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May 20, 2018

Toledo Speedway


May 24, 2018

Charlotte Motor Speedway


June 1, 2018

Pocono Raceway

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ARCA Racing Series News and Rumors

  • Joe Graf Jr increases schedule; running all remaining events for Chad Bryant Racing: What began as a six-race experimental deal in 2018 with Chad Bryant Racing (CBR), has evolved into a full-time program for Mahwah, N.J. rookie Joe Graf, Jr. It certainly didn't hurt that Graf nearly won the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway in his first attempt back in late April, coming in second after a photo finish. "Yeah I'm really happy with the way everything has gone," said Graf. "We've been nothing but pleased; they have a great program. I'd like to thank Chad Bryant (Racing) and Big Tine for making it possible. I wouldn't be able to do this without their help." Graf will be working with NASCAR Cup champion crew chief Paul Andrews all season. He'll also have an assist from his driver coach Mike Bliss, also a veteran of NASCAR racing. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-16-18)
  • Tony Mrakovich back with Fast Track Racing for Toledo: Tony Mrakovich has teamed up once again with Fast Track Racing and Andy Hillenburg along with sponsor Extreme Energy Solutions (EES) to run the Menards 200 at Toledo Speedway on Sunday, May 20th. Mrakovich will be piloting the No. 10 SMART Emissions Reducer Toyota Camry in the 200-lap event in northern Ohio. The 19-year old will be running in his third event of the year that included the ARCA season opener at Daytona and the Xfinity Race at Richmond Raceway. Sunday will mark Mrakovich’s first time at Toledo Speedway, with the half-mile oval representing another opportunity to build his resume. The rising star plans to lean on his past experience to help him through the weekend. While the track may be new to Mrakovich the team is not, a factor that plays heavily into his comfort level. "Andy Hillenburg has always provided me with great advice that goes hand-in-hand with the fast race cars the team builds" said Mrakovich. "I always look forward to competing in the ARCA Racing Series. There are some great people in that series. I am thankful for the opportunity that EES and Fast Track Racing have provided and hope to make the most of it!" (In part from Tony Mrakovich Racing PR) (05-16-18)
  • Thomas Praytor; Max Force Racing not competing at Toledo: As they say all good things come to an end and for Thomas "Moose" Praytor a three race deal that’s turned the Mobile, Alabama driver into the ARCA Series Ironman is over at 105 races. The streak of 105 consecutive races encompasses six seasons of ARCA competition and over 13,000 laps. You have to go back to October of 2012 to not find Praytor in the ARCA lineup. "It’s been an incredible run, I never thought I would get to make one ARCA race much less over 100." Is this the end of the line for the Moose? “Oh no! We have a lot of people calling and wanting to drive our cars. Ronnie Osmer did a great job in Daytona for us and we expect him to race a few more times. I’ll still be preparing our cars and coming to the racetrack as crew chief and my Dad and I may swap up spotter roles. I’m going to get to yell at him for a change (laughing)." What about behind the wheel? “I’ve got favorite places I like to go, I’ve already circled DuQuoin and Springfield. Over the last 6 years I’ve become a big fan of the dirt and I love plate racing. ORP, St. Louis and Kansas may pop up but I’m really going to try and recharge. My Dad has a hat he started wearing last year, it say "Make Racing Fun Again". That’s what we’re going to do." (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (05-14-18)
  • ZOMONGO becomes Michigan Entitlement Partner: The Big Life is coming to Michigan International Speedway in June. The ARCA Racing Series race on June 8 will be called the ZOMONGO 200. The multi-year deal will allow the Canadian and United States corporation to help everyone live bigger and better. In fact, that’s what ZOMONGO means; "Big Life". In other words, the company doesn’t like doing things small. "This announcement is something that we’re really excited about," said ZOMONGO President/CEO Jeremy Ostrowski. "Not only is the Michigan track historic, but the group that oversees and runs the track is a fantastic group of people to work with." The ZOMONGO entitlement sponsorship caps a successful offseason for Michigan International Speedway. The track has agreed to multi-year deals with all five of its entitlement sponsors that will keep them as partners for many years to come. "We are excited to welcome ZOMONGO as the entitlement partner for our June ARCA Racing Series race," track President Rick Brenner said. "This partnership caps a successful period for us and we are happy to secure all of our entitlement partners for many years to come. ZOMONGO is bringing its "Big Life" philosophy to the fan plaza and Turn 3 Deck and our fans are in for something special." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-14-18)
  • DGR-CROSLEY increases ARCA schedule: The business model is rolling out nicely at DGR-CROSLEY, and it will include some ARCA Racing Series events coming to a track near you. "Our business model has been built on trying to come in... in a very smart and controlled fashion," said Bo LeMastus. "We have not wanted to overreach, and things are progressing really well. We're very happy with where we're at during this current stage. Our programs are rolling out nicely." LeMastus is also adding some ARCA races to his already busy schedule. "I'm planning to run the ARCA race at Salem and Kansas toward the end of the year." DGR-CROSLEY also has plans for the ARCA race at Pocono, coming June 1. "Noah Gragson will be in the 54 ARCA car at Pocono. We'll also be testing at Charlotte this week with Todd Gilliland in preparation for the ARCA race (at Charlotte). We're also fielding cars for a kid full-time in the K&N Series, so there's a lot going on at DGR-CROSLEY." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-14-18)
  • Venturini Motorsports teams fined and penalized after Talladega: Based on technical inspection violations during General Tire 200 activities at Talladega Superspeedway, the Venturini Motorsports #20 and #55 teams have been penalized.
