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As autumn air sweeps across Virginia and North Carolina, the Late Model Stock Car season approaches its conclusion. The ValleyStar 300 at Martinsville Speedway remains the undisputed pinnacle event.
For Landon Pembelton, this time of year brings both heightened expectations and familiar excitement.
“This is always the best time of year for all of us guys in Late Model Stocks,” Pembelton said recently at a media event. “And it’s what we look forward to. This is the crown jewel, the main jewel for us.
Pembelton enters Martinsville riding a strong wave of momentum generated by a standout 2026 campaign at South Boston Speedway, where he finished 3rd in points against top-tier regional competition. That consistent speed has provided a solid foundation heading into the sport’s biggest weekend.
“We had a great year at South Boston this year, winning four races, and we’ve had great cars,” Pembelton noted. “We’re looking forward to carrying that momentum to Martinsville.”
Pembelton is no stranger to victory lane at the legendary paperclip-shaped short track. Having already scored Martinsville victories in 2021 and 2025, the 21- year old Virginia driver knows what it takes to survive 200 laps around one of short track racing’s most demanding venues and claim the coveted grandfather clock trophy.
“I’d say definitely the two Martinsville wins that I’ve gotten so far, those are two of the biggest ones,” he reflected. “Having a lot of success at Martinsville is a big confidence booster going in, especially when you know you’ve won twice and feel like you’re going to have another good shot at it.”
Winning at Martinsville, however, is never a simple task. The ValleyStar 300 regularly attracts over 80 entries from across the country, all vying for just 40 starting spots in the main event. The sheer volume of elite talent ensures that every lap, from practice through the final checkered flag is a grind.
“I think it’s all the good competition going after the clock,” Pembelton explained. “It’s what makes it tough. You’ve got to be on your A-game, make sure you have everything lined up, and make sure all of your equipment is in shape.
Among those competitors are the heavyweight names of Late Model Stock racing—drivers who set the benchmark every weekend.
“I think you bring in guys like Lee(Pulliam), Caden Kvapil, Peyton Sellers, and Trevor Ward,” Pembelton added. “Those are the guys to beat when you show up to these tracks. They’re going to be really tough.”
Given the fierce level of competition at Martinsville, Pembelton notes that unloading with speed right off the trailer is critical. Having that immediate pace allows the team to fine-tune the car and hopefully qualify near the top, which sets up a better starting spot for both the heat races and the main event.
As Pembelton continues to establish himself as one of Late Model Stock racing’s premier contenders, questions naturally arise regarding potential moves up the NASCAR ladder into national touring series.
“You know, I don’t know,” Pembelton mused on his future prospects. “It’s kind of whatever opportunity comes up, right? If you get a good opportunity, you always want to seize it when you can, and that’s just part of the plan—letting it play out.”
Whether higher tier opportunities materialize or he continues to race on the regional short track scene, Pembelton remains focused on the present.
“If it plays out, it plays out, whether it’s good or we just keep doing what we’re doing,” he concluded. “I’m satisfied with either one.”
For now, all eyes—and all efforts—are fixed on Martinsville Speedway, where Pembelton aims to turn preparation and past experience into another victory.
FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel will have live coverage from Martinsville beginning on Friday at 8 p.m. with qualifying. The schedule for Saturday begins at 4 p.m. featuring four 25-lap heat races to set the grid, followed by the 200-lap main event at 7 p.m..
