Since 1985, the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 has stood above all else as the pinnacle of short-track racing in Virginia. Often referred to as the ‘Daytona 500 for Late Model Stock Cars,’ it attracts nearly 80 participants to Martinsville Speedway every year. But only half that number makes it through to contend for the Grandfather Clock up for grabs, and a winner’s cheque on Saturday. Such is the appeal and level of competition at the 200-lap superspectacle each fall.

With a list of past winners, including names like Mark Martin and Mike Skinner, this year’s edition marked a full-circle moment. Driving JR Motorsports #8 Late Model, 21-year-old Carson Kvapil did not just carry the torch once lit by 2019-winner Josh Berry. Instead, he illuminated the way for his first-ever visit to Martinsville’s Victory Lane. Now, the question remains: will this win help Kvapil pave the way for his entry into full-time Cup racing?

Carrying Dale Jr’s Late Model legacy forward

According to his crew chief at the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, Brian Shaffer, “[Kvapil] is ready to move up, he‘s ready as anybody is… I think he‘ll be racing [Cup Series] cars in a couple of years.” This prediction comes from a guy who has been with JRM since 2014 and helped an established Cup rookie like Josh Berry win some of the biggest events in Late Model Stock Car racing. Although it might take some time for a full-time Cup ride to transpire for young Carson, rumors suggest he’s the prime contender to replace Brandon Jones at JRM full-time in 2025.

From succeeding Josh Berry in Dale Jr’s Late Model program to steadily making a name for himself in the big leagues, Kvapil has come a long way. In 2018, he made his CARS Tour debut. Not even half a decade has passed, and the Mooresville native has already made eight part-time appearances in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series. To show for his prowess, Kvapil has placed inside the top 5 three times within that brief span.

On Saturday, he brought more of the same as he geared up to lead 119 laps, overcoming fierce competition, notably from 2016 event-winner

Mike Looney who placed second. After a series of restarts and lead changes, Kvapil took command on lap 190 and never looked back. As quoted by TobyChristie.com after his win, “This race has been the one we’ve been chasing the last three years I’ve been racing with these guys… We came up super-close last year and the year before finishing second and third. I was pretty worried coming into this one that we just weren’t going to have the speed or something.”

Lucky for Kvapil, Shaffer brought a “really fast car” and made no mistakes with any additional adjustments. He started his race in second beside Kyle Dudley after winning the second qualifying heat race. And after a 300-mile battle of attrition, Kvapil crossed the finish line first, 0.645 seconds ahead of Looney. Trailing them inside the top 5 were Treyten Lapcevich (third), Casey Kelley (fourth), and Bobby McCarthy (fifth).

Regardless, as he wrapped up his Victory Lap to leave Martinsville with a brand-new Grandfather Clock, he was humble in triumph – the mark of a true champion. Kvapil talked about the “honor” of driving the JRM #8, and how winning the race in it is an even “bigger deal.” However, the fact that he kept both Josh Berry and Dale Jr. in his memory while answering questions to the media post-win speaks volumes about his character.

Carson Kvapil shines bright in Martinsville’s Victory Lane

Has Carson Kvapil been a worthy successor for Josh Berry? Although some might disagree, the majority would say he is. Two zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock championships. Winner of the first Late Model Stock Car race at the newly reopened North Wilkesboro Speedway. A fourth-place finish in his Xfinity Series debut at Martinsville earlier this year. Surely, those accolades foretell some big things in the future for Kvapil’s still-young career. Potential like that can sometimes be hard to handle, although the young gun can consider himself lucky to be part of one of the most successful driver development systems.

Dale Jr and JR Motorsports have had an eye on Carson Kvapil for quite some time, but they finally made their association official in 2022. And by the looks of things, former Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil’s son will soon add his name to a stellar list of drivers who have made it to the premier tier of NASCAR competition through the JRM pipeline. So, can Carson Kvapil be the next Josh Berry or Alex Bowman? No, he is the next Carson Kvapil, and he is ready to make a name for himself.

And he is grateful for all the people helping him make it a reality. After the race, Kvapil said,

“I can’t wait to check my phone… I’m hoping [Dale Jr] already sent me a text message or called. It’s huge. Josh [Berry] winning this race was huge and I’m super glad to be able to follow it up with a win as well.” His win at the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 marks only the second JR Motorsports has won the fall feature. Hence. it is safe to assume Carson has made a lot of people happy with his victory.

Nevertheless, the sense of reality has not been lost on the young racer. In his words,

“To be able to take over [Berry’s] spot and continue on the winning legacy is pretty special.” He concluded, “What is special to me is the people who put me in the race car and had the confidence to do the job. I can‘t thank them enough.” As 2025 waits around the corner, an official announcement for Carson Kvapil’s step up to a full-time NASCAR National Series ride feels only imminent. With his humble charm and immense talent, it is only a matter of time before he storms the gates of the big leagues.