Carson Loftin Finishes 5th in Impressive Late Model Debut at the South Carolina 400

Carson Loftin finished an impressive 5th in the South Carolina 400, making his debut in Late Models for Nelson Motorsports

The 16 year old has been a force to be reckoned with in modifieds, finishing second place in the SMART Modified Tour championship with five wins. On November 1st, it was announced that we would move to Late Model Stocks, racing full time in the zMAX CARS Tour with Nelson Motorsports, as well as run the Virginia Triple Crown. The first race of the new partnership was tonight at Florence Motor Speedway in the South Carolina 400.

After having to race his way in through the heat races, Loftin would start 32nd for the 250 lap feature. While he sustained damage in a large crash on the frontstretch early on, Loftin would show resilience, driving up to fifth place by the time the checkers flew. While it was just a top five, it felt like a win.

“It does [feel like a win],” said the Lexington, NC native. “Especially with this being my first start and barely making the show. I knew we had a really good race-run car [but] I was really worried about qualifying. It kind of showed that that was our weakness tonight, but in the race we really strived. Looking to carry this momentum into next year.”

This was a trial by fire experience for Loftin, running one of the longest races in late model racing, but he wasn’t overwhelmed.

“These guys work so [well] with me and the transition from the modified to the late model. So thankful for the opportunity. They are really taking a chance on me not having experience in anything fendered. I can’t thank them enough and I’m looking forward to next year.”

Even with his inexperience, Loftin was able to help the Nelson Motorsports crew get the car set up right for him and found plenty of speed.

“Before the stop I thought we were really good, and then after the stop we were just a tick too free in [turn] three. Couldn’t charge the corner like I wanted to and that really showed at the end. Still, a top five is [amazing], I’m really proud of that. I also want to thank these guys for patching it up. It feels like I tore up half the car. I can’t see the front wheels.”

The damage came from an early crash that started when Brenden Queen and Austin Green made contact on the frontstretch, causing the track to be blocked. Carson sustained minor damage in the crash, but the team was able to get it fixed quickly.

“I checked up and I hit the guy in front of me, then I got hit from behind and kind of pile drove in. There’s kind of a blind spot there. It is what it is. These brakes are a lot worse than a modified, so I’m still getting used to that. This is really a race to get ready for next year [and to] know what our weaknesses are and what we need to focus on over the off season, and it went well. “I’m really looking forward to working with these guys next year, and hopefully carry some momentum with us.”