    Brandon Lynn:     The #55 penalty was for violation of 2018 ARCA Rulebook Page 51, #3M ii, which states in part “Any hose connected to NACA duct (not used for cooling driver), must be connected to blower or cooler and must exhaust outside the driver compartment... connectors must be point to point”; Page 58, #4C ii, which states in part “Engine lubrication reservoir tanks to be located in and accessible through driver compartment behind driver (completely encased with magnetic steel and properly sealed)”; and the Race Event Technical Bulletin Item #20 which references trailing arm bolts. As a result, VMS #55 crew chief Ryan London has been fined $2000 and placed on probation for 6 months, and team owner Billy Venturini and driver Brandon Lynn have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship points.
    Leilani Munter:     The #20 penalty was for violation of the 2018 Talladega Race Event Technical Bulletin, Item #20, which references trailing arm bolts. As a result, VMS #20 crew chief Frank Kimmel has been fined $500 and placed on probation for 6 months. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-04-18)
  • Joe Gibbs Racing fined after Talladega: Based on technical inspection violations during General Tire 200 activities at Talladega Superspeedway, [the Joe Gibbs Racing #18 team has] been penalized. The #18 penalty was for violation of 2018 ARCA Rulebook Page 49, #3L ii, which states in part “Any air entering a side window NACA duct must exhaust inside driver compartment, must be fully functional, not have any restrictions and not connected to a fan. The “A” post polycarbonate section and hoses, if NACA duct used, must be properly installed to ARCA inspector’s discretion, flush with the window and used for air intake only.” As a result, JGR #18 crew chief Robert “Bootie” Barker has been fined $500 and placed on probation for 6 months. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-04-18)
  • Chase Purdy injured at Talladega; expected to return at Toledo: Chase Purdy had worked his way back inside the top ten when he got turned into the turn three wall, resulting in a 25th place finish. He was taken to the local hospital for examination and then released with a bulged disc in his back. It is expected he will be back in the car for the series’ next race at Toledo. "Man, I thought the hit at Daytona was bad," Purdy said with a smile. “We had a really fast car today. I wasn’t sure what we had after practice, but man did it come alive in the race. It was cool to run up front at Talladega. Thank you to all the guys on our team, everyone that came out to watch us, and to all who’ve reached out to me wanting to know how I was doing. I will be back for Toledo.” (In part from MDMMotorsports.com) (05-04-18)
  • No charges filed in Hylton Motorsports accident: No charges have been filed in the truck accident that took the lives of former NASCAR driver James Hylton and his son, according to the Georgia State Patrol on Wednesday. Hylton, an 83-year-old graduate of William Byrd High School, died in a one-vehicle accident last Saturday morning on Interstate 85 in northern Georgia while returning from an ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway. James Hylton Jr., 61, also died in the crash. The elder Hylton owned James Hylton Motorsports, the South Carolina-based ARCA team of driver Brad Smith. Hylton, his son and crew chief Terry Strange were driving back to South Carolina in the hauler when the accident occurred. Strange who was driving the hauler, was injured in the crash. According to a police report that was completed Monday, Strange told police that he “changed lanes from the right lane to the left in an attempt to overtake a slower vehicle. … He further stated that after he had changed lanes, an unknown vehicle attempted to change lanes from the right lane to the left lane and almost struck his vehicle. The driver stated he tried to avoid a collision with the unknown vehicle. While trying to avoid the collision with the unknown vehicle, the driver stated he traveled into the west shoulder and lost control of his vehicle.” Police said Wednesday that no charges have been filed against Strange or against the driver of any other vehicle. (In part from Roanoke.com) (05-04-18)
  • James Hylton and son pass away in traffic accident UPDATE: Former NASCAR racer James Hylton and his son were both killed in a crash on I-85 in Franklin County, early Saturday morning. According to Georgia State Patrol, the collision happened near mile marker 164 in the northbound lane at 6:10 a.m. The report states that the vehicle ran off the roadway left and hit an embankment. The vehicle was hauling a trailer that contained a car, according to Georgia State Patrol. The two passengers were killed in the crash. The victims were identified by Georgia State Patrol and the Franklin County Coroner's Office as 83-year-old James Harvey Hylton and 61-year-old James Harvey Hylton, Jr. both were from Inman and died at the scene. The driver was injured and taken to the Greenville Memorial Hospital by ambulance. The official cause of death will be released after autopsies have been performed. (In part from WSPA.com) (04-28-18)
