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August 20, 2017

Illinois State Fairgrounds


August 27, 2017

Road America


September 4, 2017

DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

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ARCA Racing Series News and Rumors

  • Zane Smith & Venturini Motorsports terminate contractual obligations: Venturini Motorsports and team driver Zane Smith have mutually agreed to terminate contractual obligations for the remainder of the 2017 ARCA Racing Series season. The terms of the new agreement are effective immediately. According to team sources, Frankie Kimmel will step into the 55 car for this Sunday's Herr's Potato Chips 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-16-17)
  • Alex Clubb forms Clubb Racing; to debut at Springfield: 25 year-old Alex Clubb has formed his own team and will compete at Springfield in the No. 97 A. Clubb Lawn Care & Landscaping Ford. Clubb has purchased an ex-Bowsher Racing car and will have his dad, Brian Clubb, serving as his crew chief. If the Springfield race is a success, Clubb Racing may compete at DuQuoin and Salem to close out the year. The Illinois driver has three career ARCA starts, with two coming at Springfield and DuQuoin in 2015. (08-16-17)
  • Christian Eckes replaces Christopher Bell at Springfield: Sixteen year-old Christian Eckes has been tapped to replace Christopher Bell behind the wheel of Venturini Motorsports’ No. 15 Toyota on the legendary dirt mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on Sunday, August 20. Bell, proven to be one of the premier dirt track racers in the country, will be forced to miss out on his previously scheduled ARCA Racing Series dirt spectacle due to recent unforeseen changes in his busy racing schedule.  “I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill come next week,” says Eckes on replacing Bell. “But I’m definitely excited for the chance to run my first dirt race. I'm really looking forward to it, every time I go with Venturini Motorsports, it's always fun. Trying something new for the first time makes it even more fun." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (08-15-17)
  • Max Force Racing teaching UNOH students about racing: Since entering the ARCA Series five years ago, Mobile, Alabama based Max Force Racing has utilized University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) interns as over the wall crew. The first few years the team was able to build from UNOH with little attention but with a 5th place finish in the Championship standings in 2016 NASCAR teams have been taking and using crew members. “For us, it is the ultimately complement to our program that NASCAR teams think enough about what we do and how we do it to take guys of our team and put them to work,” said driver Thomas “Moose” Praytor. Every returning UNOH team member from 2016 has worked in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or Xfinity Series Garage in 2017. Along with moonlighting in the NASCAR garage at companion races some have already moved to full time over the wall status in NASCAR. Full Story (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (08-15-17)
  • Grant Enfinger returns at Springfield with Allgaier & Kovski: Springfield, Illinois' Kelly Kovski will again return to the ARCA Racing Series, pairing with an 'ole friend for the Herr's Potato Chips 100 coming to the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile dirt in Springfield Sunday, August 20. "I'm really excited," said Kovski. "Grant's (Enfinger) is going to drive it. We're getting the old team back together." Under Kovski's direction, the Allgaier team, with some good old-fashioned volunteers, have assembled a new piece for Springfield. "The guys at the shop have built a new composite car. Mike (Allgaier) is helping us with an Ilmor motor. My dad and I bought a brand new chassis in the off-season. Mike knew someone over at Gibbs and we ended up getting a composite body from them. The guys on this Allgaier team have worked really hard on this. I'm really excited how the race car is coming out." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-10-17)
  • ARCA extends partnership with Ilmor: Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) President Ron Drager and Ilmor Engineering President Paul Ray confirmed that the ARCA Racing Series will continue to utilize the ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package through 2023. “We are pleased to extend our relationship with Ilmor and further structure a long-term strategy to keep our series healthy, our on-track product strong and our team owners confident in their investment,” said Drager. “The ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package has exceeded our expectations both in terms of competition and cost containment. We have great confidence in Ilmor Engineering to continue as a key partner in maintaining a stable platform for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-10-17)
  • Max Force Racing fined after Winchester: Based on ARCA Racing Series post-race technical inspection following the August 6 Winchester ARCA 200 at Winchester Speedway, the Max Force Racing #9 team has been determined to be in violation of ARCA Rulebook page 86, Item 11 which references ballast weight being painted white and having proper car number or team identification on each piece. Due to the infraction, team driver and car owner Thomas Praytor has been penalized with a fine in the amount of $500. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-10-17)
  • Kyle Benjamin wins the Winchester ARCA 200: It would have been difficult to hold off Kyle Benjamin over the course of 200 laps Sunday afternoon at Winchester Speedway, and in the end it proved impossible. But it certainly wasn't out of the question, and it even looked possible until Zane Smith's car broke coming to the final restart inside of 20 laps from the finish. With Smith gone from the mix, Benjamin, in the No. 28 MDM Motorsports Toyota, cruised under the checkered flag as winner of the 28th running of the Winchester ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards 200. "This is the coolest track," said Benjamin. "It's a track I've always wanted to win at... and I've been trying for a while. It's nice to finally get it." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-07-17)
  • Kimmel Racing announces upcoming plans: Kimmel Racing has announced its upcoming ARCA Racing Series plans in a Facebook video. The team's driver lineup for the next several events will include Bo LeMastus, Will Kimmel, and Ricky Sanders.
    BO LEMASTUS:     Bo LeMastus, the CEO of Crosley Brands, will drive the No. 69 T&T Construction / Crosley Brands Toyota in this Sunday's race at Winchester Speedway. LeMastus will be in a short track car owned by Nick Higdon, who has made several starts with the team this season.
