In a surprising turn of events, Connor Hall, the reigning NASCAR Weekly Series national champion, has agreed to join forces with team owner Barry Nelson and race under the Nelson Motorsports banner for the 2024 season. Fresh off his championship win, Hall is set to chase a CARS Tour championship while also competing in the most prestigious Late Model Stock races of the year.
Nelson Motorsports is no stranger to success, having secured three CARS Tour championships with driver Bobby McCarty in 2018, 2019, and 2021. McCarty recently departed for R&S Race Cars, leaving a void that Hall is eager to fill. Nelson started the current season with veteran racer Cale Gale, but the two parted ways in May, with Landon Huffman taking the wheel.
While Huffman and Nelson Motorsports finished a strong second in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 last month, Huffman received unexpected news this week. “This came as a shock, and I am disappointed in the result,” Huffman said. Despite the disappointment, Huffman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at a high level and build on their success in 2024.
Hall’s decision to join Nelson Motorsports also came as a surprise, as the two had only limited interactions before this month. However, Nelson’s initiation of the conversation and his role asor to Hall friend and ment paved the way for this exciting partnership. Hall revealed that Nelson had even considered purchasing a yacht from him over the past year, showcasing the unexpected twists in their relationship.
Looking ahead, Nelson wanted to have two full-time cars for the upcoming season. While funding remains a consideration, Nelson is determined to secure the necessary resources to run the team the way he envisions. “It takes a lot of money to run this thing the way I want to run it. Good equipment takes money,” Nelson stated.
Huffman, who has some personal funding for his weekly racing at Hickory through High Rock Vodka, hopes to continue racing in the CARS Tour next season.
The departure of McCarty left Nelson Motorsports without a noted driver and key personnel, including veteran racer and general manager Timothy Peters. The team had to rebuild, but the partnership between crew chief Matthew Eshleman and Huffman has proven successful, resurrecting the No. 22 car’s competitiveness.
As the 2024 season approaches, anticipation builds for the collaboration between Connor Hall and Nelson Motorsports. With their combined talent, experience, and the team’s unwavering commitment to progress, fans can expect a thrilling and fiercely competitive campaign in the CARS Tour and Late Model Stock races.
About the Author
🚗💨 I’m the NASCAR Guy: your go-to for a blend of numbers, humor, and pure, unadulterated NASCAR devotion. Ever catch me racing? Nope! My expertise is on the keyboard, not the clutch 🏎️💻. Fun fact: my pit stop breakdowns could give Sherlock a run for his money 🕵️♂️📖. Hungry for NASCAR tidbits or a hearty laugh? Welcome to your oasis! 🛑 But as for racing me? I’ll stick to making tracks online! 🔥📜😆