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June 3, 2017

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June 16, 2017

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ARCA Racing Series News and Rumors

  • Natalie Decker adds Road America to ARCA schedule: On the heels of her successful debut in the ARCA Racing Series at Toledo Speedway, nineteen-year old Natalie Decker announced today the addition of Road America to her remaining 2017 ARCA schedule driving for Venturini Motorsports. Decker, a popular Midwest late model driver hailing from Eagle River, Wisconsin, will make her first professional road course appearance when the ARCA Series returns to Road America located in Elkhart Lake, WI on August 27 for the Road America 100. Already scheduled to compete in upcoming ARCA Series events at Elko Speedway and Pocono Raceway, Decker with sponsorship support from Madison, WI based N29 Capital Partners is excited for the chance to race in her home state. “This (Wisconsin) is where my racing career started,” says Decker. “I’ve raced hundreds of races in Wisconsin but to get the opportunity to compete at this level in front of my home state fans and sponsor is awesome. I can’t thank N29 Capital Partners, Venturini Motorsports and Toyota enough for giving me this opportunity,” says Decker. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (05-25-17)
  • ARCA issues statement in response to Brian Finney fire: In the wake of Brian Finney’s fiery incident at Toledo Speedway during practice for the Menards 200, the ARCA Racing Series has released a statement reaffirming their commitment to safety at their race events. Finney’s car caught fire just before the start-finish line on a practice run Saturday, rolling to a stop at the exit of Turn 2 and quickly becoming engulfed in flames. While Finney was able to exit the car and was uninjured, his car and ARCA Ilmor 396 engine were a complete loss, with videos circulating social media showing safety officials doing nothing to help Finney exit the car or extinguish the blaze. Ultimately, Finney himself — with the aid of Cunningham Motorsports crew chief Chad Bryant — put out the fire with the help of a nearby extinguisher, drawing outcry from fans who questioned ARCA’s track response crews and their care for the drivers in their series. Tuesday night, ARCA President Ron Drager responded to those questions, issuing a statement exclusively to Race Chaser Online regarding the incident and admitting that the safety response shown Saturday was not up to the level that the series and sanctioning body expects.
    ARCA STATEMENT:     “We review our safety policies and procedures on an ongoing basis, and our combined track and series safety response to this incident falls short of the standards we have established,” said Drager. “Our review of the incident is ongoing; however, we made adjustments in several areas prior to Sunday’s race, including vehicle placement, equipment and assignment of duties of the response team. I’ve spoken directly with Brian, both Saturday after the incident and today (Tuesday), as well as with our staff, in reviewing how we can best respond to such circumstances. Throughout our 65-year history in the sport, we have placed safety at the forefront and are committed to continuing to do so.” (In part from RaceChaserOnline.com) (05-23-17)
  • Team Stange Racing returning for partial schedule: Team Stange Racing, formed by John and Ashley Stange of Illinois, plans to return to ARCA Racing Series competition after finishing 5th at Daytona with Frank Kimmel in 2016. The Forest Park, IL team will run two to four races, which will include events at Road America and Chicagoland. Although a driver has not been announced, the team is said to have sponsorship secured. (05-23-17)
  • Harrison Burton scores first win at Toledo: Once Harrison Burton cleared Dalton Sargeant for the lead with eight laps to go, the Huntersville, North Carolina driver set sail for victory lane, winning the Menards 200 Sunday afternoon at Toledo Speedway. Burton, in the No. 28 Dex Imaging Toyota, worked hard for the victory, coming from the back to the front just in time to track down the leader in the closing laps. "This No. 28 Dex Imaging Camry was on point today, probably the best race car I've ever driven," said Burton. "I really appreciate all my guys on this MDM team for not giving up on me. Dalton's a great driver, the difference between us and him was our cars. We struggled on short runs, but on long runs, we just mowed him down." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-23-17)
