Catchfence

The ARCA RE/MAX Series returns to Salem Speedway this Saturday for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic 200. But it’s far from just another race. With only three races remaining on the 2009 schedule, Justin Lofton is planning on the 200-lap event providing him with a return to victory lane and the sole titleholder of points leader.

“Salem is a big race for us. We ran well there earlier in the year but pit strategy and tire wear got us in the end. We’re not going to Salem to finish second again,” Lofton said.

During the tour’s first visit to the .555-mile Indiana track, Lofton paced practice, claimed the pole, led 105 of the 200 laps and finished second.

The last time Lofton entered a race weekend with the mindset of winning, it paid off, improving his previous finish of second at Toledo with the win. In fact, if the past is any indicator of what’s to come, Lofton and the No. 6 Eddie Sharp Racing crew will be taking the same car that led him to recent victories at other short tracks, Berlin and Toledo.

“I love this car. I love Salem. Those two things give us so much confidence heading into the race weekend. Salem is so different than a lot of the other tracks on the schedule. It’s what true short track racing is all about. It’s gritty. It’s tight. It’s a challenge at times. You have to be on your toes and really race not just the other cars, but the track too. I’m excited about this one,” he added.

Lofton will climb behind the wheel of the No. 6 Toyota in Salem for practice sessions, followed by qualifying. The race is set for 7:15 P.M. Eastern. Live coverage including timing and scoring, audio and video can be found at ARCARacing.com

For more on Justin Lofton, visit www.LoftonRacing.com

To follow Justin Lofton on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/jlracing

For more on Eddie Sharp Racing, visit www.TeamESR.com

About Eddie Sharp Racing

Eddie Sharp set up shop in 2005 after several years of transforming young, talented drivers into ARCA championship contenders. Today, Eddie Sharp Racing has evolved into the rite of passage for any serious upcoming driver with an ambition for professional stock car racing. Located in Denver, North Carolina just north of Charlotte, Eddie Sharp Racing occupies a top-notch facility that closely resembles a five-star NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, both inside and out. The two ESR buildings each contain two teams where on any given day, championship contending cars are assembled, engines tuned and teams strategize to score the next race day victory.

- Activ8 Communications Press Release