- Nelson Motorsports
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Rollercoaster Race at Caraway Speedway
Bassett, VA - April 27th, 2026
Carson Loftin entered the CARS Tour race at Caraway Speedway with high hopes driving the Castrol #22 Toyota Camry Late Model Stock for Nelson Motorsports. The event was originally set for Saturday, April 25th, but weather had other plans. After qualifying, rain forced the race to be postponed to Sunday. Despite a mindful and patient start, the race turned into a challenging test of resilience for Carson and his team.
Qualifying and Early Race Performance
Carson qualified 14th, a solid mid-pack starting position on a surface where track position can make a big difference. The team had prepared the Castrol #22 Toyota Camry to handle Caraway’s unique surface of old pavement in turns 1 and 2, and a repave in turns 3 and 4, and early laps of the race showed promise. Carson worked his way up to 11th, gaining spots with patience and smart moves.
The team’s strategy seemed to be paying off, and the crew was optimistic about a strong finish. Caraway Speedway has been a track where Carson expected to perform well, so the early progress was encouraging.
Mid-Race Setback and Damage
On lap 45, the race took a turn for the worse. Another car made contact with Carson’s left rear, causing him to lose significant track position. He dropped from 11th to 21st in an instant. The hit also caused slight damage to the car, which the Nelson Motorsports crew quickly worked to repair during a pit stop.
The damage certainly affected the car’s handling. After repairs, the Castrol #22 Camry did not respond as well on the track. This change made it difficult for Carson to maintain speed and rebound from the early contact.
Second Incident and Further Damage
Later in the race, Carson got caught up in a second wreck. This incident pushed the nose of the car in, adding more challenges for the crew. Once again, the team worked hard to patch up the car and get it back on the track as quickly as possible.
Despite the damage, Carson got back on the track and completed the full race with the exception of one lap lost. However, the handling issues and damage meant he was unable to move back up through the field. He finished 23rd, well outside the top 20, a disappointing result given the high expectations and strong start for the weekend.
Team Effort and Lessons Learned
The Nelson Motorsports crew showed great determination and skill in repairing the car twice during the race. Their quick work kept Carson in the race and allowed him to finish despite the setbacks. The experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and adaptability in challenging situations.
Carson and the team will take valuable lessons from this race. While handling was a challenge during the race, the major issues came after damage and the mid-race incident. The goal is to come back stronger and more prepared for the next challenge.
Looking Ahead to Ace Speedway
The next race for Nelson Motorsports and Carson Loftin is scheduled for May 9, 2026, at Ace Speedway. This will be an opportunity to bounce back from the tough weekend at Caraway. Joining Carson will be The NAPA Network on the hood of his #22. Additionally, Corey Heim will make his first start for Nelson Motorsports that weekend, driving the 3M #12 car.
Ace Speedway offers a different track layout and conditions, which could play to Carson’s strengths. Fans and the team alike are hopeful for a better result and a strong showing. Qualifying and the race will take place on Saturday and will be broadcast live on FloRacing.
