Patient Strategy Pays Off as Colton Kelly Races to Podium Finish at Mobile International Speedway
Kelly drives No. 18 Pave America Pro Late Model from eighth to third after returning from Great American Road Rally
MOBILE, Ala. (August 24, 2026) — Patience, tire management and a little long-awaited good fortune came together for Colton Kelly at Mobile International Speedway, as the 15-year-old Georgia driver turned a challenging start to the night into an impressive third-place podium finish aboard the No. 18 Pave America Pro Late Model.
Kelly entered the 100-lap event looking to continue building experience in the Pro Late Model while competing against another strong field at the historic Alabama short track. Qualifying didn't go quite as planned, with Kelly posting the eighth-fastest time in the 11-car field.
But with 100 laps ahead, the race was going to be about much more than starting position.
The team's strategy from the beginning was to protect the tires and give Kelly a car capable of making a charge late in the race. Rather than forcing the issue early, Kelly settled into a rhythm and dropped back to 10th as tire management became the priority.
A couple of early cautions gave Kelly opportunities to begin working his way forward, and he took advantage, moving the No. 18 back into seventh.
As the laps continued to click away, the strategy began paying dividends.
Kelly combined patience with some hard racing to continue advancing through the field, and by the halfway point of the 100-lap event, he had worked his way into the top five.
With 50 laps remaining, Kelly stayed committed to the plan. Instead of using up his equipment trying to gain positions too early, he continued pacing himself and managing the tires while keeping the leaders within reach.
When it was finally time to go, Kelly was in position to capitalize.
The No. 18 continued moving forward during the closing stages, and Kelly completed the charge from eighth on the starting grid to a third-place finish, earning a well-deserved trip to the podium.
"We finally had some luck go our way, and we made the most of it," Kelly said.
The podium continues an important season of development for Kelly, who has been gaining valuable experience in both Pro Late Models and Pro Trucks. His previous outings at Mobile have already shown his ability to run at the front, including leading laps in his Pro Late Model debut and contending for victories in the No. 18 Pave America entries.
From the Racetrack to the Great American Road Rally
Kelly's return to competition came following a very different kind of experience behind the wheel.
Earlier this month, Kelly participated in the Great American Road Rally, a Route 66 journey created to raise awareness and support for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, while using motorsports and entertainment to introduce the Foundation's mission to communities across the country.
Kelly joined Friends of Jaclyn Foundation founder Denis Murphy for Leg 2 of the Rally, serving as co-pilot of the specially wrapped FOJ Chevrolet Tahoe on the journey from St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri.
During the Springfield stop, Kelly also had the opportunity to participate in one of the most meaningful parts of the Rally — an FOJ adoption, helping welcome a local child and family into the Friends of Jaclyn family.
The experience gave Kelly an opportunity to represent something much bigger than racing while seeing firsthand how the motorsports platform can be used to make a difference in the lives of children and families battling pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases.
Up Next: Five Flags Speedway
Kelly now turns his attention back to the Pro Truck, with his next start scheduled for September 12 at Five Flags Speedway.
It will be a return to a track where Kelly showed dominant speed and brought home the win earlier this season, and another important opportunity to gain experience at one of the country's most demanding short tracks.
Every lap at Five Flags will also carry added value as Kelly continues preparing for one of the biggest events on his 2026 schedule — Snowball Derby week in December. The September race will provide additional seat time and track knowledge as the young driver continues building toward his return to Pensacola later this year.
About Colton Kelly
Colton Kelly is a 15-year-old race car driver from Villa Rica, Georgia, who has quickly established himself as one of the most accomplished young drivers in grassroots motorsports. Kelly built his foundation in Quarter Midget racing, recording more than 100 career victories, 10 Georgia Quarter Midget Track Championships and multiple NASCAR Youth Series victories.
Kelly is now advancing into full-size stock cars, competing in both Pro Trucks and Pro Late Models while continuing to develop the racecraft, patience and versatility necessary to advance through the motorsports ladder. His long-term goal is to continue progressing toward a professional career in NASCAR.
About Pave America
Pave America is a nationwide asphalt and concrete service provider bringing together more than 30 paving companies across the United States. The company provides asphalt paving, concrete and curbing, pavement maintenance, repairs and other pavement solutions while combining local expertise with nationwide resources.
Through its partnership with Colton Kelly Racing, Pave America continues to support Kelly's development both on and off the racetrack.
About the Great American Road Rally
The Great American Road Rally (GARR) is a multi-day journey along historic Route 66 bringing together motorsports, entertainment and philanthropy in support of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Traveling from Chicago to Santa Monica, the Rally made stops in communities along the Mother Road while sharing FOJ's mission and creating opportunities to connect children and families with a lasting network of friendship and support.
Race Face drivers participated throughout the journey, taking turns behind the wheel and using their racing platforms to raise awareness for FOJ. The Rally was also produced as a television series scheduled to air on The CW beginning September 2, 2026, allowing the journey and the stories of the families involved to reach an even larger national audience.
Media Contact
Race Face Brand Development
Rod Wortham
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