Dylan Lupton was inducted into the 2014-2015 NASCAR NEXT class at Richmond International Raceway on Friday afternoon after a successful rookie season in the K&N West Series last year which included one victory and 14 top-10 finishes.
“It means a lot, I’m very honored and privileged to be in the (NASCAR NEXT class),” Lupton expressed on the heels of his induction into the 2014-2015 NASCAR NEXT class. “When I started racing in NASCAR, they implemented this program and I watched (Kyle) Larson, (Dylan) Kwasniewski, (Darrell) Wallace Jr., and Ryan Blaney advance through this and it’s (obviously) helped them a lot, so I’m excited to see what it does with my career.”
Lupton was one of 12 up-and-coming superstars to be added to this elusive list which will help him in multiple aspects; but specifically, funding.
“I think (this program) is going to help me a lot, especially on the funding side,” Lupton further explained. “Bringing more publicity and recognition to my name, so hopefully we’ll be able to attract sponsors and possibly run a few (NASCAR Camping World) Truck Series or the (NASCAR) Nationwide Series.”
Lupton, 21, has experienced 20 starts in the K&N West Series, however, he’s never been involved to the extent where he’ll be mentored and given advice by drivers competing in the NASCAR Touring Series.
“The program also allows me to have connections with people higher up in the sport,” Lupton told Speedway Media on Friday at Richmond International Raceway. “So, it’s going to me nice learning from guys in the Nationwide and Cup Series, (in addition) to learning from younger drivers already in the NASCAR NEXT class, there’s a lot of talent amongst (this year’s) class and I hope to learn a little something from each of them.”
Prior to the NASCAR NEXT announcement on Friday, the 12 drivers gathered inside a tent, and just sat around and chatted; basically, making first impressions, and for Lupton, that was a huge opportunity to develop friendships.
“It helps a bunch,” Lupton expressed about being, mostly, friends with everyone in this year’s NASCAR NEXT class. ”I came into this sport not knowing anyone, especially (living) on the west coast, it seems like everyone and anyone (in racing) comes out of the east coast and it seems like these guys grew up racing each other, while I come to the east coast (this weekend) not knowing anyone, just meeting these guys for the first time, but they seem real friendly.”
Following the whole celebratory ordeal, Lupton’s focus turned back to his task at hand, winning the K&N West title this season.
“Well right now, I think we are running pretty well,” Lupton further commented about his season to date in the K&N West Series. “We’re performing better than last year, we had a solid top-10 at Phoenix (International Raceway) and finished fifth at Irwindale (Speedway), but I still think there is room to grow.”
“The car was really good at both tracks, I think I need to improve my driving a little bit, but I certainly expect a few wins this season, definitely (a chunk) of top-fives and eventually the championship.”
Lupton also expressed that he hopes with the attention and funding NASCAR NEXT presents that he’ll be granted an opportunity to run in a NASCAR Touring Series this season.
“We’re going to do the K&N West Series this season, then, if funding comes our way we may do a few (either) ARCA or K&N East starts, all in preparation (for what we hope) will be a full-time Truck or Nationwide ride next season.”
Lupton’s attitude and desire to win is obvious, and it’s likely that within five years this young rising star’s name will be sounding throughout NASCAR stadiums, quite often.
