Racing Edition 1

Motorsports
AcAdeMy
expAnds to
two teAMs
see story, pAGe 16
w South Boston
Speedway opens
its 2010 season
Saturday at
2 p.m. with the
NASCAR Whelen
All-American A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF
Series Twin 75s. THE GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010
CMYK
2 RACING 2010 FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | THE GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN
Racing Returns To SBS This Weekend

By Joe chAndler
SpoRTS EdiToR
L
ast year four first-time champions
emerged when South Boston Speed-
way completed its points season.
Will that be the case this season, or will
there be some repeat title winners?
Those questions will take a little more
than six months to answer, but the road to
the 2010 season championship begins Sat-
urday when South Boston Speedway kicks
off its season with the 2 p.m. running of
the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
Twin 75s racing program.
Twin 75-lap races for the NASCAR
Whelen All-American Series Late Model
Stock Car Division will headline Saturday’s
action with races for the track’s Limited
Sportsman Division, Pure Stock Division
and Southern Vintage Modified Division
also on tap.
Saturday’s race is the first of 19 events
that have been scheduled for the .4-mile
oval this season. A total of 22 points races
have been slated for the NASCAR Whelen
All-American Series Late Model Stock Car
Division competitors this season.
Included on the 2010 South Boston
JoE CHANdLER/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
Speedway schedule are six special events,
five for touring series. the field of nAscAr whelen All-American series late Model stock cars heads to the start/finish line to take the green flag for the 2009 sea-
The first of South Boston Speedway’s son finale at south Boston speedway.
touring series events comes up Saturday K&N Pro Series, fans will see veteran driv- Whelen All-American Series Late Model line on its ticket prices and is not increas-
afternoon April 3 when the stars and cars ers competing against some of the country’s Stock Car Division again this season. ing its ticket prices this season. General
of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified most talented young drivers who are look- The first of those events will be the admission tickets for South Boston Speed-
Tour join those of the NASCAR K&N Pro ing to climb the ladder in NASCAR racing.” track’s annual pre-Fourth of July rac- way’s regular fare of NASCAR Whelen
Series for a unique racing doubleheader The USARacing Pro Cup Series, the ing extravaganza, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series events will be priced
that will feature a 150-lap race for each of series that many fans remember as the Late Model 200 on Friday night, July 2. A at $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7-12
the two touring series. former Hooters Pro Cup Series, will make 200-lap NASCAR Late Model Stock Car when accompanied by a paying adult. Kids
This event will mark the second straight two stops at South Boston Speedway this Division race will headline that program, ages six and under will be admitted free
year that NASCAR’s powerful open-wheel season. a program that also will include a 100-lap when accompanied by a paying adult.
Modifieds have come to South Boston A 250-lap race on Saturday night, June Limited Sportsman Division race and a For the special events, adult tickets will
Speedway for an early-season race. For 12, will mark the series’ first stop here. The 50-lap race for the Pure Stock Division. A be priced at $15 in advance and $20 at the
those fans who are not familiar with the series will crown its national champion dazzling Fourth of July fireworks display gate. Youths ages 7-12 will be admitted for
NASCAR K&N Pro Series, this is the here on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 6, in a will follow the racing action. $10 when accompanied by a paying adult.
series that last season was known as the 300-lap season finale. On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 16, South Kids ages six and under will be admitted
NASCAR Camping World East Series. It “The racing in the USARacing Pro Cup Boston Speedway will hold its big late- free when accompanied by a paying adult.
features a handful of veteran racers as well Series is intense and exciting,” Rice said. season event, the NASCAR Whelen Late “We understand the dynamics of the
as a handful of young developing drivers “South Boston Speedway has hosted this Model 300, a 300-lap race featuring the economy that we’re facing right now,” Rice
racing with teams backed by some of the series for several years and the events here region’s top NASCAR Late Model Stock said.
noted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. have been popular among competitors and Car Division drivers and teams. “To help our fans, we are not increasing
“We are pleased to have both of these fans alike.” “These two events are favorites for fans our ticket prices. Fans will be able to attend
NASCAR touring series returning for the The PASS Super Late Model Series will and competitors alike,” Rice remarked. our events this season for the same price as
2010 season,” said South Boston Speedway return to South Boston Speedway for a “There is no better racing and no better last year.
General Manager Cathy Rice. 150-lap event on Saturday night, August competition than that in the NASCAR “We appreciate the support our fans
“The racing in both series was outstand- 28, joining the NASCAR Whelen All-Amer- Whelen All-American Series Late Model have given us through the years,” added
ing when they were here last season. As ican Series Late Model Stock Car Division Stock Car Division. Fans will see the best Rice.
many fans know, the Modifieds are the and the competitors of the regional touring of the best drivers in those events and “We look forward to seeing them return
most powerful cars in NASCAR racing, and Rolling Thunder Modified Series. should mark these two events on their rac- this season and are looking forward to an-
South Boston Speedway has a rich history South Boston Speedway also will host its ing calendar.” other great season of racing here at South
with NASCAR Modified racing. With the two annual major events for the NASCAR South Boston Speedway is holding the Boston Speedway.”
FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | THE GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN RACING 2010 3
2010 Season Kicks

Off This Weekend!
2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

NASCAR Whelen All-American (Tentative Schedule: Subject to Change)
DATE EVENT/DIVISIONS
Series Twin 75’s MARCH 13*
MARCH 20*
T - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / SV Modifieds
Late Model / Limited / T - Pure Stock / Legendary Flatheads
Saturday
APRIL 3* NASCAR K&N Pro Series
NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour “Double Header”
APRIL 17 T - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock
APRIL 24 USG Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock /SV Modifieds
AFTERNOON MAY 8
MAY 15
MAY 29
Halifax Business Appreciation Night –
T - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / Legendary Flatheads
NASCAR Whelen Late Model / T - Limited / Pure Stock / /SV Modifieds
Italian Delight T - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / SV Modifieds
March 13TH JUNE 12

JUNE 19
USARacing Pro Cup Series 250 presented by Strutmasters.com/Rolling
Thunder Modified 75
CenturyLink T - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / SV Modifieds

FEATURING 5 ACTION
JULY 2** NASCAR Whelen Late Model 200 / Limited 100 / Pure Stock 50 / Fireworks
JULY 17 T - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / SV Modifieds
JULY 24 Late Model / T - Limited / Pure Stock / Legendary Flatheads
PACKED RACES JULY 31

AUG. 14
Country Cares St. Jude Night Late Model / Limited / T-Pure Stock / SV Modifieds
Sunoco presents Anderson Lawn Care Night Late Model / T - Limited / Pure Stock / SV Modifieds
Gates open 12 Noon Aug. 28

SEPT. 4
PASS Super Late Model 150 / T-NASCAR Whelen Late Model / Rolling Thunder Modified 75
GCR presents Spaulding Equipment Night Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / SV Modifieds
OCT. 16* NASCAR Whelen Late Model 300
GREEN FLAG 2 P.M. NOV. 6* USARacing Pro Cup Series Championship 300 presented by Strutmasters.com / TBA
Adults $10.00
Kids 6 & Under Free * Day Races / **Friday Night Race / T-Twin / SV – Southern Vintage
Tickets & Information 877-440-1540

