Colton Kelly Shows Winning Speed at Mobile Before Late Incident Ends Strong Run
MOBILE, Ala. (July 26, 2026) — The final results may not reflect the speed Colton Kelly displayed throughout the weekend, but another impressive performance in the No. 18 Pave America Pro Late Model proved the young driver continues to establish himself as one of the rising talents at Mobile International Speedway.
Kelly entered the weekend with momentum and immediately backed it up by qualifying sixth in a competitive field. Thanks to the race's invert, the No. 18 Pave America Chevrolet rolled off from the pole position, giving Kelly his first opportunity to lead the field to green.
When the race began, Kelly did exactly that.
He led the opening laps before settling into third as the race found its rhythm. However, just a few laps later, a caution flag reset the field and changed the complexion of the afternoon.
On the ensuing restart, Kelly missed a shift, dropping the No. 18 machine to the back of the field. Rather than letting the setback define the day, he immediately went to work, charging back through traffic and regaining several positions before becoming an innocent victim in a racing incident that ended his afternoon with a disappointing DNF.
While the finish wasn't what Kelly and the Pave America team had hoped for, the weekend provided plenty of encouragement.
"We had speed all weekend," Kelly said. "Obviously the finish wasn't what we wanted, but we learned a lot. I know there are a few things I need to improve on as a driver, and we'll take those lessons, keep working, and come back stronger at the next one."
Despite the early exit, Kelly once again demonstrated race-winning pace, leading laps and showing he can compete at the front of the field against some of the region's toughest Pro Late Model competition. For a young driver continuing to gain experience, weekends like this often become valuable building blocks for future success.
Away from the racetrack, Kelly is preparing for an opportunity to make an impact far beyond racing.
This August, Kelly will participate in Leg 2 of the Great American Road Rally, traveling from St. Louis, Missouri, to Springfield, Missouri, as part of a nationwide journey benefiting the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ). The Great American Road Rally is a cross-country Route 66 adventure featuring drivers from across motorsports, celebrities, and supporters united by one mission—to raise awareness and funding for children battling pediatric cancer.
Throughout the Rally, every driver will promote their own fundraising campaign while helping introduce new families to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation through special adoption ceremonies held along the route. Kelly is encouraging his fans, sponsors, and supporters to join him by making a donation and helping provide life-changing support to children and families facing pediatric cancer.
To support Colton Kelly's Great American Road Rally campaign benefiting the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, visit his personal donation link and help make a difference. Every donation, no matter the size, helps create another life-changing adoption. Donate Now: https://bit.ly/4lmxQgU
Kelly and the No. 18 Pave America team now turn their attention to the next event at Mobile International Speedway, determined to convert another fast race car into the finish they know they're capable of achieving.
About Colton Kelly
Colton Kelly is one of the Southeast's promising young racers, competing in both Pro Late Model and Pro Truck competition at Mobile International Speedway. Known for his determination, maturity, and racecraft beyond his years, Kelly continues to develop into one of the sport's emerging talents while proudly representing Pave America and the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.
About Pave America
Pave America is one of North America's leading providers of commercial paving, asphalt maintenance, concrete, and parking lot solutions. Through a nationwide network of premier paving companies, Pave America delivers high-quality infrastructure services while supporting community initiatives and motorsports partnerships that make a positive impact both on and off the track.
About the Great American Road Rally
The Great American Road Rally is a 10-day, Route 66 fundraising adventure benefiting the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Beginning in Chicago and concluding at the Santa Monica Pier, the Rally brings together drivers from across motorsports, celebrities, and supporters to raise awareness and funding for children battling pediatric cancer. The journey will also be featured in a 12-episode television series airing nationally on The CW Network beginning September 2, 2026.
About the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation improves the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with high school, college, and professional sports teams and community organizations. These adoptions create lifelong relationships, giving children and their families an extended team of support throughout their cancer journey. Since its founding, the Foundation has completed more than 1,300 adoptions across the country.
Media Contact
Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development
[email protected]
