ROUGEMONT, N.C. – In an otherwise stormy season for Nick Loden, Saturday was nothing but sunshine as the 14-year-old racer put patience to work for him to earn his first podium finish in a late model with a second place finish in the PRA 602 super limited late model class at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, North Carolina. 

Loden, a winner of 180 Quarter-Midget races, four USAC National Championships and 8 Battle At The Brickyard events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a career that saw him compete in several different classes, is competing for the first time in full size late model stock cars in 2019 under the direction of his father, multi-time late model race winner and champion Andy Loden.  Nick has shown top five speed and ability behind the wheel this season. Nick and his team were all smiles after the 60-lap feature was over on Saturday night. 

“I was a little bit cautious early,” the driver said. “I let some of them by on the start and dropped back to about fifth. I really wanted to get a finish. I need laps to learn how to race features in this car and tonight definitely taught me a lot.  The car was fast, but it got loose at the end.  It feels good to finish a race and to finish second makes it even better. This was a new track for me, and I really enjoyed racing here. I want to thank AFCO Racing Products, Pro Shocks, RE Suspension, Longacre Racing Products and everyone on my team for their efforts. I’m already looking forward to Ace Speedway this coming Friday. That will be another new track so it will be a fun challenge.”

Nick has been competing in the PRA Series all season, running in the 602 super limited late model division.  He has four races remaining, and his next start will be at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, North Carolina this Friday, September 20. Following that event, Nick will run at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 12 and at Caraway Speedway on Saturday, October 19 before returning to Hickory to finish the season on November 9.  

Motorsports partners for Nick include AFCO Racing Products, Pro Shocks, RE Suspension and Longacre Racing Products.