    WILL KIMMEL:     Will Kimmel will return to the driver's seat at Springfield, DuQuoin, and Salem. The 29 year-old driver has competed in five starts this year for his family owned team. A special throwback paint scheme is planned for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200.
    RICKY SANDERS:     Veteran driver Ricky Sanders is expected to compete in the Road America 100 on August 27th. Sanders finished 7th in the season opening race at Daytona. The Georgia native also raced at Talladega Superspeedway in May. (In part from Kimmel Racing Facebook) (08-02-17)
  • Travis Braden joins RFMS Racing for Winchester: To borrow the term, "silly season" is bubbling up in ARCA town. According to RFMS Racing Team Manager and Crew Chief Dan Glauz, the No. 27 Ford will have a different driver in the saddle for the Winchester ARCA 200 this weekend at Winchester Speedway. "Travis Braden is driving the RFMS car at Winchester," said Glauz. "We're just testing the waters for now, but AJ (Fike) will be back in the car at Springfield." Braden, a two-time ARCA CRA Super Series champion and 2016 Winchester 400 winner, tested in the 27 car just before the ARCA race at Lucas Oil Raceway. "I tested with those guys right before Lucas Oil... at Lucas Oil," said Braden. "It was the first time I had met them. I really liked working with them. They called yesterday and asked by if I wanted to race." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-02-17)
  • AJ Fike to drive for Fast Track Racing this weekend: Travis Braden will drive the RFMS Racing 27 Ford at Winchester Speedway this weekend. While Braden didn't get the call until Wednesday morning, the conversation actually began weeks ago. "Me and Andy Hillenburg had been talking for the last few weeks about me getting in the 10 car," said AJ Fike. "I started my ARCA career with Andy... we ran a full season together in 2004. He didn't have anyone to drive the car and we wanted to help him out. Travis had already tested the 27 at Lucas Oil so it made sense to put him in the 27 at Winchester; at the same time, we had the opportunity to help Andy. He gave me my start here years ago. "It's probably a one-off deal... I'm trying to help him out and at the same time, hopefully Travis can give the 27 a good run at Winchester. It's a really a situation where everyone's trying to help everyone out, to keep both programs going... hopefully it works out for all of us." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-02-17)
  • Justin Haley wins ModSpace 150 at Pocono: Three days before the race, Justin Haley had no idea he'd be racing in the ARCA Racing Series at Pocono Raceway. As it turned out, he's glad he did, especially after winning the rain-delayed ModSpace 150 Friday afternoon. Haley had to work hard for it with Joe Gibbs Racing's Riley Herbst in his rearview mirror over the last two laps. "We knew he was coming," Haley said. "My spotter Kevin Hamlin did a great job keeping my moral boosted but I spent a lot of time looking in the mirror those last few laps." Full Results (07-31-17)
  • 33 cars entered for Pocono: Thirty-three cars are entered for Friday's ModSpace 150. Entries include #07 Brian Kaltreider, #3 Steve Fox, #5 Bobby Gerhart, #7 Codie Rohrbaugh, #10 Ed Pompa, #15 Noah Gragson, #20 Tom Berte, #25 Natalie Decker, #28 Sheldon Creed, #31 Mike Senica, #41 Kaz Grala, #43 Sean Corr, #46 John Ferrier, #57 Bryan Dauzat, #69 Nick Higdon, and #96 Kevin Kromer. Full Entry List (07-27-17)
  • Codie Rohrbaugh returns for the ModSpace 150: Codie Rohrbaugh [is] anxious for his return to Pocono Raceway for Friday's ModSpace 150. Last month, Rohrbaugh and his Grant County Mulch Racing team seemed poised to win their first career series pole, but a technicality axed time trials and left them fourth on the starting grid based on their practice results. Hoping to contend for the win, an ill-handling car during the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 left them instead with a respectable 12th place finish. Looking back and focusing ahead, Rohrbaugh says every race has been a positive experience for his team. "We have a lot to be thankful for," sounded Rohrbaugh. "Not only do we get to drive race cars on the weekend, but we're learning from every race we run. Sometimes good things happen, sometimes something else happens. It's just the nature of the beast. I would love to be out there every week, but that takes a lot of funding. We're working on that though." (In part from Grant County Mulch Racing PR) (07-27-17)
  • Zane Smith and Venturini team tour Knouse Foods Inc: On Wednesday prior to arriving in the Pocono Mountains, Smith and his Venturini Motorsports team visited Knouse Foods Inc., the grower owned producer, marketer and distributor of Musselman's, one of the country’s leading brands of apple sauce. Located two hours south of Pocono Raceway in Peach Glen, Pennsylvania, Smith took the opportunity to meet with a group of enthusiastic employees while visiting several of the company’s area manufacturing plants. "It was a huge honor and really cool experience to spend the afternoon touring Musselman's corporate offices and manufacturing plants," said Smith. "The tour of the manufacturing plant was super dope! After eating my share of it this season it's really cool to see how it's produced." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-27-17)
  • Sheldon Creed fined again after Lucas Oil Raceway: ARCA Racing Series driver Sheldon Creed has been fined $500 for his 2nd violation of ARCA Rulebook Page 13, Section 4, #15, and the Official Event Entry Blank, which collectively reference proper display of designated required sponsor logos on driver uniform. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-25-17)
  • Kaz Grala to drive for MDM Motorsports at Pocono: 18 year-old NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competitor Kaz Grala will return to the ARCA Racing Series for the ModSpace 150 at Pocono Raceway on July 28th. Grala will team with MDM Motorsports for the event and will drive the No. 41 entry. Since the ARCA event is a day before NASCAR's truck race, Grala will receive valuable experience as he chases his second career win in truck competition. (07-22-17)