www.southbostonspeedway.com
CMYK
Anderson Returns As Driver, Crew Chief

By Joe chAndler like to win a championship as a crew ment and tools capable of doing that. “It’s a good opportunity,” he remarked.
SpoRTS EdiToR chief. We’re financially not stable enough to do “George has been helping me for the
This season, Anderson, who last year that with the sponsorship help we have.” last several years and I have helped
B
ruce Anderson has experienced won his first career NASCAR Whelen All- Anderson has Annin Flag Company, George a lot on his racing. I’m really
what it is like to win races and American Series Late Model Stock Car Cherokee Tobacco Company and Center- thankful for the opportunity he and Jesse
championships as a driver. Last Division race in his rookie season in the ville Cellular returning as sponsors this have given me to drive that car. It’s good
year, he also found out division at South Boston Speedway, will season. As a result of the economy, he is equipment.”
what it feels again drive a limited schedule of races missing several sponsors that have been Anderson said he also appreciates hav-
for his own team. with him in the past, putting him a posi- ing the opportunity to work with Pembel-
He also will again serve as crew tion where he may not be able to afford to ton and gain experience on the other side
chief for defending South Boston run as many races this season as he did of the pit wall.
Speedway NASCAR Limited last year. “Last year we did Brian Pembelton’s
Sportsman Division champion “The great group of sponsors we have deal and were able to win the Limited
Brian Pembelton of Amelia. had in the past were unable to come back Sportsman Division championship,” An-
“We’re hoping to run about to us this year,” Anderson pointed out. derson noted.
10 Late Model Stock Car races “Annin Flag Company and Bill Kelle- “We’re doing Brian’s deal again this
at South Boston Speedway,” har are going to stay with me. This is year, and he’s coming back trying to win
Anderson said. their sixth or seventh year with us and the championship again. Greg Davis was
“We have some other good things we’re very thankful and appreciative of every bit as much a part of Brian’s deal as
going on with some people that that. I also very much appreciate Chero- I was. We all worked at it together.
own cars. We may run five or six kee Tobacco Company and Centerville “Brian’s deal is a good deal for us,”
races at Orange County Speedway Cellular coming on board with us. Having continued Anderson.
in addition to the 10 races at South them with us as well helps a great deal. “We’re thankful that he wants us to do
Boston Speedway.” If we can secure some additional sponsor- it. Hopefully we can come out and give
Anderson said that while he ship along the way we would like to run him another good year. If we can end up
would like to be able to run more races.” with some wins, a top-three finish or an-
the full slate of races at Anderson will drive his familiar No. 9 other championship would be awesome.”
South Boston Speedway, Chevrolet in some of the races at South Anderson, who has won two South Bos-
limited sponsorship Boston Speedway. He also will drive a No. ton Speedway NASCAR Limited Sports-
prevents him from 03 Chevrolet owned by Jesse Spencer Jr. man Division championships as a driver,
doing that. and his son, George Spencer, in selected said helping give Pembelton his first ca-
“First, we’re thank- races. reer win at South Boston Speedway and
ful for the opportunity George Spencer competed at South winning the Limited Sportsman Division
to get to run what we Boston Speedway in the Limited Sports- championship last year as Pembelton’s
do,” Anderson said. man Division division last season with crew chief had a totally different feeling
“We would love to be the Halifax County Motorsports Academy than he had as a driver.
there every week com- team. Spencer is using this year to focus “I get more nervous with Brian on the
peting for the champion- on his college education and gain some track,” explained Anderson.
ship at the Late Model experience behind pit wall. “I get nervous when I race, too, but
level. I think “We will run George’s car as a Late it’s two completely different feelings.
we have the Model,” Anderson said. When I get out there and race, and the
equip- “He built a brand new car over the race starts, my nerves go away. With him
winter, and we will put our motors in that racing, I stayed nervous the whole race,
car. That’s how we plan to run at South not because I doubted him, but because
Boston this year. We could be there in a I wanted him to do well. You put a lot of
black 03, or we could be there in a black time and effort into this stuff. When you
number 9. One way or another, we will do that, it causes you to be nervous want-
be there a total of 10 times. We will run ing to see it do the best it can.”
my sponsors on his car that we are Whether it is as a driver or crew chief,
able to secure.” Anderson says he appreciates the oppor-
Anderson said he appreciates the tunities he has to be involved in racing.
opportunity to work with the Spencers. “I’m a racer at heart,” Anderson said
with a grin.
“I’d love to be behind the wheel. At
no. 9/no. 03 | Bruce Anderson the end of the day, if I’m associated with
w hoMetown: South Boston
racing and get the opportunity to be over
w type cAr: Chevrolet Monte Carlo
w sponsors: Anin Flag Co., Cherokee Tobacco Co., Centerville Cellular, there at the track and work on the cars
Charles Anderson Lawn Care Service and do different things it’s satisfying. I’d
w teAM MeMBers: Crew Chief Greg davis, George Spencer, Brent rather be behind the wheel, but as long as
Younger, Steve Casen and Joel Covington, Tracey Whitt I’m a part of racing and get to be around
racecars I’m happy.”
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CMYK
Pulliam Looking
To Build On Solid
Rookie Season
By Joe chAndler “We had a good run there and decid-
SpoRTS EdiToR ed we needed to try to step up our pro-
gram a little bit more to get to where
I
n two short years, Lee Pulliam we need to be,” Pulliam explained.
went from being a rookie in the The first step was a change in engine
NASCAR Limited Sportsman builders. Pulliam’s car will be powered
Division at South Boston Speedway to this season by Kowalsky engines. An-
becoming the division champion. other big plus is that Pulliam has all
This year marks Pulliam’s second of his sponsors from the 2009 season
season in the NASCAR Whelen All- returning for the 2010 season.
American Series Late Model Stock Car In another big step, Pulliam and his
Division at South Boston Speedway. team will have veteran Crew Chief
The question is can Pulliam rise H.C. Sellers on board this season.
to the top of the Late Model Stock “We’ve been keeping it quiet, but it’s
Car Division as he did in the Limited time to go racing,” Pulliam remarked.
Sportsman Division ranks. “We’ve had this thing rolled up our
“When we started racing in the sleeves for awhile. We were hoping to
Limited Sportsman division, I had zero catch some guys off of their feet.”
experience, and we won a couple of Pulliam said he is excited about
races that year,” Pulliam said. what Sellers brings to the table.
“The next year, we won the track “H.C. is one of the best crew chiefs
championship. It would be like a ever at South Boston Speedway, and
fairy-tale book, but if we could do that he is one of the best crew chiefs in the
again, it would be truly great. That’s business,” Pulliam pointed out.
what we’re shooting for.” “If anybody can make a Late Model
Pulliam had a solid season in his Stock Car roll, he can. I have all of the
rookie season in the Late Model Stock faith and confidence in the world in
Car Division at South Boston Speed- him. It will really benefit our team all
way. He finished 10th in the division the way a round. He can tell me what
points standings and won the divi- I need to do on the track and off the
sion’s Rookie of the Year award and track. He was vital to me winning the
the division’s Most Popular Driver Limited Sportsman championship. He
Award. was busy in the Nationwide Series last
He won his first career NASCAR year, and I think we hurt a little bit
Late Model Stock Car Division race, without him. To have him back means
logged four top-five finishes and a lot to me. I think we will be really no. 3 | lee pullIAM
lee pulliam is all smiles as he celebrates his
earned 11 top-10 finishes in his 22 good.” w hoMetown: Semora, N.C.
starts at South Boston Speedway. Pulliam said having Sellers on board
first career nAscAr late Model stock car
w dIVIsIon: Late Model Stock Car divi-
“I hope we can build on it,” Pulliam takes a lot of burdens off of his shoul-
division victory last season at south Boston sion
said of his good 2009 season. ders.
speedway. w sponsors: o’Connor & Company,
“We’d like to win four or five races “We’ll be maintaining the car as we inc., Strutmasters.com, Scott insurance,
this year. I think we can do that. I have in the past,” Pulliam explained. Late Model Stock Car Division cham- Heritage House Home Furnishings,
think we’re ready for it.” “H.C. and I will be talking, and he pionship is the goal that both Pulliam Crider Law office, pulliam Logging,
olive Hill Welding
Pulliam ended his 2009 season at will come to the shop about once a and Sellers have set for this season.
w teAM MeMBers: Stewart pulliam,
South Boston Speedway by finishing week, and we’ll go through everything. “When H.C. and I talked about doing H.C. Sellers, Jerrell Conway Sr., Jerrell
seventh in the track’s season-ending We will be doing the maintenance on this deal, it was a deal about winning Conway Jr., Leonard Warren, Jim Lacks,
250-lap Late Model Stock Car Division the car, and he will be guiding me at races,” explained Pulliam. Jerry davis, Ray Long and Mike Wilson.
race. His success in that race while the racetrack and guiding me in mak- “We’re coming to South Boston
competing against the region’s top ing decisions on what we do at the Speedway to win every week. We’re
Late Model Stock Car Division drivers shop.” going to be running for the points title. year. He has all the faith in me, and I
led Pulliam and his team to ramp up Winning the South Boston Speedway That was point blank what our goal have all the faith in him that we can
their effort for the 2010 season. NASCAR Whelen All-American Series was – to win the championship this get it done.”
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GED® Spells Success

Like many young parents, both Danny Lawson and Lisa Nichols dropped out of high school
to provide for their children. Going back to get the GED was important to them and to the
future of their children. Both completed the GED and are now enrolled in college at
Southside Virginia Community College.
“I have been very open with my children. I tell them that education is important
and I could not tell them that until I became educated myself. Education is the
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CMYK
Thaxton Looking To Rebound

By Joe chAndler
SpoRTS EdiToR no. 12 | AustIn thAxton
A
ustin Thaxton had a tough rookie w dIVIsIon: Limited Sportsman
season last season in the Limited w type cAr: Chevrolet impala
Sportsman Division at South w sponsors: Fallen Trucking, Riverview
Boston Speedway. Signs.com, pete Talley
w teAM MeMBers: John Murray, Chase
The 17-year-old South Boston
Griffin, Kelly Ragsdale, dawn Adams, Roy
resident logged 11 top-10 finishes last Mitchell, Brooke Thaxton, Heather Ragsdale
season, a statistic that would seemingly
be a good one for many young drivers.
But, on far too many occasions, Thax- or didn’t impress. The only way you’re
ton found himself struggling through a going to impress anybody is by keep-
tough night due to a mishap or mechan- ing all four wheels on the ground and
ical problem. doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN getting decent finishes. I got that out of
“It was very tough,” Thaxton said. Austin thaxton, pictured with his limited sportsman division car, is optimistic about his the way, and we started running a little
“My grandmother (Dolly Fallen) told upcoming second season of racing at south Boston speedway. bit better.”
me the other day she spent more money All of that is behind Thaxton now,
on me last year than she did the last two prior to his first race. It was a real learning experience, but I and he is looking forward to the 2010
year she was racing the Late Model. “We tore up a bunch of stuff, but I ran think we will be alright this year.” season and a fresh start for his racing
As everybody knows, there is a lot of only 25 laps in the car before I ran my As a new competitor, Thaxton said he endeavors. The season-ending 100-lap
money in a Late Model car.” first race,” Thaxton explained. had some anxious moments at times. Limited Sportsman Division at South
While Thaxton readily admits his “I should have tried to run more laps “I wasn’t really nervous,” he pointed Boston Speedway gave Thaxton a sense
shortcomings of last season, there is in practice and testing before my first out. of encouragement. While the 12th-place
a circumstance worth noting – he had race. I know we shouldn’t have tried “I got a bunch of butterflies because finish was a disappointment, he and his
no previous experience with a Limited to race with just 25 laps in the car. I I was trying to impress a bunch of team accomplished a good deal.
Sportsman car. In fact, Thaxton ac- didn’t know enough about driving. You people. As the season went on, I real- please see thAxton, page 10
quired his driver’s license only a day or couldn’t expect to do but so much better. ized it didn’t matter who I impressed
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CMYK
Puryear Says He’s

Racing For Fun
By Joe chAndler Stock Car Division track championship in
SpoRTS EdiToR his pocket, he has decided that the time
has come to have fun with his racing and
T
he way Stacy Puryear figures it, he forget about chasing points at any track.
has accomplished a lot of what he “I’m just going to try to have some fun
has sought to accomplish in racing. this year,” Puryear pointed out. JoE CHANdLER/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
In 2008, the South Boston resident won “I’ve come a long ways and been very stacy puryear (kneeling, front) is pictured with no. 17 | stAcy puryeAr
his first career Late Model Stock car Di- fortunate. I still love racing and sitting in team members Janice Jackson, crew chief w hoMetown: South Boston
vision track championship when he won that racecar as much today as I did when Matt Gosney and chris elliott at south Boston w dIVIsIon: Late Model Stock Car
the title at Orange County Speedway in I was 16-years-old. I’m going to try to run speedway. w type cAr: Chevrolet impala
Rougemont, N.C. South Boston Speedway a little more and w sponsors: puryear Race Car
Last year, Puryear finished a close hit a few more of the big-money races and back to South Boston Speedway,” Puryear parts, Heritage House Home
second in the OCS championship battle just have fun with it.” said. “I’ve been away for quite awhile.” Furnishings, Riverview Signs.com,
after having led the points standings all Puryear said he is going to be flex- Puryear showed last weekend that he ASW Aluminum products, God’s pit
season and being tied for the points lead ible with his schedule and try to visit a is up for the challenge. The South Boston Crew
w teAM MeMBers: Crew Chief
entering the final race of the season. number of different tracks throughout driver was among the five fastest drivers
Matt Gosney, Chris Elliott, Janice
“The Lord has really blessed me,” Pur- the season. during last Saturday’s open practice day Jackson
year remarked. “We’re going to run some big races in at South Boston Speedway.
“That (winning a track championship) the region,” Puryear said. That, he said, gives him some confi-
was the one thing that had eluded me in “Langley Speedway has a $10,000 to dence heading into the new season. feat.”
my racing career. I had never won a track win race in July. Caraway has a $5,000 to “South Boston Speedway and Motor Puryear said he feels that he may be at
championship. I’m tied with Jeff Burton win race in July. Hickory has a $10,000 to Mile Speedway have the best of the best a slight disadvantage against some of the
for the same amount of (NASCAR Late win race in August. We’re going to move drivers and cars in Late Model Stock top drivers here simply because he has
Model Stock Car Division) wins here at around and run races like that. Car Division racing,” Puryear pointed competed here only sporadically the past
South Boston Speedway, run a Busch “I’ve never been a one-track racer,” out. couple of seasons.
Grand National Series race, won a USAR Puryear added. “We want to race against some tough “Guys like C.E. Falk, Philip Morris,
Pro Cup race, won a $15,000 Late Model “I’ve always moved around my whole competition. We’re going to come back Justin Johnson, Deac McCaskill, Nick
Stock Car race at Concord, N.C., won a career.” and be glad to be back here and do the Smith that have run at South Boston
$10,000 Late Model Stock Car race at Ace One of the good things about Puryear’s best we can.” Speedway week-in and week-out have
Speedway, and won a few other big races.” approach to his 2010 season is that he Puryear knows that he will be facing a little bit of an advantage,” Puryear
There are a few other things remain- plans to run a handful of races at South a tough field of cars and drivers when he admitted.
ing on Puryear’s agenda, things he hopes Boston Speedway. races at South Boston Speedway. He says “But, I helped Lee Pulliam and
that he can accomplish this season. “I’m going to try to do half of them, and he feels he will be competitive with them. Danny Willis Jr. some with their cars
“Winning a race at Martinsville Speed- maybe more if we can,” he noted. “Do we feel we can come in here and last year, so I kind of know where we
way still eludes me,” he pointed out, “ and That is good news for Puryear’s fans think we can be competitive, yes,” Pur- need to be. It’s just that until you can
I’d love to get a few more wins here at as they will have a chance to see him year said. get in your racecar and get on the
South Boston Speedway.” compete here at his home track. “Do we think we can come in here and racetrack with your setup, it’s a little
Now that Puryear has a Late Model “It really makes me feel good coming win a bunch of races, that will be a tough different deal.”
thAxton “I hope we can get more, but I feel we

