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ARCA Menards Series News and Rumors

• Peterson Motorsports secures sponsorship for full season: Peterson Motorsports has secured sponsorship from Great Railing for the full 2019 ARCA Menards Series season. The New Jersey based company has been a long-time sponsor and will be featured on all of the team's cars. Josh's Eggs, Coop Crew Hot Rods, and Detailed Designs Auto Retail have also signed on as associate sponsors. (In part from Facebook) (02-14-19)
• DGR-Crosley picks up associate sponsorship: DGR-Crosley announced that Anchor Real Estate, LLC has partnered with the team as a major associate sponsor for the 2019 season. Anchor Real Estate will support all DGR-Crosley racing efforts including the ARCA Menards Series. "We are thrilled to have Anchor Real Estate on board this season at DGR-Crosley," said team co-owner David Gilliland. "It means so much to me that local businesses who can go to any of these race teams, choose us. Greg and Josh have a lot of connections in the sport, so for them to partner with us is really awesome. Anchor Real Estate will be on all of our cars across every series, so hopefully, we will be able to get them several wins this season." Anchor Real Estate is a Mooresville, N.C., based real estate firm that was established in 2015 by Josh Tucker and Greg Biffle. Tucker, managing partner and broker-in-charge, has over 10 years of working experience with some of NASCAR’s leading teams and drivers. (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (02-14-19)
• Brenden Queen to drive full time for Vizion Motorsports: 21 year-old Brenden Queen has announced that he will drive for Vizion Motorsports full time this season. The Virginia native is a veteran late model driver that has competed at tracks such as Langley Speedway. Queen drove the team's No. 35 Toyota to a 29th place finish at Daytona last weekend. (In part from Twitter) (02-13-19)
• Lexi Gay joins Empire Racing Group for partial schedule: Empire Racing Group has announced that Georgia native Lexi Gay will compete for the team in a partial ARCA Menards Series schedule this season. Gay will be sponsored by Gordo’s Cheese Dip and will make additional starts in late model competition. (In part from Empire Racing Group) (02-13-19)
• Harrison Burton wins season opening Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona: Harrison Burton (No. 20 DEX Imaging Toyota) drove to victory in Saturday's ARCA Menards Series Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway. It was Burton's first start of any type at Daytona. Burton held off Todd Gilliland (No. 4 Frontline Enterprises Toyota) on a one-lap overtime dash to the checkered. "It means so much to come here and win at a track my dad won at before me," Burton said. "I can't thank my guys at Venturini Motorsports enough, they busted their butts on this car for the last month to get it so we can come here and compete to win. We had some debris on the grille over the last run and I think it actually helped. The temperatures went up but they weren't too high. I got the jump on the restart and I knew Todd was on a run. We were up high next to the wall and I looked up and saw no one had a run. I knew that any time something bad could happen, and I was just waiting for it. It never did and then when I crossed the line I started screaming my head off." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-09-19)
• Menards expands partnership with ARCA; becomes entitlement sponsor: ARCA and Menards announced today a multi-year extension that elevates the home improvement chain from presenting sponsor to the series entitlement sponsor. Effective immediately, the series is titled the ARCA Menards Series. "For the past decade Menards has played a tremendous role in growing our series and we couldn’t be happier to continue this journey during this historic time for ARCA," said Ron Drager, President, ARCA. "Menard’s is a growing company and a committed supporter of motorsports, we are honored to have their brand along-side ours as title sponsor of the series." This newly signed agreement underscores the significance of family for ARCA, Menards and NASCAR, with all three companies being family-owned. Menard’s opened for business in 1958 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and now has more than 300 home improvement stores located throughout the Midwest, many of which are in markets on the ARCA Menards Series schedule. "We are really glad we can help out!" said John Menard, Menards President/CEO. "We are a family-owned and family-run business and share similar Midwestern family-values with ARCA. Both of our organizations are focused on the overall Guest experience and doing things the right way. Many of the ARCA races are in locations where we have Menards stores which provides an opportunity to further connect with our customers. We appreciate that our customers recognized us with the 2018 JD Power Award for Customer Satisfaction and believe this translates well with the hard-working philosophy of the ARCA organization." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-09-19) 