  • Tyler Dippel to race at Toledo with Rette Jones Racing: AM Racing’s development team Win-Tron Racing announced in a partnership with Rette Jones Racing (RJR) that Tyler Dippel will compete in Sunday’s ARCA Racing Series race at Toledo Speedway. Making his first ARCA start since 2015, Dippel, a full-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series competitor will drive the No. 33 TYCAR Trenchless Technologies / D and A Concrete Contractor Toyota in the Menards 200 for his fourth series start. “This is a cool opportunity for me to take advantage of the weekend off in K&N and return to the ARCA Racing Series at Toledo,” said Dippel. “I appreciate the hard work of AM Racing, Win-Tron Racing and Rette Jones Racing for going to extreme measures to put this program together quickly. I’ve never been to Toledo in an ARCA car, but I’m anxious to get things going.” (In part from Win-Tron Racing PR) (05-18-17)
  • Ken Schrader Racing announces Toledo sponsors: Ken Schrader Racing, Inc. announced today that Midwest Logistics Systems and K & L Ready Mix will serve as sponsors for its #52 Entry with driver Austin Theriault, for the Menards 200 at Toledo Speedway. Midwest Logistics Systems located in Celina, Ohio served as an associate sponsor with Ken Schrader at the 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway. K & L Ready Mix, headquartered in Ottawa, Ohio, has been one of the Ken Schrader dirt team sponsors for five years and also participated in the 2016 truck race at Eldora. The family-owned company has been in business since 1957. K & L Ready Mix is the leading supplier of ready mix concrete, brick, block and building supplies, serving Northwest Ohio. (In part from Ken Schrader Racing PR) (05-17-17)
  • Thad Moffit returning at Toledo with Performance Plus: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that development driver Thad Moffitt will partner with Performance Plus Motor Oil for two ARCA Racing Series short track events this season. Moffitt will compete at Toledo Speedway on May 21 and at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis on July 21. Performance Plus will also be an associate sponsor of Moffitt and Empire Racing Group for the remainder of the year in NASCAR late model competition. Moffitt, the grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty, made his first ARCA start earlier this year at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, finishing 16th in an Empire-prepared car. Empire will once again field the No. 46 Ford for Moffitt and Performance Plus, beginning next weekend, with additional support from Transportation Impact, Hostetler Ranch and Jacob Companies. (In part from Richard Petty Motorsports PR) (05-17-17)
  • Richard Hauck returning for partial schedule: Veteran driver Richard Hauck will return to ARCA Racing Series competition in 2017 for a partial schedule. Hauck, who lost his primary car due to a crash at Kentucky last year, has been preparing a new Dodge for Toledo Speedway on May 21st. The Howell, Michigan driver also plans to compete at Madison, Iowa, Lucas Oil, Winchester, and Salem. Additional speedway events could be added at a later date. (05-13-17)
  • Bobby Dale Earnhardt‏ to drive for Hixson Motorsports at Toledo: Bobby Dale Earnhardt, the grandson of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, will make his ARCA Racing Series debut at Toledo Speedway on May 21st driving for Hixson Motorsports. The 29 year-old former ARCA Truck Series competitor will race the team's No. 3 entry that Mike Senica recently vacated. Earnhardt and Hixson Motorsports are seeking sponsorship for the event. (05-12-17)
  • Mason Mitchell Motorsports crew chief and car owner fined after Talladega: As a result of incidents in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards garage area during technical inspection and on pit road during the race involving unsportsmanlike conduct while interacting with ARCA Officials, Mason Mitchell Motorsports #78 crew chief and #88 team owner Kevin Reed has been fined $2,500 and placed on disciplinary probation for an indefinite period of time for violation of the 2017 ARCA Rulebook Section 4, Pages 12-13, #5 and #10, which references conduct by team members toward ARCA Officials and conduct or actions detrimental to the sport of auto racing. Reed was also fined $750 for violation of ARCA Procedure—unapproved transfer of tires identified for #78 into the pit box of #88 during the race. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-12-17)
  • Bob Schacht fined after violating post-race Talladega procedure: As a result of violation of ARCA procedure governing post-race retrieval of ARCA-issued equipment, Bob Schacht Motorsports #75 team owner Bob Schacht has been fined $250. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-12-17)
  • Mullins Racing to field two cars at Elko; Robert Bruce debut: Mullins Racing will now focus on the upcoming Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care, which will be held at Minnesota’s Elko Speedway on June 3. For the first time the team plans to field two cars at Elko, one for Mullins and a second for veteran Virginia short track driver Robert Bruce, who will be attempting to make his ARCA Racing Series debut. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (05-10-17)
