Upcoming ARCA Races

Saturday, April 22nd

Talladega Superspeedway


Saturday, May 6th

Kansas Speedway


Friday, May 26th

Charlotte Motor Speedway

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ARCA Menards Series News and Rumors

  • Regina Sirvent joins Venturini Motorsports for partial schedule: Venturini Motorsports has announced a new addition to their 2023 driver roster; 20 year old driver Regina Sirvent. Sirvent has signed on with Venturini Motorsports for a limited schedule of races during the 2023 season. Sirvent, from Mexico City, Mexico, has already established herself as a rising star in the world of motorsports. In 2020, she raced in the NASCAR Mexico Truck Series where she became the first Hispanic woman to win a NASCAR international race. She finished the season in the top three of the drivers championship and then made her stockcar debut through NASCAR Drive for Diversity.  More recently, she showcased her exceptional race craft in the 2022 season in which she competed full time in NASCAR Mexico while also taking on late model races. With dreams of becoming the first Mexican woman in the NASCAR Cup Series, Sirvent is eager to take on the ARCA Menards Series with Venturini Motorsports. “I have seen a lot of the cup drivers go through Venturini Motorsports. They will help to improve my weaknesses and develop my strengths so I can progress as a driver” explained Sirvent. Announcements from Venturini Motorsports regarding sponsorship and race schedule will follow at a later date. (In part from VenturiniMotorsports.com) (03-24-23)
  • D.L. Wilson hospitalized after Phoenix crash: D.L. Wilson has been hospitalized following his crash in the ARCA Menards Series race at Phoenix Raceway on Friday (March 10). “ARCA Menards Series driver D.L. Wilson was transported to a local medical center for further evaluation following an accident in Friday night’s race at Phoenix Raceway,” the series announced in a statement. Wilson sustained some injuries in the crash. He has three broken ribs, a concussion and a sternum injury. “D.L. had a tough race weekend, but he’s a retired Texas lawman, and they don’t come much tougher than that,” the spokesman said. “We expect D.L. to be back in a Fast Track racecar soon.” Team owner Andy Hillenburg requests fans cheer Wilson up by sending him fan mail to the team race shop. The team address is 5540 Morehead Rd., Harrisburg, N.C., 28075. (In part from Frontstretch.com) (03-11-23)
  • Tyler Reif scores first ARCA victory at Phoenix: Tyler Reif, making just his third start on the ARCA platform for Lowden-Jackson Motorsports, emerged as the winner of the annual ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series West combination race after a pair of green-white-checkered restarts. The race wasn’t without setbacks for Reif, who was involved in a crash on Lap 11 that damaged the rear of his car. Quick work by the Lowden-Jackson Motorsports crew kept him in the race, work that would pay dividends later with a trip to victory lane. “Got in a racing incident at [Lap 11], got turned, no big deal,” said Reif, who is racing full-time in both the ARCA Menards Series West and ARCA Menards Series East this year. “Kept our heads straight and fought back to the lead. This team is so good to get this car hooked up. I’m happy. There are just no words to describe this.” For much of the evening it appeared as though William Sawalich, who was making his ARCA platform debut for Joe Gibbs Racing, would be the driver celebrating in Victory Lane. However, during the first green-white-checkered restart, Sawalich spun from the race lead after contact with third-place Bradley Erickson. That suddenly handed the lead to Reif, the younger brother of two-time West Series race winner Tanner Reif. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-11-23)
  • Greg Van Alst unsponsored at Phoenix; promoting SponsorTeam35.com: For the second ARCA race of the season, Van Alst does not have a primary partner on his No. 35 Ford. However, for Phoenix, he will promote SponsorTeam35.com, a website dedicated to offering potential marketing partners opportunities to pledge their support to the family-owned team during the course of the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season. “SponsorTeam35.com is a concept that I thought of before Daytona,” explained Van Alst. “After our success of pulling together nearly 20 companies to make our win happen there – I felt like launching this site early in the season was extremely important. The site is very simple and I believe easy to use and very self-explanatory. We had a lot of help for Daytona and we’ll have more help throughout the season – but there are plenty of races that are unsold and I’m hoping this platform will allow us to fill that space.” (In part from Greg Van Alst Motorsports PR) (03-09-23)