• Christian Eckes wins Lucas Oil 200 pole: Christian Eckes (No. 15 JBL Audio Toyota) won the General Tire Pole for Saturday's Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona on Friday afternoon. Eckes's fast lap of 49.180 seconds translates to 183.001 miles per hour around the 2.5-mile high-banked tri-oval. "You always want to start your season off this way," Eckes said. "We watched a couple of others do it. Our plan was to stay up tight with the cars in front of us and see what happens but it turns out we dropped back and got a really good run We brought a really fast car here and we didn't really show it yesterday. We have 80 more laps to do this. My whole team is just excited to get going." Eckes' pole marks the third consecutive General Tire Pole Award for Venturini Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway. Eckes nipped Thad Moffitt (No. 46 Performance Plus Oil Chevrolet) by just 0.046 seconds to take the pole. Moffitt, grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and seven-time Daytona 500 winner Richard Petty, turned a fast lap at 49.226 miles per hour. Qualifying Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-08-19)
• Brandon McReynolds fastest in Thursday Daytona practice: Brandon McReynolds (No. 28 KBR Development Toyota) led Thursday's two-hour practice session for Saturday's Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona. McReynolds, son of NASCAR on Fox analyst Larry McReynolds, turned a fast lap 49.014 seconds/183.621 miles per hour. Todd Gilliland (No. 4 Frontline Enterprises Toyota) was second, Gus Dean (No. 32 Win-Tron Racing Chevrolet) was third, Harrison Burton (No. 20 DEX Imaging Toyota) was fourth, and Bret Holmes (No. 23 Holmes II Excavating/Southern States Bank Chevrolet) rounded out the top five. There were no serious incidents in practice. Chuck Hiers (No. 1 Fast Track Racing Toyota) grazed the outside wall while his teammate Jason White (No. 11 Power Ventures Excavating Chevrolet) had an oil line come loose. Full Speeds (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-08-19)
• KBR Development honoring Davey Allison with paint scheme: KBR Development team owner Mike Bursley has confirmed that Brandon McReynolds will drive a car designed to honor the late Davey Allison in the season opening ARCA Racing Series event at Daytona Int’l Speedway. The famed white, black, red and gold 28 scheme reflects the design used during the 1987 season, when Davey earned Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Allison, who was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame last Friday, is the godfather of Brandon McReynolds. "I am really pumped up to be running the famous 28 number and Davey Allison throwback scheme at Daytona with KBR development," said McReynolds. "A lot of people don’t know this, but Davey is my godfather. To be able to carry his colors and number at Daytona is a dream come true. This will be very special to my entire family, and I hope the Allison family as well. We couldn’t have picked a better weekend to run this scheme since Davey just went into the Hall of Fame. I hope we can make Davey, the Allison family, and all Davey Allison fans proud." Brandon’s father Larry McReynolds worked as Davey’s crew chief beginning in 1991, when their families quickly became extremely close. (In part from SPEED SPORT) (02-08-19)
• Jason White competing at Daytona with Fast Track Racing: Jason White, who has competed every year in the series since NASCAR began sanctioning the series in 2007, will compete in the ARCA Racing Series opener. White will drive a car prepared by ARCA and NASCAR racing veteran Andy Hillenburg in Saturday’s race. After the ARCA Racing Series event on Saturday, White will remain in Daytona to drive the No. 34 truck for Reaume Brothers Racing - the same team he’s driven for in his two previous truck series starts - in the season opener next Friday night. (Motorsport.com) (02-08-19)
• John Ferrier driving third Empire Racing Group entry at Daytona: Empire Racing Group announced that veteran John Ferrier will complete the organization’s three-car lineup for the ARCA season opener at Daytona. Ferrier’s No. 44 Chevrolet will carry sponsorship from Steve Green, an advocate and advisor for stem cell transplants. The car will promote the "877-4STEMCELL" number to encourage those interested in the benefits of stem cell transplants to obtain more information. Green has worked with stem cell clinics abroad since he received a stem cell transplant to address pancreas and liver problems in 2007. Green met Ferrier during last month’s ARCA testing session at Daytona and when he learned Ferrier was still seeking sponsorship for the race, Green decided to utilize the car and race as a way to promote awareness of stem cell benefits. "There are so many issues that can be addressed with stem cells – autism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, Parkinson’s for example," Green said. "Stem cells can help all aspects of your health. I want people know to about this option and create awareness of all the possible benefits that stem cells can provide. We can change people’s lives." (In part from PitStopRadio.net) (02-07-19)
• Salvatore Iovino not racing at Daytona as previously planned: 35 year-old Salvatore Iovino will not be racing for Vizion Motorsports at Daytona as previously announced. Iovino shared this news on his Instagram account.