  • Dalton Sargeant wins the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 at Lucas Oil: #77 Dalton Sargeant won the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 after taking fresh tires and passing #28 Michael Self after a late race restart. Self finished second, while #51 Chad Finley, #52 Austin Theriault, and #12 Sheldon Creed rounded out the top five. Polesitter #99 Austin Cindric dominated the early stages of the race, but mechanical problems and an accident ultimately led to a 23rd place finish. Full Results (07-21-17)
  • Christian Eckes extends partnership with Venturini through 2018: Venturini Motorsports and sixteen year-old driver Christian Eckes are proud to announce they have come to terms to extend their partnership through the 2018 ARCA Racing Series season. Eckes, a native of Middletown, NY, will continue his career development over the course of 15-races during the 2018 season. Specific race details will be announced once the official ARCA schedule is released later in the year. “I’m excited to share this news today. I’ve found a good home here in the ARCA Series with a great team,” says Christian Eckes. “The level of competition in series the last couple of years has been awesome. It’s a good fit for me at this stage in my career – I really feel I’m at the right place at the right time.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-20-17)
  • Austin Cindric back with Cunningham Motorsports for Lucas Oil: Austin Cindric will return to Cunningham Motorsports this weekend for the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway. The 18-year-old will return to the ARCA Racing Series for the first time in 2017, driving the No. 99 PIRTEK Ford this Friday night. “When I looked at the ARCA schedule and looked at some races we might want to do if it worked with our schedule, I circled LOR (Lucas Oil Raceway) right away,” said Cindric. “I think we’re right on par with the other cars and I’d expect us to be fighting up front with the leaders and fighting to win. Last year we had really strong runs in the ARCA races we ran and hopefully we can come out this year and get the No. 99 PIRTEK Ford Fusion into victory lane.” (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (07-20-17)
  • Sheldon Creed fined after Iowa: ARCA Racing Series driver Sheldon Creed has been fined $250 for violation of ARCA Rulebook Page 13, Section 4, #15, and the Iowa Speedway Official Event Entry Blank, which collectively reference proper display of designated required sponsor logos on driver uniform. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-18-17)
  • Natalie Decker adds Pocono encore and Kansas to schedule: Nineteen-year old Natalie Decker announced today the addition of next week’s event at Pocono Raceway along with the series’ season finale at Kansas Speedway to her remaining 2017 ARCA Racing Series schedule. Decker, a popular Midwest late model driver, jumped onto the ARCA scene in May finishing 11th in her series debut at Toledo Speedway. Followed by solid performances at Elko Speedway and Pocono Raceway, Decker will return to action with Venturini Motorsports driving the No. 25 N29 Capital Partners Toyota in next Friday ARCA’s ModSpace 150 at Pocono’s Tricky Triangle. Decker, also on the entry list for the next month’s ARCA road course event at Road America, is excited for the opportunity to return to the series. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-18-17)
  • EJ Prescott Partners with Ken Schrader Racing for Lucas Oil: EJ Prescott, Inc. (EJP) of Gardiner, Maine, has partnered with Ken Schrader Racing, Inc. and its driver Austin Theriault for the upcoming ARCA Racing Series race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, Indiana. The company, a distributor of products for the water, waste water, and storm water industries, was founded as Everett J. Prescott, Inc. in 1955 and has been expanding its product line ever since. EJP now has 28 locations in nine states and serves all of the Northeast and Midwest. “We have known Austin for several years and watched his career develop over these years,” Steve Prescott, president of EJP said. “We worked with Austin when he put together his MAINE tourism car which he ran at Kentucky Motor Speedway. He has been our guest at a few trade shows, but we have not worked directly sponsoring a car until now." (In part from Ken Schrader Racing PR) (07-17-17)
  • Mike Senica returning at Lucas Oil with Hixson: Pennsylvania driver Mike Senica will return to ARCA competition at Lucas Oil Raceway on Friday, July 21st with Hixson Motorsports. Senica, who initially planned to race full time, left the Hixson organization in late April to compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The 51 year-old is expected to drive the No. 3 Bell Plantation Chevrolet in the event. (07-14-17)
  • Thomas Praytor playing in softball game for Buddy Ball: Thomas "Moose" Praytor will team up with A.J. McCarron again along with former Cubs Major League pitcher Jon Lieber and host of others for a celebrity softball game at Hank Aaron Stadium on July 22nd to Benefit Buddy Ball. Buddy Ball is a League for special needs players from ages 5-21. Everyone gets to play and has a buddy on the field with them cheering them on. The League is designed for the players but the "Buddies" tend to be rewarded as much as the players. Next weekend will be a busy one for the Mobile, Alabama driver. Friday night Praytor will be in Indianapolis competing in the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 before racing back to Mobile for the Buddy Ball Benefit at the Hank. "We are going to have to hustle to get back from Indy for the Game but I'm really looking forward to it. Some of the kids will be there and it's all about the kids they really get you going," said Praytor. "I don't know if I'm playing with AJ (McCarron) or against him but I hope he pitches so I can take him deep. Now Lieber is another story, I hope we are on the same team!" (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (07-14-17)