  • Valvoline extends sponsorship of ARCA: Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) announced that Valvoline has extended its Official Motor Oil of the ARCA Racing Series partnership through 2018. “The Valvoline Pro-V racing line has achieved outstanding success over the past two seasons across a variety of racing series,” said Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline’s vice president of marketing and customer experience. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the ARCA Racing Series, helping teams, drivers and crews reach victory lane.” The announcement, made Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, includes the news that Valvoline Pro-V Racing 0W30 motor oil will continue to be the exclusive oil for use in the ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-07-17)
  • Justin Haley wins the General Tire 200: Justin Haley's first trip to Talladega Superspeedway turned out to be one for the ages. Haley, in his first-ever plate-track start, went from the back to the front in the No. 28 MDM Motorsports Toyota to win the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards General Tire 200 Saturday afternoon. Haley held off the pack in a one-lap shootout to earn the biggest victory of his career. "That was crazy," said Haley. "We had to work our way from the back. We had a battery issue and made an unscheduled pit stop and went from fourth to 30th. I've always wanted to run Talladega; I can't thank these MDM guys enough. My spotter Kevin Hamlin helped me through it. I didn't know what I was doing but I listened and did what they told me, and it worked out." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-07-17)
  • Gene Paul; ESP Motorsports withdraw from Talladega: Gene Paul and his ESP Motorsports team withdrew from Saturday's General Tire 200 event at Talladega Superspeedway due to a seat issue. The Florida driver posted the following message on his team's page.
    Paul:     "We have to cancel our Talladega entry. Very disappointed. A small mistake on an SFI date on my seat was discovered and ARCA is taken a non-compromising stance on letting me use the seat. The fact that the race was in April the last couple of years and this year it shifted to May also complicated things. I take total responsibility but I think there could have been a waiver." (In part from ESP Motorsports Facebook) (05-07-17)
  • Dalton Sargeant wins at Salem: Dalton Sargeant settled into his own zip code Sunday afternoon at Salem Speedway, and put a major-league whooping on the field to win the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200. Sargeant, who was himself a lap down at one point, got four fresh General Tires under caution late in the going and checked out from there to earn his second career ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards victory. In the end, Sargeant, in the No. 77 Big Tine Ford, was the only driver to complete all 200 laps. "The biggest thing was working on long green flag runs…the guys at Cunningham Motorsports did an awesome job," said Sargeant. "The General Tires were incredible." "We got a lap down on that long green flag run. My crew chief Chad Bryant just kept reiterating…take your time…just race the race track, and it paid off. This is definitely a difficult race. Our No. 77 Big Tine Cunningham Ford was amazing. I'm looking forward to Talladega." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-01-17)
  • Mike Senica no longer driving for Hixson Motorsports: Commercial pilot and racecar driver Mike Senica announced today that he will no longer drive for Hixson Motorsports, effective immediately. The 51 year-old joined the organization last season and earned his career best finish at Berlin Raceway. Senica participated in 13 events with the team and will now compete in NASCAR. Hixson Motorsports has entered Steve Fox in the No. 3 car for this weekend's race at Salem Speedway. (04-26-17)
  • Ty Majeski joins Cunningham Motorsports for five races: Cunningham Motorsports, in conjunction with Roush Fenway Racing, will add Ty Majeski to the roster for five races this season in the ARCA Racing Series. Majeski, a Roush Fenway Racing development driver, is set to make his debut with Cunningham at Pocono Raceway on June 9 in the No. 99 Ford Fusion. From there, the Seymour, Wisc. native will run at Michigan International Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Kansas Speedway. “Cunningham is truly excited to help continue the development of Ty as a driver and have him race with us at a few events this year,” said Cunningham co-owner Kerry Scherer. “He’s a young driver and a great talent that is on the right path for a successful future in NASCAR. It’ll be fun to watch him later this season and see what he can do in a Cunningham car.” (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (04-24-17)
