By Gary Daughtrey
Special to the News-Herald

HAMPTON — A bevy of up-and-coming young stars will fill the starting grid this Saturday as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East makes its debut appearance at Langley Speedway for the VisitHamptonVA 175, the seventh event on the series’ 12-race 2011 slate.

In addition to the feature race, Saturday’s lineup includes Twin 25s for the KeesVacations.com Modifieds and a 40-lapper for the Pepsi Grand Stocks.

Front gates open at 1 p.m. for fans to catch the final NASCAR K&N Pro Series East practice. Practice rounds for the local divisions begin at 2:05, while time trials get under way at 4:30.

An autograph session with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East drivers starts at 5:30. The Grand Stocks lead off the racing program at 7.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East traces its roots back to 1987 and what was known as the Busch Grand National North Series.

Among the notables the series has produced are Ricky Craven, Steve Park, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Trevor Bayne, Ryan Truex and Mike Stefanik.

Darrell Wallace Jr., who graduated from high school last weekend, brings a narrow five-point lead into the VisitHamptonVA 175. Max Gresham is second in the standings, followed by Matt DiBenedetto, Brett Moffitt and Coleman Pressley.

Moffitt is the series’ only repeat winner with two victories. Toyota drivers have won all six races on the season.

The VisitHamptonVA 175 marks the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East’s third trip of the season to Virginia. Sergio Pena won at South Boston Speedway. Wallace grabbed the checkers at Richmond International Raceway. Gresham won last Saturday’s Slack Auto Parts 150 in Jefferson, Ga.

Chase Elliott is making his second visit of the season to Langley. Elliott, son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, qualified on the outside pole for that event and finished fourth.

When it comes to seat time at Langley, no one in the VisitHamptonVA 175 tops the father-and-son duo of Rick and Brandon Gdovic. Brandon finished seventh in last year’s Late Model points chase, while Rick was 11th. Their No. 46 (Brandon) and No. 64 (Rick) Dodges are prepared at their shop in Gloucester.

To learn more about Langley Speedway, fans may call (757) 865-RACE or go to langley-speedway.com.