  • James Hylton; team members unhurt after truck and trailer crash UPDATE: You expect close calls on the race track, but not necessarily on the way home. James Hylton, his son James Hylton, Jr. and chief mechanic Terry Strange are thankfully okay after their truck and trailer slid off Interstate 40 Sunday afternoon on their way home from Iowa Speedway. Some minor bumps and bruises, but they somehow crawled out unscathed. The problem now is what to do about the next event on tour -- the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 coming July 21 at Lucas Oil Raceway. Fortunately, there is one weekend off in between to salvage what they can and find another way to put themselves back on the road for ARCA's next stop in Indianapolis. "It's no one's fault but my own," said Hylton after the accident. "Not sure what to do from here, you just can't plan for this. I'm just real thankful that we're all okay and no one else got hurt." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-10-17)
    UPDATE: The show must go on for Hylton Motorsports. The ARCA team expects to run the next race on the schedule despite a highway accident that damaged the race car driven by Brad Smith, the Shelby Township resident said Tuesday. One way or another, Smith said, he’ll be in the No. 48 Radon.com Ford for the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards event at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis on July 21. “Worst case scenario is that we round up and old (truck) and hook up to an open trailer and load up last year’s short track car,” Smith said in an email Tuesday. “Won’t be real competitive, but we will certainly be there.” (In part from MacombDaily.com) (07-11-17)
  • Dalton Sargeant wins at Iowa Speedway: It came down to a 40 mph drag race down pit road, and by a foot, Dalton Sargeant beat Austin Theriault to the line. Both knew it would be for the right to restart in the preferred outside line, and the best opportunity to go to Victory Lane. Straight from the script, Sargeant, from the top lane, edged ahead of Theriault on the final restart with nine laps remaining, and sailed away, winning the ARCA Racing Series Fans With Benefits 150 Saturday night at Iowa Speedway. "This was a really tough race overall," said Sargeant, driver of the No. 77 Performance Plus Ford. "The biggest thing was my Cunningham Motorsports crew, getting us in and out of pit road in great shape. The car was on the free side in the beginning but it tightened up later in the race. The lane moved up where I thought I was at my best." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-09-17)
  • Ron Cox returns to ARCA competition at Iowa; driving for Hixson: Hixson Motorsports hits the track Saturday night at Iowa Speedway for a joint Verizon IndyCar and ARCA Racing Series weekend. Eric Caudell, the driver of the No. 2 HMS Chevy, will have a new teammate running with him in the team’s second ride. Coach Ron Cox, head football coach at Sale Creek High School, will pilot the No. 3 car Saturday night for the running of the ARCA Racing Series Fans With Benefits 150. Caudell won’t have to worry about protecting Coach Cox’s “Blind Side,” or give him tips on how to drive a professional race car. Cox drove for Hixson Motorsports starting in 1987. He was one of the full-time drivers for HMS from 1999 to 2003 and earned Rookie of the Year Honors. Then, while he was running part-time for his stepdad, team owner Wayne Hixson, Cox concentrated on his teaching career. He developed the Motorsports program at Sequoyah High School which taught students the business and technology behind the racing industry. Crystal Bates, of HMS, says that having Ron back in the seat with Eric will make for an exciting weekend that will be packed with action. (In part from EastRidgeNewsOnline.com) (07-07-17)
  • Spencer Davis secures Iowa sponsorship from Pinty's: After several weeks away from the track eighteen-year old Spencer Davis will return to Venturini Motorsports’ driver lineup for tomorrow night’s ARCA Racing Series ‘Fans with Benefits 150’ at Iowa Speedway. Davis, set to make his fourth career series start since joining the team in May, will unveil his No.25 Pinty’s Toyota Camry this weekend when the team unloads at Iowa. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-07-17) 
  • Dalton Sargeant & Cunningham announce Iowa sponsor: Dalton Sargeant and Cunningham Motorsports are proud to announce a new partnership with Performance Plus. This will begin with the branding of Sargeant's No. 77 Ford in the upcoming ARCA Racing Series event at Iowa Speedway. Performance Plus, the high quality motor oil brand of Kleen Performance Products, will also be featured in every vehicle at Cunningham Motorsports. "I'm very excited to have Performance Plus as a new partner and kick things off at Iowa Speedway," said Sargeant. "They have a huge presence and proven success in motorsports so it'll be special to have them on the car this weekend and see the benefit of their products in the performance of our race cars." (In part from Sargeant Motorsports PR) (07-05-17)
  • Sam Schram named crew chief for Bret Holmes Racing: Bret Holmes Racing announced today that Sam Schram is returning as crew chief for the No. 23 Southern States Bank/Holmes II Excavation team. He succeeds Bryan Berry, who the team last week announced had left to pursue other opportunities in racing. Schram, a New York native, previously worked with BHR during its limited ARCA schedule in 2016. In previous stints at Lira Motorsports and GMS Racing, Schram worked with some of the industry’s best, including current ARCA driver Kyle Weathermen and 2015 ARCA Racing Series Champion Grant Enfinger. Under Schram’s leadership in 2016, BHR managed three top-5 and six top-10 finishes in only seven starts as the team ran a limited schedule before going full-time in 2017. (In part from Bret Holmes Racing PR) (07-05-17)