  Iovino: "For all of those that are wondering. I didn't lose my ride or spot for me racing in the ARCA Daytona International Speedway Lucas Oil 200 race. But, I have better news than just one single race. News that secures s long term racing career. My sponsors and I are solidifying a long term deal that will put me in the driver's seat for Vizion Motorsports on a 3-5 year deal. Our primary focus will be ARCA and the NASCAR Truck series full time. Just like any other driver that wants to race Daytona. For me personally, a long term deal vs one race is the most beneficial thing to solidify my racing career long term. I will be racing plenty this year which I am super excited about. While at the same time I will be at Daytona this weekend supporting my team and my teammates to the fullest!" (In part from Instagram) (02-07-19)
• CJ McLaughlin to drive for Our Motorsports at Daytona: CJ McLaughlin Motorsports and SciAps Inc. [announced] that they have entered into a multi-race partnership for 2019 starting at Daytona International Speedway on February 9th for the Lucas Oil 200. CJ McLaughlin will be piloting the 09 out of the OUR Motorsports stable. SciAps will be the primary sponsor for CJ in 10 events across the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. (In part from CJ McLaughlin Motorsports) (02-06-19)
• Travis Braden; MatrixCare back full time at RFMS Racing: RFMS Racing and their driver, Travis Braden, are pleased to announce an expanded partnership with MatrixCare, a leading out-of-hospital technology provider in the United States. In this newly expanded relationship, the MatrixCare brand will be prominent on everything from the #27 Ford Fusion, to the driver’s suit, pit crew uniforms, pit stall signage and more. "Everyone at RFMS Racing is very excited to announce that we are back with Travis and running the full ARCA season in 2019! MatrixCare has decided to make an even stronger commitment with us, and we are making some professional improvements to our team in response. All our additional sponsors are coming back with us again this year too, and we couldn’t be more grateful," said Don Fike, Founder and President of RFMS Racing. "We finished the 2018 ARCA Racing Series with a strong 5th place finish, and we are confident that we have the experience, momentum, and support to do even better this coming season." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-05-19)
• Chad Bryant Racing signs Connor Hall for Daytona: Officials from Chad Bryant Racing announced today that Connor Hall has joined the veteran ARCA team for Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona. Hall will make his series’ debut about the No. 22 Ford with support from Marlow Yachts and Healing Hands. NASCAR championship winning crew chief Paul Andrews will call the shots for Hall in the 80-lap season opener. "I am ecstatic that I get to work with Chad Bryant Racing some this year," Hall said. "I am beyond thankful for my sponsors and I'm extremely happy to represent them for this event, as well as the rest of the 2019 season. I look forward to what the 2019 season will bring for myself as a driver and also for my partners. I hope this is going to be our biggest and best year yet." Hall, 21, participated in the ARCA open-test at the "World Center of Racing" in January with another team where he earned crucial drafting experience readily preparing him for his superspeedway debut. (In part from ChadBryantRacing.com) (02-05-19)
• Mullins Racing secures Daytona sponsorship: Willie Mullins and Mullins Racing are heading back to Daytona International Speedway this Saturday with one goal in mind – do one position better than they did in 2018. If Mullins, 38, is able to improve his 2018 finish in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire by one position, he’ll end the night celebrating in victory lane. "We’re very motivated. We’re always there to do better and try to succeed and this year is no different. We’re just trying to get one spot better," said Mullins. "We added Tony Furr recently as our crew chief and he brings just a little bit more knowledge. Andy Belmont, our crew chief last year, did good to help us get where we are and Tony is helping us get to the next step and hopefully getting that last missing piece to get one more sport on Saturday at Daytona." This year at Daytona Mullins’ No. 3 Ford will carry primary sponsorship from County Waste, a company that provides communities with a full line of trash, recycling and construction and demolition removal services. County Waste currently services more than 200,000 residential customers each week through homeowner associations and individual subscription services. Also returning as a major sponsor of Mullins and Mullins Racing will be Crow Wing Recycling. Crow Wing Recycling is a family-owned business that buys, processes and sells scrap metals— ferrous and nonferrous — from automobiles, trucks, appliances, machines that are generated by industry through construction or deconstruction of facilities. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (02-05-19)