  • Frankie Muniz secures Phoenix sponsorship from The Hot Chick: [Frankie] Muniz is hoping all the focus will pay dividends in his second career ARCA Menards Series start under the lights on March 10. “When you race in your own backyard, you certainly want to put on a show,” added Muniz. “We have a lot of local support, not to mention some local marketing partners who jumped on board for this race, plus the nonstop support from the grandstands too." The Hot Chick, one of Phoenix’s premier restaurants will serve as the primary marketing partner on Friday night. “I really appreciate The Hot Chick and Republic Bank of Arizona for stepping up and supporting our race at Phoenix,” added Muniz. “The Hot Chick is one of the best eating establishments in town and with their relaxing upbeat atmosphere, I know we’re going to have a bunch more people rooting for us on Friday night.” (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (03-08-23)
  • Leland Honeyman Jr. returning to Young’s at Phoenix: Young’s Motorsports confirmed that Leland Honeyman Jr. will return to the organization and compete in Friday night’s ARCA Menards Series General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. Honeyman, a native of Phoenix, Ariz. returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based team on the heels of finishing third in the 2022 ARCA Menards Series East standings. Klean Freak will join Honeyman as the primary partner of his No. 02 Chevrolet for his weekend of double-duty status. “I am excited to be back with Young’s Motorsports this weekend at Phoenix Raceway,” said Honeyman Jr. “I had a great time being a part of the Young’s Motorsports family last year and look forward to the opportunity to capitalize on our strong performances from 2022.” (In part from Young's Motorsports PR) (03-08-23)
  • Greg Van Alst wins at Daytona: Greg Van Alst parked his No. 35 Verns Concrete/CB Fabricating/Sam Pierce Chevrolet in Victory Lane after passing Jason White on the last lap. “Guys like me aren’t supposed to do this,” Van Alst yelled as he climbed out of his car on the front stretch. “This is the only speedway car we’ve got and there was no way I wasn’t going to bring it home without the steering wheel or the trophy. This is for all the short track racers out there that don’t think you can get to this level,” Van Alst said. “I worked my ass off to get here and we did it!” [Connor] Mosack followed Van Alst in the running order with Sean Corr, Lavar Scott and Mandy Chick completing the top-five. Amber Balcaen, Jesse Love, Jack Wood, White and Dale Quarterley were the rest of the top-10 finishers. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-18-23)
  • Connor Mosack wins Daytona pole: #18 Connor Mosack won the pole for the BRANDT 200 Supporting Florida FFA at Daytona International Speedway. #20 Jesse Love will start alongside, while #97 Jason Kitzmiller, #36 Ryan Huff, and #73 Andy Jankowiak completed the top five. #30 Frankie Muniz, who was fastest in Thursday's practice session, will start in the 16th position. Qualifying Results (02-17-23)
  • Greg Van Alst secures Daytona sponsorship from 20 companies: Verns Concrete, CB Fabricating, Sam Pierce Chevrolet have taken the primary roles of sponsorship for [Greg] Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet SS, but 17 other companies have all pledged their support in the opening race of the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season. “EKAN Crude LLC, MVP Purchasing, CBT Detail, Borchers Sheet Metal, Hertz Law Firm, Johnsons Family Plumbing, Norton Transport, Lintz Design, FCS Underdog Racing Podcast, Brandon Barcus Racing, Lonestar Racing, Garnet Valley Jaguars, Ranch Road Fencing, Martin Exotics, Knightstown Family Fitness, Riggins Innovations and Top Choice Fence have all also been instrumental in helping keep my motorsports dream alive. Without these 20 companies, our participation in Saturday afternoon’s BRANDT 200 would not have been possible. For me, there is only one way to thank them properly and that’s putting our No. 35 Chevrolet in Victory Lane” [said Van Alst.] (In part from Greg Van Alst Motorsports PR) (02-17-23)
  • Jason Kitzmiller returing for partial schedule with new team name: Jason Kitzmiller and his A.L.L. Construction Racing team launch their fourth season of competition beginning with Saturday afternoon’s BRANDT 200 Supporting Florida FFA. His fourth season of a part-time ARCA Menards Series schedule also yields his fourth trip to the “World Center of Racing” where Kitzmiller has been able to showcase speed but two of his previous three efforts have left pure frustration in the results column. Honestly, this year is the best I feel about probably going to Daytona in all of my previous starts,” said Kitzmiller who has an ARCA career-best 11th-place finish in Daytona in 2021. “Our No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Chevrolet was very quick in pre-season testing and we loaded up feeling confident that we can be a key player in the race and put ourselves in a position to not only surprise a lot of people – but maybe even put ourselves in a spot to challenge for the win." (In part from A.L.L. Construction Racing PR) (02-16-23)