  • Win-Tron Racing; Gus Dean fined and penalized after Michigan UPDATE: Based on post-race technical inspection following the June 16 Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan Int’l Speedway, the Win-Tron Racing #32 team has been penalized for violating 2017 ARCA Rulebook Page 51, #3 M. ii which states in part “hoses connected to NACA duct must be connected to blower or cooler and must exhaust outside driver compartment…connections must be point to point” and 2017 ARCA Rulebook Page 30, #3 i and page 44, #3 I. vii which reference, respectively, minimum roof height and minimum rear body height. Crew chief Todd Myers has been fined $1500 per violation, total $3000, and car owner Kevin Cywinski and driver Gus Dean have each been penalized with the loss of 25 points per violation, total 50 championship points, as a result of the violations. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-20-17)
    UPDATE: Based on the appeal of Win-Tron Racing, the ARCA Appeals Committee conducted a hearing on Monday July 3. The team’s penalties were issued based on post-race technical inspection following the June 16 Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan Int’l Speedway. The Appeals Committee upheld the monetary fine and championship points penalty for interior hose connections and exhaust, and upheld the monetary fine but rescinded the championship points penalty for minimum roof and rear body height citing unintended damage from an on-track incident. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-04-17)
  • Darrell Basham plans on Salem return after battling cancer: Sooner or later someone else other than Mike Basham is going to climb back inside ole number 34 and give it a ride. That someone else would be his 68-year-young father Darrell Basham. And if things stay on track, that day could come sooner, rather than later. "I have every intention of running Salem," said Darrell Basham. "If we don't run out of race cars, tear 'em up or unless something freakish happens, I'm totally cleared by the doctors to do anything. Doctor says I can do anything I want, just don't pick nothin' up." For more than two years, Basham has been fighting colon cancer, and all signs point toward he's licked it altogether. After several surgeries to remove the mass... patch, poke, prod and re-plum the fan-favorite from southern Indiana, Basham wants, more than anything, to do what he's been doing since the late 60s... drive that race car. He was diagnosed in January 2016, and hasn't driven since September of '15... coming up on two years. However, he has been going to all the ARCA races again. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-04-17)
  • Bryan Berry parts ways with Bret Holmes Racing: Changes are coming to the No. 23 Chevy team at the mid-point of the 2017 ARCA Racing Series season. Crew chief Bryan Berry and Bret Holmes Racing have decided to part ways after nine races together this season as Berry has chosen to pursue other opportunities in racing. BHR management already is discussing internally and with officials from GMS Racing, who BHR operates as a satellite organization for, about who will assume Berry’s duties for the remainder of the season. A decision on the new crew chief will be announced soon. “These things happen and it is just a part of the business,” Bret Holmes said. “We wish Bryan the best and appreciate all the time and effort he put into our cars here at BHR. Now we move on and find someone else to pick up the torch and move us forward. We are confident to have a replacement or solution in-place by Iowa.” Berry, a long-time NASCAR veteran, came to BHR in the offseason between the 2016 and 2017 seasons. (In part from Bret Holmes Racing PR) (06-29-17)
  • Tom Hessert welcomes new son: Congratulations to Tom and Meghan Hessert on the recent birth of their newest baby boy. A healthy Henry William Hessert came into the world Tuesday, June 26 at 8:52 a.m. The new father is expected to return to the ARCA circuit for three races yet this season -- at the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile dirt August 20, the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds mile dirt September 4 and Salem Speedway September 9. Tom, in the No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Toyota, is the defending race winner at DuQuoin. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-29-17)
  • Fast Track Racing helps Max Force at Madison: [Thomas Praytor's] new patience and conservation would be the key to a good night. The second issue was the crew. With wedding, family obligations and Spring Break our all UNOH pit crew was light 4 guys headed in to the weekend. This seems to hit at Madison every year. Like last year the team reached out for help and soon found it with Dick Doheny. Dick or as we call him “Bubba” drove for us some last year and is a great mechanic at the race track. Plus by the time we got to the weekend the 10 car had lost its driver and Doheny was then called in as a substitute. Super Sub Bubba would start the race for the 10, make a few laps and then come gas the 9 for Praytor. Much in the same way Josh Reeves did for us last year. We then stole, excuse me borrowed the rest of the 10 car guys and we had a full team. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (06-27-17)
  • Austin Theriault wins at Madison: Austin Theriault didn't have the best car in the beginning, but his Ken Schrader Racing crew got it right for the most important part. Theriault, in the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Toyota, held off a hard charge from Zane Smith in the end to win the Montgomery Ward 200 Friday night at Madison Int'l Speedway. Theriault also increased his ARCA Racing Series championship points lead, added his third win of the season and fourth of his career. "We don't always have the fastest car at the beginning, but this team races smart," said Theriault. "We were good when it counted." Full Results (06-24-17)
  • 21 cars entered for tonight's Montgomery Ward 200: Twenty-one cars are entered for tonight's Montgomery Ward 200 at Madison International Speedway. Entries include #06 Mark Meunier, #3 Rick Tackman Jr, 10 Dick Doheny, #15 Christian Eckes, #25 Tanner Thorson, and #69 Will Kimmel. The race will begin at 9:00 PM EDT or 8:00 PM CDT. It will air live on MAVTV. Full Entry List (06-23-17)