• Ken Schrader Racing signs Tyler Dippel for Daytona: Ken Schrader Racing, Inc. has signed Tyler Dippel to pilot the #52 KSR entry for the ARCA Racing Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 9. Dippel has eight ARCA races to his credit, including two Top 5s and three Top 10s. The 18-year-old has competed in the ARCA Racing Series since 2015. "I’m really excited to get the opportunity to run the ARCA race with Ken Schrader Racing," Dippel said. "With the veteran leadership and proven car I think we can go down and contend for a win. It should be a really fun time learning the draft as well as the nuances of racing at Daytona. I can’t wait to get there!” Two of Dippel’s sponsors, D & A Concrete Contractors and TyCar Trenchless Technologies will support his ARCA run. Veteran crew chief Donnie Richeson will be calling the race from pit road while giving Dippel some valuable pointers on racing at Daytona. The Ken Schrader Racing team is coordinating potential programs for the entire 2019 ARCA Racing Series. Drivers and marketing partners who may be looking for select venues are welcome to call the team. (In part from SchraderRacing.com) (02-01-19)
• Leilani Munter to be sponsored by ‘What the Health’ in farewell race: Leilani Munter has announced her forthcoming retirement from the sport following next week’s ARCA Racing Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Leilani, 44, entering her seventh ARCA Season, will make her final series start of her career driving the What the Health No. 55 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports on Saturday, February 9. Sponsorship support for Leilani’s farewell ride is a collaboration between strategic partners A Well-Fed World and TryVeg.com. What the Health, found on Netflix, is the groundbreaking follow-up film from the creators of the award winning documentary Cowspiracy. Produced by Joaquin Phoenix and Kip Anderson this investigative documentary will be an eye-opener for everyone concerned about our nation’s health and how big business influences it. "It’s been an amazing adventure doing what I love and I’ve been very fortunate being able to support so many great causes along the way," says Leilani. "My entire career has been based on my ability to raise sponsorship. I’m at the point now where I don’t have anything lined up past Daytona so this is likely my last race. I am truly thankful for every lap I've ever taken in a race car. It was a lot of hard work, but it was a lot of fun as well. I have met so many wonderful people along the way, people I will stay friends with long after I hang up my helmet." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (02-01-19)
• Joe Gibbs Racing announces driver schedule; sponsorship: Joe Gibbs Racing announced today an extended multi-year partnership with Riley Herbst that will see the 19-year-old driver return to JGR for his third year and compete in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Automobile Racing Club of America Series. As Herbst continues to gain valuable track experience on his move to NASCAR’s top levels of competition, Monster Energy Drink will join Herbst as his primary sponsor in both the Xfinity and ARCA Series, along with Advance Auto Parts and ORCA Coolers. Herbst will return to the No. 18 Toyota Camry in the ARCA Series for seven races. Herbst will share the No. 18 Toyota Camry with Ty Gibbs who will take over driving duties for 12 races. Mark McFarland will lead the duo for the 2019 season with Monster Energy Drink serving as the primary sponsor for the entire ARCA season with Herbst and Gibbs. (In part from JoeGibbsRacing.com) (01-30-19)
• Alex Clubb; Clubb Racing returning for partial schedule: 27 year-old Alex Clubb recently announced that he will return for a partial ARCA Racing Series schedule this season with his own Clubb Racing team. Clubb tentatively plans on competing at Toledo, Madison, Springfield, DuQuoin, and both Salem races. The Illinois driver has seven career starts to date and holds a career best finish of 15th, which came at Springfield last year. (In part from Twitter) (01-30-19)
• Joe Graf Jr. back full time for Chad Bryant Racing: Joe Graf Jr. will seek the series’ championship in 2019 after reupping with Chad Bryant Racing for the full 20-race schedule beginning with the Lucas Oil 200 on Feb. 9, 2019 at Daytona International Speedway. Despite his inexperience in a heavier stock car, Graf burst onto the series’ tour last year and quickly went to work propelling himself into the headlines with strong finishes. Overall, Graf, 20, competed in all but one race and delivered one win, six top-five and eight top-10 efforts en route to an eighth-place finish in the championship standings. This year with team owner Chad Bryant serving as crew chief of his No. 77 Ford Fusion, the New York University freshman is keen on winning more races and ultimately challenging for the series’ championship crown. "I’m very excited to be returning to Chad Bryant Racing for the 2019 season," said Graf. "The team allowed me to showcase my potential last year and we were able to get a win and have some strong finishes. This year though we have raised our expectations and with the support of Chad and my guys, we should be able to achieve our goals and contend for the championship." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-29-19)
• Thomas Praytor not racing at Daytona; on Baby Watch: The 2019 ARCA season is not the only thing that is getting closer every day, so is the pending arrival of the baby Moose! From here forward the window for Thomas "Moose" Praytor’s baby has put the Mobile, Alabama drive in a unique position heading in to Daytona. "I just don’t think I would be very happy missing Five’s arrival. (Thomas Praytor V) We had a family pow wow and everyone was supportive of whatever direction we wanted to go but for us nothing is more important than Five,” offered Praytor. Daytona was to be Praytor’s return to ARCA racing after ending his 105 race consecutive streak after Talladega in 2018. "Everyone in our shop was really fired up about coming back at Daytona, we’ve all got the itch pretty bad. We aren’t racing for points or a streak and we are going to race when we can compete and have fun. I think Elizabeth (5 year old daughter) was the most disappointed we weren’t going she loves the races." Looking at the ARCA schedule coupled with the Baby’s schedule Praytor’s most likely return race will now be in Sweet Home Alabama at Talladega in the General Tire 200 on April 26th. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (01-28-19)