    UPDATE: James Hylton died in a truck accident Saturday morning in Georgia while returning from an ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway, his ex-wife, Evelyn Hylton, said. Hylton was 83 years old. James Hylton Jr., the 61-year-old son of James and Evelyn Hylton, also died in the crash. The elder Hylton owned James Hylton Motorsports, the ARCA team of driver Brad Smith. The race team operated out of a garage in Inman, South Carolina. An ARCA race was held Friday night at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. Hylton, his son, and crew chief Terry Strange were driving back to South Carolina in the hauler when the accident occurred at about 6 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 85 in northern Georgia, according to Evelyn Hylton. Evelyn, who lived with her son in Inman, said a police officer came to her door Saturday morning to inform her of the accident. "[The officer] said Terry … told them that he thought James was having a heart attack and he looked over at him and lost control of the truck and went across the median and then across the other lane of traffic and hit an embankment," Evelyn Hylton said in a phone interview. "The truck, towing a big trailer with a race car on it, thousands of pounds, you have to be really careful." Evelyn Hylton said her son had called her about midnight to tell her they were leaving a restaurant in Alabama and heading home. "I'd been trying to call him all morning and didn't get an answer," she said. (In part from Roanoke.com) (04-28-18)
    STATEMENT FROM ARCA: "Racing competitively in parts of six decades, James Hylton’s dedication, passion and longevity in motorsports is virtually unmatched. Hylton won the rookie of the year at NASCAR’s highest level, the 1972 race at Talladega Superspeedway and regularly contended for championships during the early years of his career. His racing influence continued into the ARCA series, where he competed as a driver and, most recently, a car owner. We have lost a truly special member of the racing family and a beloved figure among generations of competitors and race fans alike. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hylton family on the tragic loss of James Hylton and his son James Jr." (ARCARacing.com) (04-28-18)
  • NASCAR acquires the ARCA Racing Series: In a move designed to strengthen a relationship that dates back more than 60 years, NASCAR announced today the acquisition of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). Both NASCAR and ARCA, a Midwest-based sanctioning body for stock car auto racing, share a long history: ARCA founder John Marcum raced against Bill France Sr. and worked as a NASCAR official. More recently, the series has provided a valuable platform for talented drivers looking to make it to NASCAR’s national series. "Our NASCAR family has long had a special connection with our friends at ARCA, and this is a logical step in demonstrating our commitment to the next generation of racers," said Jim France, NASCAR vice chairman, executive vice president and member of the sport’s founding family. "This continues the legacy our sport was built upon and will deliver the great racing our fans expect." The ARCA Racing Series will continue to operate under its current structure through the 2019 season. This year’s schedule of 20 races includes nine events at NASCAR national series venues, and three others at NASCAR Whelen All-American Series tracks – illustrating the bond between the two sanctioning bodies. "We are proud of the history and tradition of the ARCA Racing Series and the relationship we’ve built over six decades with NASCAR," said Ron Drager, ARCA president and grandson of John Marcum. "We look forward to the opportunity to be more fully integrated with NASCAR and help shape the future of our sport." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-28-18)
  • Zane Smith wins at Talladega; closest finish in ARCA history: It was the closest margin of victory in ARCA Racing Series history. In fact, it was so close that the transponders that measure such things were tied at 0.00 seconds. But after going back to the start-finish camera, it was determined that Zane Smith out-dragged rookie Joe Graf, Jr. to the finish line in a good old-fashioned photo finish to win the wild General Tire 200 Friday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway. Smith, in the No. 41 LaPaz Margarita Mix Toyota, survived two overtimes and a grinding door-to-door sprint to the checkers alongside rookie Joe Graf, Jr. to earn his second career ARCA victory. Smith also led 16 laps. "It's awesome, to win like that," said Smith. "To be honest, I didn't know I had won. My spotter came over the radio and finally told me. At that point, my arms and legs were literally shaking inside the car. I get to work with best team in the garage... all the guys at MDM Motorsports... my sponsor LaPaz Margarita Mix. I get to work with Mardy Lindley, the best crew chief anywhere. In the last three races, we've finished first, second and first. I'm beyond pumped for this year." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-28-18)