  • Mason Mingus to make second season start at Salem with Win-Tron: After earning a top-five finish as Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, Tennessee driver Mason Mingus will return to the No. 33 Win-Tron Racing Toyota at Salem Speedway. Mingus is serving as a substitute driver for Justin Fontaine, who suffered a mild L1 vertebrae compression fracture at Daytona. The 22 year-old from Brentwood was the 2013 ARCA runner-up in final driver point standings when he competed full time with the team. (04-24-17)
  • Shore Lunch to sponsor Elko race: Officials from Southeastern Mills, Track Enterprises and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) announced today that Shore Lunch will sponsor ARCA’s return to Elko Speedway in Elko, Minnesota. Shore Lunch Soups, Breadings and Batters first partnered with ARCA series sponsor Menards in 2016 to become involved with the series through a team sponsorship with rookie driver Myatt Snider. The business-to-business relationship between Menards, the country’s third largest home improvement retail chain, and Southeastern Mills, a leading food company with brands such as Better Than Bouillon, The Original Louisiana Hot Sauce and Southeastern Mills Gravy and Baking Mixes, brings opportunities for Southeastern Mills to promote its Shore Lunch Brand products to the Menards customer base. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-23-17)
  • Leilani Munter to return at Talladega with Venturini: Leilani Munter will make her highly anticipated return to racing next month when she visits the crimson state for the running of the ARCA Racing Series General Tire 200 on the high banks at Talladega Superspeedway. Leilani, coming off a career performance in the ARCA series’ season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, will reintroduce her ever popular ‘Vegan Powered’ car with support from A Well-Fed World and World Animal News. “Leilani is an absolute inspiration to all of us with her commitment to her beliefs,” says Billy Venturini, Director of Competition and team co-owner of Venturini Motorsports. “Her performance at Daytona was impressive. I believe there are many sponsors out there looking for someone who stands for them so strongly and therefore makes her a very unique race car driver and representative.” Leilani will drive the No. 98 Vegan Powered – World Animal News entry. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-21-17)
  • Mark Meunier to drive for Peterson Motorsports at Salem: Kentucky driver Mark Meunier will return to Peterson Motorsports for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 at Salem Speedway on April 30th. The 52 year-old is scheduled to drive the No. 06 entry after joining the team late last year. While Meunier only has one event finalized, he could potentially compete in more races for the team later this season. (04-15-17)
  • Travis Miller returning at Salem with MDM Motorsports: 29 year-old Travis Miller recently announced that he will return to ARCA competition at Salem Speedway on April 30th. Miller will drive the No. 28 entry for MDM Motorsports. The Virginia native scored a 2nd place finish at Lucas Oil Raceway last year in his only start to date. Sheldon Creed recently piloted the car to top-10 result at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. (04-14-17)
  • Thomas Praytor takes over active ironman status: With his 83rd consecutive start in the Music City 200, Thomas “Moose” Praytor takes over as the ARCA active ironman. Currently Praytor has more consecutive starts in ARCA than any other active driver. “The idea that I’m still in the series, still coming to the track every week is just incredible. We were only supposed to make 3 starts five years ago and well we’re still going. I don’t really think about being the Ironman, I just think about how fortunate I am to have a ride and nothing is going to keep me out of it.” (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (04-14-17)
  • Venturini Motorsports; Toyota decide against backup for Raphaël Lessard: Major disappointment for Lessard’s clan and Venturini Motorsports after Raphaël had to retire before the start of his very first ARCA race tonight in Nashville. Lessard was attempting his first qualifying lap for the Music City 200 at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville when his #25 Musselman's BIG CUP Apple Sauce-Toyota-Camry car suddenly ended up in the wall. Even though a second car was available at the track, management for Toyota and Venturini Motorsports mutually agreed not to use it because it was already set up for the next ARCA race to take place on April 30th in Salem. “I am extremely disappointed and I just don't understand,” said Raphaël Lessard a few minutes after discussing with crew chief Dave Leiner. “I’m eager to discuss further with the team to understand what happened as I was so happy with my Camry’s performance during practice this afternoon." (In part from Raphaël Lessard Racing PR) (04-09-17)
  • Chris Reese's debut cut short due to practice accident: Chris Reese, who was making his debut at Nashville, sustained damage in practice that cut his day short.
