can smile in the face of the guy he bullied to win the race. Winning at Martinsville in the biggest race of the late model season and requires more than just a hot rod of a car, it takes gall and it takes guts. You’ll see, the one who does wins this year’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 and with the given format, this will go down as the best late model race at Martinsville Speedway.
Well there you have it, don’t ask me who’s going to win. Take the given accolades needed and just ask yourself who’s got it going on and who doesn’t. Race fans, you’re in for a treat and not being there is like missing your own funeral. But if misfortunes won’t allow, RACE22.com is all over it, from the cradle to the grave, the drop of the green to the checkered flag. We have got you covered, all of the exciting lap by lap race coverage and only from RACE22.com. So that’s it, enough talk, it’s time to go racing and will see you at Martinsville Speedway!