  • Our Motorsports fielding two entries at Talladega; Josh Williams to drive: Our Motorsports is doubled-up with two entries for the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. In addition to Andy Seuss, who drove for Our Motorsports in the season-opener at Daytona, the team added ARCA veteran Josh Williams to its line-up for Talladega. Williams, a two-time ARCA Racing Series winner, has been a regular in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2018. "I'm excited to compete at Talladega and have the opportunity to be part of the Our Motorsports family with Andy," said Williams. "It's  always  nice knowing you'll have a teammate at a restrictor-plate race." Seuss, the NASCAR Whelen Modified standout, also sees value in having Williams on board. "I think it's great for our program," said Seuss. "Josh is a veteran of the series and brings knowledge and experience. We're all looking forward to the weekend." Williams' JW Motorsports team prepared the car that he will drive, while Seuss and his crew fine-tuned their entry out of their own Our Motorsports stable. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-26-18)
  • Max Force Racing; Thomas Praytor partner with AIDB at Talladega: Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his Mobile, Alabama crew are continuing their long standing relationship with the Alabama Institute of Deaf and Blind (AIDB) this weekend at Talladega. Jeffrey Oliver, a student at AIDB will become a pit crew member this weekend for the General Tire 200. “We always enjoy having students come over from AIDB and having Jeffrey come back to help us out is really cool.” [Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) will serve as the primary sponsor on the No. 9 entry this weekend.] (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (04-26-18)
  • Willie Mullins opts out of Talladega; focusing on own business: Despite the successful run at Daytona, [Willie] Mullins has chosen to sit out Friday’s General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway in order to focus on his business, Bugsy’s Auto in Fredericksburg, Va. "It is heartbreaking after that second-place finish at Daytona that we’re not able to go to Talladega and back it up," Mullins said. "I really wanted to be there, but with the business taking on a new shape we’re having to focus on that and work towards the future so that in many years to come we can hopefully keep racing." Despite carrying sponsorship from businesses like Crow Wing Recycling and CW Metals, Mullins Racing is still heavily self-funded. Because of that, Mullins says it is important for him to focus on making his business as healthy as possible so that he can afford to return to the race track. "I’ve always been taught that if you take care of the business then the business will take care of you," Mullins explained. "That’s our main focus. Right now we have a very large account with County Waste here in Fredericksburg and we’re trying to make sure we keep them happy. County Waste is a very large partner of us and we’re looking to grow with them as they are growing too." (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (04-25-18)
  • Chandler Smith released from hospital after last lap crash: Chandler Smith was evaluated and released from a local hospital on Sunday after a hard crash on the last lap of the ARCA Racing Series event at Salem Speedway. Smith’s No. 20 Toyota was the dominant car of the race, leading 117 of the 200 laps. But his Venturini Motorsports teammate Christian Eckes was the first car off pit road during the money stop and Smith was left chasing Eckes down over the final laps. The duo were nose-to-tail and side-by-side throughout the final run to the checkered flag, but Smith wasn’t able to make the pass for the lead. As they barreled into turn one on the white flag lap, Smith slid up the 33-degree banking and slammed hard into the outside wall. Venturini Motorsports confirmed the right-front tire went down on Smith’s Toyota, leading to the wreck. Smith was not made available for comment after his hospital visit. (In part from MotorsportsTribune.com) (04-23-18)
  • Christian Eckes scores first victory at Salem: Christian Eckes held off a hungry pack over the final 50 laps to earn his career-first ARCA Racing Series victory Sunday afternoon at Salem Speedway. Eckes, in the No. 15 JBL Audio Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, first fought off Zane Smith, then held back the nonstop hard charge from Chandler Smith to win the 103rd running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200. "I can't believe this... I really can't," said Eckes. "This is the biggest win of my life. This is Salem. It's so hard to win here. I have no words to describe how relieved I am right now and how much this means to me." Eckes's Venturini crew got him out first during the final stop during which the leaders took four General Tires for the thrilling run to checkers. "This Venturini pit crew won this race... they got us out first. As a whole, we executed perfectly today. There have been so many... so many seconds. To finally get this victory... it's the biggest one of my career." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-23-18)