have at least one coming.”
The results of Thaxton’s work showed
up in an early pre-season test.
“My goal for this year is to finish well
and go across the scales after the race a
from page 8
Adding to Thaxton’s optimism is the “I know the car is going to drive bet- few times,” Thaxton said.
“I think the last race last year showed fact that his car is in the best shape it ter,” he noted. “I want us to have some decent fin-
myself and the whole team that we can has ever been in. “We tested the car a couple of weeks ishes. I also want to learn what I can
be pretty good this year,” said Thaxton. “Two months ago, the car was nothing ago for the first time. We weren’t really from other people, make friends with
“We ran the race and didn’t tear but a bare chassis,” Thaxton said. pushing it, but we were putting pretty other drivers and teams and find some
anything up. We didn’t get the finish we “I pulled everything off of it. There consistent laps down with 300-lap tires additional sponsorship help.
wanted because we had a tire go down, wasn’t a bolt left on it. My crew and on. I feel like if we get some newer tires, “Some people have talent, and others
but we ran 89 laps without touching myself sanded the chassis down, and we will be somebody to look out for this have to learn it,” added Thaxton.
another car. That has really motivated my sponsor, Clark Daniel at Riverview season, at least in the sixth to seventh- “I think I’m one of those drivers that
us this winter to keep going and try to do Signs, helped me paint it. We’ve pretty place area.” has to learn it. I think I have another
well this year. much redone everything on the car. I Thaxton is optimistic about his two years before we’re going to be capa-
“I feel that we can have at least one feel like we’ll be pretty good with the car fortunes for the 2010 season, but he is ble of winning. But, I feel once we start,
top-five finish this season,” he added. situation this year.” keeping his goals modest. it will all be downhill from there.”
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PURE STOCKS Jarrett Milam 50
Jim “Dipstick” Lacks 05
Jack Milam 58
Kenny Mills 2
LATE MODEL Lee Pulliam 3
Stacy Puryear 17
Melissa Willis Daniel 11
RACE ON
IN TO GET A GOOD
LIMITED Tommy Peregoy 2
SPORTSMAN Rob Clary 4
NIGHT’S SLEEP!
Steve Collins 70
Danny Willis, Jr. 23
Chris Crosby 11
CMYK
Jones
Mike Jones
(front right),
crew chief Jere-
my ratliff (front
left), car owner
dean Jones (far
Eyes
right on back
row) and the
members of
the racing team
are pictured
during a recent
Fresh
testing session
at south Boston
speedway.
Start By Joe chAndler JoE CHANdLER/

SpoRTS EdiToR GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
M
no. 39 – MIKe Jones
ike Jones was expecting a lot been racing in the division a long time. teach everybody else what little I
last year when he embarked w dIVIsIon: Limited Sportsman Those guys are very tough to beat.” knew.
on his rookie season in the w type cAr: Toyota Camry That was last year. This season, “At the beginning last year we
NASCAR Limited Sportsman Division w sponsors: Crown distributors, Buster’s Jones is much better prepared and is thought we knew what we were do-
at South Boston Speedway. performance Center, Love Shop Heating anxious to start the new season. ing,” added Jones.
The Radford University student had & Air, Community pharmacy, Mi Caretta, During the offseason, Jones had “This year we know a hundred times
no reason to not expect good things Love Shop Mini Storage, Hyco Lake his car’s chassis rebuilt and all of the more than what we knew at this time
to happen. In 2008, Jones scored nine properties. Com, U.S. Marine Corp, dean equipment on the car freshened up. last year.”
top-five finishes in his 14 starts in the Jones Construction, MikeJonesRacing. “It’s basically brand new,” Jones said With a basically new car under him
track’s Pure Stock Division, finished com of his car. and an experienced crew chief beside
w teAM MeMBers: Crew Chief Jeremy
fourth in the division points standings “The people at Jay Hedgecock’s place him, Jones is optimistic about the
Ratliff, Jerry Little, Jerrell Conway Sr., Jer-
and won Rookie of the Year honors. fixed it and put it back together better prospects for a successful 2010 season.
rell Conway, Jr., Jim Brenner, Earl Morris,
While he understood that the dean Jones than it was. We thought we were going “I’m really excited about this year,”
Limited Sportsman Division would be to have to get a new car, but we found Jones remarked.
tougher and that he would be compet- it was more economical for us to have “I know my dad is as well. He’s put
ing against drivers with many years There was also that thing called rac- him fix and improve the car we had. a lot of time and effort into it with me
of racing experience under their belts, ing luck biting Jones at inopportune It’s as good as brand new.” being away at school at Radford. He’s
Jones still expected good results. times. The improvements did not stop had to take more of a hands-on ap-
Unfortunately, his first season in the “We seemed to get into a lot of bad there. proach, and I know he’s really excited.
Limited Sportsman Division did not deals that weren’t always our fault,” “We have put a new Toyota Camry “The main thing we want is to just
come close to resembling his rookie he pointed out. body on it and put a new motor in it,” be competitive,” continued Jones.
season in the Pure Stock Division “We would have mechanical prob- Jones said. “I’d like to get into the top five in
ranks the year before. He logged two lems, somebody spinning right in front “I felt a new motor was a good in- points. The big thing, though, is I want
top-five finishes and five top-10 fin- of us and things like that happen to vestment.” to try to be sure to be there at the end
ishes in his 14 starts. Two fourth-place us.” Jones and his team also now have of the race. If I have a sixth-place car,
finishes were his best finishes of the There was also the experience factor. an experienced crew chief. Jeremy I don’t want to take any unnecessary
season. “It’s definitely a big learning curve,” Ratliff, who served as Jeb Burton’s chances in trying to make it a fifth-
“It was a lot tougher than we were Jones pointed out. crew chief last season, has joined the place car. The biggest thing is to run
anticipating,” Jones said. “The Pure Stock Division is one team. the whole 50 laps.”
“We thought we knew a lot about the of the most competitive divisions at “Jeremy is really sharp,” Jones “I believe there will be a lot more
car going in but found out we didn’t South Boston Speedway, and I learned noted. cars in the division this year,” he
know as much as we needed to know. a lot. But, things happen on the track “He’s been around racing for a good added.
The biggest problem last year was re- so much faster in Limited Sportsman. while. It gives me a ton of confidence. “I honestly think the competition
ally being inconsistent. The first race “Also,” continued Jones, “you have It’s nice to have someone like Jeremy is going to be tougher than last year.
we finished fourth, and the next week guys like Danny Willis Jr. Tommy to fall back on so that I don’t have to I’ll be happy just finishing every race,
we blew a tire and finished 14th or Peregoy and Brian Pembelton compet- make all of the decisions myself. Last being competitive, and running in the
whatever.” ing in the division, guys that have year, it was basically me trying to top five if I can.”
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CMYK
Snow To Chase Limited Sportsman Title

