CARS Tour season opener preview with Carson Loftin

Bassett, VA - January 22nd, 2026

The CARS Tour is back, and the anticipation is building as the first race of the season approaches this Saturday, February 28th, at Southern National Motorsports Park. Fans and teams alike are eager to see the action unfold on this challenging 4/10-mile track in Kenly, North Carolina. Among the drivers ready to hit the asphalt is Carson Loftin, who will be racing the Nelson Motorsports #22 Toyota Camry Late Model Stock. With strong momentum from last season, Loftin and the team are poised to make a statement right from the start.

Southern National Motorsports Park ready for CARS Tour season opener. iCreate Photography Photo

Southern National Motorsports Park Sets the CARS Tour Stage

Southern National Motorsports Park is known for its tight turns, high banks, and fast-paced racing, making it a favorite among Late Model Stock car drivers. This track has hosted many memorable races, and the CARS Tour season opener promises to add another exciting chapter as the series returns there for the first time since 2024.

Carson Loftin’s Return to the Track

Carson Loftin is no stranger to the CARS Tour spotlight. After a strong championship finish last season, he is eager to build on that success with the Nelson Motorsports team. He was recently announced as 18th in the nation of the top 20 driver prospects under the age of 20 by FloRacing. We asked Carson how he feels about getting back on track this weekend.

How excited are you to get back to the racetrack with the team?

“I’m super excited to kick off the season. It’s been a long offseason, and I’m ready to get back to work with Kyle Hood, Barry Nelson, and the whole Nelson Motorsports team. We carried a lot of momentum towards the end of last year, and I’m looking forward to building on that as the season gets started.”

Loftin’s enthusiasm is clear, and the chemistry with his team will be a key factor in their performance. The combination of driver skill and team coordination often makes the difference in close races like those at Southern National.

Preparing for a New Challenge

This race marks Carson’s first time competing at Southern National Motorsports Park, which adds an extra layer of preparation. We asked him about how he has been getting ready for the weekend, both on and off the track.

What have you done to prepare for the race both on and off track?

“This is my first time going to Southern National, so I’ve been studying the track, watching past races, taking notes, and putting in laps on iRacing to get familiar with the track. We also tested last week, and I feel confident heading into race weekend. I know Kyle Hood and the whole team will get me dialed in, and I’m ready to hit the track and kick off our season strong.”

Carson’s approach shows a commitment to learning and adapting quickly. Using simulators like iRacing is a common tool for drivers to gain experience on unfamiliar tracks, and combining that with real-world testing helps build confidence.

The Nelson Motorsports No. 22 Toyota Camry

Carson will be behind the wheel of the #22 Toyota Camry, proudly sporting Towne Bank on the quarter panels and Toyota on the hood. Nelson Motorsports has a reputation for building competitive cars, and this partnership with sponsors adds to the team’s strength.

Towne Bank is in its third year with Nelson Motorsports with the goal of competing for the Championship.

How to Watch This Weekend

The CARS Tour will be live on FloRacing all weekend long. Qualifying begins at 1:30pm ET for the Late Model Stock division, and the green flag is expected to fly at 4:00pm for 125 laps.

Fans interested in watching the race in person can enter the grandstands at 12:45pm ET.

For more information on the zMAX CARS Tour, visit www.carsracingtour.com and follow the Nelson Motorsports social media channels throughout the season for immediate updates.