  • Jack Dossey III making ARCA debut at Salem; two more races in 2018: Jack Dossey III will make his ARCA Racing Series debut this Sunday on the famous High Banks of Salem Speedway. Dossey recently tested his #99 Jack Dossey Motorsports Toyota at Salem, a track he is familiar with, having raced there in 2016 and 2017 with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour. Dossey finished second in last year’s JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour event at Salem to winner Jack Smith. "There is a night and day difference between the JEGS Tour late models and the bigger heaver ARCA cars," remarked Dossey. "I learned a lot at the test. It was good we went. I think this could be big for my career and the team. Right now, I couldn’t feel any better about the upcoming race!" The Jack Dossey Motorsports Team currently plans to compete in two other ARCA Racing Series events in September at Lucas Oil Raceway and back at Salem Speedway. (In part from CRA-Racing.com) (04-21-18)
  • Hixson Motorsports not competing at Salem; next race at Pocono: For 20 consecutive years, Hixson Motorsports has fielded cars in every ARCA Racing Series race, every event since Daytona 1999. However, the Hixson, Tennessee-based team will not be in the line-up at Salem. "I'm sitting on my back porch looking out at the Tennessee River," said Team Owner Wayne Hixson. "I'm going fishing tomorrow." Hixson has been fielding ARCA cars since 1988. "We ran Charlotte, Atlanta, Daytona, Talladega and Pocono up through '98. We did that up till '99 when we started full-time." It's been more than full-time for Hixson who often fielded as many as three cars in each race. "I've raced in every ARCA race since '99 without missing one... 670 cars I've put out there over the last 20 years. I still love to race... still want to race; but there's a little relief in this. "The rules changed so much…it just costs too much for guys like me. There's no hard feelings; but I'm not going to keep spending money just to go around in circles... without having a shot to run up front. "I'm still going to race; but we just won't be there as much unless someone calls and wants to run and has got the money to run. "Our next race is Pocono... I think Steve Fox is going to run the 3 car for us. We're also going to run St. Louis (Gateway) with Eric (Caudell). Joe (Cooksey) is going to run Springfield and DuQuoin. Joe drove the wheels off the car at Nashville, and couldn't stay up against those other motors." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-21-18)
  • Josh Berry to drive at Salem for Chad Bryant Racing: Josh Berry will make his ARCA Racing Series debut this weekend at Salem Speedway, driving the No. 22 Big Tine Ford for Chad Bryant Racing. The 27-year-old driver from Hendersonville, Tenn. currently drives for JR Motorsports, the race team owned by 15-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. "It’s an interesting place," said Berry. "It’s wild, definitely a challenge and will be a tough place to race. Tire management is going to be key there, and that might benefit me in that I do that every week in my Late Model with the CARS Tour. It’s a great opportunity for me to try the ARCA Racing Series, which has always been very competitive. I’m looking forward to the weekend with Chad and the rest of the CBR team." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-17-18)
  • Brandon Lynn joins Venturini Motorsports for Talladega & Charlotte: Brandon Lynn has signed on with Venturini Motorsports as part of a two race deal to pilot the No. 55 Remodeez Toyota in upcoming ARCA Racing Series events at Talladega Superspeedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. A familiar face in the garage, Lynn, a 23-year old native of Penn Yann, NY, has made eight series starts with two top-10 finishes since making his ARCA debut back in the Spring of 2015. "This is an awesome opportunity," said Lynn. "It's great to be back in the series and an honor to race with a team with so much prestige in ARCA. It's a great feeling knowing I’m getting in equipment capable of winning. As long as the driver is in the game we should be good off the hauler." Almost a year to the date from his last series start at Talladega, Lynn will revisit the track in two weeks competing in the General Tire 200, a race he nearly won in 2017. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-16-18)
