Virginia Designates Record-Breaking 'Martinsville Missile' as Official VA250 Car for Independence Celebration

So, what's the deal with this new resolution? Basically, it's putting a spotlight on a seriously cool piece of Virginia motorsports history: the 'Martinsville Missile.' This isn't just any old car; it's a 1969 Dodge Daytona Charger that officially snagged the land speed record for a stock car, hitting an incredible 253 miles per hour back on March 23, 2026. The resolution formally designates this speed demon as the official VA250 Car for the Virginia American Revolution 250th Commission.

The Need for Speed, Virginia Style

This isn't just about a fast car; it's about celebrating a local legend. The resolution highlights that the 'Martinsville Missile' wasn't just fast, it was a homegrown effort. Designed by Joey Arrington from Franklin County, Virginia, this car packs a punch with a 258 cubic inch, 1,000 horsepower engine that can scream up to 9,500 revolutions per minute. And who was behind the wheel for that record-setting run? Tommy Hurley, hailing from Ridgeway, Virginia. It's a real testament to local talent and engineering.

Connecting History and Horsepower

Why all this fuss about a stock car and a speed record? The VA250 Car Project is actually part of a much larger, national motorsports celebration. It's all about honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence. Think of it as a way to tie in America's love for speed and innovation with its historical roots. The idea for this project came from a trio of Virginians: Danny Turner, former mayor of Martinsville; Joey Arrington; and former Congressman Virgil Goode of Rocky Mount. So, this resolution isn't just a pat on the back for a car; it's a nod to a project that aims to celebrate a significant national milestone in a uniquely American way. The House of Representatives is essentially giving a big shout-out to the VA250 Car Project for their record-breaking achievement, making it official.