Connor Hall, the reigning NASCAR Weekly Series national champion, has made a significant move for the upcoming racing season. Hall has joined forces with team owner Barry Nelson to drive for Nelson Motorsports in 2024. This unexpected development comes just a month after Hall’s impressive national championship victory.
With this new partnership, Hall is set to chase a CARS Tour championship while participating in some of the season’s most prestigious Late Model Stock races. Nelson Motorsports has a history of success in the CARS Tour, having won three championships with former driver Bobby McCarty in recent years. Hall’s addition adds a new dynamic to the team’s lineup, bringing his own skills and talent to the table.
The decision to join Nelson Motorsports was not easy for Hall, as he had formed a close friendship and mentorship with Chad Bryant, his former team owner. However, Hall felt that this opportunity with Nelson was too good to pass up. The conversation was initiated by Nelson himself, who saw potential in Hall and believed in his abilities as a driver. Surprisingly, the two had only interacted casually at the racetrack before, with a memorable encounter involving a yacht sale.
For Nelson, adding Hall is part of his ambitious plans for the future. He hopes to have two full-time cars for the upcoming season and has been working on securing funding to support the team’s endeavors. Nelson acknowledges the financial aspects of the sport but also appreciates the importance of having a well-equipped team. He is determined to provide both drivers with equal resources and support, as he has always done in the past.
As for Hall’s former teammate at Nelson Motorsports, Landon Huffman, the news was disappointing. Huffman had been driving the No. 22 car after Cale Gale’s departure earlier in the season. Despite their successful run in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, Huffman received notification this week that the No. 22 car would go in a different direction for the upcoming season. Huffman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at a high level and hopes to continue his racing career within the CARS Tour.
Hall’s move to Nelson Motorsports also brings stability to the team, as they had experienced significant changes following McCarty’s departure. The veteran racer took general manager Timothy Peters and crew chief David Triplett with him. This left the team without crucial personnel and their invaluable notebooks. However, crew chief Matthew Eshleman and Huffman have worked tirelessly to get the No. 22 car back to a competitive level.
The partnership between Hall and Nelson Motorsports promises to be exciting for the 2024 racing season. Hall’s talent and Nelson’s ambitions create a formidable combination. Fans and racing enthusiasts can expect to see Hall in action as he competes for the CARS Tour championship and tackles the year’s most prestigious Late Model Stock races.
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