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The Raging Redneck
Late Model Mark
PINSON, Ala. (July 30) - The "Raging Redneck" Ross Martin, is the subject in this round of the Red Clay Report. Is that some kind of nic-name or what? I have come to know this fine racer since moving to Alabama and let me say, he is one good racer. Originally from Leeds, Alabama, he now calls the city of Talladega his home. A short drive from the famous Talladega Short Track, the "Hornets Nest" is a place Ross calls home.
Ross started racing in 1983 at a track that has since closed, it was called Brompton Speedway. Brompton was right next to Interstate-20 that runs thru the heart of the state. Interesting the kind of race vehicle, called a "rail." Not a dragster but a tube frame,mid-engine, dune-buggy type of car with a Volkswagen engine. That car worked over the field week after week, it was later outlawed from further competition. When Brompton closed, Ross then switched to racing at Talladega and other area tracks that were close by, and there are plenty of choices in this neck of the woods.
Ross made the transition to Dirt Late Models soon thereafter, a no-brainer considering the many choices to race the most popular division in the South. A wise choice for sure as he has racked up numbers and accomplishments in his 26 year racing career. One of his biggest wins with a nice check, a race called the "Governors Cup." That race was held at Talladega some years back. The "Ragin' Redneck" holds the Late Model track record at TST with a smokin' time of 13.46 seconds that was set March 19, 2005. That is one blazing lap at Talladega!!!
Ross fields a very nice Rocket with Ohlin shocks and engines built by himself. His cars are always well prepared, clean, and ready to race for the win each week in the ultra-tough competition at TST. Parked right next to him each week is his son Adam, we'll talk about him later on. Cleveland Speedway in Tennessee, and Talladega are his two favorite tracks while Eldora Speedway in Ohio, is on his to-do list in the future. In asking what is good about Late Model racing today, Ross says it's all about the competition, even with a tough economy, the local main events at Talladega are as tough as they come. As a witness to the caliber of fields each week, that is no tall tale, it's super tough! Ross also has the opinion that in the Super Late Model division of today, that all engines should be open, he is not a fan of spec-engine cars with big spoilers and large weight breaks. He opined that at first, spec cars were brought into competition to help the low-buck teams, now the engines are getting very costly. He would also like to see "all" body styles measure the same, fair enough in my book. One thing that Ross felt strongly about is the subject of track prep, just like anywhere across the country, Late Model teams want a race-able surface so they don't tear up cars and a surface that they can put a show on. Luckily at Talladega every show is a ripper, every week.
Now on to his son. Asked what his biggest accomplishment in racing was, he answered quickly, Adam. Not stating anything about himself, Ross was strong with the answer. Adam Martin is one of the best young drivers in Crate Late Model racing in the entire South. Leading the points at Talladega, winning regional championships with the Nesmith Crate Series, this kid can race really good as he uses his head when racing the tough weekly fields around Dixie. Just last Saturday night, July 25, at Talladega, he won a brawl of a Crate race with smart driving, a great setup, and working traffic like a seasoned pro. This kid has a big future ahead of him. This father and son team is really a pleasure to watch. He could easily be in Super Late Models as Ross has said, let's do it, but Adam said that he would not because he would not be able to race with his dad, that is very unselfish, a testament to the class of these two racers.
I feel very lucky to know the Martin's, they treat you like you're family, always upbeat, friendly, and into this addiction we call Dirt Late Models. Since moving to the South and living a dream, Ross Martin and his son Adam have been such a great group of folks to know. You feel welcome whenever you stop and say hi, it's people like this that make this sport what it is. If you're ever in the South and within a couple hundred miles of Talladega Short Track, go see a race with Ross Martin in it, the "Ragin" Redneck" will put on a show!!! Dirt Late Model racing is richer when the Martin family is slingin' some red clay!!
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