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

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.

Justin Lofton PR