NASCAR mid-summer weekend at Richmond Raceway was a hot one. Temperatures pushed well into the nineties and the racing brought a challenge to teams and drivers. The late July schedule brought the Craftsman Series Trucks and NASCAR Cup to the Virginia capitol city on Saturday, July 29th.
The trucks faced a deadline as the Worldwide Express 250 at Richmond was the last race to make the series Playoffs. A win to secure or a points ride sufficient to cling to a spot was essential. Ty Majeski was going for it with a pole start and both stage wins. However, a pit road speeding mistake put him back in the field. This proved to be the point that upset the evening for the #98 ThorSport Racing Ford.
Majeski was able to race back to the front but it cost him a late race pit stop so he was out on track racing against fresh rubber on competitors’ trucks as the laps wound down. Those newer tires allowed #42 Niece Motorsports Chevy driver, Carson Hocevar, driving with the title sponsor Worldwide Express on the panels, to take the lead with three laps to go. The Richmond win for Hocevar made his third of the season as he drove from a 17th place start to win the night.
Majeski still had season points to make the Playoffs. The win would have been a boost but Majeski, Nicholas Sanchez, Matt Dibenedetto and series veteran Matt Crafton just made it in on points.
Corey Heim, Zane Smith, Carson Hocevar, Christian Eckes, Grant Enfinger, Ty Majeski, Ben Rhodes and Nicholas Sanchez, Matt Dibenedetto and Matt Crafton are racing into the Round of Ten with their next race coming at Indianapolis.
PHOTO GALLERY – Worldwide Express 250 – Craftsman Series Trucks at Richmond Raceway
Honestly… Well, it was a bit of a surprise. Pulaski County Motorsports Park has its share of history and holds a place for Virginia racing. That does not set aside certain realities of the facility. The season started as Motor Mile Speedway but was changed just weeks in to Pulaski County Motorsports Park.
The pieces fell together with a huge draw and a packed house for Thursday, July 27th. The name change highlights the region and the facility and the variety of attractions all together with a visit from a premiere racing series. The Matt Hagan connection to Tony Stewart / NHRA and the Motor Mile dealership cemented the foundation for the Superstar Racing Experience to wave a green flag over this racetrack with big time racing.
The SRX Racing show came in with a bang. The grandstands were packed. It was a pleasant site after seeing a season of open seating leading in. The showcase of a national spotlight and exiting racing should invite a few more fans to visit this track that does have a lot to offer.
(We’ll set aside some of the staffing issues that created some bottlenecks. We’ll also set aside our assistance for getting fans to their seats in the VIP viewing area housed under the control center. Our impression, after said and done, was that despite a few hiccups, the event went off very well and was quite a crowd pleaser.)
*Thank you, Mark, for getting us set where we were to get some work done on site. Thank you, Jasmine, for stepping up to fill some holes and get the edges smoothed over and for helping us help fans get to their spot. It is quite possible this event may have fallen into its own weight without Jasmine there to herd some cats and wrangle some ferrets…
The racing…? Well… It delivered on many fronts. The Collision Plus Sportsman ran with a 20 car field to start…. And then start again. In short, Kyle Barnes and Kyle Dudley were shuffled to the back but both made moves forward. Drew Bond had the starting pole but fell back as the 50 laps wound down. The shuffle for positions kept the racing lively but it was Brad Foy at the finish for the win with Karl Budzevski in for 2nd and Kyle Dudley racing back up to 3rd. Jacob Porter and Richard Caldwell rounded the top 5.
*Considering the short track attention, it would have been nive for ESPN to roll a 5 minute highlight recap of the support race before they got to the SRX main… But maybe we’re just wishing…
The SRX event was a ringer. Some cars were needing some heavy wrench time after the race was run. The next race is a bit of a haul to Michigan and Berlin raceway so the work on those cars will need as much time as they can get.
The heat races went off OK but Clint Bowyer had an engine go into “mystery mode” after heat 1 but got running hot enough to win heat 2. The car served well enough in the main to bring it in for 2nd place. Tony Stewart raced on for 3rd after being shuffled around a bit and taking a hit or two. Kyle Busch, making his SRX debut, drove it in for the win.