  • Veer Motorsports and Jon Garrett secure Daytona sponsorship: This Is How We Roll joins Veer Motorsports and Jon Garrett as a primary sponsor on board the No. 66 entry for the ARCA Menards Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 18th. This Is How We Roll, a crew of nine close friends from Texas, are avid race fans, with a big passion for camping. “As long time race fans, we are excited for our local friend, Jon Garrett, that is participating in the ARCA Menards Series. What better way to help support, then jumping on board the No. 66 car and riding along. We are excited to watch Jon race at Daytona, and wish the entire team Good Luck,” said The Camping Crew; Regina & James Raymond, Krystina & Tommy Martin, Malinda & Jeff Green, Lisa & Bruce Stone, and James Roberts. (In part from Veer Motorsports PR) (02-13-23)
  • Zach Herrin joins Fast Track Racing at Daytona with Lambda Legal: Lambda Legal will serve as the primary partner aboard Zach Herrin’s No. 12 Toyota Camry in the ARCA Menards Series season opener, the Brandt 200 at Daytona International Speedway, on February 18. Lambda Legal is the leading national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people. As an openly gay athlete, Herrin is honored to support the important work of Lambda Legal. “I’m proud to be partnering with Lambda Legal and highlighting the work that they do to elevate LGBTQ+ voices in America, and I hope that others will join us in supporting these efforts,” said Herrin. “I am committed to using my platform to make a positive impact on the world and I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with Lambda Legal and their efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society.” Herrin will be joining forces once again with Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing for his ARCA Menards Series debut. Herrin made his ARCA platform debut last November at Phoenix Raceway in the ARCA Menards Series West, where he worked his way up to 14th place before a double overtime finish saw him finish 18th. Herrin is still trying to build out his 2023 schedule and hopes to continue working with these brands, as well as identifying additional ones that will understand the value he can offer them. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-10-23)
  • Gus Dean returns to Venturini Motorsports for part-time schedule: Gus Dean is returning to Venturini Motorsports for a limited schedule this season beginning with the season-opener at Daytona. “I am pumped up about returning to Venturini Motorsports in 2023,” said Dean. “I am looking forward to building on the success we achieved last season and I strongly believe this season we can turn our success into checkered flags and get ourselves a win or two throughout the year.” In addition to Daytona, Dean will return to ARCA competition with Venturini Motorsports at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April, Michigan International Speedway in August and Salem (Ind.) Speedway in September. Additional ARCA races with Venturini Motorsports could be added as the season progresses. (In part from Gus Dean Racing PR) (02-07-23)
  • Pinnacle Racing Group launches new development program: Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG) officially announced today its plans to compete in several grassroots racing series in 2023 beginning with the ARCA Menards Series East season-opener at Five Flags Speedway next month. The Mooresville, N.C.-based team’s purpose is to provide productive and fulfilling careers for all Pinnacle Racing Group team members while being a leader in on-track performance and driver development. The team will run Chevrolets in its ARCA Menards Series and Late Model platforms and has selected No. 28 for its primary entries. Veteran crew chief and former NASCAR driver Shane Huffman will serve as the team’s general manager and crew chief. “The great thing about a new start-up team or business is you have a clean slate to build the foundation and set the principles for PRG to operate,” offered Pinnacle Racing Group spokesperson Mark Webb. “From our earliest discussions, our key focus points were on excellence, integrity, performance and sustainability for the long term. Acquiring Shane (Huffman) was the first important piece of the building block we needed. “Shane has a vast knowledge of racing at many levels and has done a tremendous job in a short amount of time putting together an excellent group that is highly talented, motivated and most importantly team-oriented." PRG will officially unveil its full 2023 driver lineup in the coming weeks. (In part from Pinnacle Racing Group PR) (02-03-23)
