All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

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

Christian Rose with his West Virginia themed car. (Source: Facebook)
Christian Rose with his West Virginia themed car. (Source: Facebook)

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 15th 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. 

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Post 7 eliminated by Clarksburg in Area 2 Tournament

Buckhannon Post 7 was eliminated from the Area 2 Tournament after Clarksburg Post 13 shut them out 9-0, breaking open a close game with a seven-run sixth inning.
Summer basketball

Week three of summer league basketball wraps up

The third week of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with four games at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring standout performances from Xavier Robinette, Jerin Westfall, Linn Baxa, Dom Viani, Evan Parr, and others.

Upshur County Commission renews support as title sponsor for Leadership Upshur

The Upshur County Commission has renewed its title sponsorship for the 2025 Leadership Upshur program, demonstrating ongoing support for local leadership development and enabling the commission to select a participant for the nine-session course.

6-year-old alleges father pointed firearm at him during domestic altercation

Alex A. Alkire, 27, was charged with felony wanton endangerment, gross child neglect, and misdemeanor domestic assault after allegedly pointing a firearm at his 6-year-old son during a domestic dispute.

Rose Marie Champ

Rose Marie Champ, 89, a retired machine operator and member of Bethany Baptist Church, died at her home, leaving behind a large family including children, grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: July 17, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on July 17, 2025, to address items listed on their published agenda.

Post 7 comes up short in tournament opener in 5-2 loss to Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 outhit top-seeded Morgantown but committed four costly errors and fell 5-2 in the opening round of the Area 2 American Legion postseason baseball tournament.

Summer basketball league continues week three play

In week three of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League, area teams competed at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances including Austin Upton’s 37 points for Corder Concrete Specialist and Kaiden Cutlip’s 34 for WV Split Rail.

Nancy Lea Lantz

Nancy Lea Lantz, 74, of Philippi, passed away July 13, 2025, and is remembered as a devoted homemaker, church member, and camper, survived by her children, relatives, friends, and her dog Tiny.