For the most part, the SRX racing is an exhibition, for fun, show for short track fans to see some of the biggest stars of racing turn laps on their home turf. However, the message does not always get to the drivers as the green flag drops and “race mode” is on. In short, some cars were damaged quite well. It made for exciting racing for the fans but an expensive fix for the next week.
A full house at Pulsaki County Motorsports Park was a sight to see. Having top tier racing stars come to the hills of southwest Virginia was a big deal. Some of these same drivers (Hailie Deegan, Ryan Newman, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch) were headed to Richmond Raceway for NASCAR weekend. Some fans don’t get a chance to see drivers like this in person so the short track visits with SRX is an exciting boost.
The SuperStar Racing Experience is a short, summer series designed to highlight short tracks and fans. Yes, the drivers bring the name but the fans fill the seats. Let’s hope this attention to this part of Virginia racing boosts some attendance forward for the local stars that make it happen week in and week out!
PHOTO Gallery – SRX at Pulaski County Motorsports Park – July 27, 2023
The “Motor Mile” name change is coming around to all aspects of the Radford, VA race facility. As with any change like this, it takes a little time for all the pieces to fall into place. The oval track had taken the name “Pulaski County Motorsports Park” early on this year (2023). With that was also the kart track and the “Rusty Wallace Racing Experience” availability for fans to get a taste of driving a stock car.
The drag strip took a little more time to show the new colors. The oval and strip are still separated with website domains but the “Pulaski County” moniker is now on both web and social media sites.
Schedules are full for both sides and all that is needed is a little more local support.
With that, we took a day to visit the strip during an “IHRA Sportsman Spectacular” event. The International Hot Rod Association has gone through some changes itself but the sponsors and participants are pushing forward with a charge.
There were plenty of entrants and variety of division and body style. Performance was tested up front with paired racing later in the day balanced with some handicap applied to starts. The “Sportsman Spectacular” did deliver over the day. It is all too easy for this format of racing to fall behind but the event flowed easy enough.
Well… The rain delay did hold things a bit… A bit over an hour… But they ran it well up to the next rain… Sunday may have a little more on the schedule…
The point is that racing is on at the drag strip side of Pulaski County Motorsports Park. The variety on the schedule and the level of competition is often on the edge. There is plenty of time left this season to make your way there.
On that… The last Thursday in July is a national showcase of the facility and the region as the Superstar Racing Experience comes to the oval. This will be the 3rd SRX race of the 2023 season and sure to be a “must see” for race fans.
The trick will be to push that attention into the remainder of the Pulaski County Motorsports Park season. Come on out and enjoy some “home town” racing.
Photos: IHRA Sportsman Spectacular – Saturday, July 15, 2023 – Pulaski County Motorsports Park
**Results for the Sentara late Model – Thunder Road Harley Davidson 200 updated due to disqualification of race night winner.
The calendar presents a timeline that, on the surface, does not add up. Circumstances of reality, however, put us on the tenth anniversary of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown.
What is it? It is a cooperative set of races from three tracks in Virginia. Previously, these tracks had showcase events focused on each track but the results only held the prestige and payouts assigned by each facility. A discussion was held to tie events together with combined results carrying to each track for a big payout. Clay Campbell of Martinsville Speedway was directly involved with Langley Speedway (Bill Mullis) and South Boston Speedway (Cathy Rice) leading into 2012 for the first year of the “Triple Crown”.
When is it? South Boston hosts the first of the three races. The Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 for early July. Langley has the Hampton Heat in late July. Martinsville Speedway has the finale, the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, in September.
The payouts…? The best, combined result of the three races wins $7,000, second takes $2,000 and third gets $1,000. That, of course, is on top of each track purse earned on race day by the winners and designated place payouts.
The timeline. Yes, the first sanctioned “Triple Crown” ran in 2012. Phillip Morris won the day but it was C.E. Falk III that had the carry over results from SoBo and Langley to win the first “Triple Crown”. However, circumstances prevented the Triple Crown from happening for two separate years. Martinsville still held their big late model race in 2016 but Langley Speedway had owner/management issues for 2016 and did not run. For 2020, racing nationwide was rattled by the Covid pandemic.
That puts us here. The tenth running of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown and the opening race at South Boston Speedway. The Sentara Late Model race, 200 lap finale closed the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson (presented by Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort) evening of racing.
