For Immediate Release: Jesse Little Racing Media Relations

Little looks for success at historic Martinsville Speedway

SHERRILLS FORD, North Carolina, (October 5, 2011)-Jesse Little, driver of the No. 97 Leavitt Racing Chassis Chevrolet, heads to Martinsville Speedway this weekend looking to bring home the grand prize in the Virginia Is For Lovers 300 for late model stock teams.

With defending champion Phillip Morris in the field and a venue rich in history, Little is humbled to have the opportunity to race on the half-mile.

“I am really fortunate to be able to race where some of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history have stepped foot,” he said. “There are some tracks that rise above the others such as Daytona, Bristol and Charlotte for example and in the late model world Martinsville is one of those types of tracks.”

Many of the drivers expected to enter the Virginia Is For lovers 300 have amasses nearly 150 main event victories among them. Little has had success this season as well and looks to capitalize on that to find victory in Martinsville. A recent test at the Virginia track helped build that confidence.

“The test was a huge help,” Little explained. “Our test gave us a good direction to go when we unload for practice on Friday. We were able to try a lot of chassis adjustments and figured out a direction for speed in the car. It’s all about qualifying for this race. With close to 100 cars attempting to make the race the (qualifying) times will be tight.”

Little adds that Martinsville Speedway will be one of the toughest surfaces he has ever faced.

“This is by far one of the most difficult race tracks I’ve ever had to adapt to. You carry a lot of speed getting into the corners and then you have to slow it down through the center so it won’t push but you can’t role the center to slow either. A multitude of things must be done right in order to go fast at this track.”

One would think exit speed is a key to success with flat corners but Little indicated it is more a focus on entrance to the turns and through the middle.

“You definitely need good forward bite on the exit of the corners but with the cars being so heavy (over 3,000 pounds) and the corner being concrete you have more then enough grip to help on the exit. In my opinion the entrance to the corner and in the center is where we’ll have to concentrate our efforts.”

Qualifying is set for Saturday, October 8 with the top 22 drivers locked into the 42-car field. Those not locked into the field will be able to transfer in through a series of qualifying races. The top-5 finishing drivers in the transfer heat races will be locked into the finale on Sunday afternoon.

For more information on Martinsville Speedway’s Virginia Is For Lovers 300 featuring the top late model stock teams in the country, log onto www.martinsvillespeedway.com Race fans can keep up with Jesse Little’s weekend progress on his website www.jesselittle.com or through the team’s Facebook page.