That’s Right Photography’s “10 Drivers to Watch” at Martinsville Speedway

Mark Rogers, Jr’s list

1.) CE Falk – Falk once again in 2012 had his way at his home track Langley Speedway picking up 10 wins for the year. However, three wins were taken from him for truck arm bushings and left side wheel weights costing Falk a unprecedented 4th consecutive track championship. Falk also flexed his muscles at Motor Mile, South Boston and Southern National where he accumulated six more trips to Victory Lane giving him a total of 16 wins in 2012. This year, a big piece to Falk’s drive could be in his crew chief Sammy Houston. Falk is experienced, crafty and controversial.  All the makings are in place to find CE Falk holding up 25 grand standing beside a grandfather clock.

2.) Lee Pulliam – Race fans, Pulliam is no joke and neither are his 2012 statistics. Lee Pulliam visited victory lane 22 times in 2012 at four different tracks, South Boston, Motor Mile, Southern National and Caraway. Numbers like that earn you national titles and so it did as Lee Pulliam becomes the 2012 NWAAS National champion. He’s also the reigning Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 champion as well and that there gets your name spoken first on most any conversation that will be taking place around Martinsville Speedway. But this year, Pulliam may have a problem. Matt McCall is in the field and he hasn’t forgotten what happened last year.

3.) Phillip Morris – I know I know. I’m going to catch a bit of grief here from race fans. But ask any racer in the field this year and what a mistake to underestimate Morris and the lack of racing in 2012. Phillip Morris, considered the “King” of Late Model racing, didn’t earn such a name by being everyone’s friend on the race track. He’s done it by winning and winning at any cost. He’ll do it again if you dare to think otherwise. Expect Morris to be really good as he’s teamed up once again with Sellers Racing with a proven track record of winning big on Late Models biggest events.

4.) Brandon Butler – Here’s a guy I really like and it’s not just because he’s a cool cat to be around. It’s because this guy can race and race big when it’s time to go. Conservative and patient, I like the way Butler takes care of his race car. Though 2012 has been a very limited schedule, bet many of you have forgotten his performance at this year’s Denny Hamlin Showdown where he finished third. I know, what the big deal about 3rd is, it was the fact how Butler stays up front for these big races. I expect him to qualify well and I bet he’ll race well too. If the big boys get dicey and start wrecking, Brandon Butler can win this year’s Virginia is for Lovers 300.

5.) Matt McCall – Here’s another racer that I really like and got to know a bit from covering the racing from Southern National. A racer full of emotion and works the first lap like it was his last. Matt McCall is as inspired as there can be. With a limited schedule for 2012, McCall was nothing short of his racing but a win in 2012. But it’s Martinsville that has a huge circle around the October 21st date and for good reason. This year it’s personal for Matt McCall, he wants Pulliam in a bad way for the so called bump and run from last year’s race at Martinsville. Expect McCall to have a really good car and an attitude that good land him in Victory Lane.

6.) Deac McCaskill – Sporting a great 2012 season is Deac McCaskill with 18 wins at two different tracks, South Boston and his home track at Southern National. With 17 wins at Southern National alone, McCaskill easily earned track championship honors while facing and competition against the area’s best Late Models in four states. If there’s ever such a thing as the good guy in racing, McCaskill is your man. But for McCaskill to find Victory Lane at Martinsville, he himself knows being a good guy won’t cut it in this field at Martinsville. Why is he sixth on my list? Because he’s beaten 3 out of the top 5 in my list, Pulliam, Falk and McCall, that’s very good company.

7.) Eddie Johnson – There’s something to be said for experience and diligence behind the wheel of a race car. Eddie Johnson has made a really good impression on me as that racer who starts in the rear and is there at the end. Maybe its wishful thinking for me but if Johnson wins at Martinsville this year, I will be a late model genius. But better yet, ask his fellow competitors, Eddie Johnson will be good and he’ll come through the field as we have seen many times before. If were not careful, this savvy and crafty veteran will beat the best in late models and be the 2012 Virginia is for Racing Lovers champion.

8.) Kenny Forbes – Yeah that’s right and let me tell you why. Everything about Kenny, his race team and nearly every part on his car is built and put together in house. From engines to chassis, this part time race team is a unique effort that stays competitive wherever they go. I’ve always wondered what could happen for this race team if the funding allowed because Kenny can wheel a race car. I just remember the 2011 Danville Toyota 300 at South Boston how he raced Morris on the outside giving the eventual winner fits before he could clear Forbes. If the #33 Kenny Forbes stays competitive all day long, don’t be surprised, he could win!