  • Dean Thompson joining Venturini Motorsports for four races: Venturini Motorsports has announced another addition to their 2023 roster: 21 year old Dean Thompson, from Anaheim, California. Thompson is set to take on a program of five races with VMS in the 2023 season; Kansas Speedway (May), Charlotte Motor Speedway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Pocono Raceway, and Phoenix Raceway (ARCA-W). “I’m super stoked to continue my partnership with Toyota by signing with Billy and Venturini Motorsports. They have established themselves as the pinnacle of ARCA and contenders to win at every race they enter. I know we will be competing for wins and I can’t wait to get started,” explained Thompson. The Venturini Motorsports team have expressed their enthusiasm over their most recently signed talent. “Dean will be a strong addition to the program. He has experience out West and in truck which will make him tough to beat. I expect him to be contending for wins,” stated team owner Billy Venturini. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-20-23)
  • Andy Jankowiak returing this season with new team partners & Whelen sponsorship: The Whelen Engineering Co., a global leader in the emergency warning industry since 1952, will return as a sponsor of KLAS Motorsports driver Andy Jankowiak for six events during the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season. The partnership between Jankowiak, KLAS Motorsports and Whelen will begin with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18. The event will be the first time the No. 73 team will compete under the KLAS Motorsports banner and team owners Kevin Lapierre and Andy Seuss. Lapierre and his company, Dak’s Market, have been a steadfast supporter of Jankowiak and the No. 73 team in years past. Beginning in 2023, Lapierre and Seuss will assume ownership roles as well as the many duties involved with those positions. Seuss will also assume the role of team manager and will oversee weekly preparations. Seuss, a two-time NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion driver, has played a large role in the growth and development of the No. 73 team from the outset by supplying the team with a North Carolina-based shop and lending his experience whenever possible. This will be Seuss’s first full-time year with the team. “Kevin has been a huge supporter of our efforts since very early on in our ARCA racing efforts and supplied our race team with two cars last season,” Jankowiak said. “Having Andy Seuss working with us full time will give us a huge advantage from where we were last year. Andy’s involvement and Kevin’s ability to handle so many of the leadership roles on the team allows me to take a step back and focus more on my role as the driver." In addition to Daytona, Whelen will support the team during events at Talladega Superspeedway, Kansas Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Watkins Glen International. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-19-23)
  • Venturini Motorsports signs Sean Hingorani for full East season: Venturini Motorsports have made an addition to their formidable driver roster for the upcoming 2023 season: 16 year old rookie, Sean Hingorani, who will be taking on the full 2023 ARCA Menards East Series calendar. In addition to challenging for the ARCA East Series championship, Hingorani is set to run four ARCA Main races (Phoenix, Berlin, Mid Ohio, Toledo) and four ARCA West races (Irwindale, The Bullring at Las Vegas, Madera, and Phoenix) with Venturini Motorsports. Hingorani made his ARCA Menards West Series debut at Evergreen in 2022 [and competed in] both Pro Late and Super Late races. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-19-23)
  • Ed Pompa racing at Daytona; raising money for Double H Ranch: Ed Pompa will begin his 18th season in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023 when he runs the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on Feb 18. And he is continuing his fundraising effort for the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, New York. “I race for the thrill and the fun of competing,” Pompa said. “Since I’m only a part-time racer and full-time business owner, I’m not looking for someone to sponsor me personally behind the wheel. I race as much as my wallet will allow. “This ‘sponsorship’ program that we started back in 2009 is raising money for kids to attend the Double H Ranch. Double H is a camp for children with serious medical conditions. It gives them a chance for a week to forget about their medical issues and focus on being a kid.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-17-23)