  • Primera Plastics sponsoring Berlin race: Berlin Raceway officials announced that Primera Plastics, a precision injection molding company based in Zeeland, Michigan, will be the race entitlement sponsor for the ARCA Racing Series event at Berlin July 21—the Primera Plastics 200. "We have been involved with Berlin Raceway for a number of years and are extremely excited to now be part of another prestigious event at this facility," said Primera Plastics founder and CEO Noel Cuellar. "Big events like this typically bring in a lot of big names along with a number of talented drivers which makes for a great show, and that’s what we are looking forward to." The Primera Plastics 200 will be the 30th ARCA race at Berlin. ARCA's history at Berlin reaches way back through seven decades when on July 25, 1958 Les Snow won the inaugural 100-lap ARCA race on the old Berlin half-mile dirt oval. Six-time ARCA champion Iggy Katona won the final ARCA race on the Berlin dirt in 1964 before the track was paved over in time for Andy Hampton's ARCA victory in 1968. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-16-18)
  • Zane Smith wins the Music City 200 at Nashville:  It was a long time coming for Huntington Beach, Calif.'s Zane Smith; but it was well worth the wait. On the heels of three runner-up finishes in 2017, Smith put it all together Saturday night at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, winning the Music City 200. Smith, in the No. 41 LaPaz Margarita Mix Toyota, passed his MDM Motorsports teammate Sheldon Creed with 20 laps to go and drove away to a 10-length lead for his career-first ARCA Racing Series win. "I knew it was going to come down to me and Sheldon... I think you're going to see that battle a lot this year," said Smith. "I can tell you coming to the white flag my legs were shaking. I forgot how to get to victory lane; it's been so long." MDM Motorsports swept the top-three positions with Creed in second and Harrison Burton in third. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-09-18)
  • Eddie Fatscher joins Venturini Motorsports for three races: 15-year old Eddie Fatscher from Long Island, New York has joined Venturini Motorsports and will make three starts during the 2018 ARCA Racing Series season. Fatscher, making the progression from early development racing in the Northeast to the highly competitive ranks of Super late model competition, will make his ARCA Series debut behind the wheel of VMS’ No. 55 Toyota at Toledo Speedway on May 20. Adding his name to the series’ youth movement, Fatscher will also compete at events at Madison Int'l Speedway (June 15) and Elko Speedway (July 14). "I couldn’t be any more excited to take the next step in my career with Venturini Motorsports," says Fatscher. "This is a huge opportunity. The ARCA Series is highly competitive and delivers some of the best short track racing around. I’m ready to put my skills to the test." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-05-18)
  • Joe Graf Jr. to make ARCA debut at Nashville for Chad Bryant Racing:  Joe Graf Jr. has been looking forward to the running of the Music City 200 at the famed Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway since he first buckled into a Bandolero 10 years ago in Medina, Minn. The New Jersey resident will be making his first of six planned 2018 ARCA Racing Series starts [Nashville, Salem, Madison, Lucas Oil Raceway, Gateway and Iowa] for Chad Bryant Racing (CBR) April 7 at Nashville. The former Legends Car and SK Lite Modified standout is anxious to buckle into his Big Tine No. 77. "I've worked hard to get to this point and to be able to drive for Chad Bryant Racing with Paul Andrews as my crew chief is almost surreal," said Graf. "I have always wanted to race in ARCA and I believe that this is the next logical step in my career." Graf Jr. will be a freshman at NYU in the fall and is working with the prestigious New York City-based university to balance his academics with his racing career. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-30-18)
  • Rick Clifton returns to Fast Track Racing for Nashville: Rick Clifton likes to stay busy. That's why he likes Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. "There's always something to do (at Nashville)," said Clifton. "There's never a dull moment in the car. No long straightaways to catch your breath... you're always busy. I like the close racing too." It's also why the 63-year-old Circleville, Ohio farmer is entered for the third straight season at Nashville. "It's a fun track. Been there twice." Nashville also fits well into Clifton's busy schedule. "I have a hard time getting to a lot of the races due to my work schedule. I'm not real busy right at the moment so this one (Nashville) fits." That said, farming season is going to be ratcheting up soon. Clifton will have to carefully pick and choose his racing events. "I'd like to do two or three (races) this year…hopefully, maybe Charlotte. MIS is still an option. I like to take 'em one and a time... make sure we don't tear a bunch of stuff up. We just race to have fun…nothing more to it. My plan is to be at Nashville. Unless the wheels fall off, we'll be there." Clifton is entered in the No. 10 Ohio Ag Equipment-Clifton Trucking Toyota for car owner Andy Hillenburg of Fast Track Racing. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-22-18)