9.) Frank Deiny, Jr. – Hard to keep this guy from any list because again, experience and determination is half the battle. Deiny came up short in a title run out at Motor Mile to Josh Berry in 2012 but the crafty and sometimes controversial veteran is getting hot at the right time. With one trip to Victory Lane out at Motor Mile, Frank Deiny studies his competition and if he’s got a piece underneath of him then not even Morris or Pulliam may be able to stop him. Racers with a proven history have a place in the field at Martinsville and I strongly believe Frank Deiny, Jr. could hurt somebodies feelings this year at this year’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.

10.) Ronnie Bassett Jr. – We like to save the number 10 pick as the so called dark horse pick and it usually means that if luck has its way that this is the guy that could win. But for some reason, I really like this kid in Ronnie Bassett Jr. He too went rounds with tech sheds in 2012 in the UARA-STARS series but picked up wins on several different tracks in the series. Bassett took a brief break from racing before returning to run at Southern National, going against some of the best NASCAR late model drivers, where he won four straight races in two nights over track champion Deac McCaskill. Killer stuff there, and that’s why Ronnie Bassett, Jr. is my dark horse pick.

Corey Latham’s list

1.)BJ Mackey  –  Going into this year the Barber Ford hasn’t ran but a handful of races this season but they look to be coming to Martinsville loaded and ready. In testing the Mackey piloted Ford Fusion was consistently the fastest car of the day and looked to be the best on long runs with old tires, being that’s what they race will be on (never understood buying umpteen sets of tires for practice). I knew the car was fast but when I saw BJ after he changed his suit the usually quiet and reserved Mackey was grinning like a possum and simply said “This thing is badass”. Anyone that knows him knows he doesn’t show much emotion, this was the happiest I had seen him in many years.

2.) Lee Pulliam – Defending race winner and National Champion. That in itself would make anyone a contender but Pulliam is not going off his good year for results here, the team has worked extra hard just for Martinsville. He was fast in practice but did not run a transponder (mind games) and the team changed things throughout the day. To make the other drivers extra worried, the team has changed everything they did since they left as they felt they were not fast enough; we’ll see what he’s got.

3.) Philip Morris – These picks may look obvious but you have to call a spade a spade. Some people, well a couple of people wondered if Morris not running hardly any this year would affect his performance when he got back in the seat. He answered that quickly as he won in his first race of the year and reeled off a few more at SoBo. At Martinsville, it was business as usual and the Clarence’s Steakhouse car was the fastest of the day on the limited times that were made official.

4.) Jamie Yelton – Yep, ole Fathead is back in the seat once again. After not racing in two years the Forrest City Bad Boy came to Martinsville with a new Hedgecock car and was the fastest thing on four wheels. His time wasn’t on the sheet but me and many others had him nearly a tenth quicker than Morris’ fastest time. The last time he ran Martinsville he had a car to win and I look for that same possibility again this weekend. Whatever happens, it will be exciting with him, no doubt.

5.) Mike Looney – Some of you might find this pick out of place but most die-hard fans won’t. Looney has been fast everywhere he has been the last few years especially at Motor Mile and at Martinsville two years ago when he qualified fifth and ran up front for a good bit of the day. After skipping the race last year the team is looking for another strong showing and backed it up in practice being very fast with numerous setups. No car changed as much as Looney during the day who worked on his car non-stop.

6.) Matt McCall – McCall and the Sandy Bottom Boys have the 51 hooked up and it showed in practice. McCall is another one that has only raced a limited number of times this year because of his job with the RCR truck team of Joey Coulter, but when you get to veteran status the rust never really forms. The McCall machine was fast but it didn’t set the times some others did on long runs, of course the team could have been trying various things as McCall is a master at setup and shock/spring combinations. Look for him on race day… and if you think he has forgotten about the last lap bump from Pulliam last year, you’re sadly mistaken.

7.) Kenny Brooks – The 2012 Concord Champ came to Martinsville with his Concord setup on the car… yeeaahhh, that didn’t work out so well. They were slow early on but worked and worked and by the end of the day they had gained nearly seven tenths, a ridiculous amount in one day. The team is not considered Martinsville veterans but they come into this race with fresh equipment and the Shorty Baucom Racing team is ready to take on the Martinsville heavy hitters.

