Electric Cars

Carlos Sainz Sr., a four-time Dakar Rally champion, recently shared his profound satisfaction regarding his son, Carlos Sainz Jr.'s, remarkable podium finish at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as it represented Williams Racing's first podium since 2021 and a personal best for the younger Sainz with the team. Sainz Sr. firmly believes that this success was a direct outcome of dedicated effort and strategic prowess, rather than a stroke of luck, highlighting the intense commitment displayed by his son and the entire Williams outfit.

Sainz Jr.'s Baku Triumph and Future Aspirations

In an interview with Marca, Carlos Sainz Sr. conveyed his elation following his son's impressive performance at the Baku City Circuit. Despite being unable to attend the Formula 1 event due to his involvement in the Rally of Portugal at the Grândola bivouac, Sainz Sr. closely followed the race. He praised the clean and well-earned nature of the podium, underscoring that it was not influenced by external factors like yellow flags, safety cars, rain, or tire strategy mishaps. Starting from the front row, Sainz Jr. skillfully navigated his Williams car to secure a third-place finish, positioned behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell. This result not only marked Williams' first podium since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix but also provided a significant boost for team principal James Vowles, who joined the team in 2023. The senior Sainz described the Williams podium as a \"very special achievement,\" one that he had initially deemed improbable. Following the race, father and son discussed the future, with a clear focus on sustaining this momentum. Sainz Jr. is now determined to build upon this success, aiming for further podium finishes and a strong conclusion to the current season. The team also harbors aspirations for a competitive car in the upcoming year, particularly with the impending regulation changes in Formula 1.

This significant accomplishment at Baku serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and unwavering dedication can yield extraordinary results, even in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. Carlos Sainz Jr.'s podium finish not only brought joy to his family and team but also ignited a renewed sense of hope and ambition for Williams Racing. It underscores the importance of a clear vision and consistent effort in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence on the global stage.

Experience the Thrill: Martinsville's Premier Late Model Showdown!

The Unsung Hero of Martinsville Racing

Many racing aficionados might not be aware of Martinsville Speedway's most exhilarating stock car event. This race, distinct from more widely recognized competitions, consistently delivers high-octane action and is a personal favorite of the track's president.

Evolution of Stock Car Racing

Before the establishment of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a division known as Late Model Sportsman captivated audiences. Its immense popularity eventually paved the way for a major touring circuit, which blossomed into the second most prominent motorsports series in the nation.

The Enduring Legacy of Late Model Stock Cars

As earlier models adapted for larger venues such as Daytona and Michigan, the Late Model Sportsman vehicles transformed into the Late Model Stock class. For nearly four decades, this category has reigned as the premier weekly racing platform across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Technical Specifications of Late Model Stock Cars

Despite advancements in vehicle geometry and aerodynamics, the foundational principles of these racing machines largely mirror those from when iconic driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. began his career in the early 1990s at Myrtle Beach Speedway. A detailed analysis from Short Track Scene reveals that a Late Model Stock chassis mirrors a national touring car, featuring a steering box, center link, and a 51-inch truck arm. These vehicles typically weigh between 3,050 and 3,100 pounds. Similar to vintage Cup Series cars before the Next Gen era, Late Model Stocks employ a truck arm suspension derived from a 1964 Chevy pickup. Their trailing arms are rigidly bolted, limiting adjustability, and they boast a higher roll cage (47 inches) compared to their Super Late Model counterparts (39 inches).

The CARS Tour Connection

NASCAR enthusiasts are increasingly familiar with these cars, particularly since Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a consortium in acquiring the CARS Tour in 2023. These are the identical vehicles that compete in that series.

A Non-Points Spectacle with High Stakes

However, the most significant annual event for these cars is actually sanctioned by NASCAR as a non-points battle. It unites competitors from various tours and weekly tracks, including Hickory, South Boston, Dominion, Florence, Wake County, and Tri-County.