The track attendance was, in a word, huge. Fans were still arriving as the front stretch was open for meet and greet with drivers during an autograph session. Weather threatened the racing, and even cut short the autographs, as rain came in with a rumble of thunder. Track drying was on and even more fans came as the scheduled green flag was ready to fly.
A full lot and line of fans ready for racing at South Boston Speedway
The evening event ran support races from the regular points schedule for SoBo. Running on the big night gave these drivers a big audience. Opening ceremonies also gave fans a sky show as the Bandit Flight Team from Raleigh, NC flew over with the National Anthem.
Budweiser Limited Sportsman (40 laps): Eric Winslow started up front and drove to the win. The action was hot behind Winslow with challengers going for position bringing a lap one caution. The racing settled a bit but Winslow couldn’t be caught. Jason Myers gave it a good shot but only enough for second place. Bob Davis, Justin Dawson and Drew Dawson rounded out the top-five from the 14 drivers that started.
Southside Disposal Pure Stock (20 laps): Bruce Mayo was a dominant force leading most of the race and taking the checkers. He got by Johnny Layne and held defending division champion, Scott Phillips, in the mirror for his first win of this season. Phillips finished second, Layne was third with Zach Reaves and Andrew Turner filling the top five.
Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets (20 laps): Jason DeCarlo also ran a dominant race with a pole start and an up front run of the distance. The win is also his first of the season. Steven Layne drove to second. Kendall Milam took third as D.J. Moser and Dillon Davis rolled in the top five.
Sentara Late Model / Triple Crown Leg One (200 laps): Carson Kvapil seemed to have the night with a race leading drive to the checkered flag. **However – post race inspection and deliberation determined a rear shock was out of division spec so the race win went to Bobby McCarty. Landon Huffman was also disqualified with a shock issue and a rear end housing not in compliance.
Brenden Queen started on pole but fell back a bit. Queen still put the pressure on but Bobby McCarty and Landon Huffman were there as the race came into the final laps to make challenges to Kvapil. At the checkers, McCarty finished second with Huffman on for third. Queen came in fourth and Trevor Ward filled the top five.
**With the disqualifications, the official top five are: Bobby McCarty, Brenden Queen, Trevor Ward, Landon Pembelton, Jacob Borst.
Thirty-five drivers started and the crowded field with challenges for position threw the caution seven times for 25 percent of the race. Those challenges took their toll as drivers retired with damage beyond race time repair. As an example, defending Virginia Late Model Triple Crown winner, Peyton Sellers took heavy damage early on and managed to get back out for a few laps before retiring. The damage may put pressure on Sellers for the season as his points lead at South Boston also took a hit.
Drivers came in from around the region and some were heading home with damaged cars. Rivals from Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Mike Looney and Kyle Dudley, were both going home bruised. Dudley had even been challenging in the top five for his part but a 3 wide squeeze turned him with a crash just after the half way point that caught Looney and retired at least three or four others. Also crashing out was Layne Riggs. The defending track champion and NAAPWS 2022 champion was caught up racing for position with Landon Pembelton as contact put Riggs into the wall.
Peyton Sellers and team (left) work on the #25 trying to get back on track. Layne Riggs and team (right) with the damaged and out #99
The next leg for the Virginia Triple Crown is at Langley Speedway later in July. The finale runs at Martinsville Speedway later in the year.
*This article has been updated due to official findings and results following technical post race inspections.
Full Photo Gallery – Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 / South Boston Speedway
There has been a bit of a change up in the New River Valley of Virginia. The track walls, social media and official press and public news now showcase “Pulaski County Motorsports Park” rather than “Motor Mile Speedway”. The Shelor Auto Group ownership of the facility has not changed. “Motor Mile Dragway“, so far, continues to operate under the “Motor Mile” moniker. The negotiation and announcement of the SRX (Superstar Racing Experience) event in July at Pulaski County came with involvement of Matt Hagan (NHRA Champion) and his connection to Tony Stewart, SRX Owner and Team Owner. Hagan, of course, is directly connected with family and owners of the Shelor Auto Group and the racing facility.
With all of that, the name change to “Pulaski County Motorsports Park” did raise some questions but that seems to have settled. Speedway Management LLC with involvement of the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience has an agreement that is current through this season. We can only assume that 2024 and beyond is under consideration for all involved. Any discussion beyond 2023 is being held very close and, we’re certain, eyes are on for the success of the SRX event. We know we’re looking forward to it!
The NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series is proceeding, even as preps are made for the SRX visit in July. For the June 10th “School’s Out” event, Kyle Barnes was a big, double shot winner in the Collision Plus Sportsman division. The DCT Towing Super Street winner was Jimmy Mullins. The Total Car Care Mod-4 winner was Daniel Hutson and the Stock-6 winner was Darrell Allen. Mike Looney did a number on the Price’s Body Shop Late Model race by driving through the field and taking another Pulaski County win.
Photos from June 10 – School’s Out For Summer Night – Pulaski County Motorsports Park
There are racetracks across Virginia that have faded into dying memories and a few lingering photos. These places are plowed over for other development or just taken back by nature. It was very recently that a “lost tracK” was brought back from neglect and deterioration in North Carolina. The NASCAR Cup All Star race just ran at North Wilkesboro which has been refurbished and brought back after sitting, mostly unused, since 1996. For all real expectation, North Wilkesboro was done.
With tracks fading and many completely gone, stories of comebacks are very rare. It is also a bit of luck that tracks that have managed to escape the grip of time and scattered attentions remain open and running. The tracks that still race have been kept alive by any number of reasons but dedicated support, re-investment and management, plus a bit of luck, have played a big part.
We just visited Natural Bridge Speedway a bit ago. It’s a dirt oval in the midst of a “comeback” season. We now can put Franklin County Speedway on the 2023 list. This track, nudged back in the hills of Callaway, a few miles out of Boones Mill and Roanoke, has had its own share of setbacks. It has been on the brink of being a “lost track” more than once. Sheer determination and careful investment and some long hours have kept Franklin County in the mix of hot lap racing. Some big, touring series are on the schedule including the SMART Modified Tour which just ran the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.
How big of a deal is it…? Well, fans of modified racing will recognize names such as Burt Myers, Brian Loftin and Tim Brown (among others on the track). NASCAR names such Champion Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman (both in the NASCAR top 75 drivers list) were suited up and racing at Franklin County. Those are NASCAR Cup stars, racing at a track that just a few years ago was struggling to keep water flowing for working toilets.
The cars and drivers were lined up on the track early to meet and greet with race fans. The front stretch was full and active as folks met drivers, got some autographs and a few selfie photos.
The Kenny Minter Classic featuring the SMART Modified Tour also had Carolina Crates, East Coast Flatheads and Virginia Vintage Racers on track with local Stock-4 drivers filling the evening. Whoever was in charge of the hamsters got them running on the wheels to get the track lights on but the overhead PA system apparently had a screw loose someplace and stayed quiet. The scoreboard has been dark for a while so, without the PA announcements, keeping up is just a bit difficult. Perhaps, just as a suggestion, some kind of display could be set in the main building…?
Just a friendly suggestion…
The 110 lap Minter Classic / SMART race ran just about 2 hours. The racing was hot and fast but cautions threw the wrench a few times with some holding laps under a red flag stop. Tim Brown held the lead for a good part of the first half with some challenges from Ryan Newman and Joey Coulter and Bobby Labonte throwing in for a round or two. Burt Myers kept himself in the hunt while chasing Coulter for the later laps and managed the lead in time to take the checkers.
Burt Myers had the win, Joey Coulter and Brandon Ward came in second and third while Ryan Newman, surviving slight damage that forced a pit stop fix, hung on for fourth.
The Carolina Crates hit a red flag snag as Tanner Young in the #33 crashed at the entrance to turn 1 which tore the car up and pulled a piece of the guard rail out. Young was OK but the rail post had to be removed. The 602 Carolina Mods finished their 62 laps with a top three of Jack Baldwin, Devin Steele and Cody Norman.
Vintage racing is always a fun watch with two associated groups taking the flags at Franklin County. Modified and Sportsman classes in the East Coast Flathead Ford Racing Association put their classic rides on display and to the test. The Modified winner was Jeremy Cox and the Sportsman winner was Wayne Lawson.
For the Virginia Vintage Racers, it was Barry Dalton in the Modified #05 and Shawn Otey in the Sportsman #10 that took the top spots.
The Stock-4 field ran between the SMART and the Carolina 602 Mods. The Hexed / Hinchee #20 took the class win.
