Brenden Queen Eyes Grandfather Clock

Brenden Queen has become a formidable force in Late Model Stock Car racing in recent years, winning the last two track championships at Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway along with a victory in the Hampton Heat 200 in 2020, CARS Tour victory earlier this year, and a Late Model championship at Dixieland Speedway on dirt.

Now, the driver who goes by the nickname “Butterbean” has his sights set on taking home $32,000 and a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock in the discipline’s crown jewel event at Martinsville Speedway this weekend.

“I would really be happy to have a shot at it and be in contention,” Queen told Short Track Scene.  “That would be a really good day, to contend for the win.  It would be the biggest win of my career.  This is our most prestigious race so it would be something I’d be proud of forever.”

Queen, now 24, is not a newcomer to the scene.  Prior to winning championships at Langley in a Late Model, he was having success out at the now-defunct East Carolina Motor Speedway – a tight bullring in Northeastern North Carolina.  Where he has always excelled, however, is in long-distance races like the ValleyStar Credit Union 300.

“I just love the strategy of managing the whole race,” Queen said.  “It’s a marathon over a sprint.  We have been fortunate to put ourselves in position at some of these races to strike.  You have to manage the car, tires, and stay out of trouble.  I love the old school feel of longer races.”

His enjoyment of marathon races has led to him scoring two top-10 finishes at Martinsville in the past, as well as top-five finishes in the Thanksgiving Classic and Myrtle Beach 400, on top of his 2020 Hampton Heat 200 victory and a Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour win.

Success in those races, as well as recent success in racing, gives him a boost of confidence heading into Martinsville this weekend.

“It definitely gives me confidence knowing that I can compete with the best of the best,” Queen commented.  “That’s what it takes to win these big races.  You have to be in contention to win.”

In his early years of racing, Queen was notably more aggressive with a desire to prove himself.  As he has become more experienced, his driving style has changed, and success has come with it.

“I probably made some moves at times I shouldn’t have, but that was part of learning,” Queen recalled.  “I feel like I’ve just learned how to put the whole race together.  I’ve learned how to pick and choose battles at certain times in a race.”

Queen once had aspirations of becoming a NASCAR superstar.  While it’s a goal he still has, he has become content in grassroots racing – both on asphalt and on dirt, where he has won races at Dixieland Speedway in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

“I think those goals always stay with you, but as you get older, you realize it takes so much money to get to the next level,” Queen explained.  “It doesn’t mean you give up on it though.  I’m so happy doing what I’m doing.  I always wanted to be an elite driver in Late Model Stock Car racing and still have a ways to go, but it feels good to be a contender and getting noticed.”

On top of racing on asphalt and dirt, Queen has given back as well, helping Limited Late Model driver Ryley Music.

“He is my crew chief’s grandson,” Queen stated.  “It’s been pretty cool to have him look up to me at times and I’ve tried to just be a good role model and not let him make some mistake that I may have made at his age.  I’m always trying to help him outside the car on how to handle situations.”

Queen is one of 93 drivers who is entered to compete in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway.

Brenden Queen on track during practice at North Wilkesboro Speedway. (Andy Marquis photo)