Martinsville approves $5,000 sponsorship for Virginia 250 record car project

Martinsville City Council voted to contribute $5,000 to the Virginia 250 car project, a campaign to build and tour a stock car intended to attempt a speed record and promote the region during the bicentennial celebrations.

The council approved the payment after a presentation by project representatives and by Holly Kuzelski, executive director of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, who said the society will act as fiscal agent. "We are promoting tourism. We are promoting industry," Kuzelski said, describing the initiative as a way to highlight Martinsville as "the birthplace of motorsports." The presentation listed prior commitments including $50,000 from the VA 250 commission, $50,000 from the Tobacco Commission and local business contributions.

Supporters told council the project would bring national attention — including interest from broadcast outlets and motorsports media — and include a touring vehicle that organizers plan to display in events around the country in 2026. After a council member moved and a second was made, council members voted in favor of the $5,000 contribution with no extended discussion.

City Manager said the contribution is budgeted: "I've got some money set aside in community engagement that it's gonna come from that area," he said, confirming the funding source.

The motion passed and staff were directed to execute the payment. Council did not attach additional conditions to the sponsorship during the meeting. The next step for organizers is to finalize additional sponsorships and logistics for the record attempt and the touring schedule.