8.) Adam Long – This guy is flying well under the radar, and personally I think he likes that. After coming into his own this season making his presence known as a dominant car at Kingsport, ong and his Marc Fryar led team had a very good test at Martinsville. How good? So good he wanted to load up at lunch but they ran a few more runs, they still loaded up nearly before everyone else. Long was giddy about his car and you could tell by how he talked and smiled, this kid is ready for Sunday. He’s one to watch.

9.) Frank Deiny, Jr. – Ole’ Frankie. While he hasn’t been setting the world on fire in recent years, the former Martinsville winner hasn’t forgot how to do it. He’s always a threat in everyone’s eyes. Frank needs a good run at Martinsville leading into the Myrtle Beach race, because we all know he will win that one or at least the entire field will ride behind him like he’s the instructor there. Frank is a master at the big races, he always said the more it pays the better he runs, well $25,000 should excite him greatly. Don’t look for him to set the world on fire in practice/qualifying but look the Kiker #5 to be up front at the end of the race.

10.) Dennis Setzer – Every year, Dennis is on my list as I think anyone would be a fool to leave him off. Let me tell you how his day went. While the teams were thrashing doing all they could all morning, Dennis walked around and talked to everyone. Heck, his car was still basically being put together in the garage. He got fitted in good in his seat then walked in the media center when Mike Smith said “Shouldn’t you get your driving suit on?” Dennis replied with a laugh. “I don’t even think Charlie and Robert (car owners) are here yet”. This was at lunch.  About 2pm he went out on the track with 60 lap scuffs on and while other teams were making sticker runs in the 20.60’s and 70’s, he reeled off a 20.58 his third lap at speed and pulled it back in the garage because a wire came loose. They made a few more runs and the Long Bros. machine was parked for the day. Never count out Setzer at Martinsville; you’d be a nut to think different.

Chris Owens’ list

1.) Philip Morris – He hasn’t raced all year, but made his return at the end of the season.  Philip had problems last year at Martinsville, but will be looking to take home his third clock.  He picked up wins at South Boston and Motor Mile before the season ended, look for Morris to come out of the gate quick at Martinsville and be a force to reckon with come lap 150 on Sunday.

2.) Dennis Setzer – The former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver returns to Martinsville driving for Charlie Long.  During testing last week, Setzer was one of the fastest drivers on the stopwatch and was running competitive times on old tires.  Look for Setzer to be up front trying to take home another clock.

3.) Garrett Campbell – Last year’s Myrtle Beach 400 winner is no stranger to performing on the big stage.  Campbell hasn’t run much this year, but when he has, he’s usually contending for the win.  Campbell hasn’t run all that great at Martinsville in the past, but I see him breaking that trend this weekend and contending with Morris, Pulliam and McCall for the win.

4.) Jamie Yelton – You’re probably going, “WTF, Jamie Yelton”, right about now, but hold your horses for a moment.  Jamie Yelton hasn’t raced since this time last year, but has some of the best cars going to Martinsville.  I’m looking for Yelton to make the race and come go time, make some noise roughing up the leaders for the win.

5.) Deac McCaskill – I’m sure everybody has heard the rap song, “All I do is win”. That pretty much describes Deac’s season at Southern National this season. He won just about everything SNMP ran, and I’m sure he’ll be up front this weekend looking to win the biggest race of his career.  Deac could put a stamp on his 2012 season by beating the likes of Pulliam, Morris and McCall on neutral turf.

6.) Ben Rhodes – He had an impressive run at the Denny Hamlin Showdown back in Richmond in April.  He’s been competitive in the UARA-STARS this year, but doesn’t have anything to show for it. Driving for a new team under the direction of Lee McCall, look for Rhodes to once again turn heads as he heads into the offseason with his new race team.

7.) Coleman Pressley – Coleman hasn’t run much this season, I think he’s run maybe three or four races, but his own.  Pressley hasn’t had the best of luck at Martinsville in the past, but I think this is the year Pressley turns it around and contends for the win knocking off the biggest names in Late Model Stock racing.

8.) Ronnie Bassett – While Ronnie hasn’t run the full UARA tour this year, he still has the most wins out of anyone.  Heck, he even went to Deac McCaskill’s playground at SNMP and took home four wins in two days.  There is no doubt that Ronnie Bassett is the real deal, so expect him to be battling for the grandfather clock come Sunday afternoon.