  • Tanner Thorson making first season start for Venturini: Tanner Thorson returns to the seat driving for Venturini Motorsports in Friday’s Montgomery Ward 200 at Madison International Speedway. Thorson, who made his ARCA Racing Series debut last season on the Illinois State Fairground’s dirt-mile, will pilot the team’s No. 25 Musselman’s Apple Sauce Toyota for his first series pavement short track event of his career. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (06-23-17)
  • Max Force Racing carrying special sticker at Madison: The DK-LOK [No. 9 Max Force Racing] Ford will carry a special sticker this weekend in honor of Amy Bluel. Amy’s Project SemiColon for suicide prevention was [Max Force's] primary sponsor last year in Madison. Amy left us way too soon in March of this year. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (06-22-17)
  • Jeffery MacZink withdraws from Michigan after engine issues: Michigan driver Jeffery MacZink was forced to withdraw from Friday's Corrigan Oil 200 after experiencing engine issues on Thursday. MacZink published the following message on his Facebook page: "Well no racing today. Engine broke towards the end of practice. So going to spend the time with the family. Thanks for the effort from the guys on the team. Thanks for everyone giving us good wishes." (In part from Facebook.com) (06-18-17)
  • Brandon Jones wins the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan: #8 Brandon Jones won the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway after making a late race pass. Jones earned his second consecutive win at the track and MDM Motorsports' third win of the season. Points leader #52 Austin Theriault finished second, while #77 Dalton Sargeant, #23 Bret Holmes, and #32 Gus Dean completed the top five. #55 Zane Smith suffered a hard crash after cutting a right front tire near the halfway point in the race. Smith was later treated and released from the infield care center. Full Results (06-16-17)
  • Vinnie Miller fastest in Michigan practice: [Vinnie Miller] stung the competition in practice Thursday afternoon at Michigan Int'l Speedway with a sizzling top speed of 189.999 mph, fastest among the 30 drivers who posted time and speed in preparation for Friday's Corrigan Oil 200. He's especially "good" so far at Michigan. "This is only my second speedway race. I'm a little surprised to be P-1. I figured we'd be top-10 but I wasn't expecting this. I'm really proud of what we were able to accomplish today. My first time here, this place is pretty straight up…put the pedal to the metal and turn left" [said Miller]. Full Practice Speeds (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-16-17)
  • 30 cars entered for Michigan: Thirty cars are entered for the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Entries include #06 Mark Meunier, #3 Rick Tackman, #7 Codie Rohrbaugh, #8 Brandon Jones, #10 Morgen Baird, #15 Kyle Benjamin, #19 David Sear, #25 Spencer Davis, #28 Sheldon Creed, #51 Chad Finley, #65 Jeffery MacZink, #69 Nick Higdon, #88 Wayne Peterson, and #99 Ty Majeski. Full Entry List (06-16-17)
  • Ty Majeski; Cunningham Motorsports fined & penalized after Pocono: Based on post-race technical inspection following the June 9 General Tire Anywhere Is Possible 200 at Pocono Raceway, the Cunningham Motorsports #99 team has been penalized for violating 2017 ARCA Rulebook Page 51, #3Mii  which references “hoses connected to NACA duct must be connected to blower or cooler and must exhaust outside driver compartment. Connections must be point to point.” Crew chief Matt Weber has been fined $1500 and car owner Briggs Cunningham and driver Ty Majeski have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship points as a result of the violation. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-14-17)
  • Vinnie Miller; MDM Motorsports add new sponsor for Michigan: MDM Motorsports and Vinnie Miller are excited to announce a new partnership with Peerless Steel for Friday’s Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Peerless Steel will be the primary sponsor of Vinnie Miller’s No. 41 MDM Motorsports entry. “To have a local company like Peerless Steel join us at Michigan this weekend is awesome,” Vinnie Miller, driver of the No. 41 said. “The quality of their products and service are just a couple of the reasons why they are an industry leader. I’m looking forward to sporting the Peerless Steel brand on my car this weekend.” (In part from MDMMotorsports.com) (06-14-17)
  • Peterson Motorsports back with 3 cars at Michigan: Peterson Motorsports will field three cars in the ARCA Racing Series for the second consecutive week. The Tennessee based team will have Con Nicolopoulos, Mark Meunier, and Wayne Peterson behind the wheel of its entries. Nicolopoulos continues his season long effort, while Mark Meunier returns to the team after competing at Salem, Toledo, and Elko. Team owner Wayne Peterson will make his season debut after finishing 18th in 2016 driver points. (06-14-17)
  • Kyle Benjamin returning to Venturini Motorsports at Michigan OFFICIAL: NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Kyle Benjamin will return to Venturini Motorsports for the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway on Friday, June 16th. He will drive the No. 15 Toyota as the team pursues the ARCA owner's championship. The 19 year-old driver began his ARCA career with Venturini in 2013, earning his two career wins at Madison and Salem. Benjamin would later make another start for the organization at Pocono in June 2015. (06-04-17)