    Reese:     "Well our first race didn't go as planned as I fenced it in practice. Was able to make repairs and still qualify. But due to the damage on the car I had to start and park it. Definitely was not the showing I wanted for my first outing but I learned a lot and met some good people." (In part from Facebook.com) (04-09-17)
  • Chad Finley wins at Nashville: Chad Finley stepped up to earn his career-first ARCA Racing Series victory Saturday night at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. Finley, who got a lap down early on, wasn't a factor most of the way, pitting out of sequence from the leaders for four General Tires on lap 156. The rest of the lead lap cars had already taken their final four tires just past the halfway point of the 200-lap race. Then Finley drove underneath [Kyle] Weatherman on a green-white-checker finish to win the 26th running of the Music City 200. "We weren't our best today, but somehow we kept our heads in it, kept tuning on it and finally got the job done," said Finley in Victory Lane. "We struggled all day. We finally got four fresh tires for the end and that made the difference." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-09-17)
  • Big Tine to sponsor both Cunningham Motorsports cars: Big Tine, year-round deer products to support a healthy and flourishing herd, is expanding its partnership with Cunningham Motorsports for the 2017 ARCA Racing Series season.  Big Tine will be the featured primary sponsor of the No. 22 Ford Fusion driven by Shane Lee for the 2017 racing season, with select primary and associate sponsorship of the No. 77 Ford Fusion driven by Dalton Sargeant. The Music City 200 will be the debut of both Big Tine primary paint schemes for the 2017 season. “It’s great to have Big Tine on board for the entire season,” said Lee. “It’s a fun brand to work with and I think it’s going to shape up to be a pretty good year. Big Tine has had a good relationship with Cunningham for a year now, so hopefully I can come into this and bring them the same success they saw last year with Chase (Briscoe) and help continue to expand this sponsorship.” (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (04-05-17)
  • Mason Mingus rejoins Win-Tron Racing for Nashville: Win-Tron Racing proudly announced today that ARCA Racing Series veteran Mason Mingus will substitute for Justin Fontaine in Saturday’s Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. Mingus, a native of nearby Brentwood, Tenn., will make his first ARCA start at the historic short track, but hopes to lean on his extensive Late Model background at Nashville. “I’m really stoked to get back to racing in the ARCA Racing Series and with Win-Tron Racing,” said Mingus. “I’ve only been in one ARCA race since 2013, so I’m anxious to get back behind the wheel and have a strong race for Justin (Fontaine), dsmamt and ProMATIC.” (In part from AM Racing PR) (04-05-17)
  • Austin Theriault; Ken Schrader Racing sign Nashville sponsor: Ken Schrader Racing, Inc. announced today that Music City Auto Auction of Nashville (MCAA) will serve as primary sponsor on its #52 entry, with driver Austin Theriault, for the April 8, 2017 Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. “We are excited to have the Music City Auto Auction on our Ford for the upcoming ARCA race in Nashville,” team owner Ken Schrader said.  “Its sister company, the Orlando Longwood Auto Auction, partnered with us in Daytona and we won the race. Making it to Victory Lane was thrilling not only for our team, but also the Auction folks. We’re hoping for a repeat in Nashville.” (In part from Ken Schrader Racing PR) (04-03-17)
  • Peterson Motorsports enters drivers for Nashville: Peterson Motorsports has entered two cars for Saturday's Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. The longtime ARCA team will have Mark Blasingim and Con Nicolopoulos behind the wheel of its entries.
    Mark Blasingim:     Local Tennessee driver Mark Blasingim will drive the No. 06 entry in his ARCA Racing Series debut, taking over for Scott Edwards who raced the car at Daytona. The 48 year-old from Murfreesboro has competed in local late model and dirt modified races for several years. Blasingim will carry a logo on his hood for 4 year-old Brecklynn Allgood, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (Pleuropulmonary Blastom) at age two.
