Dylan Lupton at 9 pm ET on Thursday, June 18, 2015. Photo – Grace Wyant Krenrich for Lupton Racing
Dylan Lupton is our guest on Fan4Racing with Catchfence NASCAR Weekend Preview on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 9 pm ET. Call 714-202-9918 or tweet @Fan4RacingSite @Knighter01 or @ZRoethlisberger with any questions or comments during our LIVE broadcast.
NASCAR Next driver, Dylan Lupton is heading to Joliet, IL this weekend for his début at Chicagoland Speedway in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, Owens Corning AttiCat 300 on Saturday, June 20, 2015.
Lupton made his XFINITY Series début at Phoenix (AZ.) International Raceway in March for the Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200. With earlier experience at the 1.0-mile track in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Series, Lupton arrived at the track highly optimistic. Lupton had a solid showing, qualifying 23rd and finishing with a respectable and competitive 19th-place.
Although Lupton does not compete in the XFINITY Series every weekend, it’s been a busy season after just completing his Junior year at North Carolina at Charlotte University as he pursues his Business degree. Lupton has maintained a grade point average of 3.11 throughout his tenure. He’ll return for his senior year in the fall.
When he’s not behind the wheel of the No. 25 Zaxby’s Chevrolet Camaro, in the XFINITY Series, Lupton has competed in several Late-Model events back home in California. In addition to racing, Lupton has spent time with his family, while also beginning work on his 2016 racing season which he hopes includes a full-time XFINITY Series schedule.
Finishing his 2014 season second in the K&N Pro Series West, NASCAR recognized Lupton for his racing talent when in May, he was one of 12 drivers named in the NASCAR Next program for the second consecutive year. NASCAR Next, has evolved from the Next9 initiative that began in 2011, as an all-embracing industry initiative to help spotlight the sport’s rising stars – and boost fan recognition around talent that will grow into NASCAR Sprint Cup Series mainstays.
In two seasons competing in the K&N West, Lupton notched two wins, 13 top-fives and 26 top-tens in 29 races. After finishing fifth in points in 2013, Lupton battled Greg Pursley for the championship last season.
In addition to Phoenix, Richmond and Chicagoland, the two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West winner is also scheduled to appear in the No. 25 Zaxby’s Chevrolet Camaro in at least four other races, including: Iowa Speedway (August), Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Road America (Wisc.) and Kentucky Speedway (September). Pending new sponsorship, this list could expand to more events this season.
As for his third XFINITY Series appearance at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, Lupton has a positive outlook, with the challenge that lies ahead.
“Chicagoland Speedway will be my first mile and a half track. It’s a major step forward in my NASCAR career. I’m not worried though, because I have a great team who prepare strong cars standing behind me. It’s not going to be easy, but I think I’ll adapt quickly and we make some serious gains from practice to the start of the race.”
As all successful racers do, Lupton has set his goals for the weekend.
“Honestly, I think we would all be disappointed if we left the track with less than a top-15 finish. The ECR (Earnhardt-Childress Racing) motor have been flawless this season. I plan to stay focused and if we can get some breaks to fall our way, we should be in a good spot come the checkered flag on Saturday night. The biggest thing we’ll need to make sure we do is keep up with our handling from dusk to nightfall.”
The Owens Corning AttiCat 300 is 150 laps for 300 miles and is the 14th of 34 events on the 2015 XFINITY Series schedule.
The first practice session of the weekend begins on Friday, June 19 from 2:30 to 3:55 pm A final practice session is closer to race conditions later in the day from 6:00 to 6:55 pm. Qualifying is on race day, Saturday, June 20 and scheduled to lift off at 4:15 pm The 40-car starting field will take the green flag shortly after 8:30 pm. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1. All times are local, Central Daylight Time.