  • Greg Van Alst returning for full schedule: Greg Van Alst and his Greg Van Alst Motorsports team last weekend went to Daytona International Speedway for the annual pre-race practice hoping to start his sophomore season with momentum. “I love everything about Daytona,” Van Alst said. “This place is so special to me for a lot of reasons, including our accomplishment last year. Thankfully, we haven’t had to do much to our superspeedway car over the last year other than make the necessary tweaks to get ourselves ready for the test.” With a focus on the impending 20-race schedule in 2023, Van Alst is hoping his team’s dedication along with a stout new television package will allow the series and teams to reap the benefits and open the door for new marketing partners to join his Indiana-based team along the way. “I am proud of what our team accomplished last year racing full-time on a tight budget,” he said. “We could not have done without the support of Chris Barkdull and CB Fabricating, and while I’m super thankful to have him along for the ride in 2023, we are hoping we can attract more partners along the way who believe in our journey." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-17-23)
  • Logan Misuraca to race at Daytona & Talladega for Spraker: Logan Misuraca recently announced she will be racing in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, driving the No. 63 Spraker/PCW Racing CELSIUS Essential Energy Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Misuraca attended the ARCA Menards Series’ pre-race practice at Daytona Jan. 13-14. During the season, the Ilmor engine Chevrolet will be sponsored by CELSIUS Essential Energy Drink while embodying the brand’s mantra, “Live Fit,” staying energized all race weekend long. Speaking on the sponsorship, CELSIUS® VP of Marketing Kyle Watson added, “CELSIUS is thrilled to be the primary sponsor and official energy drink of Logan Misuraca for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season. We are excited to sponsor our first female driver in motorsports and help fuel Logan all season long as she crosses the finish line.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-17-23)
  • Venturini Motorsports fastest in Daytona test: Venturini Motorsports (VMS) inaugurated the opening of the 2023 season with a clean sweep at pre-season testing. With an entry list of 61 drivers, VMS concluded the weekend with the four fastest cars. Toni Breidinger secured the fastest time of the weekend with her VMS teammates Amber Balcaen, Jesse Love, and Gus Dean closing out the top of the charts. Love, the VMS Championship contender of the season, demonstrated his quick learning during his first Daytona outing. Dean, who has previously competed at Daytona with Venturini Motorsports, showcased his consistency throughout the two day session. Announcements regarding Dean’s 2023 season are expected to be released soon. Full Practice Results (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-16-23)
  • Jon Garrett forms Veer Motorsports; to run full time: Jon Garrett has formed Veer Motorsports to compete in the ARCA Menards Series full-time for the 2023 season. Garrett will pilot the No. 66 entry.  “I am looking forward to seeing what will come in 2023,” said Garrett. “I have a great opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream with Veer Motorsports and Andy at Fast Track Racing. Driving the full schedule, with good equipment – the pressure will be on me to learn and perform to the potential of the equipment. I would also like to thank Ron Vandermier Sr and Ron Vandermier Jr for allowing me to represent and compete with the No. 66 number. We are looking forward to having a fun and successful season.” Joining ownership of Veer Motorsports is long time friend and business partner, Lane Moore, and son Logan Moore. Lane and Garrett have a long history in motorsports, spanning back to the early 2000’s where they competed against each other on track in the American Truck Series. (In part from Veer Motorsports PR) (01-14-23)
  • Amber Balcaen joins Venturini for Daytona & Talladega: Venturini Motorsports announces that Amber Balcaen will be joining their 2023 driver lineup. Balcaen has signed on with VMS to take part in their ARCA Menards Series races at Daytona and Talladega. She will be behind the wheel of the No. 15 Toyota Camry with continued support from her sponsor, Icon Direct. “I’ve watched Venturini Motorsports dominate the ARCA Menards series for years and it’s been a dream of mine for a long time to drive for VMS” explains Balcaen. “To say I’m excited to drive for a hugely winning team is an understatement! I’m thrilled knowing I’ll be in a fast car this season!” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-12-23)