The Coveted Grandfather Clock and Prize Money

Consequently, the upcoming race will attract over 70 entrants vying for just 40 starting positions and a grand prize of $32,500. This excludes the renowned Ridgeway Grandfather Clock, a trophy awarded to every NASCAR winner, symbolizing immense prestige for weekly racers who, for one weekend each year, are celebrated like Cup Series stars.

Bobby McCarty's Perspective on Martinsville

Three-time CARS Tour champion Bobby McCarty, despite not yet winning this particular race, expresses profound appreciation for the privilege of competing at Martinsville. He reflects on how, with age, he has learned to value the opportunity to race on such hallowed grounds where legends have competed, rather than solely focusing on victory.

Leadership's Commitment to Grassroots Racing

Clay Campbell, the track president and grandson of founder H. Clay Earles, plays a pivotal role in ensuring these weekend racers feel acknowledged and valued. He is a staunch advocate for short track racing within NASCAR's corporate offices in Charlotte and Daytona.

A Nurturing Ground for Future Talent

Campbell emphasizes NASCAR's renewed focus on weekly series and Late Model racing. He notes the increased presence of NASCAR personnel at promotional events, underscoring the organization's recognition that the future of the sport—including drivers, officials, and media—emerges from these grassroots events.

The Ultimate Racer's Challenge

This race has served as a launchpad for national touring careers for drivers such as Mark Martin, Timothy Peters, Josh Berry, and Carson Kvapil. It also provides a prominent stage for veteran drivers whose talent is undeniable but whose budgets might limit their progression to Sunday races. Noteworthy participants include Ty Majeski, Bobby McCarty, Bubba Pollard, Connor Hall, Landon Huffman, and Ronnie Bassett Jr., who regularly join the competition. Past winners include grassroots icons like Lee Pullliam, Peyton Sellers, Philip Morris, Mike Looney, Dennis Setzer, and current NASCAR crew chief Alex Yontz, along with spotter Frank Deiny. This event embodies the spirit of racing, where drivers compete with unbridled intensity.

The Cutthroat Heat Races

To secure one of the 40 coveted spots in the main event, competitors must navigate through one of four demanding 25-lap heat races. Only the top ten from each heat advance, making these preliminary races fiercely competitive, with drivers pushing the limits to qualify.

The Spectacle of Short Track Racing

Landon Huffman, a celebrated racer at 29, views this event as his personal Daytona 500, embracing a career path in Late Model Stocks despite not reaching the Cup Series. He highlights the intense passion of grassroots racing, where approximately 80 drivers are singularly focused on winning, making the heat races a thrilling spectacle. For those who appreciate raw, old-school racing characterized by close quarters and determined drivers, this event is a must-watch.

A Melting Pot of Generations

Peyton Sellers, an eight-time champion at South Boston and winner of the 2022 race, shares a similar sentiment. He describes the event as a convergence of future stars and experienced drivers, all driven by the desire for the clock, not points or playoff implications. He notes the remarkable competitiveness, with 40 cars often separated by mere tenths of a second after qualifying, and observes the diverse motivations of young, hungry talents and older, established racers, creating a unique and compelling competition.

Dramatic Culmination on the Commonwealth Half-Mile

The event culminates in a 200-lap main race on the Commonwealth half-mile track, which has historically delivered numerous thrilling and dramatic finishes.

A Track President's Cherished Event

Campbell expresses immense pride in all the races hosted at his family's esteemed venue, including two Cup races, two Xfinity races, a Truck Series race, a Whelen Modified Tour event, and the Mazda MX-5 Cup's exclusive oval competition. Despite this diverse calendar, the ValleyStar 300 remains his personal favorite.

Controlled Chaos and Future Stars

Campbell characterizes the ValleyStar 300 as an incredibly exciting race, marked by a form of "controlled chaos" where aggressive maneuvers are an accepted part of the competition. He believes it showcases talented drivers who will likely become household names in the Cup Series within five years, offering spectators the unique opportunity to witness future champions in their formative years.

Catch the Action Live

The race will be broadcast live on Saturday, available for viewing on both FloRacing and the free Tubi NASCAR channel, ensuring fans don't miss any of the excitement.