MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Josh Berry said last week Martinsville Speedway could be a frustrating place after he’s come so close to winning there before.
Now he has a reason to celebrate – 44,000 reasons to be exact.
Berry started from the pole, led every lap and won both stages to take home a record-setting payday of $44,000 and the famous Grandfather Clock after dominating the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 Saturday.
Berry was able to pull away late and hold off Lee Pulliam and Timothy Peters who finished second and third, respectively.
“I learned a lot last year here at Martinsville,” said Berry, who was competing in the prestigious Late Model race for the eighth time. “We were fortunate enough to build a gap with the two racing behind us there at the end.
“This is a great day and I’m so happy to give Dale (Earnhardt) Jr., Kelly Earnhardt-Miller and everyone at JR Motorsports their first win in this prestigious race.”
Berry started from the pole and collected $2,000 for winning the first and second stages of the race. He also collected lap leader bonus money and the pole award from Martinsville Speedway to build up his record-setting payday.
“To win this race you have to beat the best of the best,” said Berry. Any of the top-five drivers tonight could be driving on Sunday. This field is full of talent and to win her against them is special.”
Pulliam also won the Virginia Triple Crown edging Peyton Sellers to win the honor.
“We had a hard battle tonight with Timothy Peters and we were racing for second place as Josh (Berry) had everyone covered tonight,” said Pulliam. “I want to thank South Boston, Langley and Martinsville Speedways for offering this award. This is the fifth time I’ve finish second in this race but taking home $15,000 is a good day for us.”
Bobby McCarty was fourth, while Senoia, Georgia’s Bubba Pollard finished fifth to give JR Motorsports a pair of top-five finishes.
Sellers, Justin T. Carroll, Kyle Dudley, Dustin Rumley and Kres VanDyke rounded out the top 10.