  • Toni Breidinger returns to Venturini Motorsports for partial schedule: Venturini Motorsports announces the return of Toni Breidinger to their driver roster for the 2023 ARCA Menards Season. Breidinger has signed on with VMS for a slate of 11 races including Daytona, Phoenix, Talladega, Dover, Kansas, Charlotte, Iowa, Lucas Oil, Pocono, Kansas, and Phoenix. During her time with VMS, Breidinger has worked tirelessly to develop the skills necessary to advance to the highest level of NASCAR. Working alongside her for the 2023 season will be crew chief Cayden Lapcevich. (In part from VenturiniMotorsports.com) (01-12-23)
  • Frankie Muniz to join Rette Jones Racing for full schedule OFFICIAL: Actor and racecar driver Frankie Muniz is rumored to be joining Rette Jones Racing for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Muniz participated in the January Daytona test session last year with Fast Track Racing has been looking to compete in more stock car events. The 37 year-old New Jersey native tweeted that "[his] wife has been searching online what NASCAR wives wear to the races" and that it "means this is getting real y'all" in late December. (01-05-23)
    OFFICIAL: Frankie Muniz announced that he will race the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing and compete for the ARCA Menards Series championship beginning at Daytona on Feb. 18, 2023. “It’s with the utmost excitement, optimism and gratitude that I’m joining Rette Jones Racing for the full ARCA Menards Series schedule this year,” said Muniz. “Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR, and it was important for me to partner with a team that aligned with my long-term objectives and vision while providing every opportunity imaginable to grow mentally and physically as a full-time race car driver. I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious how I am in progressing in my racing career, but also showing my son and family what it is to chase your dreams and re-invent yourself.” The much-celebrated actor of “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Agent Cody Banks” and “Dancing with the Stars” fame, among other notable projects in the entertainment world, was engaged in months of discussions with various stakeholders across the NASCAR world in advance of signing with the team co-owned by Motorsports veteran Terry Jones and former ARCA championship crew chief Mark Rette. For the 2023 ARCA season, Rette Jones Racing will continue its longtime partnership with Ford Performance but upgrade its fleet to include the Ford Mustang beginning at Daytona. (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (01-11-23)
  • Christian Rose joins AM Racing for ARCA championship run: Officials from AM Racing confirmed today that Christian Rose has joined the organization and will compete for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship title beginning with next month’s season-opener at Daytona. Rose, a former Division 1 baseball player for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has traded the glove and bat in for a steering wheel and helmet and has set achievable goals for his first full season of stock car competition aboard the team’s flagship No. 32 Ford Mustang. Rose joins the Statesville, N.C.-based team on the heels of a limited ARCA schedule in 2022 competing in a series of races on ARCA’s platform with Cook Racing Technologies which was highlighted by a career-best seventh-place finish at Kansas Speedway last October. “I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity to compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for AM Racing,” said Rose. “I have learned so much over the past two seasons of a part-time ARCA schedule that I am excited to elevate my schedule this year which includes visiting new tracks of new disciplines with the goal of being in contention to win races and compete for the championship.” The team’s sponsorship lineup along with a crew chief will be announced in the weeks leading up to the series' 60th race at [Daytona] on Feb. 18. (In part from AM Racing PR) (01-10-23)
