Chris Martin Wins First American Sprint Car Series Race Since 2018

The 28-year-old Iowa native earned his second career Series victory at Salina Highbanks Speedway in Oklahoma.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a sprint car race, with the car and track broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors, conveying the dynamic energy and unpredictability of the event.Chris Martin's last-minute trip to Oklahoma resulted in his first American Sprint Car Series victory in nearly eight years, extending the points lead of defending champion Sam Hafertepe Jr.Salina Today

Chris Martin, a 28-year-old Iowa native, earned his first American Sprint Car Series victory since 2018 on Saturday night at Salina Highbanks Speedway in Oklahoma. Martin started on the outside pole and led all but the first three laps to claim the $4,000 grand prize, holding off challenges from defending Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. and others.

Why it matters

Martin's win comes after a last-minute decision to make the 430-mile trip to race in Oklahoma, showcasing his driving talent and the team's ability to quickly get the car dialed in. The victory also extends Hafertepe's points lead in the American Sprint Car Series standings.

The details

Martin fell in line behind polesitter Sean McClelland at the start, but quickly made a move to the outside in Turn 1 to take the lead down the backstretch. From there, Martin was able to hold off several restarts and challenges from Hafertepe and others to cruise to the victory.

  • Chris Martin and his brother Cameron made the decision to race at Salina Highbanks just before noon on Saturday.
  • Martin led all but the first three laps of the 25-lap main event on Saturday night.

The players

Chris Martin

A 28-year-old Iowa native who earned his second career American Sprint Car Series victory on Saturday night.

Cameron Martin

Chris Martin's younger brother, who also raced at Salina Highbanks on Saturday night.

Danny Lasoski

A National Sprint Car Hall-of-Famer who has been serving as Chris Martin's crew chief since 2025.

Sam Hafertepe Jr.

The defending American Sprint Car Series champion, who finished second to Chris Martin on Saturday night.

Sean McClelland

The six-time ASCS Sooner Region champion, who started on the pole but was passed by Chris Martin early in the race.

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What they’re saying

“Man, this thing was a hot rod. Danny Lasoski and I have been working on it and tuning on it, and he's been blowing up my phone. Even though he's not here with us tonight — this was kind of a last-minute decision for us — but he definitely got us tuned in the right direction.”

— Chris Martin

“I felt alright for the first couple laps and I said, 'Maybe I can make some momentum around (Turns) 3 and 4 a little different.' I saw Sam (Hafertepe) do it at the start of his Heat Race. I started closing the gap and I was able to just carry some momentum there for a little bit, but I was definitely paying attention to see a nose eventually.”

— Chris Martin

What’s next

The American Sprint Car Series will return to action on May 8–9 at Benton Speedway and Paducah International Raceway.

The takeaway

Chris Martin's last-minute decision to race in Oklahoma paid off with his first American Sprint Car Series victory since 2018, showcasing his driving talent and the team's ability to quickly get the car dialed in. The win also extends the points lead of defending champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. in the overall standings.