• Mullins Racing signs Tony Furr as Daytona Crew Chief: Mullins Racing has announced that veteran crew chief Tony Furr has joined the team. Furr will serve as crew chief on the No. 3 Mullins Racing Ford driven by team owner and 2018 Daytona ARCA runner-up Willie Mullins during the season-opening Lucas Oil 200 on Feb. 9 at Daytona International Speedway. "The main thing is the knowledge Tony brings," said Mullins, who was 29th fastest overall during the Daytona ARCA test after focusing on single-car runs. "This man is such a large wealth of knowledge and we’re able to tap into that. He's spent so much time in the wind tunnel with Hendrick before that we’re able to use a lot of that knowledge to find speed with our car." Furr made his NASCAR Cup Series debut as a crew chief in 1994 and over the years has worked with a number of NASCAR stars, including Bill Elliott, Joe Nemechek, John Andretti, Ward Burton, Jerry Nadeau and more. "There is a lot of excitement this year." Mullins said. "Last year we had the unknown of the new body and this year we have the excitement of going back with a second-place finish and knowing we have a fast car now. Now we’ve got to turn that excitement into a result. We're very much looking forward to going back and having a lot of our crew back with us this year and hopefully we can try and come out of there with a good result again." The No. 3 Mullins Racing Ford carries sponsorship support from County Waste, CW Metals, Crow Wing Recycling, Bugsy's Auto, Snap On by Timmy Brann, Sherwin Williams Paint and Dinah Marie Photography. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (01-15-19)
• Bounty to Sponsor Rookie of the Year Program: The Automobile Racing Club of America, Procter & Gamble and Menards announced that the multi-national consumer goods corporation would become an official partner and major sponsor of the ARCA Racing Series beginning in 2019. The announcement, which took place at ARCA’s pre-season open test at Daytona on Saturday includes the news that P&G’s lead consumer paper products brand, Bounty, would become the naming rights sponsor of ARCA’s prestigious Rookie of the Year Program. "Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper, is excited to be an official partner of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, helping another generation of racers pick up wins more quickly," said Jacques Hagopian, Bounty Brand Director. "Procter and Gamble brands have a storied history in motorsports, dating back to "The Tide Ride" made famous by Darrell Waltrip and Ricky Rudd." The Bounty Rookie Challenge will consist of per-race awards recognizing the Bounty Rookie of the Race, culminating with the season long Bounty Rookie Challenge Rookie of the Year Award, and the $10,000 bonus that accompanies it. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-13-19)
• KBR Development competing full time; purchases MDM equipment: KBR Development confirmed before the [Daytona] test that it has purchased equipment from MDM Motorsports, the reigning ARCA championship winning team, including its owners points and will compete full-time with various drivers during the 2019 season. The team has also entered-into a technical relationship with GMS Racing - who will provide support to the Michigan based organization. Carson Hocevar, 16, will race in the 11 events that make up the ARCA Short Track Challenge. Veteran Brandon McReynolds is testing the car at Daytona in advance of the Lucas Oil 200 in February and will also compete in numerous other speedway events. The team is looking for additional funded drivers for the remainder of the schedule. "We are extremely excited about this next step in our program here at KBR Development," said team owner Mike Bursley "Running and competing in the ARCA Racing Series is a great honor and we couldn’t be prouder of where our program is at today. Helping Carson achieve his goals of running in the ARCA Series, as well as working with Brandon McReynolds and other talented up and comers." (In part from Autoweek.com) (01-11-19)
• Michael Self to run full-time with Venturini Motorsports; Sinclair: Sinclair Oil Corporation will sponsor ARCA Racing Series driver Michael Self, expanding support in the new year to all 20 races of the 2019 season. "He's our home-state guy," said Jack Barger, vice president of Marketing and Supply for Sinclair Oil, "we’ve all loved seeing success for a fellow Utahan and look forward to lots of wins in 2019." Self started the 2018 season with a dramatic win during the ARCA season opener at Daytona International Speedway. During his ARCA career, he’s earned three wins, 11 top-five finishes and a Pole Award in just 19 starts. "I’m so excited to have the opportunity to compete for an ARCA championship with Sinclair Oil," said Michael Self, driver of the No. 25 Sinclair Oil Toyota. "Sinclair has been an incredible partner, and the fans have loved seeing DINO on the track. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together this season." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-11-19)