9.) Alex Yontz – He hasn’t been on his game the past few years, but Yontz always brings his a game to Martinsville.  Why would this year be any different?  I wouldn’t be surprised if Yontz is rubbing fenders with the likes of Pulliam, McCall and Morris come time on Sunday.

10.) Josh Berry – Last year was Josh’s first time and Martinsville and he ended up junked on the hook before halfway.  This year look for the Motor Mile Speedway champion to make it past halfway and be in contention come the end of the race.

Underdog: Lee Pulliam/Matt McCall – Last year’s last lap “pass” will probably be brought up ten thousand times this weekend.  But the big question is, will McCall actually do anything when and if he gets the chance come Sunday? I’d have to say if the roles are reversed this time, we’ll likely see Lee Pulliam in the fence off turn four this year. I guess we’ll find out come race time Sunday afternoon.

Andy Marquis’ list

1.) Lee Pulliam – Pulliam’s house is going to be a little louder on Monday because he’s going to have a second grandfather clock ringing at the top of the hour.  I know all about the “National Title Curse” and that no driver has ever gone back-to-back, but it’s hard to bet against a guy when their mojo is flowing.  Lee Pulliam was absolutely dominant this season, picking up 22 wins at four different tracks.  All he does is win.  He started off the season parked by NASCAR after an incident in South Boston last year, but he was unstoppable once he came back.  And now, he wants to make a statement by going back-to-back.  If the Boston Red Sox can break the Curse of the Bambino, Lee Pulliam can break the “National Title Curse”.

2.) Jamie Yelton – Yelton was fast during open testing.  Unofficially, Yelton was clocking lap times faster than Morris’ best lap time.  Martinsville is the type of the race that requires patience, and that’s something these older drivers understand.  Yelton’s not going to try to win the race on one restart or in one lap.  He understands it’s a long race, and he will be there at the end hoping to finish what he started in 2008.

3.) Philip Morris – Does anyone really expect Morris not to be a contender.  Philip Morris isn’t the “King of Late Model Stock Car Racing” for nothing.  Morris has two grandfather clocks in his living room.  Add on top of that his four national championships and his fast lap in practice and the ingredients are there.  Despite sitting out much of the season due to financial reasons, Morris hasn’t forgotten how to drive.  He’s proven that by picking up wins at South Boston Speedway and Motor Mile Speedway this season.  Thinking Philip Morris won’t be a contender at Martinsville would be like thinking the New York Yankees won’t be a contender in the AL East.

4.) Dennis Setzer – The presence of ye Dennis Setzer at Martinsville is enough to get somebody’s attention.  He’s a former winner of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 (2007), and he has three career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victories at Martinsville Speedway.  Now, the 52 year-old comes to Martinsville ready to win again.  Setzer is confident and experienced.  Setzer could very well end up being re-acquainted with Martinsville Speedway’s winner’s circle on Sunday.

5.) Matt McCall – Matt McCall enters Martinsville with a little bit of a chip on his shoulders.  Last year, he was leading on the last lap and appeared destined for victory until a last turn “bump-and-run” from Lee Pulliam moved him out of the way and out of the win.  This year, McCall’s ready to exact revenge and collect his $25,000 severance pay.  If he’s in second place on the last lap, don’t be surprised to see the chrome horn utilized.  If he’s racing Lee Pulliam for the win, McCall won’t hesitate.

6.) Kris Bowen – It’s only a matter of time before Kris Bowen wins a race, and Martinsville could be the place.  Kris Bowen has never won a late model stock car race, but he’s always a contender every time he unloads at South Boston.  He would surprise a lot of people this weekend with a top-ten finish.  Wouldn’t it be big if his first career late model stock car victory came on it’s biggest stage.  If Philip Morris is the New York Yankees of LMSC racing, Bowen could very well end up being to LMSC racing what the 2012 Baltimore Orioles were to Major League Baseball.

7.) Mike Looney – Mike Looney was fourth fastest during open testing.  Looney competes at Motor Mile Speedway, where he won at in April.  Now, the New Castle native is coming to Martinsville with his best.  If his on-track performance during open testing was any indication, Looney will be a factor in Sunday’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.

8.) Dexter Canipe, Jr. –  Last year was the first time Dexter Canipe, Jr. raced in the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300, and he made the most of it with a fourth place finish.  Canipe, a former Hickory Motor Speedway track champion and son of a national champion, is racing in a car prepared by Greg Marlowe on a limited budget.  Canipe will be solid, and he will be around at the end for a top-ten finish.