By Joe chAndler
SpoRTS EdiToR
T
he last time former Halifax
County resident Justin Snow
raced a full-season schedule at
South Boston Speedway was in 2005.
He took full advantage of that op-
portunity and won the South Boston
Speedway Limited Sportsman Division
championship.
Snow has plans to run the full sched-
ule of Limited Sportsman Division
races at South Boston Speedway again
this season. That could be tough news
for the competitors in the division.
“The plan we’re starting off with is
to run for the championship,” Snow
said.
“We’re kind of a low-budget team, so
we’re going to run as long as money
allows. Hopefully we will have good
fortune, and we can run for the cham-
pionship.”
Snow started last season with the
same idea. Unfortunately, his plans
derailed quickly when his car was
totaled in a crash during the first race
of the season.
“That pretty much wiped out our en-
tire season’s worth of finances,” Snow
explained.
“We ended up running the full sched-
ule minus about three races. We almost JoE CHANdLER/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
made the entire season, but not quite.” Former halifax county resident Justin snow is ready to kick off his 2010 season in the nAscAr
no. 7 | JustIn snow
Despite not running the entire w hoMetown: danville
limited sportsman division at south Boston speedway. w dIVIsIon: Limited Sportsman
schedule, Snow made an impact in the
division
Limited Sportsman Division, winning the car) is going to be exactly the same Snow said, “but also be aggressive at w type cAr: Chevrolet impala
four races and finishing sixth in the as it was when we came here for the the same time. You’ve got to be smart. w sponsors: H.R. Ramsey Construc-
final division points standings. 100-lapper at the end of last year.” When you run for points, sometimes tion Co., Herb’s Towing
That gives Snow confidence that he Knowing that he has the ability to you have to be a little conservative. w teAM MeMBers: Crew Chief
and his team can compete with the make a run for the Limited Sportsman If you’re running second or third in a Evan Snow, Tom Snow, Jody James,
division’s top drivers and teams and Division title has put a little extra race, you really have to think about it Gordon Richardson
make a run at the championship. spring in Snow’s step. and not do anything stupid to try to
“I think we’re championship capa- “Whenever you have it in your win. If you have a dominant car and we’re in the top two or three in points,
ble,” Snow remarked. mind that you’re not going to be able can lead every lap and win the race, we’ll run conservatively. If it doesn’t
“We still finished sixth in the points to run every race, as a driver, you you go ahead and do it. look like we’re going to have a shot
last year, even missing three races, and kind of get down on yourself because “That’s different than if you’re run- at the championship at the end of the
I wrecked in two races that I did run. you’re wondering when you’re going ning a limited schedule of races and year, we’re going to go for the wins.”
“We had some mechanical problems to be able to come back,” explained are not racing for points,” added Snow. Snow said he will probably know at
with the car last year,” continued Snow. “If you’re running a limited schedule, about mid-season if he will change his
Snow. “As it goes right now, I’ve got a lot your mindset is pretty much win, win, approach.
“We found some problems with the of confidence and a lot of spring in my win and whatever happens just hap- “We’ll probably decide right before
brakes and really didn’t get it fixed step because I believe I’m going to be pens.” the 100-lapper here on July 2,” Snow
until the last race of the year. I had able to run the whole schedule and Snow says he already has mapped said.
what was probably my best run of the give those boys a run for their money.” out his approach to the season. “We’ll have an idea of how our
year in the big race at the end of the Snow noted that in order to be “The first two or three races, if we season is going by that time, and we’ll
year. Even though I finished third, I successful in competing for a points go out and have good qualifying runs figure out if we need to go full-bore ag-
led more than half of the race, and I championship a driver has to consider and start in the top two or three, I’m gressive or if we need to play it smart
was happy with the handling of the car some important ingredients. definitely going to try to win,” he said. and try to keep the fenders on it and
throughout the race. Everything (with “You’ve got to be conservative,” “After about four or five races, if keep it clean.”
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CMYK
DOUBLE
THE SPEED
Motorsports Academy
Expands To Two Teams
By Joe chAndler | SpoRTS EdiToR
T
he Halifax County Motorsports Academy has been growing
by leaps and bounds since its inception five years ago.
This season the program is expanding on the competition
side by adding a second team, a junior varsity team if you will, to
the drivers, instructors and team members of the two halifax county Motorsports Academy racing
compete in the Pure Stock Division at South Boston Speedway.
money spent on this program. If it wasn’t for that we’ve been competing with is being looked
Joey Throckmorton of Scottsburg, a former Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance is the pri- Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance none of what at as the varsity-type sports team.”
Halifax County High School student, will join mary sponsor for the two cars. Throckmorton we do in the Motorsports Academy would be The Pure Stock team, Newcomb said, allows
forces with the Motorsports Academy students also has sponsorship from automobile dealer- possible. We also are very appreciative of the the program to get more students involved at
and instructor Doug Newcomb to compete in ship J.D. Byrider, Cody Store and J.E. Ligon support of our other local sponsors. It takes a younger age.
the NASCAR Limited Sportsman Division at Plumbing & Electrical Co. everybody working together to make this hap- “NASCAR implemented a rule change over
South Boston Speedway. Crews has sponsorship from Charles An- pen for our students.” the winter that will allow 14 and 15-year-olds
The Toyota Camry that Throckmorton will derson Lawn Care Service, Yards By Mo and Newcomb explained the ability to field two to obtain a NASCAR learner’s permit,” pointed
drive is co-owned by Throckmorton and James Crow’s Hog Killing Service.to help supplement race teams has provided an opportunity for out Newcomb.
Eubanks. his team’s effort. the motorsports academy to take an approach “We’re going to have some younger kids
Trey Crews, a 15-year-old student at Halifax “We very much appreciate Farm Bureau that is used with other high school sports there in that entry-level position. In turn, their
County High School, will compete in the Pure Insurance’s continuing support of the Halifax programs. experience will move them right into the var-
Stock Division. Crews, his team of students County Motorsports Academy, its programs “We split this program similar to the other sity team. This way we will be able to have our
and instructors Buddy Wilborn, Danny and the support it gives to the Halifax County sports programs at the high school from the experience level upgraded year after year.”
Wilborn and Brian Seate, will comprise the Public Schools,” said Doug Newcomb, the standpoint that the Pure Stock is an entry- The Pure Stock team, said instructor Buddy
Motorsports Academy’s second team, a team instructor in charge of Throckmorton’s motors- level competition class at the speedway,” Wilborn, is an important component of the
that will be the equivalent of a junior varsity ports academy team. Newcomb explained. Halifax County Motorsports Academy.
team in other sports programs. “There are zero dollars of school system “We’re looking at that as a kind of junior “I think it’s a very, very good component for
varsity race team. The Limited Sportsman car Trey, the school system and the Motorsports
Academy,” Wilborn remarked.
no. 21 | Joey throcKMorton “You’ve got to start somewhere, and this is
w hoMetown: Scottsburg a good starting point. It’s a golden opportu-
w dIVIsIon: Limited Sportsman nity. The intent and focus is to get these kids
w type cAr: Toyota Camry prepared for the next step, let them see what
w SpoNSoRS: Virginia Farm Bureau insurance, racing is all about and see how you go about
J.d. Byrider of Lynchburg, Va. And Kerners- getting started.
ville, N.C., Cody Store, J.E. Ligon plumbing & These cars are something that you can work
Electrical with. The Pure Stock class is a beginner’s class,
w teAM MeMBers: Co-owner James Eubank, and the kids can gain a lot of experience in
James Gordon, Michael Crews, daniel Crews, doing this.”
Tony Anderson
Wilborn said the Pure Stock team will have
w teAM MeMBers: Co-owner James Eubank,
instructors doug Newcomb and Brian Seate, approximately 10 students at South Boston
Tiffany Wilson, J.E. Anderson, Shawn Conner, Speedway on race nights.
Evan Slabach, Tyler Slabach, James Crews, “We felt that would be a good number of
James Gordon, Michael Crews, Matt Conner, kids to work with,” Wilborn pointed out. “With
J.d. Jones, deAndre Andrews, Trevaun Muse, some of the afternoon and after-school activi-
daniel Crews and Tony Anderson. ties, we involve 10 to 15 kids. It depends upon
what their interests are.”
17
“It will take a lot off of me and a lot off of late start.
those guys to have the students helping us. I The Halifax County High School student
will know that things are done right and know won two class championships at Amelia
that when I get to the racetrack I can con- raceway in 2007. He raced a limited schedule
centrate on racing and not whether or not we of races at Ace Speedway near Reidsville, N.C.
had done this or that during the week. At the last year, competing primarily in money races.
racetrack we can concentrate on trying to get Wins came then as well.
the best finish we can.” “I’m real excited about this opportunity,”
As far as goals for the season are concerned, Crews remarked.
Throckmorton is not going out on a limb with “I wanted to move up to something bigger. I
any major predictions. learned a lot racing go-karts. Racing go-karts
“The number one thing is that we want to basically taught me how to race. You learn a
have fun and teach the kids,” Throckmorton lot racing go-karts, things like how to set up
said. your passes and how to communicate with
“If we can go to South Boston Speedway and other racers.”
finish well and not tear up our equipment and Crews is a student in the Halifax County
hopefully win a few races, that would be a good Motorsports Academy and wants to use the
goal to set. Points is a hard thing to set a goal knowledge and experience that he gains
on at the beginning of the year because there through the program to help him move for-
are so many factors that come into play. I feel ward in his future endeavors.
like if we run well, the points will take care of “I like racing, and I like working on things,
themselves.” building things, taking them apart and putting
them back together,” Crews explained when
crews optimistic About the season asked about his motivation to become involved
in the Halifax County Motorsports Academy.
pHoToS BY JoE CHANdLER/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
At 15-years-old, Trey Crews will be one “It’s a challenge that I enjoy. I like working
g teams are pictured with the cars in the infield at south Boston speedway.
of the youngest, if not the youngest driver with tools, and I’m pretty good with them.
Crews, Wilborn noted, was involved with the students,” Throckmorton said. competing in the Pure Stock Division at South I’m trying to take everything in, trying to put
the motorsports program at Halifax County “Getting to work with the students and hav- Boston Speedway this season. everything together and learn new things. It’s
Middle School and is continuing his participa- ing more backing will benefit me. I feel that The car that Crews will drive this season a lot to take in, but I think I can handle it.”
tion in the motorsports program at Halifax myself and the students and instructors can is a Nissan that he and his family purchased Crews said he is approaching the 2010
County High School. do a lot of good things together. from Keith Langston, a driver who has com- season as a learning year.
“Trey came through my class at Halifax “I definitely don’t know everything, but peted in the Pure Stock Division at South Bos- “My main things is to not wreck and tear
County Middle School last year,” Wilborn what I do know I can pass along to the stu- ton Speedway and Orange County Speedway everything up,” Crews remarked when asked
explained. dents,” Throckmorton continued. in past seasons. about his goals for the season.
“He showed a lot of interest in wanting to “If there is something that they are inter- “The car was race-ready when we bought it,” “The big thing is that myself and the others
learn. This opportunity presented itself to him, ested in beyond high school, I will be glad to Crews said, “but we went through it and redid on the team learn as much as we can. I’d like
and he’s taking advantage of it.” help them. As much as I can help them, they’re everything on it. We put new bars in the car to be able to run all of the laps, finish all of the
helping me just as much. This is a good oppor- and painted it. We’ve done a lot to make it look races and get somewhere near the top 10 in
throckmorton set For tunity for everybody.” good. I think we have a real good car.” points.
limited sportsman run Throckmorton said because of his work situ- Crews moves into stock car racing after “I like to win,” Crews added with a smile.
ation he is unable to devote much time to the having had a successful stint in go-kart racing. “Racing is more fun when you win. I’d like to
Throckmorton brings a good measure of car during the week. Having the help of the He began racing go-karts in the middle of the win them all, but I know I can’t do that. If we
experience to the team as a driver. He won students and the instructors of the motors- 2006 season at Caswell County (N.C.) Speed- could get a win or two, that would be super. I
Rookie of the Year honors at South Boston ports academy will help ease the burden of the way and finished second in points despite his think this season is going to be a lot of fun.”
Speedway in 2008. Last season, Throckmorton week-to-week preparation and maintenance
made a run for the Limited Sportsman Divi- of the car.
sion championship at Orange County Speed- “This will really benefit me to have them do
way, falling just short of winning the title. a lot of the maintenance work that needs to
The Scottsburg resident also showed well at be done week-to-week to get to the racetrack
South Boston Speedway with a strong second- instead of me having to rely solely on the two
place finish in the 100-lap Limited Sportsman or three guys that help me,” Throckmorton
race that capped the season. pointed out.
“It gives us confidence that we are able to
run with those guys,” Throckmorton said of his no. 09 | trey crews
late-season race at South Boston Speedway. w hoMetown: Nathalie
“Of course, there will be new people coming w dIVIsIon: pure Stock division
into the division this season, and things will w type cAr: Nissan 240 SX
change a little bit. But, we have a good starting w sponsors: Virginia Farm Bureau insurance,
point. That doesn’t mean that we won’t have to Yards By Mo, Crow’s Hog Killing
w teAM MeMBers: instructors Buddy
work just as hard or even harder.”
Wilborn, danny Wilborn and Brian Seate, Jay
Throckmorton is excited about the oppor- Womack, Michael Barclay, Grant Cole, James
tunity to be involved with the Halifax County palmer, Kayla Cole, Ciera Korel and Crystal
Motorsports Academy. Hancock.
“It’s kind of new to me, and I will be new to
CMYK
Anthony Glass To Debut In Pure Stocks