  • Menards to sponsor Toledo Speedway race: Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Menards Inc. announced today that the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer will again serve as the title sponsor of the ARCA Racing Series race at Toledo Speedway in 2018. "Menards continues to be a great corporate partner for ARCA and a great, long-term, marketing partner for Toledo Speedway," said Mark Gundrum, ARCA’s vice president for business development and corporate partnerships. The Menards 200 will feature ARCA Racing Series practice and General Tire Pole Qualifying Saturday, May 19, along with an ARCA Late Model Sportsman feature event race. The Menards 200 will start at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon May 20, and is scheduled for live broadcast on MAVTV. "We appreciate the opportunity to once again sponsor the ARCA Racing Series and look forward to another highly competitive Menards 200 race at Toledo Speedway," said Jeff Abbott, Menards promotions manager and spokesperson. "We’ll be selling discount tickets for this race in our stores and hope to see another full house at the track." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-22-18)
  • Tyler Dippel to join Chad Bryant Racing for Nashville: NASCAR K&N Pro Series driver Tyler Dippel is set to join Chad Bryant Racing for the upcoming race at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville on Saturday, April 7th. Dippel made three starts last year for Win-Tron Racing, scoring his career best finish at Springfield last August. Chad Bryant Racing was formerly known as Cunningham Motorsports, which won the ARCA championship in 2016 with Chase Briscoe. The team plans to field two entries in the Music City 200 event. (03-21-18)
  • Chad Finley reducing schedule; Austin Hill to drive part time: Chad Finley, who won the Music City 200 last year, will not return to Nashville to defend his win. The Michigan driver is scaling back his ARCA schedule to two (2) races after competing in six (6) last season. Finley will only race at Michigan and Chicagoland after having one of his most successful years to date. While the 26 year-old driver may not be racing as often, his team is expected to run approximately the same number of events. Austin Hill will compete for Chad Finley Racing in three to four races this season. (03-21-18)
  • Thomas "Moose" Praytor gives a fan a surprise: With a weekend off from the ARCA schedule, Thomas "Moose" Praytor was able to surprise one of his biggest fans, Reese McGahagin, with the duo turning a few laps with the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience. Reese is an avid race fan and was part of Praytor’s team a couple of years ago at Talladega. "We had a great time with Reese and his Dad at Talladega. It was their dream to be at Talladega and it is always fun to help other people realize their dreams." After Talladega, Praytor kept going in circles while McGahagin was running his own races, taking home medals in Special Olympics competition. The pair kept up with each other’s exploits and with the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience coming to Mobile, the wheels started turning. Reese’s Dad got Reese approved to take part in the ride-a-long and the Moose jumped in to give Reese a surprise driver, while Fox 10 agreed to get it all on tape. "It was another great experience for me to be part of Reese’s special day. I think Reese had fun, he was screaming all the way around the track! I appreciate Rusty Wallace Driving Experience and Fox 10 for being part of helping us make it happen. Hopefully we can get Reese back to Talladega in April." Praytor and his Max Force Team return to action April 7th at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville for the Music City 200, live on MAVTV. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (03-21-18)
  • Darrell Basham returning at Nashville?: ARCA veteran Darrell Basham is tentatively planning to compete in the Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville on Saturday, April 7th. Basham, who vowed a comeback after being diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2016, is expected to drive his own No. 34 entry. The team had faced an uncertain future in the offseason, as it had considered moving to NASCAR and potentially selling its owner points. Patriot Motorsports Group and Jesse Iwuji carried the number at Daytona, where they recorded a 36th place finish. Future plans for the Basham team after Nashville are unknown. (03-20-18)
  • Mike Wallace joins MAVTV broadcast team: Officials from MAVTV announced today that NASCAR/ARCA veteran driver Mike Wallace will join the broadcast team to help call the action for the ARCA Racing Series on MAVTV in 2018. Coverage begins Saturday night, April 7 from Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn. Wallace will serve as the telecast's pit-road reporter, joining booth announcers Bob Dillner and Jim Tretow. Wallace, who won on some of NASCAR's biggest stages, has also done his share of TV time over the years with racing broadcast stints on NBC, TNN, the NASCAR Hot Pass show on DirecTV and more. "When the call came in for this opportunity, I got right on it," said Wallace. "I'm very excited to be ARCA's pit road reporter. The series is incredible. I'm excited to work with Bob (Dillner) and Jim (Tretow). I'm very committed to making great, compelling TV. There are so many great stories in the ARCA Series and I'm excited to cover them, from the back of the field to the front." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-20-18)