9.) Deac McCaskill – A lot of people will be watching Southern National Motorsports Park track champion Deac McCaskill.  McCaskill was totally dominant at Southern National.  How dominant you may ask?  McCaskill was 17 times a winner at Southern National this year.  If he’s half as good at Martinsville as he has been at Southern National, he will find himself near the front.  Watch for McCaskill to hang around inside the top-ten on Sunday.

10.) Frank Deiny, Jr. – I couldn’t leave off Frank Deiny, Jr.  You just can’t talk about Martinsville without talking about Deiny.  He knows how to get the job done anywhere he goes.  He has one win on the season at Motor Mile Speedway.  He also has one win to his name at Martinsville by virtue of winning the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 in 2002.  Now, Deiny seek to add another win to his credit.  Only a fool would write off Frank Deiny, Jr.

Underdog: Mike Darne – With three wins this season at Old Dominion Speedway and five wins at 2011, it’s safe to say Darne can get the job done.  And when the big money is on the line, Darne stands to be a contender.  Twice a winner of the Youth For Tomorrow 150 at Old Dominion Speedway and a winner of the ODS Big One in 2010, beating out drivers like CE Falk and Brandon Brown, Darne knows how to take care of his car in a long run and make it to the end.  Last season, Darne was mythotical all day long and managed to survive the carnage to finish 10th.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Darne finish in the top-10 again.  If other drivers don’t take care of their equipment, Darne could play the starring role in an upset.

Kimberly Smith’s list

 

1.) Matt McCall – Enough said.

2.) Brandon Butler – Although I have never seen Brandon Butler win a race personally, he is always up front and something always seems to happen whether it be a mechanical failure or a wrecked race car. I know he is one heck of a wheel man and I think it is just about time he breaks out and takes home the hardware.

3.) Davin Scites – Davin is well known for winning the pole in this race and he always has pretty good runs at Martinsville. I think he is tired of winning the pole and just “running good” and is ready to win this race.

4.) Ronnie Bassett Jr. – Ronnie has run five NASCAR late model stock car races and, of those five races, he has won all of them. Those are some pretty strong stats. I really don’t see there being a big difference in this race. I look for him to be dominant in this race as well.

5.) Chad Harris – Chad had been missing from the late model scene for the last couple years until this year when he returned with a new car to run at Motor Mile Speedway. While he didn’t win any races this season, he has still been a consistent driver and I see this weekend being no different. I look for Chad to be smart, ride around and be up in the front by the end of the race.

6.) Stephen Berry – Unlike some of the drivers trying to make their first race at Martinsville Speedway, Stephen Berry has one up on them he has made this race before and he has missed this race before. But this year he has something different. He has Barry Beggary turning the wrenches on his car and helping him. If anyone knows anything about Barry Beggarly, they know that he knows how to get around Martinsville Speedway. Hopefully Berry has been learning everything he possibly can from Beggarly and is looking to break in the top ten this weekend.

7.) Dennis Holdren – Dennis always has a fast car and most of the time doesn’t have the finishes to back it up, but Dennis is always really good at Martinsville. I look for this to be his break out year and have the finish he deserves.

8.) Chad Finchum – After Chad missed this race last year by one position. I think Chad is ready to get up on the wheel and make it into this race. Chad has had a pretty good run going this year in Late Models winning nine races at Newport Speedway and running consistent races at Motor Mile Speedway with some of the best of the best. I look for him to hold his ground in this race and continue making a name for himself.

9.) Tim George Jr. – Well let’s see where do I start? Tim George Jr. has won a Late Model race at Tri- County Motor Speedway, ARCA race at Pocono Raceway, and he has won a Truck series pole at Kansas Speedway. If he can keep his nose clean in the race he just may find himself in the top ten by the end of the day.

10.) Kyle Dudley – I don’t look for Kyle Dudley to be the winner of this weekend’s race, but what I do look forward to is his driving style. He is a no holds barred kind of driver and does not care to move someone out of his way. And that is what is going to make the race this weekend. I don’t look for Dudley to make any friends this weekend.

Langley Austin’s list

1.) Adam Long – This pick was easy, not only did Adam Long have a breakout season this year at Kingsport Speedway, but he also won his first Motor Mile Speedway pole before moving his racing plans to Kingsport.  Jumping straight into Late Model Stock Car racing and at only the most competitive venues, Long took a little longer to get his first win, but since he’s tasted victory, he’s not about to let any chance to get there slip away.  The “King of the Concrete Jungle” could easily become the master of the paperclip this weekend.

