Red Horse Racing’s newest addition, Justin Lofton, has been keeping busy since announcing his plans to race for the competitive Camping World Truck Series team in 2010. Despite the down time away from the racetrack the last few months, Lofton has had plenty to do as he readies for his rookie campaign.
“I spent some time in California and laid low for a few days over the holidays, but I've kept pretty busy,” Lofton said of the short lived off-season. Adding, “I’ve spent a lot of time at the shop the last two months, working out with the over-the-wall crew. I’ve also put a lot of time into the Weekend Warriors TV project.”
Since claiming the ARCA Racing Series championship in October at Rockingham Speedway, Lofton unfortunately, hasn’t had much time behind the wheel of a racecar other than a dirt modified event in his native California. Lofton won the event and it was all chronicled on camera by Weekend Warriors TV (found at WeekendWarriorsTV.com), a web program that highlights grassroots racing.
In addition to Lofton’s own involvement, the show is hosted by his younger sister Brittany, and is directed by videographer Brett Bortle. The show has debuted three episodes to date, with the third installment focusing on Lofton’s dirt modified race win in November.
With the off-season winding down, the 23-year-old racer’s focus will soon shift back to that of driving as Lofton and his Mark Rette led crew will test their No. 7 Red Horse Racing Toyota Tundra at New Smyrna Speedway next Wednesday and Thursday.
“I’m at the shop everyday with the guys but I am ready to get back to a racetrack. I’m excited to see how these Tundras handle. I might be considered a rookie, but I do not feel like one," Lofton said.
"Tom DeLoach (owner) and Kevin Ray (Team Manager) have built such a great organization. With their resources, and Mark (Rette, crew chief) and I already having such a strong relationship after winning the ARCA title, I feel like we’ll be strong out of the gate.”
Following the test session on the half-mile New Smyrna track, Lofton will be busy ironing out details for the 2010 season; partaking in photo shoots, media appearances, and autograph sessions. Fans in the surrounding Charlotte, N.C. area can meet Lofton at the Charlotte Checkers ‘ Race Night on Friday, January 22nd.
Three weeks later, they can catch Lofton’s debut in the Camping World Truck Series at the season-opener in Daytona on February 12th.
For more on Justin Lofton, visit LoftonRacing.com
