A compacted weekend schedule for the Valley Star Credit Union 300 provides very limited track time prior to the crowned jewel event for Late Model Stock Car racing – making Wednesday’s all day test session critical for those hoping to cash the $25,000 check.
Unlike rival events such as the Snowball Derby which offers several days of practice prior to the feature event, Martinsville only has one actual practice day which is held a week and a half before the actual race. Adding to the importance of Wednesday’s test day is the fact that the fall classic is the only Late Model Stock Car race held at the Ridgeway, Virginia facility which opened in 1947.
“You got to go in with an open mind and just see where the car goes,” CARS Tour point leader Myatt Snider said. “Usually, it can go either way in a test. Any time you get eight hours at a racetrack, it’s usually pretty helpful. Sometimes, you can put it the wrong way. We’ll just see how it goes.”
In comparison to other events, Snider feels the amount of practice for the race is just the right amount.
“I think it’s just right,” Snider explained. “Usually, you see Cup teams getting three days of practice plus a qualifying session so I think it’s a good amount especially since there’s only one race there a year and you’re not allowed to test. It gives everybody the exact same amount of testing and helps everybody out in general.”
Kaz Grala competed in the event last year and looked like the car to beat throughout the race to score the victory until a brake caliper locked up, ending his strong run. This year, he’s returning with Kyle Busch Motorsports.
“It is important,” Kaz Grala, who will be racing in the event for Kyle Busch Motorsports, said. “There are a lot of cars there and it’s important to know where you stack up there. I mean, I run for a good team and we always bring fast cars but that doesn’t mean we’re a shoe-in to make the race. That’s a tough race for anybody to make. It’s going to be real important to see how fast we are because that can definitely affect what you’re going to bring back for the race, whether you’re going to make a bunch of changes or you’re really happy with where the car is. The test there is critical. It was last year. It’s going to be again this year.”
Sam Yarbrough finished second in last year’s Martinsville race and is coming in fresh off a win in the CARS Tour. Confidence and momentum alone can’t get him a win. He also feels Wednesday’s test is critical.
“It’s huge,” Yarbrough stated. “It’s the most important day of the week or whatever you want to call it. If you come out of there with high hopes and the car’s handling good and everything looks to be good, then that takes a little stress off of you before the race. You get there on Friday, you park the rig, you get a little bit of practice Saturday so, if you’re not right when you get there, you’re probably going to be having a long weekend.”
Tommy Lemons, Jr. won the race in 2013 and like his peers, he too feels the test is the most important day leading up to the green flag in the Valley Star Credit Union 300.
“It’s 95 percent of the preparation as far as on track,” Lemons commented. “We get there the weekend of the race and you’ve got about two 10 minute practices to figure out what you’ve got and if you aren’t right on practice day, Wednesday, then you’re screwed.”
2003 race winner Jamey Caudill says the Martinsville test day is the only chance to get your car dialed in and get it right.
“It’s real important,” Caudill said. “You’ve got to make it because, when you go back for the race, you’re only going to get a couple of 10 minute practices. You need to be where you’re going to be when you leave on Wednesday for the test. If you show back up and try to get dialed in on Saturday, it’s not ever going to get there so it’s definitely a necessity to be there.”
The Martinsville Test Day will be held this Wednesday, September 23rd, ahead of the Valley Star Credit Union 300. Qualifying for the race will be held on Saturday, October 3rd with the race being held on Sunday, October 4th. RACE22.com will have live coverage of all the festivities at Martinsville Speedway.