2.) Dexter Canipe, Jr. – I know many of you are thinking that I must be drinking the Kool-Aid, but you might want to look back at the results from last year’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.  Dexter Canipe, Jr. posted a fourth place finish and it wasn’t just a fluke, he raced among the top 15 all day and inherited some positions at the end of the race due to carnage.  Look for Canipe, who’s again driving for Greg Marlowe will have a great shot at a top five finish and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a chance at victory this season.

3.) Ryan Wilson – Though he gets little to no respect in the Late Model Stock Car community, Ryan Wilson has been a winner in the division nearly every season he’s competed in it.  He’s made the race at Martinsville before only to be taken out, but this season he’s stronger than he’s ever been.  He proved that in a shootout with dominator, Lee Pulliam at Caraway in August. In the test his hotrod was fast and if he can back that up come practice this weekend, he’ll be in the mix.

4.) Clint King – Not that long ago in the Late Model Stock Car world, Clint King was looked at as the next big thing, but after winning early on at Kingsport his Late Model career faded into the night.  He’s since moved to the ARCA Racing Series and has fared very well, but now he’s back trying his hands at Late Model racing a little once again to get additional seat time.  This weekend he’ll look to put himself back on the proverbial map with a strong run at a track he’s dreamed of competing on.

5.) Derrick Lancaster – I know me mentioning him in the top 10 of the drivers to watch, gave some of you a chuckle.  However, the format change at Martinsville plays right into the veteran driver’s hands.  Lancaster is a poor qualifier, for whatever reason he just can’t seem to get a two lap blitz down.  He’s never qualified for this race, but with the practice speeds and heat races format, he might very well be a player.  And, this season back with Limited championship winning crew chief, Roger Severa, Lancaster has shown true signs of life.

6.) Keith Stiltner – If you’ve been around racing in the Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee region of Late Model racing, Keith Stiltner would be a familiar name to you.  Stilter is winner in the UARA-STARS Series and winner of countless races in countless divisions at Lonesome Pine Raceway.  The veteran driver returned to the seat of Late Model for this first time this season and in just that first race he went to victory lane.  Now, after testing a second car for his son, Ryan Stiltner at Martinsville earlier this month, he’ll return to the seat once again in the biggest race of the season.  And, while none of you will be watching him, don’t be surprised if he slips into the top ten on the results page.

7.) Jamie Byrd – A few years ago, Jamie Byrd staved off challenges from one of the top Late Model Stock Car racers anywhere, Frank Deiny, to make the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.  It was his only start in this race, but with the format change, his low budget team could stand to benefit the most this weekend.  I can easily see this young driver race his way into this race and make his second start on the 1/2 mile paperclip.

8.) Thomas Scott – Growing up in the shadows of a successful racing father (Jerry Scott), Thomas Scott has been trying to make a name for himself.  Instead of taking the road most traveled by his father in Modifieds, Thomas has been trying to make it in Late Model racing.  He’s racing against some of the best drivers in the country one some of the toughest venues anywhere, such as his home track, Ace Speedway.  This season he’s begun to venture out to other places racing at South Boston, Motor Mile and Caraway Speedway.  Now he’ll face the giant that is Martinsville Speedway.  He might be facing an underfunded challenge, but the new race format and not having to buy countless sets of tires may play to his advantage.

9.) Bryan Reedy –His last name is synonymous in Late Model Stock Car racing.  His father, Tink is a former champion at Franklin County Speedway (1987), Lonesome Pine Raceway (1990) and Motor Mile Speedway (1999).  His grandfather, Orvil is also a past champion at Franklin County Speedway (1984).  Both his father and grandfather also have competed at Martinsville Speedway and this weekend, he’ll get his first shot to do so as well.

10.) Kevin Parker –You might not even know the name, but Kevin Parker and his team are some of the best people in the garage area at any race track.  He’s a pretty good wheel man too and with the format changes, it opens the door for him to be able to compete, because while’s he’s not a good qualifier, he can race very well.

Underdog: Blake Stallings – Not many people will even recognize the name, but after this weekend you might just know exactly who Blake Stallings is.  The young driver, who won once this season in Limiteds at South Boston Speedwa,y is the son of former Late Model driver, Steve Stallings, and will be teammate to South Boston Late Model Stock Car track champion, Matt Bowling.  While he may not have the experience some of the other drivers do, having the help of Bowling, his father and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver, Timothy Peters might spell success for the young driver.