POST RACE: Lofton Makes Solid ARCA RE/MAX Series Debut at Salem Speedway

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Lofton Makes Solid ARCA RE/MAX Series Debut at Salem Speedway

Contact and green flag pit stops bring 19th place finish 

 

SALEM, Ind. (April 13, 2008) - Eddie Sharp Racing's Justin Lofton made his
ARCA RE/MAX Series debut in the No. 93 Lofton Cattle Dodge this weekend at
the Salem Speedway. The No. 93 laid a strong 17.238 second qualifying lap
and started in the eighth position for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 by
Federated Auto Parts. Lofton dominated over half of the 200-lap event in the
top-10. Late race damage and green flag repairs caused the No. 93 to fall 12
laps behind the leader and take the checkered flag in the 19th position.

 

"It was great fun out there today," stated Lofton as the team loaded the
hauler. "I had a great car at the beginning and it was really unfortunate
that we got caught up with the [No.] 1 car. That hurt us. We were still
good; still in the top-10. And I don't know what lap it was but we got the
door slammed up in turn four and got a right front flat. Things just went
backward from there."

 

As rained moved in on Sunday, conditions did not look good for the scheduled
race. However, late in the afternoon, the radar showed a break in the
showers and the ARCA RE/MAX Series teams quickly scrambled into gear with
the race going green shortly after 5:00 p.m. With freezing temperatures and
a three hour delay to the start of the race, Lofton took the green flag and
kicked off his ARCA RE/MAX career.

 

During the caution on lap 73, Lofton brought the No. 93 Lofton Cattle Dodge
down pit road for tires, fuel and to remove some of the brake tape. Lofton
returned to the track in the ninth position. Another caution quickly
followed.

 

During this caution, Crew Chief Randy Nelson radioed to Lofton that the car
in front of him was asking for a little patience.  Lofton replied, "10-4.
It's just hard when I'm not getting any from behind either."

 

While running in the top-5, Lofton found himself between the wall and
another car. The contact with the outside wall damaged the right front tire.
With a right front flat, the No. 93 limped back to pit road under the green
flag. A frustrated Lofton returned to the race in the 15th position but was
cited for speeding down pit road. The penalty cost additional laps to be
lost and the No. 93 Lofton Cattle team continued in the 19th position.

 

The team and driver remained determined and steadfast, finishing the race
19th place overall.

 

"It was a good time overall," said Lofton with a smile. "The overall finish
of the car is not indicative of how good it was.  It was a great car!
Everyone worked really hard and I am so proud of my guys. I was glad I got
to do it and that Eddie had the confidence in me to put me in a car. I'm
looking forward to heading to Iowa next weekend and getting them a finish
they deserve!"

 

Next Stop:  Justin Lofton and the Lofton Cattle team travel to Newton, Iowa
this weekend to race Saturday, April 19th in the Prairie Meadows 250. The
race goes green at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. For ticket information, please call
1-866-RUSTY-GO.

 

For more on Justin Lofton, please visit www.loftonracing.com.

For more on Eddie Sharp Racing, please log onto www.teamesr.com.

For additional images, please contact Jody Jennings at
 jjennings@teamesr.com.

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Media Contact:    Jody L. Jennings

                                 Public Relations Manager

   Eddie Sharp Racing
   C: 205.910-4429 
   O: 704.489-8809
     jjennings@teamesr.com