By douG Ford
STAFF WRiTER
T
he Glass racing team adds
another driver to its stable this
season, hiking the total number
of drivers to four, but don’t expect to
see all four of them on the track at the
same time.
Anthony Glass will join older sister
Amber Moore in the Pure Stock Divi-
sion at South Boston Speedway this
season, with Billy Goble also expected
to compete.
Anthony Glass who turns 16-years-
old in July, won one championship in
two years of go-kart racing, and he also
has prior experience in auto racing,
with three starts in Pure Stocks at
Orange County last year.
He also won a race in the Kid’s U-Car
Class at Franklin County Speedway
last November
“I was tickled to death to win that
race, but I think Daddy (Donald Glass)
was even more tickled than I was,” he doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNAiN
said. rookie auto racer Anthony Glass is hoping his success in go-kart racing translates into success no. 14 | Anthony Glass
“I raced three races at Orange County in pure stocks this season at south Boston speedway. w hoMetown: Halifax
w dIVIsIon: pure Stock
last year, and finished sixth, eighth,
w cAr type: Nissan 240SX
and about ninth or 10th in those races,” day, some days I don’t want to push tell anyone that, and I’ll have fun when w sponsors: Centerville Cellular,
added Glass, who got a good feel for how it depending on track conditions and I want to have fun,” she noted. Heritage House, Snak Shop Vending,
a race car handles around a small track considering what my car’s capable of,” The focus this season is Anthony Three Forks Grocery, Memory Lane
similar in some ways to South Boston. said Glass. Glass and his race car, at least for now Videos
Having helped his father and sister in Amber Moore plans to run the twin- according to Donald Glass. w crew: donald Glass, Sara Glass, Ste-
the pits and having been around racing race Pure Stock events at South Boston, “Time will tell, but we’ll run Antho- phen Trickey, Trevor Hutchins, Butch
a long time, the younger Glass feels he’s with perhaps a few single races mixed ny’s car full time,” he explained. Rickman, Alex Glass
ready to give the Pure Stock Division at in, depending on her schedule. “Amber wants to run a limited
South Boston a shot this season. “I’ll race when I want to, but it’s kind schedule because of work and school no. 11 | Amber Moore
With those prior experiences, Glass of hard when I have to schedule other constraints. w hoMetown: Halifax
feels he has some momentum com- things around racing,” she said. “Billy Goble will run a few races, and w dIVIsIon: pure Stock
ing into South Boston, even with the “I’ll run all the twin races even if I Stephen Trickey will fill in for a few w cAr type: Nissan 240SX
tougher field in the Pure Stock Division. have to change my schedule, and I want races if we need a backup car, but we’ll w sponsors: Centerville Cellular,
Heritage House, Snak Shop Vending,
“I’ll take a lot of confidence to South to be there for Anthony as well,” said concentrate on Anthony’s car and try
Three Forks Grocery, Memory Lane
Boston, but I know I’ll face a lot of Moore, who is excited to see how her to get him as far up front as we can get Videos
tough drivers there,” he explained. brother fares in his rookie season at him before the season ends.” w crew: donald Glass, Sara Glass, Ste-
“There’s a whole bunch of work to do South Boston. Glass knows the competition will be phen Trickey, Trevor Hutchins, Butch
other than just saying you’ll win. I’m really excited to see my brother as tough or tougher than ever at South Rickman, Alex Glass
“I haven’t had any seat time at South race because he’s really good. He did Boston this season, and a solid run
Boston, but I hope my experience at really well in go-karts, and although I by Anthony would give him reason to
Orange County will help, so my goals didn’t see him race last year, I heard he believe he can hold his own anywhere “We may even put him in that one
this season are to try my best and do did really well in cars. in Pure Stock racing. before the season is over if we feel he’s
the best I can.” There are three twin races on the “There’s more competition at South progressed enough to handle it.
Glass describes his driving style as schedule right now, according to Moore, Boston than other places we’ve been, “We’ll try to keep the car in one piece,
sort of in between aggressive and laid and she plans to be at all of those and and if he can finish well over here, we’ll finish races and have him learn as
back, and knows the temparment of the maybe some others. have it made,” Donald Glass noted. much as he can, and Amber’s time is
track, and his race car can change each She is racing just to have fun, but she “We’ll play things by ear and see how limited with her work schedule so she
race and sometimes during the race wants to see her brother develop as the it goes, and I have another car sitting may run the twin races and race a back
itself. season wears on. out there that finished second or third up car for Anthony.
“It’s a process of knowing what your “I’m not intent on running for points, last year in Pure Stocks, so that’s an-
equipment is capable of on a given and Anthony is a lot better than me, I’ll other car that should be a front runner. please see GlAss, page 22
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#5 Charles Clardy, #12 Randy Hupp, #05 Jim Lacks,
#50 Jarrett Milam & #2 Kenny Mills Pure Stock Division! Stop by on your way to the race and
Watch for our run to capture the Pinks All Out championship enjoy our excellent Mexican food!
June 5 at the Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie, Va.
Also watch for us as we compete on the reality TV series
We are proud to
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Go to robinhoodrally.com or bustersperformancecenter.com Charles Clardy,
for the full race schedule.
Join the community in celebrating the life of
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March 27 at the Halifax County Fairgrounds. 434-572-3776
There will be a burnout contest. Time to be announced.
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BEST OF LUCK TO ALL DRIVERS & TEAMS FOR A SAFE & SUCCESSFUL SEASON!
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Sponsored Both Driving Halifax County Public School’s Motorsports Academy Cars
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Sixteen Halifax County High School students will serve as pit crew members, led by
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CMYK
Anthony Glass To Debut In Pure Stocks

By douG Ford
STAFF WRiTER
T
he Glass racing team adds
another driver to its stable this
season, hiking the total number
of drivers to four, but don’t expect to
see all four of them on the track at the
same time.
Anthony Glass will join older sister
Amber Moore in the Pure Stock Divi-
sion at South Boston Speedway this
season, with Billy Goble also expected
to compete.
Anthony Glass who turns 16-years-
old in July, won one championship in
two years of go-kart racing, and he also
has prior experience in auto racing,
with three starts in Pure Stocks at
Orange County last year.
He also won a race in the Kid’s U-Car
Class at Franklin County Speedway
last November
“I was tickled to death to win that
race, but I think Daddy (Donald Glass)
was even more tickled than I was,” he doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNAiN
said. rookie auto racer Anthony Glass is hoping his success in go-kart racing translates into success no. 14 | Anthony Glass
“I raced three races at Orange County in pure stocks this season at south Boston speedway. w hoMetown: Halifax
last year, and finished sixth, eighth,
w cAr type: Nissan 240SX
and about ninth or 10th in those races,” day, some days I don’t want to push tell anyone that, and I’ll have fun when w sponsors: Centerville Cellular,
added Glass, who got a good feel for how it depending on track conditions and I want to have fun,” she noted. Heritage House, Snak Shop Vending,
a race car handles around a small track considering what my car’s capable of,” The focus this season is Anthony Three Forks Grocery, Memory Lane
similar in some ways to South Boston. said Glass. Glass and his race car, at least for now Videos
Having helped his father and sister in Amber Moore plans to run the twin- according to Donald Glass. w crew: donald Glass, Sara Glass, Ste-
the pits and having been around racing race Pure Stock events at South Boston, “Time will tell, but we’ll run Antho- phen Trickey, Trevor Hutchins, Butch
a long time, the younger Glass feels he’s with perhaps a few single races mixed ny’s car full time,” he explained. Rickman, Alex Glass
ready to give the Pure Stock Division at in, depending on her schedule. “Amber wants to run a limited
South Boston a shot this season. “I’ll race when I want to, but it’s kind schedule because of work and school no. 11 | Amber Moore
With those prior experiences, Glass of hard when I have to schedule other constraints. w hoMetown: Halifax
feels he has some momentum com- things around racing,” she said. “Billy Goble will run a few races, and w dIVIsIon: pure Stock
ing into South Boston, even with the “I’ll run all the twin races even if I Stephen Trickey will fill in for a few w cAr type: Nissan 240SX
tougher field in the Pure Stock Division. have to change my schedule, and I want races if we need a backup car, but we’ll w sponsors: Centerville Cellular,
Heritage House, Snak Shop Vending,
“I’ll take a lot of confidence to South to be there for Anthony as well,” said concentrate on Anthony’s car and try
Three Forks Grocery, Memory Lane
Boston, but I know I’ll face a lot of Moore, who is excited to see how her to get him as far up front as we can get Videos
tough drivers there,” he explained. brother fares in his rookie season at him before the season ends.” w crew: donald Glass, Sara Glass, Ste-
“There’s a whole bunch of work to do South Boston. Glass knows the competition will be phen Trickey, Trevor Hutchins, Butch
other than just saying you’ll win. I’m really excited to see my brother as tough or tougher than ever at South Rickman, Alex Glass
“I haven’t had any seat time at South race because he’s really good. He did Boston this season, and a solid run
Boston, but I hope my experience at really well in go-karts, and although I by Anthony would give him reason to
Orange County will help, so my goals didn’t see him race last year, I heard he believe he can hold his own anywhere “We may even put him in that one
this season are to try my best and do did really well in cars. in Pure Stock racing. before the season is over if we feel he’s
the best I can.” There are three twin races on the “There’s more competition at South progressed enough to handle it.
Glass describes his driving style as schedule right now, according to Moore, Boston than other places we’ve been, “We’ll try to keep the car in one piece,
sort of in between aggressive and laid and she plans to be at all of those and and if he can finish well over here, we’ll finish races and have him learn as
back, and knows the temparment of the maybe some others. have it made,” Donald Glass noted. much as he can, and Amber’s time is
track, and his race car can change each She is racing just to have fun, but she “We’ll play things by ear and see how limited with her work schedule so she
race and sometimes during the race wants to see her brother develop as the it goes, and I have another car sitting may run the twin races and race a back
itself. season wears on. out there that finished second or third up car for Anthony.
“It’s a process of knowing what your “I’m not intent on running for points, last year in Pure Stocks, so that’s an-
equipment is capable of on a given and Anthony is a lot better than me, I’ll other car that should be a front runner. please see GlAss, page 22
on the coVer CODY STORE Route 40 West • 349-3625

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The photos on the cover of today’s edition are photos of the two Halifax County Motors-
ports Academy teams that will be competing this season at South Boston Speedway.
The top photo is the pure Stock division team, which will be the junior varsity team. Kneel- Full Service Breakfast
ing in front from left to right are driver Trey Crews and instructor danny Wilborn. Student
team members are from left to right: Jay Womack, Michael Barclay, Grant Cole, James palmer, & Lunch Menu
Kayla Cole, Ciera Korel and Crystal Hancock. Including - hot dogs, corndogs, grilled cheese,
The bottom photo is the Limited Sportsman division team, which is known as the varsity
team. Kneeling in front left to right are driver Joey Throckmorton and instructors doug
chuck wagon, BBQ, hot wings, hamburgers,
Newcomb and Brian Seate. Standing behind the car from left to right are: Tiffany Wilson, J.E. cheeseburgers, bologna whoppers, chicken
Anderson, Shawn Conner, Evan Slabach, Tyler Slabach, James Crews, James Gordon, Michael fillet, chicken tenders and nuggets, French fries, onion rings, and potato
Crews, Matt Conner, J.d. Jones, deAndre Andrews and Trevaun Muse. wedges. BLTs, chicken salad, ham sandwiches, soft drinks, and coffee
The photos are by Joe Chandler.
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CMYK
Clardy Entering Rookie Season With Confidence

