VA250 Car Project Breaks Record

Stock Car Land Speed Record. Made In Virginia.

On March 23, 2026, the official land speed record for a stock car was broken by the VA250 Car Project, reaching 253 miles per hour and surpassing the 244.9 mph record that was set in 2007.

The VA250 Car Project is a national motorsports and engineering initiation, and it was made with the goal of reaching 250 mph in honor of Virginia and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Dubbed the “Martinsville Missile,” this vehicle is a NASCAR-derived stock car that was built in Martinsville, Virginia. Joey Arrington, of Martinsville, built the engine of teh Dodge Charger in 2007 that set the record and he returned to build this one for VA250.

The car was driven by another Virginian, Russ Wicks of Ridgeway, VA, who has a background in drag racing. During the attempt, the car raced towards the target speed of 250 before topping out at 253 mph.

Click here to learn more about the project, the attempt, and more.