Carson Loftin is one of the youngest and quickest modified drivers in the country, but now he is taking his talents to late model stock cars.
On November 1st, it was announced that Carson Loftin would be joining Nelson Motorsports, replacing a departing Connor Hall. Loftin will run the full 2025 zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock season, as well as the Virginia Triple Crown. His tenure started this weekend however, as the 16 year old took part in both Thursday’s and Friday’s practice session, getting as much experience as he can ahead of his first late model start.
Loftin is fresh off of a five win season in the 2024 SMART Modified Tour, where he came up just four positions short of the championship in the final race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, finishing second overall in the points. Trying to carry this momentum into full fendered cars, Loftin has been studying hard.
“I’ve been going to school here lately,” said the Lexington, NC native. “We’ve got a great group of guys here [at Nelson Motorsports]. Trying to get me in the seat as much as possible. We came out and tested yesterday and then some more today. We’ve made a lot of changes to the car. I feel like we’re getting better each run. We’re right there, so we’ll see how we stack up tomorrow.”
Carson has been embracing the challenge of moving into a completely new style of racing, working hard to be as ready and as competitive as possible.
“I’ve really spent a lot of time watching last year’s South Carolina 400. Everytime I get in the car it’s a learning curve. There is so much different than I am used to. Hopefully tomorrow night I can get a lot of experience and gain a lot of respect from these guys. Just going to learn and take it one race at a time.”
The final day of the 2024 South Carolina 400 is today, starting with a pair practice sessions at 11:45 a.m., followed by qualifying at 4:00 p.m. Race action begins with two late model heat races, with the top six finishers locking into the feature. Then Street Stock and Mini Stocks both have their 50 lap features. The night wraps up with the 250 lap South Carolina 400. Those unable to make it to Florence Motor Speedway can tune in to FloRacing to catch all the action live.