By douG Ford
STAFF WRiTER
C
harles Clardy Jr. will be a rookie
in the Pure Stock Division at
South Boston Speedway this
season, but he also will be a rookie in
the purest sense of the word.
While a great deal of first-time Pure
Stock racers have prior driving expe-
rience in go-karts, quarter midgets
or other forms of racing, Clardy does
not, getting his first seat time at the
tight four-tenths mile race track only
recently.
That doesn’t prevent the 24-year-old
South Boston resident from expressing
confidence about the upcoming season,
despite his inexperience.
“I’ve been a race fan all my life and
have come to pretty much all the races
the past three or four years,” said
Clardy.
“I picked the pure-four class because
I’d heard so much about them, the fun
they have and the sportsmanship.
“It just seems like a good class to
start in,” he added.
“Just being out there with the guys doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNAiN
no. 5 | charles clardy Jr.
has encouraged me a little, and I know charles clardy Jr., a rookie in the pure stock division at south Boston speedway this season, w AGe: 24
a few of them, Kenny Mills Jr., Randy looks to be competitive toward the end of the year. w hoMetown: South Boston
Hupp and Jimmy Wade being two of w dIVIsIon: pure Stock
them. going out and having fun, and I do drivers, and that demonstrates the w cAr type: Nissan 240SX
“I don’t know until I try it, and I’ve have a goal of finishing in the top-five camaraderie normally found in the w sponsors: Buster’s performance
practiced three or four times in the in points.” division. Center, Turn’n Headz Salon, Gutter-
past week or so, and that’s the first The key to a solid run in the Pure Randy, Jimmy and Kenny Mills have worx, dean Jones Construction
time I’d ever been around the track.” Stock Division is being consistent and given me some general advice on how w crew: Bronson Holland, Billy
Becoming familiar with any track is staying out of trouble, according to to run the track and about the cars Joe Garrett, Justin Worsham, dean
a bonus, especially the tricky four- Clardy, who is one driver who likes the themselves, said Clardy. Conner
tenths mile circuit at South Boston, inversion method used to determine “I know a little about the mechanics
which is difficult to master under the the starting grid for Pure Stock races. of the cars, and I’ll try to learn a lot class and helps everyone else out, and
best of circumstances. “I know about the inversion, and I more my first year. I can see that from the stands,” Clardy
“I guess I’ll just try and learn the like that because it evens things out “I’m right off the street and into a pointed out.
track. Kenny Mills Jr. went out there and makes things a little harder for race car, and I hope the drivers will “If I have a good year, it’ll be incen-
with me and showed me a little bit on people with better cars,” he explained. consider I’m new at this and give that tive to come back, and I intend to take
how to get around, so I think I’ll be “It gives people with lesser cars a some consideration.” it a step at a time, maybe move up, but
alright,” said Clardy. chance to do better.” Despite his inexperience, Clardy is if I don’t at least I’ll know that I tried.
“I’ll be nervous, especially consid- Clardy has received some advice and looking forward to the 2009 season. “I’m really excited, and it’s always
ering it’s my first year, but I plan on suggestions from several Pure Stock “Everybody works together in this something I wanted to do.”
GlAss “All of our sponsors have stood behind ready and one that is stripped down, dIGItAl
from page 20
us for the most part, and there’s one we
hope can come through later for us, and
but we’re putting a stop on that, be-
cause there’s no need spending money
suBMIssIons
that’s one reason we haven’t pushed on a fourth car until you get everything welcoMe
“She may also try and run a few races putting another driver in one of the worked out for the three other cars. E-mail your news
later on.” other cars,” Glass pointed out. “If we have some bad luck and tear up and digital photos
Although sponsors by and large “If push comes to shove, we can fund the first three cars, we can use it for a to news@
have stood behind his race team, Glass a car out of my pocket if we have to. backup.” gazettevirginian.com
sounded a cautious note. “We have three cars that are race
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CMYK
Hupp Looking For

More Good Results
By douG Ford no. 12 | randy hupp
STAFF WRiTER w hoMetown: Halifax
H
alifax driver Randy Hupp is w cAr type: Nissan 240SX
looking for more good results w crew MeMBers: Ricky Gordon, dustin
Snead, Eric Jones, Charlie Conner
in the Pure Stock Division
w sponsors: Andy’s Car Wash, Newton’s
this season, following a solid 2009 Landscaping and Excavating, Brandon
campaign where he won his first Scearce Nationwide insurance, dan River
race. Window Company, Snak Shop Vending,
“That gives me some momentum Riverview Signs, Barry’s Home improve-
and something to shoot for this sea- ments, Buster’s performance Center
son,” said Hupp. w specIAl thAnKs: Kitty Anderson, Karen
The motivation to race is still there and Marissa Hupp
for the congenial Hupp, who quickly
added he still races purely for the always competitive, noted Hupp.
fun in meeting people and having “It’s a close-knit bunch, and one
fun, rather than running for points. little thing that goes wrong can put
“It’s always been fun, and I’ll do you at the back of the pack, and you
it until I stop having fun,” added can have the strongest car but get
Hupp, whose goals remain relatively caught up in something on the track.
unchanged from a season ago. The inversion and only 30 laps to pHoToS BY JoE CHANdLER/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
“My main goals are to be competi- race means drivers don’t have a lot of
tive, run toward the front and win a laps to make up if they’re toward the randy hupp,
race, so I pretty much accomplished rear of the field, Hupp pointed out. pictured here
that last year. “Everybody is so close, and a driver in Victory lane
“I’ll try to stay out of trouble and who gets up front by himself is very after winning
run toward the front again this year, hard to catch in 30 laps,” said Hupp, the season-end-
so nothing much has changed in that who’s learned who he can trust when ing pure stock
regard.” he races in close quarters. division race
Right now, Hupp will run the same “Running up front, there are sev- last september
car for the first few races he had last eral drivers I can trust, and running at south Boston
year, but he plans to break out a new mid-pack and back there are several speedway,
race car later on in the season. I don’t necessarily want to be run- is aiming for
“It’ll have the same number (12), ning with,” he explained. another solid
but it’s a coupe, and I’ve never raced The Pure Stock Division points season in 2010.
a coupe,” said Hupp in anticipation. race came down to the final race last
All things considered, Hupp had a year, and Hupp expects no less this
good amount of success in 2009, with season.
one win, eight top-five and four top- “Everybody is out there to win, and
10 finishes in 17 starts. emotions can run high with two cars
He managed to keep his racecar on going for the same line, but the main
the track and out away from mid- reason I got into racing was to give
pack for the most part, even consid- me something to do with my family
ering the inversion method of deter- and with my friends on the week-
mining the starting grid. end,” he noted.
“I don’t particularly like the inver- From what Hupp has been hearing
sion, but I managed to tip-toe around and seeing, this year will probably
the track for most of the year before be one of the most competitive years
winning that last one. ever in the Pure Stock class, with
“You know you can get up there several rookie drivers and several
and run with the guys after that, and veterans paired with strong racecars.
it’s just a matter of getting a lucky He hopes to avoid mishaps that “I’m pretty lucky to have most all you can race with and who you have
break and getting a win after that. would cost him a chance to score my sponsors back from last year, but to be careful with.
“We’ll find out.” points and cost him money in repair you know how that is, everything “One thing about this class is that
Now that he’s gotten his first win, costs. keeps going up. everybody helps everybody else and
the pressure may have eased off Sponsorship money also figures “There’re a lot of new drivers, and chips in when they need something
somewhat, but Pure Stock racing is into that equation, he added. it’ll take a few races to find out who to get where they need to be.”
we’re your
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CMYK
Johnson Setting Sights

On Second SBS Title
By Joe chAndler as a driver because I knew what he
SpoRTS EdiToR (Johnson) was feeling coming into the
end of the season,” Deiny said.
I
f you want to know how tough it is “I’ve already been through that. So,
to win the South Boston Speedway to be able to help Justin in that area
NASCAR Whelen All-American was good. I had never been through it
Series Late Model Stock Car Division as a car owner, though. I was just as
championship, all you need to do is ask nervous, but it was a different kind
Justin Johnson. of nervousness. When I’m outside of
Two years ago, Johnson experienced the car, it’s difficult because I have no
the bitter disappointment of coming up control. I can’t do anything.”
just a few points shy of the champion- Johnson, Deiny and the FDJ Mo-
ship in the season’s final race. torsports team are returning to South
Last year, Johnson tasted the sweet- Boston Speedway looking to make it
ness of victory, a tough victory he two championships in a row. This time,
earned by winning the last race of the the team is looking to add more wins
season to top three other competitors, than it did last season when it scored
whom, like Johnson, had a chance to two wins and finished in the top-five in
win the title entering the season’s final 14 of the season’s 21 points races.
race. “Of course, coming off of the cham-
“I don’t know if my nerves can pionship last year we’ve got our goals
handle another points battle like last set that much higher for this year,”
year’s was,” Johnson said with a grin. Johnson said.
“It was something else. Coming off “We want to go out and win 10 races
of the second-place finish in the points and let it (the championship) fall the
the year before, our goal was to win way it falls. We weren’t happy with just
the championship. I knew we had the two victories here last year.
opportunity to do it. It was a lot harder “We had a goal last year of wanting
than I expected it to be, but it always to win more races,” added Johnson.
is. I was so heartbroken after finishing “It didn’t work out for us, but we
second two years ago that it made it were able to stay consistent and won
that much sweeter winning it the way the championship battle. Two years
we won it last year.” ago when we finished second in the
For Johnson’s car owner, Frank points, we won five races but struggled
Deiny Jr. of Ashland, the championship with consistency. This year, we’re going
was a sweet victory as well. This time to come in and try to win some races,
around, Deiny, who had previously won be consistent and see how it falls.”
a South Boston Speedway NASCAR Johnson has a different twist work-
track championship as a driver, won ing as the season gets under way, that
his first track championship as a car being that he will be driving a differ-
owner. ent FDJ Motorsports car than the one
Justin Johnson (left) and car owner Frank deiny Jr. pose in Victory lane with the champion-
“To be able to win a championship he drove last year. This year, Johnson
ship sign after Johnson clinched the south Boston speedway championship by winning last
here at South Boston Speedway was will drive the car that Deiny drove in
season’s final points race.
awesome,” Deiny remarked. selected races last seasons.
“I’ve won a championship at South “It has been a little bit of a transi- and Myrtle Beach Speedway,” Johnson (the points battle) last year.
Boston Speedway and to have my driv- tion,” John acknowledged. noted. “It was the four of us battling it out
er win one and hopefully get another “Even if I had gone from a coil over “We got lucky enough to win right all year last year and three of us are
one this year, was an awesome feeling, car to another coil over car there would out of the box.” back,” Johnson added.
especially in one of our own chassis. be some differences, but going from coil Johnson said he expects another “I’m sure someone else will come in
It’s an awesome feeling to have FDJ over to a big spring car initially threw very competitive and exciting season and step up and be right there and
Motorsports reach one of its goals to a curve at us.” of racing this season at South Boston we’ll have another big battle going at
win a championship without me being The good thing in Johnson’s favor is Speedway. the end of the year. We’ve just got to be
the driver. I couldn’t be happier.” that he had an opportunity to get into “I don’t think it will be any less com- better and concentrate on bringing the
Deiny said the feeling of pursuing the car late last season after the last petitive than last year,” Johnson said. best stuff we have every week. If we’re
the championship as a driver is dif- race at South Boston Speedway. “Nick Smith is going to be tough to at our best, I always feel like that we’re
ferent than the feeling of winning a “We got a jump on it the last couple beat. You have Deac McCaskill and, going to beat everyone else at their
championship as a car owner. of races last year, and ran the big- with the exception of David Quacken- best. I think that’s the only way you
“I’m thankful that I got to win it first spring car at Orange County Speedway bush, the same guys that were in it can look at it.”
Crosby Takes
Another Shot At
Pure Stock Title
By douG Ford “Hopefully, we can be as good as last
STAFF WRiTER year.”
Crosby and his race team have
S
doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
cottsburg driver Courtney Cros- worked over the winter to restore a no. 92 | courtney crosby
by has experienced a great deal car he ran for the last three races last pure stock division racer courtney crosby,
w hoMetown: Scottsburg
of success the past two seasons year. foreground, is aiming to capture a division
in the Pure Stock Division. “We won with that car right out of points title this season at south Boston w type cAr: Nissan 240
In 2008, he finished second, eight the box, and we also won a couple of speedway after coming close the past couple w sponsors: S&M Contractors,
points behind Joe Allred III, with the poles with it,” said Crosby. of years. pictured with crosby are some of his South Boston Graphics, Snak Shop
championship decided in the final race “We’re happy with the car, so we’re team members including, from left, Ashleigh Vending, Capture The Moment
of the season. hoping everything comes together for Foster, whitney Foster, Jennifer dawson and photography, Supply Line discounts,
Crosby had another good year in us the way it’s supposed to and that eric snead. Fiberglass Repair
w teAM MeMBers: Jennifer daw-
2009, with a win, 12 top-five finishes the car stays the same for us.” think most of the drivers are fortunate
son, Bill Crosby, Chris Crosby, Eric
and two top-10 finishes in 17 starts, That same car placed second with to have the sponsors they have.” Snead, Joey Conner, Ashleigh Foster,
along with five poles. Chuck Watkins behind the wheel at Crosby is aware of the large field of Whitney Foster, C.J. Claiborne
He held the points lead late in the the last Orange County race last year, cars running in the Pure Stock Divi-
season until an accident ruined his according to Crosby, so he knows it’s sion at South Boston and the large
chances at a points championship. capable of winning. number of rookies. recalled.
“I had a pretty decent year,” said “It’s a pretty good piece, and we just “We have an advantage in experi- “One bad race knocked us out of the
Crosby. We had a shot at a champion- have to tweak it some, but it’s going to ence and can stay toward the front and championship last year, but we were
ship for the second year in a row and be a good car for us.” avoid mistakes, and hopefully we can happy to be that close.
came up a little short.” Crosby has adopted a wait-and-see have some good racing,” he pointed out. “We had three guys within 14 points,
Crosby finished third in the points approach to the 2010 season and will I hope the rookie drivers can stay and that’s good, close racing,” said
chase, but he was leading in the points see how things stand after the first few patient. I was a rookie driver six years Crosby, who is appreciative of the sup-
late in the season before an accident races before determining if a points ago, and we all have to start sometime, port given he and other drivers in the
prevented him from closing the deal. championship is within the realm of but I hope they just listen to us and division.
“In 2008 we lost the championship possibility. show some patience. “Most of our drivers are local guys
by eight points and last year we lost it “We’ll see what happens and how far Consistent finishes and a little rac- and girls, and we bring a lot of fans
by 14 points, so we’ve been really, re- our money will take us, we have some ing luck may finally allow Crosby to to the racetrack. I think a lot of them
ally close,” he explained. names on the car but not much money, take home a Pure Stock Division title. wait for us to run,” he explained.
“But, I’m glad Chris (Crosby) got it and we’ve lost about half our spon- “In 2008 we had one bad race, with a “It’s a good, fun division to run in,
last year if I couldn’t, and I hope to be sors,” he explained. flat tire, and that cost us a shot at the and I’ve received a lot of support from
a contender again this year, but I don’t “That’s making it tough, so we’ll run championship and last year we got into different people, so I really appreciate
know how good we can be. as long as our money lets us run, but I an accident late in the season,” Crosby that.”
We salute Jeb Burton in NASCAR What