• Harrison Burton to drive for Venturini part-time: Venturini Motorsports announced today the signing of Harrison Burton to a partial schedule in the ARCA Racing Series. Burton, 18, a two-time ARCA Series winner, will pilot the No. 20 Toyota Camry for five events starting with the series’ season opener at Daytona International Speedway before moving onto Charlotte Motor Speedway (5/23), Pocono Raceway (5/31), Chicagoland Speedway (6/27) and the series finale at Kansas Speedway (10/18). Throughout the upcoming season Burton will feature continued support from long time partners DEX Imaging, FIELDS, Morton Buildings and Rheem Heating, Cooling and Water Heating. Burton, the son of former Monster Energy Cup Series driver Jeff Burton, has made 11-career ARCA starts since 2017. With ARCA victories at Toledo Speedway and Pocono Raceway, the talented teenager has recorded seven top-5 and 10 top-10 finishes throughout his brief series career. "I'm super excited to join Venturini Motorsports and continue running in the series," says Burton. "I love ARCA Racing and the community around it. The series is a great option in the grand scheme of things when it comes to my career development – it's a great stepping stone as I continue to the next level." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-10-19)
• Tommy Vigh Jr. to race at Daytona for Fast Track Racing: Tommy Vigh Jr. is set to make a run for a top spot in the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona, scheduled for February 9, 2019. Extreme Energy Solutions and Tommy Vigh Jr. [will] continue their relationship with Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing Enterprises team. The driver-team-marketing partnership took hold starting with Vigh’s ARCA debut at Madison. Vigh would go on to make two more ARCA starts, finishing 12th at Illinois State Fairgrounds and 13th at DuQuoin. "This year at Daytona will be a great experience for our Fast Track team. Tommy Vigh Jr. is a rookie there, however, he is a skilled and accomplished veteran behind the wheel in other racing divisions, which could lead to big results for our race team, and it’s always fun to be a part of a driver’s first trip to Daytona," contributed Andy Hillenburg, owner of Fast Track Racing. "We are proud of the job Vigh has done for us on and off the track. Vigh has been a great brand ambassador for our SMART Emissions Reducer, Extreme Kleaner, H2O Energy Flow and Extreme Xtra Fuel Treatment technology/product brands,” added Samuel K. Burlum, with Extreme Energy Solutions. (In part from Extreme Energy Solutions PR) (01-09-19)
• MAVTV to televise 12 events this season: The ARCA Racing Series will have twelve races broadcast on MAVTV in 2019. The relationship between MAVTV and ARCA began in 2017 with ten broadcasts, four of which were live, and will expand in 2019 to a total of twelve race broadcasts all of which are scheduled to be live, marking the first time in the series' history all of its races are scheduled for live television coverage. MAVTV's coverage is scheduled to begin with the ARCA Pensacola 200 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida on Sarturday night, March 9. Other events scheduled on MAVTV include races at Salem Speedway on April 14, Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville on May 4, Toledo Speedway on May 19, Madison International Speedway on June 14, Gateway Motorsports Park on June 22, Elko Speedway on July 13, Iowa Speedway on July 19, the Illinois State Fairgrounds on August 18, the DuQuoin State Fair on August 31, Salem Speedway on September 14, and Lucas Oil Raceway October 5. Each of the ARCA Racing Series Sioux Chief Short Track Challenge races is slated for coverage on MAVTV. MAVTV broadcast its first-ever superspeedway event in 2018, at Michigan International Speedway, and will again cover one superspeedway race in 2019 with coverage from Gateway in June. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-09-19)
• Bret Holmes returning for full season with own team: Bret Holmes Racing announced they will field a full-time entry in the ARCA Racing Series for the 2019 season with driver Bret Holmes. The Munford, Ala., native began racing in the series on a part-time basis in 2016 with 2015 ARCA champion Grant Enfinger as his crew chief. The following season, Holmes competed as a full-time driver where he capped off the year sixth in the driver’s championship point standings. Over the course of three seasons in the ARCA Racing Series, Holmes has amassed 41 starts and garnered six top-five and 26 top-10 finishes. "It's going to be great to run the entire ARCA Racing Series season this year," said Holmes. "When you’re behind the wheel every race, you really get in tune with your car and team. I'm pretty eager to head down to Daytona this week for the open test. We've been working hard over the off season to prepare, and I think we're going to unload with a fast Chevrolet. I know I’ll have to work twice as hard to balance school and racing, but I’m more than ready. I’m looking forward to what this year holds for all of us at BHR." Shane Huffman has been named crew chief for the No. 23 team. Huffman brings seven years of experience from a top the pit box. Working with various drivers, Huffman has called the shots in nine ARCA Racing Series events where he scored four victories, two pole awards, six top-five and seven top-10 finishes. "I’m honored to work with such a great team," said Huffman. "BHR has provided us with all of the tools we need to be competitive this season. We’ve put together a strong team and have a talented driver behind the wheel. We have a solid plan for the test session at the end of the week that will allow us to build our notebook for the season-opener at Daytona (International Speedway) next month. It’s going to be a good season for this (No.) 23 team.” (In part from Bret Holmes Racing PR) (01-09-19)
