Mark the calendar. History will happen on September 23, as Martinsville Speedway will host the first race under the track’s new LED lighting system.

The ValleyStar Credit Union 300, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race, will be run in September, a month where temperatures are typically warmer, especially at night.

“We still had to wait until the weekly tracks were done with their seasons to make sure we weren’t stepping on their toes,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “But, I think moving it back to September will make it more conducive to a night race.”

A race that’s known for non-stop action, Campbell said the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 should see the intensity increase under the lights.

“The excitement this race produces in the daytime; it’s going to be multiplied at night,” Campbell said. “To have the largest NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race in the country, under the lights; it’s history shown through today’s light.

“I’m really excited. This is the most looked forward to event that I can remember here. I hope the fans feel the same way.

In addition to the race date, Campbell, along with ValleyStar Credit Union President and CEO Delbert Lee Morgan, announced ValleyStar has extended its sponsorship of the race for five years, through 2021.

“The relationship with the speedway has been tremendous for us at the credit union,” Morgan said. “It’s great for Virginia. It’s great for Martinsville and Henry County. It’s something Clay and I have been working on and we’re very proud to get it done.”

The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 pays $25,000 to win and regularly sees 80 teams show up to try to make the race. Last year, underdog Mike Looney held off two-time race winner and three-time National Champion Lee Pulliam to win the race and an iconic grandfather clock trophy.

The race day starts with three 25 lap heat races and one last chance race to set the field, followed by the 200 lap feature.