    OFFICIAL: Kyle Benjamin returns to the ARCA Racing Series driving for Venturini Motorsports in Friday’s Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Benjamin, a two-time ARCA Series winner with VMS, will reunite with his former team to pilot the organizations No.15 GO PUCK Toyota entry at Michigan. “It’s a great feeling to come back to the ARCA series to run Michigan,” says Benjamin. “Breaking into the series a few years back with the Venturini’s provides a big advantage going into the weekend – we’ve had a lot of success together. I’m very familiar with the team and know the effort Billy’s (Venturini) guys put into every race. I’m happy to be back.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (06-13-17)
  • New Age Motorsports planning on 3-4 more races; full 2018 season: New Age Motorsports, owned by Kevin and Cody Lane, plans to compete in three to four more races this season in preparation for a full schedule next year. The team's next race is tentatively the ModSpace 150 at Pocono Raceway on July 28th. Students Survival Dream Academy partnered with the Lane family this season, which has given students an opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of racing. Cody Lane, who drives the No. 67 entry, has a best finish of 19th after attempting three races in 2017. (06-11-17)
  • Riley Herbst scores first win at Pocono Raceway: According to Riley Herbst, it was "a long time coming." In reality, it took just six races for the 18-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada rookie to find his way to Victory Lane. Herbst, in the No. 18 NOS Energy Drink-UFC Gym Toyota, took the lead on lap 37 of the 80-lap race and never gave it up, coming home the winner of the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 Friday afternoon at Pocono Raceway. Herbst beat second-place finisher Brandon Jones to the final stripe by nearly two seconds to earn his career-first ARCA Racing Series victory, and the first for Joe Gibbs Racing on the ARCA side. Herbst also set a new ARCA race record for Pocono, finishing the race in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 55 seconds. The new mark surpassed the old mark of 1:25:29 set by Scott Riggs back in 2004. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-10-17)
  • Frankie Kimmel fills in for Bryan Dauzat at Pocono: Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, fortunately for Frankie Kimmel. When ARCA Racing Series racer Bryan Dauzat's daughter's wedding landed on Pocono race weekend, Dauzat climbed out of his own No. 57 O.B. Builders Chevrolet and Kimmel climbed in. Dauzat managed to get to Pocono for Wednesday's open test, but bailed for bigger things back home. "My daughter's getting married Saturday and the rehearsal dinner's Friday night," said Dauzat. "I need to be there, or else I'd be disowned by my family." That opened the door for Kimmel who tested the same car Wednesday after his dad, Frank, Sr., shook it down. "Bob Rahilly and Frank have been friends for years," Dauzat said. "This all developed about three weeks ago. We originally started talking to Frank about driving the car at Pocono, but Frank's obligated as a spotter for Spencer Davis, so he couldn't do it. Frank's suggested his son, and we liked the idea. I was glad to get a little seat-time in yesterday, I'm planning on running Pocono in July." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-10-17)
  • 34 cars entered for Pocono: Thirty-four cars are entered for today's General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 at Pocono Raceway. Entries include #07 Dan Bainey, #3 Steve Fox, #7 Codie Rohrbaugh, #8 Brandon Jones, #11 Tony Mrakovich, #12 Sheldon Creed, #15 Spencer Davis, #41 Vinnie Miller, #46 John Ferrier, #57 Frankie Kimmel, #69 Nick Higdon, #96 Bobby Dale Earnhardt, and #99 Ty Majeski. The race will air at 5:30 PM EDT on FOX Sports 1. Full Entry List (06-09-17)
  • Brandon Jones announces Pocono sponsor: Brandon Jones, driver of the No. 8 Anderson’s Maple Syrup Chevrolet, enters Friday’s General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 at Pocono Raceway as the veteran for MDM Motorsports with three career ARS victories. The 20-year-old driver finished third in the ARS Pocono Raceway event last season. “Our Anderson’s Maple Syrup team is headed into this weekend’s race at Pocono on a mission. We were headed for victory lane last year, but a blend line violation leaving pit road midway through the race cost us the win. You hate to lose a race because of something like that, so we’re definitely looking for redemption this weekend.” (In part from Brandon Jones Racing PR) (06-09-17)
  • Codie Rohrbaugh running next two events at Pocono & Michigan: Driving for his family-owned Grant County Mulch Racing team, [Codie] Rohrbaugh blasted to second quickest in his Pocono Raceway track debut – leaving many to ponder what the impressive rookie still has left for Friday’s General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200. “Man, I’m stoked,” said Rohrbaugh, driver of the No. 7 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet. “Pocono is such a cool place – it’s like a short track, superspeedway and a road course all in one. I had a blast and we have a strong car to boot. I’m hoping for good things in the race on Friday.” No matter the outcome though, Rohrbaugh is embracing the diversity and relationships he’s experiencing in ARCA. “From Daytona to Talladega to Pocono and Michigan next week, we’re taking each race in with a positive outlook and reasonable goals and expectations. If we have some good results in this two race stretch, we should be able to race more this summer.” (In part from Grant County Mulch Racing PR) (06-09-17)
  • Kirk Horton testing at Pocono for Norm Hutton Racing; planning on July race: Veteran dirt racer Kirk Horton will test for Norm Hutton Racing at Pocono Raceway tomorrow in preparation for the ModSpace 150 on July 28th. Horton, who is a regular competitor at Orange County Fair Speedway in New York, will be attempting to make his ARCA debut. Norm Hutton Racing has previously competed at Daytona and Talladega this year with David LeBeau. (06-06-17)
  • Derrick Lancaster reduces ARCA schedule; may return: Virginia's Derrick Lancaster had planned to increase his ARCA schedule to six to ten events in 2017. However, those plans changed when the 44 year-old business owner purchased more tire stores and towing locations. Although these new opportunities have taken up a lot of Lancaster's time, he still has not ruled out a return this season for a more limited schedule. (06-06-17)
