Record set as part of VA250 Celebrations: America. Made In Virginia.
Martinsville, VA – Celebrations are underway as the “Martinsville Missile”, a NASCAR-spec stock car designed and built by Franklin County’s own Joey Arrington, set a new stock car speed record of 253 mph. With Ridgeway drag racer Tommy Hurley at the wheel the Martinsville Missile roared down the runway at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Brevard County, Florida. The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) partnered on the project and was on hand to capture video of the record attempt.
For full coverage of the record attempt, including video of the run, please see this article from Cardinal News: ‘Martinsville Missile’ sets a new land speed record for a stock car
More information about the car and the team that built it can be found at va250carproject.com.
The Commission was represented at the record attempt by Commissioner Will Pace.
“It has been an honor to see this car come to life over the last few months and a thrill to be here as it set the record,” said Pace. “This project honors our past and makes a bold statement about our future in Southern Virginia. We have a deep racing heritage going back to the early 20th century and continue to welcome tourists to top-tier racing destinations like Martinsville Speedway, an original NASCAR track, and Virginia International Raceway. This car also demonstrates that Southern Virginia’s manufacturing and STEM excellence are driving the next generation of innovation, proving that our local workforce possesses the cutting-edge skills needed to build the technologies of tomorrow.”
The Commission supported the project with a $50,000 grant as part of its commitment to bring jobs, investment, and tourism dollars to the communities it serves. If you, or someone you know, are interested in bringing a business to Southern or Southwest Virginia, please reach out to the Commission at the contact information above.
“The Virginia 250 Car, proudly built right here in our community, made history by breaking the land speed record today,” said Tobacco Commission member Danny Marshall. “This moment reflects the talent, craftsmanship, and innovation that define our community. From the first idea to the finished product, this project showcases what can be accomplished when local skill and pride come together. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this record breaking achievement to life and putting Martinsville-Henry County on the map in a big way.”
For background on the project, including the team behind the creation of this incredible machine, take a look at this article from Cardinal News: A stock car dubbed ‘the Martinsville Missile’ aims to set a new land speed record of 250 mph
Questions about the Commission’s contribution to this project may be directed to Jordan Butler at JButler@revitalizeva.org or 757-692-0878.
