Catchfence

MARTINSVILLE, VA (September 23, 2010) – If Wednesday’s test session was any indication, the field for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 is going to be large and fast.

Well over 90 cars were on hand for Wednesday’s test session, the most in recent memory and probably more than half of them have a chance to win the pole for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 on October 3.

The fastest of the fast during the final test session before the biggest NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race of the season was Lee Pulliam of Semora, NC. Pulliam, who races regularly at South Boston Speedway and finished second in that track’s championship race, was at the front of the field all day long Wednesday.

There was no official timing during Wednesday’s test, but Pulliam’s name repeatedly popped up as the fastest during pit-road polls of those with stop watches. He was consistently clocked under the qualifying record for the event, set a year ago by Davin Scites of Davidson, NC.

“We’ve been working really hard,” Pulliam said when asked about his fast laps. “I think a lot of it is the teamwork we have. We’ve been getting better and better each week of the season.”

And Pulliam admitted he had a little extra incentive to go faster in preparing for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.

“We’ve been here three times and I’ve never made the race. I’ve got a fire to win races and I’ve got a big fire to win this race,” said Pulliam, who recorded five wins this season. “I told the team at the start of the year that I really wanted to run well here.”

But just because Pulliam was the fastest Wednesday doesn’t mean he’s an automatic to win the pole during qualifying on October 2. There were many fast drivers right behind him Wednesday, including former race winner and national champion Philip Morris, former Whelen All-American Series national champion Peyton Sellers, Dustin Johnson, South Boston Speedway champion and C.E. Falk, South Boston Speedway runner-up this year.

“We’re pretty good,” said Sellers of Danville. “We’re not lightning fast, but I think we’re going to be good for the race. And the motor we had today had a lot of laps on it. We’ve got a fresh one for next week. If we don’t make the top 22, I think we’ll have a strong car for the race.”

The Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 weekend will begin with practice and time trials on Saturday, October 2. The fastest 22 cars in qualifying will earn starting berths in the main event.

There will be four 25-lap qualifying races to kick the action off on Sunday, October 3, followed by the 200-lap main event.

Tickets for the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 are $20 and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

- Martinsville Speedway Press Release