  • Landon Pembelton to practice at Daytona for Mullins Racing: Mullins Racing has added 17-year-old Landon Pembelton to its driver roster for the ARCA Menards Series pre-race practice at Daytona International Speedway on January 13-14. While he already has some experience in ARCA after competing in multiple events last year with Venturini Motorsports, his relationship with Willie and Dinah Mullins pre-dates his breakout Martinsville triumph. “The whole Mullins family hangs around Dominion,” Pembelton said.  “We built a relationship with them.  Dinah takes photos for us, and it all came together. They gave me this opportunity to drive for them in Daytona for the practice and I’m very thankful for this opportunity that they gave me.” His win in the NASCAR-sanctioned ValleyStar Credit Union 300 catapulted him into the spotlight as one of the hottest young drivers in short track racing. “It’s opened up tons of opportunities for me, starting with Venturini and Toyota last year,” Pembelton explained. “They gave me the opportunity to run four races and gave me experience with the ARCA cars, which are different from the late models.  We’re going to be running full-time in the late model still, going to the ARCA practice session, and maybe have some other stuff coming up too.” (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (01-10-23)
  • Conner Jones returns to Venturini for 12 races: 16 year-old Conner Jones continues his rapid ascent in the stock car ranks in 2023, announcing an expanded schedule of 12 ARCA Menards Series races with Venturini Motorsports. Jones will pair with multi-time race-winning crew chief Kevin Reed, Jr. for the expanded slate. “I’m excited for the opportunity to return to Venturini Motorsports this season for additional races,” Jones said. “Being teamed up with one of the top teams in the ARCA Menards series will allow me to gain more experience and develop my craft behind the wheel.” The expanded 2023 ARCA campaign for Jones will open at Phoenix Raceway in March, site of a fifth-place qualifying effort in November and will end where it started in November during the championship race for the ARCA Menards Series West at Phoenix. Sponsorship will include PepperJack Kennels and Jones Utilities with additional partners and car number for Jones’ 2023 ARCA campaign being announced prior to the start of the season. (In part from MDM Consulting PR) (01-09-23)
  • Tim Goulet Enterprises renamed as Rise Motorsports; Rita Goulet & Stephen Leicht to drive: Rise Motorsports has announced the rebranding of its ARCA Menards Series team previously known as Tim Goulet Enterprises. This will be a joint effort between co-owners Tim Goulet and driver/co-owner Rita Goulet. The team intends to run a part-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series with Rita Goulet (Thomason) and Stephen Leicht dividing driving duties. The team also has opportunities for funded and qualified drivers who are operating on a budget. Rise Motorsports currently has one Chevrolet SS and one Toyota Camry in its fleet. The plan is to exclusively field Toyota entries. Tim Goulet will continue to maintain the No. 31 as he has since the 2021 season. The team intends to use this platform for driver development with an eye toward eventually moving into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Being a part of the ARCA Menards Series as well as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will help maintain the future of the sport by providing opportunities for funded and qualified drivers operating on a budget as previously mentioned. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-09-23)
  • Jesse Love expected to compete full time for Venturini Motorsports: Jesse Love will compete full-time for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship, multiple sources have confirmed to Frontstretch. Love will pilot a Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, continuing his tenure with the organization. Love’s car number, crew chief and sponsors have not been revealed at this time. Love piloted the No. 20 during his part-time 2022 ARCA slate. Love will turn 18 on Jan. 18, making him eligible to compete for the main series championship for the first time in his career. (In part from Frontstretch.com) (01-08-23)
  • CCM Racing returning with multiple drivers: CCM Racing will return to the ARCA Menards Series national and East divisions this season with multiple drivers. Eric Caudell, who owns the team, will run a partial schedule. Matt Wilson and Colton Collins are also expected to race, but no official schedule has been set. The organization has been working on building four new composite cars for the upcoming season. (01-07-23)
  • GMS Racing will not field an ARCA entry this year: GMS Racing has released the following statement from Mike Beam about not fielding an ARCA entry in 2023:
    Mike Beam:
