Carson Haislip optimistic ahead of New River return

Carson Haislip optimistic ahead of New River return
Carson Haislip in Victory Lane following a Legend Car win in March 2023 at New River All-American Speedway. (Toni Jolly photo)

JACKSONVILLE, NC – Carson Haislip has emerged as one of the region’s top Legend Car drivers, and he hopes to continue that momentum at New River All-American Speedway on Saturday.

Haislip, 15, from Raleigh, North Carolina, has two wins in a Legend Car at New River All-American Speedway, but has around 25 career wins.  Heading into Saturday night’s Furniture 4 Less SpringFest 225, the teenage driver has four wins on the year coming at New River, Wake County (North Carolina) Speedway, Dillon (South Carolina) Motor Speedway, and Citrus County (Florida) Speedway.

“I look forward to racing at New River this weekend,” Haislip said.  “I am very confident that we will have a great run in the Legend Car.  We have been spot on the past year or two and it shows.  I hope we’re fast again this weekend.  We missed a little last time.  We were a tick tight but we still had the speed.  I hope to carry that speed and keep it up and come away with a win.”

Haislip has been racing for the team run by former Legend and Limited Late Model driver Dillon Spain.

“He’s taught me about everything I know in a Legend Car.  He’s been a big key to my success and I’m very thankful for all that he’s taught me and he’s raised me to be one of the better Legend Car drivers out there, so thanks to him.

On Thursday, Haislip, with the help of Brandon Gray and former CARS Tour champion Jared Fryar, will turn laps in a Late Model for the first time with hopes of possibly making his first NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series start on Saturday.

“I’m very excited to test the Late Model,” Haislip remarked.  “This will be the first time I’ve driven a big car.  I look forward to practicing and possibly racing this weekend at New River.”

Haislip’s love for racing began when he was 10 years old, watching races at the ¼-mile Wake County Speedway bullring in Raleigh.  From there, Hailip began racing in a Bandolero in 2019 before moving up Legends.

“I really enjoyed watching the races every Friday night at Wake County,” Haislip explained.  “I wanted to give it a try so we rented a car.  I ran in the back my first time but I loved racing.  Ever since then, I have fallen in love with racing.  I love having great success and hope to keep it up.”

Saturday’s Furniture 4 Less SpringFest 225 at New River All-American Speedway is headlined by a doubleheader for the Late Models, as well as Bombers, Champ Karts, U-CARs, Mini Stocks, Legends and Bandoleros.  Tickets are available online through My Race Pass or at the gate on race day for $10, while kids five (5) and under are admitted free.  Gates open at 5pm and racing commences at 7pm.

New River All-American Speedway is Jacksonville’s Action Attraction featuring racing and other events.  For more information about New River All-American Speedway, check out the speedway’s websitelike/follow “New River Speedway” on Facebookfollow @newriverswy on Twitter, or follow the track on Instagram.

Carson Haislip on track at New River All-American Speedway. (Toni Jolly photo)