  • Tony Mrakovich competing at Pocono for Fast Track Racing: Pennsylvania driver Tony Mrakovich will join Fast Track Racing for the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 on Friday, June 9th. The 18 year-old rookie has been driving for Ken Schrader Racing, but the team had prior commitments that prevented two cars from being entered. Mrakovich is expected to rejoin the Schrader organization later in the season. He also may compete in more races for Fast Track Racing as well. (06-05-17)
  • Michael Self back in ARCA for four (4) more races: Michael Self and the “Dino Car,” powered by Sinclair Oil Corporation, will return to the racetrack for eight events in 2017. Race fans can catch Dino in both the ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. The Sinclair white, green and red livery will return to the No. 28 Chevrolet with Self behind the wheel of an ARCA entry at Pocono Raceway on June 9, followed by Iowa Speedway on July 8, then re-join MDM Motorsports at Lucas Oil (Ind.) Raceway Park on July 21 and return to Kansas for the series finale on Oct. 20. “It’s such an honor to continue working with Sinclair Oil and be in equipment that really showcases the commitment to excellence that epitomizes their brand,” said Self. “They’re truly my dream partner – we’ve been able to do some really cool things together off the track, as well as make a lot of noise in the sport with the Dino Car." (In part from Michael Self Racing PR) (06-05-17)
  • Peterson Motorsports fielding three cars at Pocono: Peterson Motorsports will field three cars at Pocono Raceway on Friday, June 9th for the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200. The team's driver lineup will include Con Nicolopoulos, Dale Matchett, and Don Thompson. Nicolopoulos is expected to compete in all races this year, while Matchett and Thompson are planning to run select events. (06-04-17)
  • Zane Smith transported to hospital after Elko crash: 17 year-old Zane Smith was transported to a local hospital after a crash on the final lap of the Shore Lunch 250 Saturday night. Smith was complaining of pain, but was treated and released. All other drivers in the accident were unhurt. (06-04-17)
  • Austin Theriault wins at Elko Speedway: With cars wrecking every which way in his mirror, Austin Theriault edged Christian Eckes by about two feet at the final stripe to win the wild Shore Lunch 250 Saturday night at Elko Speedway. Theriault, in Ken Schrader's No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Toyota, nudged Eckes out of the way inside of four laps remaining before Eckes rooted Theriault off the bottom lane coming to the checkered flag. With their cars locked together off turn four, Theriault held firm on the high side just long enough to earn his second career ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards victory. "This hasn't really set in yet," said Theriault. "We need a little time to process this one. We were running fourth or fifth through the middle of the race. Then we put four General Tires on it…that's when it came to life. Those last few laps were rough, definitely a lot of back and forth. We got some marks on the car but we got the win." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-04-17)
  • 22 cars entered for Elko Speedway: Twenty-two cars are entered for Saturday night's Shore Lunch 250 at Elko Speedway. Entries include #06 Mark Meunier, #3 Bobby Dale Earnhardt, #15 Christian Eckes, #25 Natalie Decker, #28 Robert Bruce, #33 Justin Fontaine, #34 Willie Mullins, and #69 Will Kimmel. The event will take place at 9:00 PM EDT and will be televised live on MAVTV. Full Entry List (06-02-17)
  • MDM Motorsports enters four (4) cars for Pocono: MDM Motorsports has entered four (4) cars for the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 at Pocono Raceway on Friday, June 9th. The North Carolina based team (owned by Matthew Miller, Doug Fuller, and Mark McFarland) is expected to field entries in the event for Brandon Jones, Sheldon Creed, Michael Self, and Vinnie Miller.
    BRANDON JONES (#8):     20 year-old Brandon Jones is entered in the No. 8 Toyota for team owner Doug Fuller. Jones returns to the organization after competing in a five race schedule last year, which was highlighted by a win at Michigan. The Atlanta, Georgia driver will compete in the NASCAR XFINITY race the next day for Richard Childress Racing.
    SHELDON CREED (#12):     Sheldon Creed, who joined MDM Motorsports earlier this year, will continue his nine race schedule in the No. 12 Toyota. Creed finished 6th at Nashville driving the No. 28. The Super Truck and off-road racing competitor is also running multiple events in the NASCAR K&N Series this year.
    MICHAEL SELF (#28):     Utah's Michael Self is the listed driver of the No. 28 Toyota for Matthew Miller. Self, who had a career high 3rd place finish at Kansas last year, is expected to make his second start of the season after being collected in an accident at Daytona. The 26 year-old is a veteran of the NASCAR K&N Pro West Series.
    VINNIE MILLER (#41):     ARCA newcomer Vinnie Miller will look to improve on his first career top 10 finish at Pocono in the No. 41 Toyota, owned by Matthew Miller. The Michigan driver is planning to run a total of six (6) ARCA races this season. He has also competed in several NASCAR K&N Pro East Series races earlier this year for the development team. (06-02-17)
  • David Sear returning at Michigan with Ebert Motorsports: Southern California driver David Sear will return to ARCA competition with Ebert Motorsports for the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway on June 16th. Sear, who has 10 career starts, has driven for the Mark Ebert owned operation since 2015. Spectro Performance Oils and Rusty Wallace Racing Experience will serve as sponsor. While Michigan is the only planned race at this time, more events could be added to Sear's schedule at a later date. (06-01-17)