Here’s a
ToGreat Racing
A Great RacingSeason!
Season!
Limited Sportsman Action at
South Boston Speedway
Stop by and see Michael, David, Richard,
Sherman, Hal, and Diane.
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SUPPLY, INC.
HEADQUARTERS
908 John Randolph Blvd., South Boston 572-2997
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CMYK
Lacks Joins Pure Stock Rookie Ranks

By douG Ford
STAFF WRiTER
A
dd another rookie to the roster
of drivers in the Pure Stock
Division at South Boston
Speedway this season, as Jim Lacks
moves from the pits to the driver’s
seat.
Although a first-time driver, Lacks
does have experience at South Bos-
ton,
“I’ve driven go-karts recreationally,
but nothing on a competitive level in
auto racing,” said Lacks, who added
he was both excited and a little ap-
prehensive as the season approaches.
“Even though I’m a rookie, I’m
43-years-old and will show some
common sense and work my way into
it. I was in the military for 20 years
and played golf and water-skiied, but
South Boston is the place to be for
auto racing.
“I’ve sponsored some people and
helped some in the pits before this
year, but I decided if I was already
spending money on this, I’d enjoy
some of the racing myself.” doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
Lacks worked as a crew member no. 05 | Jim lacks
Jim lacks, a rookie competitor this season in the pure stock division at south Boston speed- w hoMetown: South Boston
with drivers such as Stacy Puryear, way, is also a newcomer to auto racing. pictured, from left, are team members Jacob campbell, w dIVIsIon: pure Stock
Lee Pulliam, Danny Willis Jr. and Michael wilborn, lacks, Jarrett Milam (crew chief) and Mikkie Milam. w type cAr: Nissan 240
the Milams, and he has sponsored w sponsors: Heritage House,
others such as Steve Collins and the tive, they still respect their oppo- plans to make up the difference be- Riverviewsign.com, Signs & design,
Crosby’s. nents. fore the March 13 season-opener. Buster’s performance Center, Camp-
He has won two track champion- “They’ll bend over backwards to “I don’t plan on doing anything bell’s Vinyl Railings, Earle’s Hardwood
ships, one as part of Lee Pulliam’s help somebody,” said Lacks, whose crazy the first race and will probably Flooring, J&S Mufflers
crew in the Limited Sportsman Divi- goals for his rookie campaign are just run with the pack,” said Lacks, w teAM MeMBers: Jarrett Milam
sion, and one as sponsor for Chris somewhat modest. who is confident that he’ll qualify (Crew Chief), Mikkie Milam, Michael
Crosby in the Pure Stock Division. I don’t want to set my goals too well enough to stay out of the rear of Wilborn, Michael Farmer, Jacob
Lacks decided to get behind the lofty, but I would really like to win the pack but cautious enough to run Campbell, Buddy Campbell (Spotter)
wheel of a racecar simply because it Rookie of the Year,” he pointed out. a clean race the first time out. w specIAl thAnKs: Carolyn Lacks
looked like a lot of fun, but he will “Usually, there’re only one or two “I have a good car, and I think
take a cautious approach, at least people competing for that, but this I can get a top-six qualifying run, get more seat time and ride around
early on. year I’ve heard there may be seven and even if I qualify sixth, if the die until I get more comfortable with the
“There’s a whole lot more work or eight rookies out there.” comes up that number I’ll sit on the car.
that goes into them than I knew,” he “I think I have a good shot at it,” pole. “I don’t plan on taking anybody
admitted. Lacks added, while noting the expe- There’s a little history behind his out, and I think everyone will show
“It costs a little more money than I rience among his crew as a key to a car, Lacks explained. a little respect to everybody else out
thought. Because the cars are older solid rookie season. “Quain Moore built the car, and there.
than most, you can’t go to an auto “Jarrett Milam is my crew chief, Justin Tucker raced it before selling “We have so many rookies this
parts store and buy parts, so you and he’s won more Pure Stock races it to Rodney Cook,” he said. year, and a lot of them have little or
need to find them at junkyards. than anyone the past couple of years, According to Lacks, he literally no experience with this type of car,
“People have been racing them for and he’s put together a good car for found the car in a barn and rebuilt it but the key for everyone will be to
so long that you can’t find a (Nis- me. from the ground up. show a little patience.”
san) 240 within 200 miles of here, “Basically, I’ll follow him around Maturity usually comes with age,
because they’ve all be scarfed up for
racecars.”
and run the same lines he does, and
I think that should give me Rookie of
and Lacks plans on using that to his
advantage his rookie year. Got A news tIp?
Lacks has been around the Pure
Stock Division long enough to notice
the Year.”
Lacks’ seat time has been severely
“I believe I’ll err on the side of cau-
tion and I won’t stick my nose where
we wAnt to Know.
that while the drivers are competi- limited due to bad weather, but he it doesn’t belong, and I’m content to cAll 572-3945.
Willis Eyes Limited Sportsman Title

By douG Ford
STAFF WRiTER
D
anny Willis Jr. literally had a
season to remember last year
in the Limited Sportsman
Division at South Boston Speedway,
claiming three poles and four wins
in 17 starts, including a win in the
season finale that vaulted him to
second-place in the points standings.
The Cluster Springs driver capped
the year by claiming the pole and
the win in the big 100-lap Limited
Sportsman Division race in October.
Willis knows 2010 brings a new
set of challenges, but he plans to
meet them head-on, with a goal of
taking home a prize that has eluded
him in the past – a Limited Sports-
man points championship.
“Last year was probably the best
season we’ve had in Limited, and we
didn’t really get started until half-
way through,” Willis recalled.
“Our down side is usually how we
start off the season, and if we can
start this year the way we finished
last year, we’ll have a good shot at doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
the title. danny willis Jr., foreground, is gunning for a limited sportsman division championship this no. 23 | danny willis Jr.
season at south Boston speedway. team members, back row, from left, include david saunders w hoMetown: Cluster Springs
“We checked the car over the w dIVIsIon: Limited Sportsman
winter and made sure nothing was (crew chief), Jeff throckmorton, chris clark and Kim willis. not pictured are team members
w type cAr: Chevrolet Monte Carlo
wrong with it, so we’re starting with tom worley, Jason Milam, Gary leksell and Bruce elliott. w sponsors: Strutmasters.com,
the same setup and hope track con- Heritage House, Bright Meadows Farm,
ditions and the tires are the same as thing back to where it was, and if it and I know they have good cars and Hall’s Garage, Meeler insurance Agency,
last year.” wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have good crews behind them, so I think dennis Tree Service, Southern Land
If that’s the case, Willis and his gotten back to where we needed to we’ll have a good tight field,” said & properties, Riverviewsigns.com, the
race team think they can start the be. Willis. Chaffin family
way they finished last year and Despite last year’s success and the “I don’t see anybody walking away w teAM MeMBers: Kim Willis, david
carry the momentum through the optimism entering the season, it’s with it.” Saunders (Crew Chief), Jeff Throck-
morton, Chris Clark, Tom Worley, Jason
season. always a guessing game at South Willis’ goal is to be consistent and
Milam, Gary Leksell, Bruce Elliott
Willis said he and his race team Boston, Willis noted. win as many races as he can.
came upon an ideal setup midway “The competition is so tough that “Poles are nice, and it’s nice to
through last season, and it proved to anybody on a given night can come sit on the pole, but if we can go out the possibility of limited funds, and
be the key to the strong finish. away with a win,” he noted. there and win as much as we can or the small budget teams may mind
“We really weren’t that far off “We just have to find that little bit have good top-three finishes each their p’s and q’s and try to stay out
with our setup to start, but we had extra, and if we keep that little bit week without tearing up our racecar, of trouble.
motor problems in the first race. We and add a little more, it should be we have a good shot at making a run “Especially if you’re running in
were close but not close enough, but exciting racing this year. at the title,” he continued. fourth- or fifth-place with a couple
halfway through the season we hit “Hopefully, we’ll be right there “That was our downside last year, of laps left, there’s no use pushing it
upon something,” said Willis. with them.” we started off slow and wound up to get to second, because the money
“I thank Stacy Puryear and Pur- The Limited Sportsman Division getting in a few wrecks, and after isn’t that much more.
year Race Parts for that, because he featured tight competition last year, we got everything going, it all went “You’ll still have some guys out
helped me with my shock package and this year promises to be just smoothly for us.” there driving aggressively, but the
and helped me fine-tune my setup. as tough, according to Willis, with Limited sponsorship dollars may majority of the guys will try and
“We really didn’t have to change Tommy Peregoy, Justin Snow and affect some teams more than others take care of their stuff.
a lot, but both Stacy and A&E Race Jeb Burton returning, in addition this season, he explained. “We’ll have a good field of cars,
Cars helped me a lot last year. to defending points champion Brian “You’ll still have those drivers and more often than not it will be
“We had to clip the car once and do Pembelton. who were aggressive last year be anybody’s night to win, whoever has
some suspension work to get every- “We have at least two new drivers, aggressive again this year, despite the best setup.”
CMYK
Mills Plans On Running Full Pure Stock Season

