Carson Loftin was a big winner on the opening weekend of Caraway Speedway’s racing season. (Courtesy photo)
SOPHIA – Teenager Carson Loftin was the winner of the SMART Modified Tour’s event Sunday at Caraway Speedway, finishing ahead of former NASCAR Cup regulars Ryan Newman and Bobby Labonte.
Once Loftin, 15, went to the front, he never relinquished the lead in the Warrior 100. Matt Hirschman held the race lead until going to the pits.
Newman was the runner-up and Labonte placed third, followed by Jimmy Blewett, Danny Bohn and Jason Myers among the 26 entrants.
** The Late Models victory went to Annabeth Crum across 100 laps, marking her first Late Models triumph at the track.
Crum took the lead on the 80th lap by getting past fast qualifier Jamie York. Thomas Beane placed second and York, the son of 2023 division champion Jason York, ended up third. Camden Thomas, Ward, Brody Duggins, William Lester, Heath Causey and Tristan McKee rounded out the field.
** Kevin Orlando claimed the Modifieds feature by moving around fast qualifier Jacob Creed about three-fourths of the way through the 40-lap event. Billy Gregg was the runner-up, followed by Slate Myers, Tony Manetti, Jack Baldwin, Creed and Jaxson Casper.
** In the Carolina Pro Late Models, Max Reaves was the wire-to-wire winner of the 100-lap feature. Carson Ware placed second and Beckham Malone was third.
Other classes (Challengers, UCARs, Modifieds 4s, Bootleggers, Renegades) begin Caraway Speedway schedules Sunday.