• On Point Motorsports partners with Derrick Lancaster for Daytona: On Point Motorsports officials announce that they have partnered with Derrick Lancaster for the season-opening ARCA Racing Series event at Daytona International Speedway. Lancaster will pilot the teams No. 29 Toyota in their debut in the ARCA Racing Series and will kick off the partnership next week in preseason testing at the "World Center of Racing". "One of our goals, when we started On Point Motorsports, was to develop an ARCA program and we are excited to kick it off with the season opener in Daytona," stated Steven Lane, manager of On Point Motorsports. "Derrick has good experience at Daytona and I am sure he will do a good job for us. We have built a new Toyota and the test next week will be important for us to make sure everything is good for the race." On Point Motorsports will be making their first start as a new ARCA Racing Series organization. The team also fields the No. 30 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. "I am excited for the opportunity to race with On Point Motorsports," stated Lancaster. "I have known Bones (Steven Lane) for a number of years and we have actually worked together in the past so that will be helpful. I know they have built a new and strong car and look forward to getting down there next week and turning some laps. I believe that if we do all of the right things then we can be someone to keep an eye on for the race." (In part from On Point Motorsports PR) (01-04-19)
• Brian Kaltreider suffers shop fire on Christmas Day: ARCA team owner and driver Brian Kaltreider lost the majority of his racing equipment in a fire at his race shop on Christmas day. Included in the loss were two race cars, one that had just returned from GMS Racing and was completely updated with a new composite body, and another car that was set to be sent down to the Carolinas to be updated for 2019. Kaltreider also lost a considerable amount of construction equipment and materials in the fire. "Right now the fire is under investigation," Kaltreider said. "The forensic team has been over and the half of the building that was damaged has been roped off so we can't even access it." For now, it does not appear that the loss will be covered by insurance. "I have tried and tried to make this work and I've taken out a lot of personal loans to try to make it happen," Kaltreider said. "My business insurance came to look at it and said it's not a covered loss and that I didn't have the right type of coverage. I have one racecar left, but right now I would have to sell it just to try to start to pay off the loans I've taken out. Right now we are just hoping for a miracle." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-31-18)
• Thomas Praytor makes delivery to toy drive: In what has become a Holiday tradition Thomas "Moose" Praytor with a little help from his friends, Grant Thompson and Connor Okrzesik made a delivery to WKRG’s Magical Christmas Toy Drive. Praytor and WKRG Sports Anchor, Randy Patrick, started the delivery of remote control cars years ago and over time have included some pretty fast drivers from the Gulf Coast. "Randy does a tremendous job of covering racing and he’s always fun to beat racing remote control cars with. What Channel 5 does with the Salvation Army is incredible," said Praytor. There were over 32,000 donated to the 2018 Magical Christmas Toy Drive. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (12-19-18)
• Ty Gibbs to drive part time in 2019; sharing car with Herbst: Ty Gibbs, the grandson of NASCAR Cup team owner Joe Gibbs, will compete part-time in the ARCA Racing Series in 2019. The 16 year-old driver will split the No. 18 Toyota with Riley Herbst. Gibbs is expected to race at the short track events, while Herbst is expected to drive at larger tracks like Daytona and Talladega. Mark McFarland has joined the No. 18 team as the team manager and crew chief. (12-09-18)
• MDM Motorsports to restructure; Mark McFarland leaves for Gibbs: MDM Motorsports, which has previously fielded teams in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and ARCA competition, will be scaling back its racing operations starting with the 2019 season. MDM Motorsports will no longer compete in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. The multi-car team operation in both ARCA and K&N competition will also decrease to a two-car operation. The team plans on competing full time in both series and defending their current ARCA Series championship, which they are celebrating tonight in Indianapolis with MDM driver Sheldon Creed. "MDM Motorsports has amassed more than 30 wins over the last two racing season," said Matt Miller, Team Partner at MDM. "We've had a great run with more than a dozen different drivers win for us across three series. However, with the growth of driver development programs across all series, we feel that it's time to scale back our operation and our driver development efforts." With the reduction in teams, restructuring of the organization will begin as well. Former team partner Mark McFarland will move to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019 to manage the team's ARCA operation. The MDM Motorsports driver line-up, as well as numbers, sponsors and more will be announced at a later date. (In part from MDM Motorsports PR) (12-08-18)
