Alpha Prime Racing Overview
Alpha Prime Racing, originally founded as Martins Motorsports in 2009 by Craig Martins, is a professional American stock car racing team competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Co-owned by Craig Martins, Tommy Joe Martins, and Caesar Bacarella, the team is based in Mooresville, North Carolina. The team fields multiple Chevrolet Camaros with several full-time drivers including Brennan Poole and Lavar Scott. Since rebranding as Alpha Prime Racing in 2022, the team has expanded its operations and driver lineup, steadily growing its presence in NASCAR competition.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Founded in 2009 by Craig Martins, the team began as Martins Motorsports with a focus on competing in American stock car racing series. The initial goal was to establish a competitive family-run team that could grow within NASCAR’s ranks. Early operations were built around the Martins family, with Tommy Joe Martins playing a key role in leadership and driving duties. The team initially competed in various NASCAR series including the Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series, gradually building its infrastructure and racing capabilities.
Martins Motorsports faced challenges including financial difficulties and driver lineup changes, which led to a temporary closure in late 2017. Despite these setbacks, the team maintained a commitment to its founding principles of family involvement and competitive racing. The ownership group, including Craig Martins, Tommy Joe Martins, and Caesar Bacarella, worked to stabilize and eventually expand the team’s operations.
Growth Into NASCAR Xfinity Series Competition
The team entered NASCAR Xfinity Series competition with a focus on developing competitive entries and securing technical partnerships. Early programs involved fielding multiple car numbers and recruiting drivers with potential to grow within the series. The team acquired chassis and equipment from established racing operations to bolster its inventory and competitiveness. Leadership under Tommy Joe Martins as president and general manager helped guide the team’s strategic direction.
In 2022, the team rebranded as Alpha Prime Racing, signaling a new phase of growth and expansion. This rebranding coincided with partnerships and sponsorships that allowed the team to field multiple full-time entries. The team continued to develop its driver lineup, including Brennan Poole and Lavar Scott, and expanded its presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Chevrolet as its manufacturer.
Alpha Prime Racing Competitive Journey
Alpha Prime Racing’s competitive journey has been marked by steady progression through NASCAR’s ranks. Starting in the Truck Series and ARCA, the team transitioned focus to the Xfinity Series where it has expanded its operations and driver roster. Despite not yet securing race victories, the team has achieved significant milestones including top-five finishes and consistent participation across multiple car numbers.
Early Seasons and Development (2009–2017)
In its early years, the team competed under the Martins Motorsports name primarily in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series. Tommy Joe Martins was a central figure as both driver and team leader. The team faced challenges including failed qualifying attempts and financial constraints, which limited consistent competitive results. Initial sponsorships and partnerships were modest, reflecting the team’s status as a smaller independent operation.
Despite these challenges, the team made progress with occasional strong finishes and expanded its race entries. The 2017 season was particularly difficult, culminating in a temporary closure due to financial difficulties and the loss of drivers who had signed handshake deals. This period underscored the difficulties faced by family-run teams competing against larger, better-funded operations.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Xfinity Series (2020–2025)
After a hiatus, the team returned to NASCAR Xfinity Series competition in 2020, initially fielding the No. 44 Chevrolet Camaro with Tommy Joe Martins as driver. The team acquired chassis from established teams to enhance competitiveness. Midway through the 2020 season, improvements were evident as the team recorded its first top-10 finish at Texas Motor Speedway.
In 2022, the rebranding to Alpha Prime Racing marked a turning point. The team expanded its driver lineup to include Brennan Poole, Lavar Scott, and Caesar Bacarella, among others. The team began fielding multiple cars with numbers including 4, 5, 43, 44, and 45. Notably, in 2025, Parker Retzlaff achieved a second-place finish at Rockingham, marking one of the team’s best results. Brennan Poole secured the team’s first top-five finish on a non-superspeedway at Martinsville in 2025, followed by additional top-five finishes, demonstrating competitive growth.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2022–Present)
Currently, Alpha Prime Racing operates under the ownership of Craig Martins, Tommy Joe Martins, and Caesar Bacarella, with Tommy Joe Martins serving as president and general manager. The team maintains a technical partnership with Chevrolet and fields multiple entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team shop is located in Mooresville, North Carolina, a hub for NASCAR operations.
The current driver lineup includes Brennan Poole, Lavar Scott, Parker Retzlaff, and Caesar Bacarella among others. The team has focused on expanding its competitive capabilities, improving race strategies, and enhancing technical resources. Long-term goals include securing race victories and establishing a consistent presence as a championship contender within the Xfinity Series.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Alpha Prime Racing’s core identity centers on resilience, family involvement, and steady competitive growth. The team emphasizes strategic race management, technical development, and driver development. It excels in fielding multiple competitive entries and adapting to the evolving demands of NASCAR competition.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones include the team’s rebranding in 2022, the first top-10 finish in 2020, and the first top-five finishes in 2025. The renumbering of the No. 43 car to No. 4 and the addition of new drivers like Parker Retzlaff represent significant organizational growth. The team’s expansion to multiple car entries and improved race results highlight its upward trajectory.
Alpha Prime Racing Achievements and Results
While Alpha Prime Racing has yet to secure a race victory or championship, the team has made notable progress within the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Its achievements include multiple top-10 and top-five finishes, expanded driver participation, and increased competitiveness across several car numbers.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
The team recorded its first top-10 finish in 2020 at Texas Motor Speedway and has since improved its performance. In 2025, Parker Retzlaff achieved a second-place finish at Rockingham, marking the team’s best-ever finish. Brennan Poole’s multiple top-five finishes in 2025 further demonstrate the team’s competitive advancement. The team fields several full-time cars, contributing to its growing presence in the series.
Conference and Divisional Achievements
Specific conference and divisional championships or titles are not recorded for Alpha Prime Racing. The team’s focus remains on building competitive consistency and achieving breakthrough results within the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Series Achievements
Alpha Prime Racing competes primarily in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with past participation in the Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series. The team has accumulated over 200 races in the Xfinity Series, steadily improving its performance and expanding its operational scope. Continued development aims to translate into future race wins and championship contention.
