The Martinsville City Council committed $5,000 to the Virginia 250 Dodge Charger project during its Tuesday, Sept. 23, meeting as part of the statewide celebration of 250 years of American independence.
Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum Executive Director Holly Kozelsky said Joey Arrington plans to try to beat the current stock car world speed record of 244.9 mph, set in 2007, with a vehicle designed to reach 250 mph. The attempt is scheduled for Jan. 2 at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
“It’s 250 because it’s in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Now, do we think he can break the world record of 244.9? Probably because he’s the man that built the engine that set that other record, he’s going to break that other record,” Kozelsky said.
She said the project is also intended to showcase the Martinsville area, and explained that when thinking about how to highlight the area, running around a racetrack is among the top.
Arrington said the idea emerged during a conversation with former Martinsville Mayor Danny Turner about how to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
“Next thing you know,” the discussion turns to fast cars “and getting excited to see how fast we thought we could go. We put our heads to it and got some engineering involved and sort of come up with a plan,” he said.
After presenting the plan to the Virginia 250 Commission and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Arrington said he worked with the historical society to finalize details.
Kozelsky said the Virginia 250 Commission and Tobacco Commission each donated $50,000, Henry County contributed $5,000, and several local businesses and industries donated $10,000 each. The museum is serving as the fiscal agent for the project.
Turner noted the project has already attracted national attention. The Discovery Channel filmed at Arrington’s facility and plans another session, and Arrington has been invited to appear on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s “The Dale Jr. Download” podcast, which draws millions of listeners.
“We’re looking forward to making this an international event,” Turner said. “It is also a partnership with the people at NASA, it’s called Space Florida, they have a partnership with NASA, and this is the runway where the space shuttle landed. They will have jets for photo-ops, and the largest American flag is in the Challenger hangar there, and we’ll have full access to that.”
Turner said state officials from Virginia and Florida are expected to attend. He added that the project could become an international attraction for Martinsville.
“Lord knows we got the best kept secret around here. We’ve got shovel-ready sites, we’ve got perfect weather, and everything just comes together. If we hit a home run here, we’d love to bring a lot of industry back to Martinsville, Henry County, and Southside Virginia,” he said.
In addition to the record attempt, Kozelsky said the vehicle will tour the country during the 250th celebration. Turner added the Smithsonian Institution has expressed interest in featuring the car in the national July 4 parade.
“So maybe Martinsville, Henry County, and Southside Virginia will be on Constitution Avenue for the Fourth of July,” he said.
Interim City Manager Rob Fincher said the city’s Community Engagement Fund could be used to pay for the donation.
In other matters, the council:
*Heard from Ural Harris regarding council spending of tax dollars.
*Heard from Patty Covington about ongoing sound problems with MGTV-22. She also suggested scheduling public comment before votes on relevant actions.
*Heard from Sylvia Dupee about road issues and the need for curves and gutters on Amy Avenue.
*Heard from Human Resources Management Analyst Myiah Terry about planned tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day.
*Rescheduled a presentation by Joe Borgstrom of the Uptown Property Addendum Report for a future meeting.
*Heard a Transportation Safety Commission update.
*Approved the resolution and conveyance of 1020 E. Church St. for $1.
*Approved a resolution allowing the Youth Advisory Committee to engage in fundraising activities.