Let’s be clear. Yes, we’ve made some lighthearted hits at FCS but that in no way should imply anything but respect for the work of the promoters and staff of Franklin County Speedway. The infrastructure there is being worked as time and cash flow allow. They have done a lot of work and continue to do so. For spectators, the show and the facility is ready for you. The place is a little rough around the edges and, if you look closely, you can be taken back in time a little bit. Bring a comfy, folding chair and be ready to take in some racing that showcases classic, short track tradition. That is part of the charm that makes places like Franklin County Speedway keep the lights on and the laps fast.
There is no doubt that this annual event has grown. It has become a “must attend” weekend for many and the event is known all along the eastern part of the USA. The host location, Virginia International Raceway, is a racing destination for IMSA, GT World Challenge, Trans-Am and more. Driving and car clubs meet, learn and race there. Track training from Kaizen Autosport and Skip Barber operate through here. VIR even hosts a premiere rock and roll festival (Blue Ridge Rock Festival)…
Hyperfest features track action with NASA Mid-Atlantic (National Auto Sport Association) racing through several divisions. NASA is an enthusiast based racing platform with street and specialized classes with advancement and safe racing within similar ranks. It is hands on with emphasis training on safe yet exhilarating racing.
The educational and spectator racing is a core of Hyperfest. However, there is so much more. The drifting showcase is a crowd favorite with big variety and participation. USDrift, based in Virginia, is a sideways driving force in the show with organization and training for novice drivers.
There are off-road rides and challenges. A fast and fun kart course is featured. A car show is featured with host Speed-Trend Society. The racing also includes a bizarre, yet entertaining, “Power Wheels” race featuring kid’s cars, a big hill, gravity and, apparently, water balloons….
Off-track events draw with open ended RC World racing and drifting sponsored and catered by Hobby Town. After hours turned up the sound with live music and a DJ party.
For automotive fans, there is not much that can beat the total facility show that is “Hyperfest”. The variety of show and performance is almost overwhelming. You can take a five minute walk and see sports car racing, drifting, cars on display, shopping, and have a smoothie. A short wait and a shuttle trailer train comes by and can give you a ride to the “Oak Tree” turn and the other paddock for more racing views.
Hyperfest is a “Car Party” for car people and car stuff. It is morning to night speed, spill and sport. But… (There is always a “but”…) this year the event started with a bit of a snag. It is no use glossing over it or ignoring it as a large percentage of fans experienced it…
Getting in was a bit of a pain… Cars were stretched back in a line to the “old church” and holding. It was the highlight of social media as Friday was opening and the focus should have been on the fun. To be fair, the total slam of people arriving was over the top. With that, there is also advance information on ticket sales so being prepared for the volume could have been just a tad better. But, with that, one of the issues at VIR is the way in and out. There is but one. Are there plans to increase access points? VIR is in a spot that has zoning and construction considerations so expanding roads for more access may be a “wishlist” item. For Hyperfest, lessons from 2023 are being taken forward with planning for 2024. For fans, if you can, come in on Thursday and miss the most of the sitting in the car and get the most of the Hyperfest fun! It should also be noted, Saturday traffic was much different as the drive in was straight there. It’s quite likely most were either already in and camping, or went straight in as they already had the armband access.
The “getting in” was the only real snag. There were food trucks on site which greatly expanded the food fare available. (The Pagoda paddock grill is a weak link. The food demand is just too high for this one outlet. Food trucks are a welcome addition when there) Once inside, the schedule of events was non-stop with something for every taste in automotive action. Watch, ride along, participate, shop souvenirs… It’s on at Hyperfest.
*OK… Check your six!!! The sheer volume of personal vehicle traffic is insane. Golf carts are one thing… Add ATVs, motorcycles, mini-bikes, scooters, “hoverboards”, etc… Just be aware of the surroundings. If you bring a “vehicle”, electric or gas, or whatever… You will need to purchase a paddock pass for it. Just keep that in mind and be careful.
We go to a lot of events. NASCAR, short track, dirt track… We find Virginia International Raceway to be a highlight and welcome any opportunity to visit. Hyperfest is a great introduction to VIR and a great weekend of variety that is unmatched. For automotive enthusiasts and fans, it really is a “car party”!
Photo Gallery – Hyperfest 2023 – Virginia International Raceway – May 19-21, 2023