By douG Ford
STAFF WRiTER
K
enny Mills Jr., ran three races
in the Pure Stock Division last
year at South Boston Speed-
way, recording a top-10 finish in one
of them.
He’s hoping for more this year as
he plans to run a full season in Pure
Stocks.
Mills, now 17-years-old, developed
an interest in racing while crewing
for a couple of other drivers last sea-
son, and the desire to race finally got
the best of him, he explained.
“I helped other people with their
cars and got the urge to drive myself,”
said Mills, who started crewing for
Bruce Mayo and Randy Hupp last
year.
Mills hopes to put his knowledge
gained from his experience under the
hook to good use this season.
“I learned a lot about the engine
and the setups, and the mechanical
work is really what you need to know doUG FoRd/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
about the cars,” he pointed out. Kenny Mills Jr., a driver in the pure stock division at south Boston speedway, plans on racing no. 2 | Kenny Mills Jr.
a full season at the four-tenths mile oval. w hoMetown: South Boston
That can only help as the current
season unfolds, he added. w type cAr: Nissan 240 SX
“Randy also has helped me out a “I hit the wall and totaled my car, so Mills admits he found out how dif- w cAr no: 2
whole lot, and I got most of my knowl- I had to start all over.” ficult it can be to get around a tight, w sponsors: Riverviewsigns.com,
edge from him. Normally, it was Mills has since bought a car from short track like South Boston. Adcock Construction, Gutterworx, R.A.
only myself working on the car and I fellow competitor Jarrett Milam, and Some guys may tell you differently, Whitlow painting and Floor Sanding,
needed to know all of those things.” that’s the one he’ll bring to South but it’s still pretty hard, and the walls Heritage House Home Furnishings,
Mills had not raced at any level Boston Speedway. come at you pretty fast out of the Snak Shop Vending, Speed Shops
before the three Pure Stock starts He admitted to modest goals last corners, sometimes faster than you photography (Kenneth Smith)
last season, but any experience on the season, getting seat time and experi- think. w crew: H.d. Wilson, Kenneth Mills Sr.,
tight South Boston Speedway track is ence foremost among them, and this “The first race is nerve-racking, but Tiffany Wilson, daniel Crews
invaluable. year plans to step up his program. from then on you feel a little better,
He learned a lot despite hitting a “I want to maybe get a top-five fin- so my experience from last year will finish races and stick with them, and
fellow competitor three-fourths of a ish toward the end of the year, but I help. the drivers have really helped me out
lap into his first race. want to get more seat time first,” said Mills has picked up seven or eight a lot.
“My second race I did alright, fin- Mills. sponsors despite the rough economy, “I wouldn’t be where I am now with-
ishing the race in eighth place, and “I don’t want to set my goals too and he is pleased he has the backing out them, and altogether I’m looking
that kind of got me going. high, because I don’t want to wreck to move forward. forward to it, but I’m looking to get
“I had a feeling the next race I’d do another car. He also is looking to take the next some more practice in before the sea-
even better than the third time, but “It’s a long season, but I enjoy every step toward a competitive season at son starts.
my rear end went out on me about 17 minute I’m out there, and a top-three South Boston. “I plan on coming to open practice
laps into the race. would be just awesome.” “I just want to get out there and and running the whole day.”
Just we’re your

source For
pIcture It
order prints of local photos at
locAl news
www.gazettevirginian.com,
click on buy photos. www.gazettevirginian.com
VIPER Takes To The Drag Strip

By chAndler reuBush
diRECToR VipER SERViCE
D
rag racing is a sport of the
slimmest margins. The competi-
tion is fierce and close. Races
are won and lost by thousandths of
a second. Proper vehicle and driver
performance can mean the difference
between packing up early and making it
to Winner’s Circle.
For this reason, the Virginia Insti-
tute for Performance Engineering and
Research (VIPER) is pioneering the
development of testing and simulation
services specifically for the drag racing
market. VIPER’s unique combination of
test equipment and experience allows
SUBMiTTEd pHoToS
us to optimize both the drag racing
vehicle performance as well as the drag the exterior of the VIper building at VIrginia International raceway.
racing driver performance. off the elapsed time, a driver can lose VIPER is a national center for ground Learning and Research, VIPER com-
The prevailing perception is that drag hundredths of second at the starting vehicle performance testing, engineer- bines the research capabilities of Virgin-
racing is solely a contest of power. He lights. Many “faster” cars have lost the ing & research services specializing in ia Tech and Old Dominion University
who has the most power wins. While race before the cars have even moved an racing, advance technology and perfor- with the world class facilities and physi-
this adage may generally be true, if the inch with a poor start at the Christmas mance vehicles. cal assets of the Virginia International
vehicle cannot successfully transmit the Tree (starting light). Through the Institute for Advanced Raceway (VIR).
power to the ground, then it is simply Starting performance is about psy-
wasted. chology, reflexes, and muscle memory.
The chassis performance of a drag
racing vehicle is of equal importance.
VIPER is developing a specific drag race
program for the advanced full motion Have you ever wanted to
race at over 200 MPH?
VIPER’s 8 Post vehicle dynamics shaker driving simulator to provide a unique
rig, having helped tune road race cars driver training opportunity. With
and the stock cars of the NASCAR the simulator, a driver may practice
circuit, is now ready to simulate the hundreds of runs training his mind
quarter mile. Using the 8 Post, a team and body to execute that perfect launch
Experience the sights,
can perform dozens of “passes” in a day every time. sounds, and motions in
tuning the chassis and suspension, all Looking to gain the competitive the driver’s seat of the
the while saving the engine and fuel for advantage? VIPER can help give a drag
race day. race car and driver a tune up. For more
VIPER Simulator
While a big motor or tuned chassis information, visit www.viperservice. • Safe and Fun!
can help shave thousandths of a second com.
• Choose from more than
a dozen tracks and cars
• More realistic than a
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• Individual and group
rates available
Located at Virginia International Raceway

1100 Ace Drive • 434.766.6794
chandler reubush, director, VIper service, is pictured standing in front of the guts of the eight
post shaker test rig, the part under the floor where the car rests for testing.
www.viperservice.com
CMYK
VIR Offers Fans A Variety

the sleek and pow-
erful daytona pro-
totype cars of the
By Joe chAndler sleek, powerful Daytona Prototype cars. Grand-Am rolex
SpoRTS EdiToR Also featured that weekend is a race for sports car series
the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports thundered into the
W
hen it comes to racing at Alton’s Car Challenge Series. Double races for the second turn during
fabled VIRginia International SCCA Pro Racing Jetta TDI Cup Series, last April’s Bosch
Raceway, variety is the buzzword. the Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup Series, the engineering 250 at
Whether it’s auto racing, motorcycle rac- Mustang Challenge Series and the Skip VIrginia Interna-
ing or kart racing, there is something for Barber National Championship Series are JoE CHANdLER/GAZETTE-ViRGiNiAN
tional raceway.
everyone at VIR. also on tap.
VIR opens its 2010 season of spectator Another fan favorite event is VIR’s Stock gust 13-15. That’s when VIR will host the weekends of go-kart racing.
events next weekend, March 20-21 with Car Open Test Day, which is tentatively Suzuki AMA Pro Superbike Champion- VIR will cap its season on Oct. 30 with
motorcycle racing under the WERA sanc- set for May 26. Fans can come out and ship event, an event that will feature the the return of the SCCA Charge of the
tion. Several different classes of racing watch NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams country’s top pro motorcycle road racers. Headlight Brigade. A 13-hour enduro race,
will be featured throughout the weekend, and NASCAR Nationwide Series teams Fans of SCCA professional racing will this event has attracted teams of inter-
producing a good deal of competitive rac- shake down and test their cars as they want to mark the weekend of Sept. 10-12 national drivers to compete against local
ing for fans. prepare for upcoming road races. on their calendar as VIR will host the drivers as well as drivers from across the
After that, sports cars will take to the For fans that enjoy a nostalgic trip down SCCA Pro Racing Sports Car Wars. country.
track. memory lane, VIR hosts the Heacock Clas- The weekend schedule includes races While fans are at VIR to view the racing
On the weekend of April 16-18, VIR sic SVRA Gold Cup Historic Races on the for the SCCA Pro Trans-Am series and the action, they have a variety of amenities on
will host the Sports Car Club of America’s weekend of June 4-6. SCCA Pro World Challenge GT and Tour- site they can take advantage of. Fans can
Oak Tree Double Nationals. Past events Several different classes of competition ing Car series. visit the Plantation Valley Kart Track and
have had upwards of 300 or more cars on are featured during the weekend, which Fans of kart racing will get to see some take to the track on go-karts.
hand as amateur road racers compete for features classic racecars of yesterday. Past of the best in kart racing at VIR this Other on-site amenities at VIR include
points that will hopefully lead them to the Gold Cup events have featured some of the season. On the weekend of July 31-August the Villas at South Bend, the Pagoda
season-ending SCCA runoffs. cars and drivers that have made history 1, VIR will host the World Karting As- Restaurant in the North Paddock, the Oak
VIR’s first major event of the season at VIR as well as some of the country’s top sociation/ Woodbridge Kart Club National Tree Tavern and Connie’s Pub.
comes up the weekend of April 23-25 with vintage cars. Go-Kart Races. For additional information, fans can call
the Bosch Engineering 250 Grand-Am VIR’s biggest motorcycle racing event Several classes of racing will be featured VIR or go online and visit the VIR Web
Rolex Sports Car Series race featuring the of the season is set for the weekend of Au- in what will be one of the region’s biggest site.

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Motorsports

Series Twin 75s. THE GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN

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