A Heat‑Soaked Tradition
The 2026 Hampton Heat is set to take place on Saturday, July 25, at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, marking the second leg of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown. The race is renowned for its oppressive heat and demanding track layout, testing both driver skill and vehicle endurance.
Fans will be able to watch the action live on FloRacing, which will stream the event alongside a detailed schedule that includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the final main event.
Among the drivers generating the most buzz are Matt Waltz, the defending champion, and Brenden Queen, who is chasing a fourth Hampton Heat victory — a record in the event’s history. Connor Hall will also be on the grid, bringing his distinctive blue No. 77 car, nicknamed “Smurf,” to the competition.
Trevor Ward currently sits highest in the Virginia Triple Crown standings, adding extra intrigue to the race, while veteran Lee Pulliam makes his first appearance since 2019, promising an unpredictable showdown.
The Hampton Heat has been held annually since 2008, and only two drivers have managed to win it multiple times. Past winners such as Nick Smith, Woody Howard, and C.E. Falk III have left a storied legacy that underscores the race’s reputation as one of the toughest in Late Model Stock competition.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event is steeped in tradition, with the heat itself becoming a defining characteristic that separates the Hampton Heat from other races in the series.