Dept. of Tourism partners with race car driver to promote West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, W. Va. – Country roads, take me home. Christian Rose Racing, LLC Is thrilled to unveil its latest partner—the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

A rising late model driver and Martinsburg native, Christian Rose has quickly made his way through the ranks of the racing world.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to promote Almost Heaven, West Virginia,” said Chelsea Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism. “As a native West Virginian who is always on the road, Christian presents a unique opportunity to promote West Virginia as a leading travel and tourism destination both on and off the speedway.”

Rose is set to showcase West Virginia in numerous races on the West Coast this fall, including his debut in the Automobile Racing Club of America’s (ARCA) Menard’s Series on September 23, 2021. Rose will travel to Las Vegas to compete in this series for the first time at the Bull Ring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“This has been an absolute dream come true,” said Rose. “I grew up watching my idols race at this same track. Having the opportunity to race on the same stage they once did is something I’m very grateful for and take seriously.” 

Before getting his start in racing, Rose played collegiate baseball at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. After graduating from college in 2018, Rose met NASCAR driver B.J. McLeod, who encouraged Rose to pursue his dream of becoming a professional race car driver.

Rose ran his first test race in December 2018 before making his late model debut on January 5, 2019, where he finished 15^th out of 24 at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida.

“My journey in racing has been a bit different. Most of these other drivers have been at this since they were kids,” said Rose. “The last few years have been a great ride and I’m excited to take the next step in my career by racing in the ARCA Menard’s Series.”

Rose signed with Cook Racing Technologies in 2020 and has since raced late model cars up and down the East Coast with the race team. Most recently, Rose ran a top ten finish at Orange County Speedway in Florida on August 14.

“Bruce and our entire team have been incredible to work with,” said Rose. “They help me continue to get better as a driver and I couldn’t ask for a better group with which to work.”

“I can’t wait to go to Las Vegas with the support of the entire state of West Virginia behind me,” said Rose. “I want to go out there and show everyone that drivers from West Virginia can compete with the best in the world.” 

Rose will make his debut in a 150-lap feature in the Star Nursery at the legendary Bull Ring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 23. The race will be live streamed through TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and will be re-aired on September 30 at 5 p.m. on NBCSN.