Catchfence

For the past two seasons Alex Yontz has struggled in the Bailey’s 300 at Martinsville Speedway. Those struggles may be over, though.

Yontz, who won the 2006 Bailey’s 300, was consistently the fastest of the almost 100 NASCAR Late Model Stock Car drivers who practiced at Martinsville Speedway Wednesday. It was the traditional test day for NASCAR’s most prestigious Late Model Stock race, scheduled for Sunday, October 4.

Since his 2006 Martinsville win, Yontz has not been a threat in the Bailey’s 300, getting caught up in wrecks both years. And although times were unofficial in Wednesday’s test, it was Yontz who was out front on most everyone’s stopwatch.

“We had a good car right off the truck today,” said the Walnut Cove, NC, driver, who would like to take home the $25,000 first-place check and a second of the coveted grandfather clocks that go to Martinsville winners. “We haven’t changed much on this car all year and we didn’t change anything today. It’s like we lucked up and found something this car liked.”

Yontz has scored three victories this year, but by his standards, that’s not a great year. That’s why a return to Martinsville’s tough half-mile puts a smile on his face.

“I adapted to this track pretty good when we first started coming here. I guess it’s just the characteristics of the track,” said Yontz. “It’s always fun for me to come back here. And I’m ready to be back here this year … I’m ready to come back and run well. We need it as a team.”

There were plenty of drivers nipping at Yontz’ heels in the practice, which was delayed by a little over two hours because of rain. Former Bailey’s 300 pole winners Davin Scites and Chad Harris were strong all day as was former Bailey’s 300 winner and recently-crowned NASCAR Whelen All-American National Champion Philip Morris.

Also among Wednesday’s frontrunners were South Boston Speedway champion Justin Johnson, Deac McCaskill and Brandon Butler.

The Bailey’s 300 is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4. Time trials will be held Saturday, Oct.3. Tickets are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

- Martinsville Speedway Press Release