NASCAR's Lofton Dominates Buggy Class En Route To Desert Win

Lofton finishes 13 minutes ahead

DENVER, NC. -- NASCAR driver Justin Lofton dominated the Class 1500 Buggy field over the weekend in the desert in Henderson, Nevada, earning the win in the Best in the Desert (BITD) Racing Association's season-ending TransWest Ford Henderson 250.

"We had a smooth day out there. It was a lot of fun. It had been a few years, so it feels really good to get the win," an elated Lofton said.

Lofton started the weekend off by taking the top qualifying position for the event. With a new navigator along for the ride, he dominated the field through Saturday, as he never looked back from the top position.

Justin Santz, who usually navigates for the No. 30 MasterCraft Trophy Truck driven by Robbie Pierce, was in the shotgun seat for the 240-mile race.

Santz helped Lofton stay on course through the 80-mile loop, as Lofton wheeled his way around three times. He averaged his buggy at a little over 62 miles per hour as his competition fought to catch up.

On the final of the three trips around the 80-mile loop, Lofton got service on his No. 1577 machine. With the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season complete, Lofton had a few of his team members from his No. 6 Eddie Sharp Racing team on hand, assisting with his off-road venture. Crew chief Dan Bormann, who calls the shots on race day for the No. 6 CollegeComplete.com Chevrolet Silverado for Lofton within truck competition, helped to change the two right rear B.F. Goodrich tires on the buggy, as hauler driver Jason Taggart added the fuel.

After rejoining the event, Lofton sailed the rest of the way, crossing the finish line 13 minutes ahead of the rest of the pack.

The Lofton entry had support from MasterCraft, BF Goodrich, Fox Racing Shocks, Fortin Racing Inc., Dougan Racing Engines, and Rusty's Motor Car Inc. and South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa.

The Henderson 250 win adds to a storied list of off-road successes for the California native. In 2004, he earned the Rookie of the Years honors within the BITD, in addition to three Desert Buggy Class wins, and the Class 1000 championship.

With the off-road event behind him, the 25-year-old will now shift his focus to the Justin Lofton Charity Golf Tournament presented by CollegeComplete.com, which is set for January 7th in Brawley, California. More information can be found online at Facebook.com under "Justin Lofton's Charity Golf Tournament." Interested parties looking to donate or register for the event can do so online at https://secureonlinegiving.com/events/site/index.asp?eventID=768.

Lofton in the Desert

Lofton Going Off Road Racing This Weekend In Nevada

Track: Nevada Desert Event: Henderson 250 Length: 3 laps / 240 miles When: Saturday, December 3rd

DENVER, NC. -- With the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season behind him, Justin Lofton, driver of the No. 6 CollegeComplete.com Chevrolet Silverado for Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR), will be back behind the wheel of a race vehicle this weekend.

Lofton, who just closed out the NCWTS season 14th in the driver point standings, will pilot a Class 1500 Buggy in Henderson, Nevada this Saturday, December 3rd, in the Best in the Desert (BITD) Racing Association's season finale.

"I'm really looking forward to the race this weekend," Lofton said. "We've had a few good runs over the last year but something has gone wrong late. Hopefully we can turn it around this week."

On Saturday, Lofton's class will compete on an 80-mile loop three times, totaling 240 miles. He will have a new navigator on board for this event, as Justin Santz will strap in for the ride. Santz usually navigates for Robbie Pierce, driver of the No. 30 Trophy Truck.

The Lofton entry will have support from Mastercraft, BF Goodrich, Fox Racing Shocks, Fortin Racing Inc., Dougan Racing Engines, and Rusty's Motor Car Inc.

Though he now races full-time within NASCAR competition, Lofton's early racing career saw him earn the BITD Rookie of the Year honors (2004), along with three wins in the Desert Buggy Class, and the Class 1000 championship.

And although the NASCAR season is over and Lofton will be focusing on his desert run this weekend, he will still have support from his crew chief at ESR, as Dan Bormann is making the trip to be on hand for the event.

Following his desert run, the 25-year-old will head back to North Carolina where he will begin making preparations for the 2012 racing season with ESR. After a short break to celebrate the holiday season, he will return to California and shift his focus to the Justin Lofton Charity Golf Tournament presented by CollegeComplete.com, which is set for January 7th in Brawley, California. More information can be found online at Facebook.com under "Justin Lofton's Charity Golf Tournament." Interested parties looking to donate or register for the event can do so online at https://secureonlinegiving.com/events/site/index.asp?eventID=768.

For more information on Eddie Sharp Racing, follow @TeamESR on Twitter or log on to the Eddie Sharp Racing Fan Page on Facebook.