  • Con Nicolopoulos intending to run full ARCA schedule for Peterson: Con Nicolopoulos is feeling pretty good about the 2018 racing season. And why not, the Columbus, Michigan driver finished 18th at Daytona. Not bad for an under-budgeted team with no full-time employees. "We didn't put a scratch on the car," said Nicolopoulos. "We were very fortunate. Looking forward to taking the same composite car to Talladega. But, right now, it's the only composite car we've got. Hopefully, the team can put another one together before the year's out." For the last two consecutive years,  Nicolopoulos, who drives for Wayne Peterson, has indeed been a significant part of the series, finishing just outside the top-10 ARCA national championship driver standings, 11th in 2016 and again in '17. But the racing gig is only a hobby. The father of three works full-time as a mechanical/electrical engineer for Chrysler near Detroit, Michigan. His goal is to again run the full ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour. "That's our intention. It really depends on what Wayne (Peterson) wants to do. I think we're trying to run at least through MIS, and take it from there; but I absolutely want to run the full season. It depends on sponsors. Daytona was so much fun... the car ran good. I screwed up in the beginning... lost the draft. We fell back to 27th, got lucky with cautions, kept ourselves out of trouble and was able to draft with some guys and get up to 18th." Nicolopoulos, in the No. 0 Dodge, is one of two entries received from Peterson Motorsports for the Music City 200 at Nashville April 7. Mark Meunier, of Louisville, Ky., is also entered in the No. 06 Peterson Motorsports Ford. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-20-18)
  • Thad Moffitt; Empire Racing Group files Nashville entry: Thad Moffitt, the grandson of "The King" Richard Petty, is the first driver to file an entry for the next ARCA event, the Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Nashville Speedway coming Saturday, April 7. The Trinity, N.C. fourth-generation driver made his ARCA Racing Series debut last year at Nashville, finishing 16th in the 32-car field. Moffitt made two other ARCA starts in 2017, finishing a career-best 11th at Lucas Oil Raceway. Moffitt also participated in ARCA's open test at Daytona Int'l Speedway in January, 2018. Moffitt, 17, is entered at Nashville in the Empire Racing-prepared No. 46 Performance Plus Chevrolet. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-11-18)
  • Jim Tretow and Bob Dillner to call MAVTV races: Officials from MAVTV announced that veteran motorsports broadcasters Bob Dillner and Jim Tretow will call the action for  the ARCA Racing Series on MAVTV in 2018. Coverage begins Saturday night, April 7 from Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn. MAVTV and ARCA jointly announced a multi-year broadcast rights agreement under which ARCA Racing Series events will be televised on MAVTV through the 2019 racing season. MAVTV aired 10 ARCA race events in 2017, and will increase that number to 12 in 2018. Eleven of the 12 events will air live on MAVTV, including the networks first ever superspeedway telecast from Michigan International Speedway June 8. Dillner is a 21-year veteran broadcaster who has covered all forms of motorsports from NASCAR and Indy Car to NHRA and Monster Jam. Tretow's involvement in ARCA goes back to 1993 when he and Ray Dunlap shared broadcast duties for ARCA races on the PASS and Prime Networks. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-11-18)
  • Toni Breidinger joins Venturini Motorsports for three races: 18-year California native, Toni Breidinger, has joined Venturini Motorsports and will make three driving appearances during the 2018 ARCA Racing Series season. Breidinger, USAC's all-time winningest female driver with 14 pavement victories, will make her ARCA debut at Madison International Speedway on June 15. Joining an already dynamic team driver lineup, Breidinger's will race in three consecutive ARCA events including Gateway Motorsports Park (June 22) and Chicagoland Speedway (June 28). With her sights set on becoming a successful driver at NASCAR's highest level, Breidinger began her career behind the wheel of a go-kart at the age of 9. Progressing with age and moving up the ranks, Breidinger began racing midget cars in USAC. In 2014 and 2015 she placed 2nd overall in USAC's Speed 2 Western U.S. Pavement Midget Series driver standings. After a breakout year she went on to claim the 2016 Speed 2 Western U.S. Pavement Midget Series Championship. "I'm definitely expecting to learn a lot. It's going to be a huge learning experience, but I'm very excited and more than ready to take on the challenge racing in the ARCA series this season," said Breidinger. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (03-02-18)