Dominion Raceway’s Little Speedsters Foam Fest to Deliver Thrills with Truckin Thunder America Racer Late Models
- Brandon Fuller
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
THORNBURG, Va. (August 9, 2025) Tonight, Dominion Raceway’s 4/10-mile oval in Thornburg, Virginia, will come alive for the Little Speedsters Foam Fest, a high-octane NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series event headlined by the Truckin Thunder America Racer Late Models. With gates opening at 5:00 PM and a kids foam party kicking off the festivities, the green flag will drop at 7:00 PM, setting the stage for a showdown featuring 17 year old Chase Johnson, the current NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Division I national points leader, and Conner Weddell, ranked 7th nationally.
The Truckin Thunder America Racer Late Model division, a cornerstone of Dominion’s racing program, showcases affordable yet fiercely competitive racing with its 405-horsepower crate motor machines. Johnson, a third generation racer from Mechanicsville, Virginia, has dominated the 2025 season, amassing thirteen feature wins in his #57 “Digger.” His precision and fearless driving make him a fan favorite and a formidable force.
“It’s all about staying focused and keeping the car consistent,” Johnson said in a recent interview with Dominion Raceway’s media team. “The competition here is tough, and every lap will be a fight to stay out front.”
Conner Weddell, a Rookie of the Year contender, is poised to challenge in his #8 machine. With three wins and eleven top five's, Weddell’s steady climb in the national standings adds intrigue to the America Racer field.
“Chase is setting the bar high, but we’re learning every race,” Weddell shared in a recent interview “Dominion’s fast pace make every move critical.”
Tonight’s race promises another chapter in their rivalry, with both drivers vying for crucial points as the season nears its final stretch.
Joining the Late Models will be the Dominion Stocks and UCARs, two divisions that embody the grassroots spirit of short-track racing. The Dominion Stocks, featuring V-8 powered stock cars, will deliver door-to-door action with veteran drivers like Mike Lowe, Gary Burke & Todd Ruggles alongside newcomers like Stephen Newman or Stuart Walsh looking to take his first trip to victory lane piloting a car for fellow Dominion Stock driver Tommy Smith.
The Kelly Heating & Cooling UCARs, designed for affordability and accessibility, will bring out a mix of veterans and newcomers, with drivers like Michael Frayser expected to lead the charge.
“The UCARs are where you learn the ropes,” Frayser said after a recent win. “It’s raw, real racing, and Dominion’s fans love it.”
Both divisions will add to the night’s electric atmosphere, with tight racing and bold passes set to keep the grandstands buzzing. Also this year, for the first time Dominion sees a female driver in the top three in points for the UCARS, Wendi Kelly has put a consistent season together and is poised for a podium finish. “Im out here having fun and I’ve really learned a lot this year” says Kelly.
The Little Speedsters Foam Fest isn’t just about racing, it’s a family affair. Kids 15 and under will enjoy free grandstand admission, a season-long initiative made possible by many community partners like Fun Land of Fredericksburg and supported by First Choice Garage Doors, Storms Tax Service, Obsidian Eyewear, Josh Mattera Hauling, Barry Moore with Alcova Mortgage, Pembelton Forrest Products, and Gateway Home Improvements.
The first 50 kids through the gates will receive a NASCARkids.com cup, and young fans can participate in the “Color Your Helmet” contest for added fun. The foam party, a highlight for the younger crowd, requires a signed waiver at registration, with towels recommended and a strict no-running policy in the grandstands.
Dominion’s 118 Bar and Grill will keep fans fueled with food, drinks, and sweet treats, while Whosyourdriver.org, the raceway’s official Safe Driving partner, will remind attendees to plan a safe ride home. “Any track, any race, any time, always ask: Who’s your driver?” their campaign emphasizes, reinforcing the importance of responsible choices after a night at the races.
Nestled just off exit 118 of I-95, Dominion Raceway has become a hub for NASCAR’s grassroots racing, drawing drivers and fans from across the region. The 2025 season has been a showcase of talent, community, and high-speed thrills. With the national points chase heating up, every race at Dominion carries added weight for drivers like Johnson and Weddell, who are not only battling for track supremacy but also for a shot at NASCAR’s national spotlight.
The season is far from over, with a packed schedule of marquee events still to come. Fans can look forward to Date Night at the Races, a romantic evening with high-speed flair; the Craig Murto Memorial First Responders Night, honoring local heroes; the Flying VA Classic featuring SMART Modifieds; Carnival Night at the Races, blending family fun with racing action; Super Hero Night, where fans and drivers will celebrate in costume; and Track or Treat, a Halloween-themed finale. Each event will deliver the heart pounding excitement and community spirit that define Dominion Raceway.
For more tickets and event details, visit dominionraceway.com. Schedules and activities are subject to change.
