NASCAR's Justin Lofton to run Laughlin

Lofton To Run SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge This Weekend

Camping World Truck Series racer Justin Lofton will return to his roots this weekend, racing a Class 1 Unlimited buggy in the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nevada.

"Since the NASCAR season ended in Homestead, I've been working on getting everything ready for this race and for my charity golf tournament. I'm so excited to get back out in the desert. The race will be a lot of fun," Lofton said.

Before making the move to asphalt ovals, Lofton followed in his father Bob's footsteps, racing in the open, sandy desert. The talent proved hereditary, with the younger Lofton also becoming one to reckon with in off-road racing. In 2004, he earned the Best in the Desert Rookie of the Year honors in addition to three wins in the Desert Buggy Class, as well as the Class 1000 championship.

This weekend's SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge is a three-day event, which kicks off on Friday with practice, followed by the Laughlin Leap. The race itself will take place on Saturday and Sunday. The starting positions for the event are electronically drawn, with Lofton drawing seventh in Class 1 Unlimited. Sunday's starting position will be based on the finishing position from Saturday.

Over 100 racers and 20 classes will participate in the event, racing over a 6.25-mile course. The final positions are determined based on the number of laps and overall time each entry has logged spanning the two-day run. Rusty Szymanski will be along for the ride, serving as Lofton's navigator.

"It's been a few years since I've raced in the desert. I'm real excited about getting back out there. We'll see what we can do," Lofton added. Lofton's partners for the event include Lofton Cattle, BF Goodrich Tires, MasterCraft Safety, JIMCO Racing, and Rusty's Motor Car Inc.

Following this weekend's SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, 24-year-old Lofton will prepare for his inaugural charity golf tournament on January 22nd. The event will be held in Brawley, California with all proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Imperial Valley. The event includes a golf tournament, awards dinner, auction, and a concert.

-source: justinloftonic.com