    Con Nicolopoulos:     Veteran Con Nicolopoulos returns to Peterson's No. 0 entry after competing in February's season opening race. Nicolopoulos, who joined the team in 2014, finished 11th in driver points last season after competing in 17 races. The 55 year-old from Columbus, Michigan is a mechanical and electrical engineer for the Chrysler Corporation. (04-02-17)
  • Willie Mullins to race at Nashville: [Willie] Mullins is now entered as the official driver of Basham's 34 car for the Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville Saturday night, April 8. "We decided that about a week ago," said Mullins. "Anything we can do to help Darrell, we'll do our best. That, and I only got 10 laps at Daytona, so I still have the itch." Mullins has never raced on an ARCA short track. "I needed to get more comfortable in the car...we're going to be doing this for Darrell later on this year at Elko. We had one of Andy Belmont's old short track cars here...thought we'd go out and give it a ride this weekend." So it'll be Mullins in the seat at Nashville with a whole bunch of Basham on the periphery. "It'll be a full Basham crew there to change tires," Mullins added. Mullins must be serious about the effort. He's already tested the car at some area short tracks, and has another test scheduled next week. "I'm really comfortable in the car, and that was the final decision for us...to make sure I was comfortable and ready to go." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-01-17)
  • Bo LeMastus to run partial schedule; three drivers in car: Bo LeMastus will not be behind the wheel of his No. 42 Crosley Brands Toyota at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway during the Music City 200. LeMastus, who regularly travels the world on behalf of the Crosley Brands company he owns, will be leaving Monday on a business trip to China. "I've got to stick to my day job...it's what pays the bills. I just ran out of minutes," said LeMastus. "I had a unexpected trip to China come up, so my plan is to plug someone into the 42 for Nashville." It won't be the only time this year we'll see a different driver in the 42 other than LeMastus. "We've got two drivers in mind who we can plug in as necessary...two serious wheelmen I can assure you that. Wherever I have attendance issues, we plan to sub them in." LeMastus says he'll be home in time to race at Talladega and Toledo with a sharp eye on the road course race coming to Road America. "I can't promise that the 42 will be at all the races this year, but we should be at several. With either of these two drivers that will be subbing, I really believe we'll have an honest shot. The whole goal is to win one." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-31-17)
  • Justin Fontaine medical update; returning at Elko?: ARCA Racing Series driver Justin Fontaine's recovery is going better than expected. Fontaine, 19, suffered a mild compression fracture of his L1 vertebrae during a late-race accident at Daytona. He was released from Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach the next afternoon, Feb. 19. Since then, while following a strict routine from his doctors, a recent follow-up appointment revealed that Fontaine has approximately eight more weeks of recovery with an expected return to racing on the ARCA tour at Elko (Minn.) Speedway on June 3 for the Elko ARCA 250. “I’m feeling better, a lot better,” said Fontaine, a native of Asheville, N.C. “I am certainly appreciative of the support from everyone over the past month or so. From the phone calls, to the text messages and the outreach on social media, at times it’s been overwhelming, but I’m incredibly grateful. I just have to keep doing what the doctors ask and I’ll be back in a race car before I know it.” (In part from AM Racing PR) (03-31-17)
  • Chris Reese; Reese Motor Sports to debut at Nashville: Local Oklahoma dirt track driver Chris Reese will make his ARCA Racing Series debut at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville on April 8th driving his own No. 62 Chevrolet. Reese, who has received assistance from Eric Caudell, will attempt two other races this season at Iowa and Kansas. The Chevrolet that he will drive is a former car from Rabenold Racing. (03-25-17)
  • Andy Hillenburg suffers back injury: Team owner Andy Hillenburg, the 1995 series driving champion and owner of Fast Track Racing, is hospitalized after suffering a back injury in a work-related auto accident. Hillenburg suffered his injury on Thursday March 23 and underwent surgery to his L-1 vertebra on Friday. He's conscious and alert and his recovery is on schedule. He expects to be released from the hospital in 2-3 days and will begin short term therapy at that time. “We had a little work-related mishap, but I’ve made the required unscheduled pit stop and as quickly as I’m able I plan to rejoin the race,” said Hillenburg. “I feel very fortunate that my injury was not more severe, and that I’ve got complete mobility. I look forward to seeing everyone at Nashville on April 8.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-25-17)
