Mark Ebert developed a love for motorsports in New England.
Now, he’s trying to spread the fun of horsepower, competition and local heroes in the mountains of far Southwest Virginia.
Meet the general manager of Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park in Coeburn.
“There is a lot of tradition at this track and we’re trying to build on that,” Ebert said.
Ebert and his staff prepared for the 2025 season by completing several tasks, including adding new paint around the facility and pressure washing the grandstands.
“We’re very proud of the improvements, and we will keep working until we get the place back in the shape it should be in,” Ebert said.
A familiar cast of racers showed up for the March 29 season opener.
Winners included former Kingsport Speedway track champion Jacob York (Asheville) in Late Model Sportsman, Joey Owens (Clintwood) in Street Stock, Steven Watts (Kingsport) in Pure 4, Brian Turner (Clintwood) in Stock 4, Mardy Roberts (Church Hill) in Legends and his brother Mason Roberts (Church Hill) in Bandolero.
“Late Model Sportsman will serve as our top division. It’s a combination of classes and we’re looking for good car count,” Ebert said.
The popular Street Stock class features veterans such as Owens, brothers Rob and Doug Austin from Castlewood, and Tony Vance from St. Paul.
“Those guys have been racing together for many years and they always put on a great show by running side-by-side just inches apart on every lap,” Ebert said.
Fifteen-year-old Luke Ebert, Mark’s son, will be competing in the Pure 4 class and plans to make his debut in Late Model Sportsman.
Mark Ebert knows the racing game.
A native of Rutland, Massachusetts, Ebert acquired his early need for speed by competing in Legends Cars.
Over three decades, he gradually moved up through the Street Stock and Late Model ranks at famed New England area tracks such as Seekonk, Stafford, White Mountain and Thunder Road.
“I’m like most of the guys here at Lonesome Pine. I raced in whatever division I could every chance I had,” Ebert said. “I had a blast and could hold my own if my car was just right. I tell my son that running those Street Stocks was the most fun I ever had.”
The next shift for Mark Ebert was in the control tower. He served as the general manager of Motor Mile Speedway in Radford for several years before coming to Lonesome Pine.
“I lost my mind a few years ago and got into track administration,” Ebert said. “Honestly, it’s a hard gig. But I got reinvigorated at the end of last season and remembered how much I love the sport.”
In addition to the regular NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series at Lonesome Pine, the 2025 schedule includes special events such as midget wrestling, Monster Trucks and the Super Cup Stock Car series.
“We’ve got some great programs coming,” Ebert said. “We had a blast last year with a midget wrestling, we’ve booked the Kentucky Music Mafia, and we’re working on a couple concerts.”
Ebert realizes the need for community engagement through efforts such as ticket specials and appearances at local businesses.
“We’ve had a ton of support so far, and we just really need to bring people back out here to see what we’re all about and what we’re doing to go forward,” Ebert said.
From the cool mountains to the hot racing, Ebert said he’s found a home in Southwest Virginia.
“My wife and I just adore the region and there’s so much potential here at the track,” Ebert said. “The viewing angle is amazing with the mountains in the background, the lighting is good, and the racing action can compare to anywhere.
“Lonesome Pine was ahead of its time when it was built. And on a Saturday night, this is one of the prettiest tracks I’ve ever seen.”
The April 19 racing program was cancelled, but the next event is scheduled for May 3.
NEWPORT SPEEDWAY: The opening event at the new-look facility in Newport, Tennessee, is scheduled for Saturday night with the first race set for 7:30.
Action in the Ted Caldwell Memorial 88 will include the Limited Late Model, Street Stock, Front Wheel Drive, Mod-4 and Crown Vic division.
The 3/10-mile oval was purchased last year by East Tennessee native Chuck Ward, who also owns the popular Cotton Eyed Joe entertainment venue in Knoxville.
KINGSPORT SPEEDWAY: Friday’s program will feature a pair of 50-lap races for the Super Cup Stock Car Series along with the regular divisions.
The Super Cup cars are basically old ARCA and Xfinity Series vehicles
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