    "In an effort to shift the team's primary focus and resources towards competing for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, GMS Racing will not field an ARCA Menards Series entry in 2023. Everyone at GMS Racing is grateful for its time spent over eight seasons competing in the ARCA Menards Series. The series has been near and dear to our hearts, as ARCA was where our roots as a stock car racing team truly began. We have been fortunate for our organization to have had success throughout the years, namely winning the 2015 national championship with Grant Enfinger, as well as the 2019 and 2020 ARCA Menards Series East championships with Sam Mayer." (In part from GMS Racing PR) (01-06-23)
  • Caleb Costner & Costner Weaver Motorsports to race part time: Caleb Costner will compete in the opening race of the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season at Daytona International Speedway in addition to multiple ARCA races piloting the Costner Weaver Motorsports No. 93 Chevrolet. Costner will also take part in the pre-race practice at Daytona on Jan. 13-14. Crew chief Darrell Phillips will be atop the pit box calling the shots for the race on Feb. 18. The Costner Weaver Motorsports team returns to the ARCA Menards Series after making its debut last season in the ARCA Menards Series East. Owner/driver Costner also put two ARCA Menards Series West races under his belt in 2021. “2022 was a pivotal year in continuing to build our team along with planning for the future of how we wanted to take our team to the next level,” Costner said. “We’ll start the season off at Daytona on the biggest stage, and I couldn’t be more ready.” Lickety Lews – All-Purpose Boo Yow Sauce will be a new co-sponsor of the No. 93 Costner Weaver Motorsports Chevrolet on the high banks of Daytona. Innovative Tiny Houses will continue its partnership with Costner Weaver Motorsports at Daytona and throughout the season. “2023 will be the biggest opportunity of my racing career to this point as we plan to make multiple starts in the ARCA Menards Series throughout the season,” Costner concluded. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-05-23)
  • Landon Huffman attending Daytona practice with Mullins Racing: Landon Huffman, 26, from Claremont, North Carolina, will turn his first laps around Daytona International Speedway on January 13-14 when the ARCA Menards Series returns to the famed superspeedway for its annual pre-race practice. He heads to Daytona with Mullins Racing months removed from his first NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Division I track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway. “I never thought I was ever going to get to run laps at Daytona, so this is pretty incredible,” Huffman said. “It’s every short track racer’s dream to run laps at Daytona. My dad had a quote, I use it in my podcast as part of my intro, after his first race at Daytona, he said, ‘it doesn’t matter if you’re racing a go-kart, slot car, or foot race, you won at Daytona.’” Huffman picked up his first championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in September. His father, Robert Huffman, won two championships at Hickory in the late 1980s before going on to win five championships in the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series. The husband-and-wife co-owners of Mullins Racing, Willie and Dinah Mullins, came to Hickory Motor Speedway last summer to watch Huffman race. They became fast friends and soon the two parties reached an agreement for Huffman to pilot one of the Mullins Racing cars at Daytona in ARCA’s pre-race practice. “I have been internet friends with Dinah and Willie,” Huffman recalled.  “They came down and watched me race at Hickory, came down to the pits, and we really hit it off. I really respect how they race, we can relate on a lot of levels, based on the money we spend versus our competitors, they’re a family team and do a lot of it themselves, a lot of mutual respect. They’ve done a great job building their program.  Anytime I can work with people like that, it’s a good opportunity.” Huffman hopes to compete in a handful of ARCA Menards Series races for Mullins Racing at some point this season. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (01-03-23)
  • D.L. Wilson returning to Fast Track for East championship run: D.L. Wilson is turning his focus towards a championship hunt. Piloting the team’s #12, Wilson will compete in the 8 race ARCA Menards Series East season, along with the Elite/West Combination race at Phoenix, March 10th. “I’m really looking forward to what we can do with our efforts this year” said Wilson. “We made some nice updates this offseason. I think by really focusing on these 9 races, we can come out there and run well and push towards top 5’s and 10’s” This will be Wilson’s first full season attempt across the ARCA Menards Series platform. Wilson and team are currently working on sponsorship for the #12 Chevrolet, with news coming soon. (In part from Fast Track Racing PR) (01-02-23)