  • Dispute between Russell Henderson and drivers: A dispute developed during January’s ARCA test at Daytona International Speedway between a group of drivers and an owner, and now the group is seeking legal action. According to driver Kevin Fontana, Russell Henderson told multiple drivers that he would have a couple of cars ready for Daytona testing. However, upon arrival to the speedway, Fontana says that the drivers found that Henderson had, in fact, failed to bring any equipment for testing despite the drivers already paying him for the opportunity to drive. Full Story (SpeedwayMedia.com) (03-24-17)
  • Sheldon Creed joins MDM Motorsports for 9 races: Professional off-road driver Sheldon Creed has joined MDM Motorsports and will compete in nine (9) ARCA races. Creed, who drove for Lira Motorsports last season, will race at Nashville, both Pocono races, Michigan, Iowa, Lucas Oil, Chicagoland, Kentucky, and Kansas. The 19 year-old from California made his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut for the team in February at New Smyrna Speedway. (03-22-17)
  • D.L. Wilson comments on Russell Henderson: D.L. Wilson, who was originally scheduled to test with Henderson Motorsports at Daytona in January, has commented on Russell Henderson.
    Wilson: "Russell Henderson has a Felony Theft warrant out for his arrest in Texas. North Carolina and Michigan will follow soon on behalf of the drivers effected at the Daytona testing incident." (In part from Facebook.com) (03-19-17)
  • Ty Gibbs to compete in future ARCA events?: [14 year-old] Ty Gibbs – grandson of NASCAR owner Joe Gibbs - is part of the Driver Development Program at Joe Gibbs Racing. Gibbs knows this is a process and [is taking it] a series at a time as he cuts his teeth on short tracks such as Hickory Motor Speedway, Myrtle Beach and Greenville-Pickens in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. [He] hopes to then advance to Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) then the eventual move into NASCAR’s premier series. “My goal is to get to the top level of NASCAR but I know I need to run at each level, learn as much about the cars and setup as possible but my goals is to run at the top level of NASCAR,” Ty said. “Hickory is a track that I feel will help me a lot in learning how to use the brakes and how to handle a car – especially in traffic. I hope that in the next two to three years I can run some ARCA races.” (In part from HickoryRecord.com) (03-18-17)
  • Tony Mrakovich joins Ken Schrader Racing for Nashville & Salem: Pennsylvania native Tony Mrakovich has announced that he will drive for Ken Schrader Racing at Nashville on April 8th and Salem on April 30th. Mrakovich, who tested for MBM Motorsports at Daytona, stated that his sponsors wanted to join the Schrader organization after its victory with Austin Theriault in the season opening race. The Legend car standout also explained that he hopes to run more races this year in preparation for a possible full ARCA schedule in 2018. (03-16-17)
  • Natalie Decker joins Venturini for three races: 19-year old Natalie Decker from will join Venturini Motorsports for three races during the 2017 ARCA Racing Series season. Complementing VMS’ already stout driver lineup, Decker, with sponsorship support from N|29 Capital Partners, will make her ARCA Series debut in consecutive race weekends starting with Toledo Speedway (May 21), Elko Speedway (June 3) and Pocono Raceway (June 9). “This is definitely the biggest step in my racing career so far,” said Decker. “Racing takes sponsorship support, and it takes hearing a lot of No’s before you find a Yes. I’m so blessed and thankful to ‘N Twenty-Nine Capital Partners’ (N|29) for believing in me and providing this opportunity to compete with Venturini Motorsports.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (03-15-17)
  • Musselman’s Racing announces driver schedule: As previously announced Musselman’s Apple Sauce has partnered with Venturini Motorsports for the 2017 ARCA Racing Series season. As part of Musselman’s efforts to promote their retail brand of products and ongoing initiative to expand their national motorsports presence, Mussleman’s and VMS have created the ‘Musselman’s Family of Drivers’ program. The program, which will highlight the strength of VMS’ well-known driver development platform, will integrate a multi-driver rotation to carry out Musselman’s branding throughout the 2017 ARCA Racing Season. The Musselman’s brand will showcase their Musselman’s BIG CUP and Musselman’s Squeezables products in primary and associate branding on VMS’s No.25 and No.55 Toyota’s throughout the 20-race season. This will include primary branding in twelve races and associate branding across the remaining eight races.
