Justin Martz - LVMS spotlight

Martz trying to live up his mom's fast-paced legacy

LAS VEGAS--A passion for speed and racing -- of any kind -- goes hand in hand with being a part of the Martz family.

Judy Martz, former Olympic speed skater and current governor of Montana, was among the crowd at the Bullring to watch her son, Justin, win the Super Late Model feature on Saturday, April 24. Gov. Martz will make her return to the Bullring this Saturday to watch her son go for two in a row.

"I have what you'd call a pretty demanding schedule, so it's hard for me to make it out to the track to see him very often," Judy Martz said. "I do what I can though to make time for it though, because I really do enjoy watching him race."

It appears that she was Justin's good-luck charm that evening, and maybe even gave him a little extra motivation for that particular race. She was able to make it to Las Vegas just in time to see Justin win the Super Late Model feature after literally stepping off a plane from Japan. She had flown back for the day to watch Justin compete that evening at the Bullring.

"My parents and my younger sister Stacey have been my inspiration," Justin said. "While I was growing up, they were there for me at every event."

Justin began racing when he was only 9 years old when his father bought him his first motorcycle. He raced motocross for a number of years picking up five consecutive Montana State Motocross Championships along the way.

After a few knee surgeries, he went on to race a modified car for Jimmy Parker at the Bullring, but then decided to take a break from racing and return home to Montana. According to Justin, his mother was always there to support him in whatever he decided to do.

Justin is back at it after a five-year absence from competition at the Bullring. He is once again racing for Jimmy Parker and the Quality Motorsports racing team in the Super Late Model division. He is currently tied for fourth in the point standings.

Judy will return to Las Vegas to watch Justin race this coming Saturday for the Mother's Day Event at the Bullring. Hopefully, for Justin, she will have the same effect on his success as she did last time.

In honor of Mother's Day, the Bullring will be handing out carnations and all expectant mothers will receive free grandstand admission.

Spectator gates open at 6 p.m. Qualifying is set for 6:20 with racing at 7:15.

General admission is $11 for adults, $9 for senior citizens/ military personnel and $4 for children 6-12. Children five and under are free. A Family Four Pack can be purchased for $24. Admission to the Stockyard is $36 per vehicle (up to four people).

Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for NASCAR members and $25 for non-members.

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