• GMS Racing returning to ARCA with Sam Mayer: GMS Racing officials announced today that the Statesville, N.C., based organization would expand competition into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, as well as in the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Series in 2019. Sam Mayer, a Franklin, Wis., native will drive the No. 21 entry for the team in both series. "GMS Racing has had tons of success over the past couple years, especially this past year," said Mayer. "Knowing that a great team is behind me going into next season gives me a lot of confidence that we will have success, too." In 2018, Mayer competed in six K&N East races with his highest finish being fourth-place at Dover International Speedway. The 15-year-old also competed in the ARCA Racing Series three times, making his series debut at Iowa Speedway finishing 10th and later topped that finish at Lucas Oil Raceway where he finished seventh. "We are excited to add K&N, as well as ARCA to our organization in 2019," said Mike Beam, President of GMS Racing. "Mayer is very talented at such a young age, and I see a big future for him in motorsports. I’m glad that he chose us to pursue his career in racing. Our goal has always been to build championship caliber teams no matter what series we participate in. With Mayer behind the wheel and Mardy Lindley leading the team, I do not doubt in my mind they will be successful in 2019." (In part from GMSRacing.net) (12-05-18)
• Scott Melton to compete in a 10 race schedule for Kimmel: Scott Melton will expand his ARCA schedule to 10 races in 2019 with Kimmel Racing. Melton, who serves as the president of insurance agencies in Michigan, competed in two races this past season at Berlin and Lucas Oil. A full schedule has not been released, but the Kimmel Racing team is preparing a car for the upcoming Daytona test. (12-01-18)
• Kimmel Racing looking for sponsorship for 2019; FASS not back: Kimmel Racing is searching for sponsorship for the upcoming season, as FASS Diesel Fuel Systems has decided to take its marketing program in a different direction next year. FASS had supported the Kimmel team for the last two seasons. Will Kimmel, who pilots the No. 69 entry, still hopes to compete at both Salem races and both dirt tracks in 2019. (12-01-18)
• Natalie Decker to race for DGR-Crosley in 2019: DGR-Crosley announced today that they have added Natalie Decker to their driver development program for the 2019 season. Decker will run a select number of NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series races as well as a combination of NASCAR K&N Pro Series and ARCA Racing Series events. Decker’s longtime partner N29 Technologies, LLC will come onboard as she enters her rookie season at DGR-Crosley. “I’m really excited to be making the step up to trucks, especially with DGR-Crosley. They bring fast Toyota’s to the track every weekend whether it be in the K&N Series or Truck Series,” said Decker. “Making the transition to trucks is going to help me progress my career and build my skillset. Being able to race in all three series will be beneficial because I can run an ARCA or K&N race that will help me prepare for the truck race. I think it’s very important that I’ll have the same team around me whichever series I’m running and having David [Gilliland] there to help coach me and give me advice. Being a driver with a lot of experience and the father to a race car driver, I’m really excited to learn from him.” Decker is expected to make her NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series debut in February at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. A full schedule will be released at a later date. (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (11-30-18)
• Thomas Praytor forms trucking company; team moves into new shop: Just because Thomas "Moose" Praytor and his Mobile, Alabama race team took a break from the second half of the 2018 ARCA Schedule doesn’t mean Praytor hasn’t been busy. Praytor’s newly formed Max Force Trucking hauled its first load out of the Port of Mobile last week. And for those worried about the return of the ARCA Series Ironman, you won’t have to wait much longer. "One of our biggest challenges over the last few months was moving the race team to its new shop. Over the last 20 plus years our team has always operated out of space that was something else and we made it work for us. Our new space is ultra modern and has required a tremendous amount of build out. My Dad has been overseeing the shop and we are ready to start preparing cars for the test in Daytona in January. I’m looking for to the ARCA banquet in December to see all of our racing family and congratulate our newest Champion." (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (11-14-18)
• Chandler Smith returns to Venturini for 11 races in 2019: Venturini Motorsports announced today the resigning of 16-year old rookie driver Chandler Smith for the upcoming 2019 ARCA Racing Series season. Smith, a native of Talking Rock, GA, is set to return for a partial series schedule and will appear in a total of 11-races which will include each of the series’ short track events as well as the second scheduled Pocono Raceway event after becoming age eligible. Today’s news comes on the heels of Smith’s impressive rookie performance driving a limited ARCA schedule with Venturini Motorsports. Additional information including sponsorship details and ARCA’s event schedule for the 2019 season will be released as it becomes available. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (11-02-18)