    Raphael Lessard:     Raphael Lessard, the 2016 CARS Tour Super Late Model Racing Champion, will make his highly anticipated ARCA debut in the next series event taking place at the Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville on April 8. A native of Quebec, Canada, the high school teenager will be the youngest competitor in the starting field. In addition to Nashville, Lessard will drive the Musselman’s colors at Salem Speedway (April 30) and at Winchester Speedway (August 6).
    Noah Gragson:     Noah Gragson will return at Talladega Superspeedway (May 5).
    Zane Smith:     Zane Smith, who’s running in eighteen series events, will feature the Musselman’s logo for ten events at Toledo Speedway (May 21), Elko Speedway (June 3), Pocono Raceway (June 9 & July 28), Michigan Int’l Speedway (June 16), Iowa Speedway (July 8), Lucas Oil Raceway (July 21), Road America (August 27), Kentucky Speedway (September 22) and Kansas Speedway (October 20).
    Tom Hessert:     Six Time ARCA Series winner, Tom Hessert will represent Musselman’s at the Illinois State Fairground’s Dirt Mile (August 20), DuQuoin State Fairgrounds (September 4) and at Salem Speedway (September 9).
    Others:     Tanner Thorson will take the reins at Madison International Speedway (June 23) and recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner, Christopher Bell will bring Musselman’s to VMS’s home track at Chicagoland Speedway (September 14.) (In part from Musselman's Racing PR) (03-14-17)
  • American Sports Network to cease operations: American Sports Network was created in 2014 by Sinclair Broadcast Group to air college sports and provide local sports coverage to certain areas across the country. It appears that Sinclair is pulling the plug on the network after three years. TV news website FTV Live first reported that staffers were informed that their roles were being cut and the network was ceasing operation. It’s a sudden end for a network that in theory should have worked, but the execution and production didn’t quite catch on. The end of American Sports Network won’t leave the conferences in the dark, but it may leave several leagues scratching their proverbial heads. [Note: ASN aired several ARCA races during the 2016 season.] (In part from AwfulAnnouncing.com) (03-11-17)
  • Bryant Barnhill to run part time?: 18 year-old Bryant Barnhill has had discussions with ARCA Racing Series team to compete in a partial schedule this season. Barnhill, who tested for Fast Track Racing in January at Daytona, is hoping to make his ARCA debut as soon as possible. The South Carolina driver is being mentored by NASCAR veteran Chad McCumbee. (03-07-17)
  • Ty Majeski returning for a partial schedule: The NASCAR season started last week. For Ty Majeski it won’t for another couple of months yet. “Everybody knows how tough this business is,” said the Roush Fenway Racing development driver from Seymour. “The biggest thing is you’ve got to be patient.” At least the plans for Majeski are beginning to come together. His Xfinity Series debut is set for June 24 at Iowa Speedway, Eric Peterson, the team’s driver development coordinator, said Thursday. Then Majeski will run some sort of part-time schedule in ARCA and Xfinity. “We hope to have that shored up a little more in the next two weeks,” Peterson said. Roush hasn’t finalized details on which team Majeski will join for a handful of ARCA races on intermediate tracks this year, Peterson said. Majeski did drive a Cunningham Motorsports car in a test at Daytona, and the championship-winning team has strong ties to Ford. (In part from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) (03-05-17)
  • Travis Braden to attempt Talladega in May: West Virginia driver Travis Braden made his superspeedway debut at Daytona in February. Braden released the following statement about his next race: “After graduating from WVU last fall, my sole focus has been professionalizing my racing career, improving on the track and working with new and potential sponsors. Our team is really progressing, so I’m excited to get back out there at Talladega." (In part from Precision New Media) (03-05-17)