Carson Loftin Begins Spring Stretch at Caraway Speedway: CARS Tour Preview

Bassett, VA - April 20th, 2026

The CARS Tour is heating up as it heads to Caraway Speedway this weekend, and all focus is on Carson Loftin. Driving the Castrol #22 for Nelson Motorsports in the Late Model Stock division, Loftin is ready to turn the tide after a challenging start to the season. With the last two back-to-back races that didn’t go as planned, including a tough electrical issue at Wake County and a 14th-place finish at Nashville, Loftin and his team are eager to get back on track. Caraway Speedway, a track where Loftin has plenty of experience and success, offers the perfect opportunity for a strong comeback.

Early Season Challenges and the Road Ahead

Carson Loftin’s season started with promise but quickly faced setbacks. At Wake County, an electrical issue forced him out of contention, and the following race at Nashville ended with a 14th-place finish. While a 14th place finish in the CARS Tour is nothing to hold your head low about, Carson is eager to get back on charge at the front of the field. Currently sitting 10th in the points standings after three races, Loftin remains focused on the bigger picture.

When asked about his approach to the points championship this early in the season, Loftin shared, “It’s still so early in the season, so we’re not really worried about points yet. Right now, it’s just about going out and trying to win races. If we do our job and put our best foot forward each week, the points will take care of themselves. We’ve had some bad luck at Wake and Nashville, but we’re getting into a stretch of tracks that are good for us, so hopefully we can get some momentum rolling.”

This mindset highlights Loftin’s focus on performance and race wins rather than getting bogged down by the standings too soon. The next few races, starting with Caraway Speedway, are crucial for building momentum and confidence.

Caraway Speedway: A Track That Suits Loftin

Caraway Speedway holds a special place for Carson Loftin. It’s not just another stop on the CARS Tour schedule; it’s a track where he has deep roots and a strong record. Loftin has raced extensively at Caraway, gaining valuable experience on its unique surface, especially after the recent pavement patches.

Loftin explained how this familiarity could give him an edge: “I’ve been looking forward to Caraway all year. It’s one of my best tracks, I’ve got a ton of laps there and it’s where I started racing, so this one’s definitely been circled on the calendar. I was able to pick up a win there earlier this year on the new pavement in the Modified, which definitely adds to the confidence coming into this weekend. I’m just really pumped for it and feel good about our chances to turn our season around and build some momentum heading into the spring stretch.”

His success on the new pavement in the Modified division shows his adaptability in handling changing track conditions. This experience should translate well to the Late Model Stock race, where grip and tire management on the patched surface will be key.

What to Expect This Weekend

The race at Caraway Speedway promises to be competitive, with many drivers eager to make their mark early in the season. For Loftin and Nelson Motorsports, the focus will be on a strong qualifying run to secure a good starting spot and early track position

The team has been working hard to fine-tune the Castrol #22, aiming to avoid the rare electrical issue that plagued an earlier race while regaining the speed they bring to the racetrack every race. Loftin’s confidence in the car and crew will be vital as they push for a good finish.

Building Momentum for the Championship Chase

With the points standings still open, every race counts. Loftin’s approach of focusing on race wins rather than points math is a smart strategy early in the season. It allows him to race aggressively and build confidence while letting the points fall into place naturally.

The upcoming stretch of tracks, including Caraway, Ace, and Langley, suits Loftin’s driving style and experience. If he can capitalize on this advantage, the team could progressively climb the rankings and become a top contender for the championship.

How To Watch Caraway Speedway

For those unable to attend in person, the race will be available live on FloRacing. This gives fans across the country a chance to follow the action and cheer on Carson Loftin and the CARS Tour.

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.