ARCA Racing Resources

Upcoming ARCA Races

Friday, May 27th

Charlotte Motor Speedway


Saturday, June 11th

Iowa Speedway


Saturday, June 18th

Berlin Raceway

  the pit lane links

Twitter    















Frontstretch.com



Front Stretch Photos


The Pit Lane




Front Stretch Photos

ARCA Menards Series News and Rumors

  • Steve Austin no longer with CCM Racing; on parole after multiple felonies: A spokesperson for CCM Racing has confirmed that Steve Austin, who raced in two ARCA Menards Series East events this season, is no longer a member of the team. CCM Racing states that it "[does] not anticipate any further relationship or affiliation with [Austin]" in the future. This follows a recent announcement that Austin will join Tom Crosby Enterprises for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series East season. However, Austin's eligibility to participate in ARCA competition is unclear after his arrest history and parole status has surfaced.
    Edward Brian Hudson:     Steve Austin, whose legal name is Edward Brian Hudson, is a habitual felon that has been arrested and convicted of crimes dating back to 1996. Crimes include obtaining property with false coins/tokens, obtaining property by worthless checks (over $2,000), obtaining property by false pretenses/cheats/services, unauthorized use of a motor-propelled conveyance (boats, airplanes, motor vehicles, etc.), extortion, and a parole violation on April 27, 2021. Austin has remained on parole since his most recent felony conviction in North Carolina. (In part from NC DPS Offender Public Information and Mugshots.com) (05-22-22)
  • Rajah Caruth to carry WSSU colors at Charlotte: Winston-Salem State student and professional race car driver Rajah Caruth will have the ride of a lifetime on May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Caruth will pilot a WSSU themed race car in the ARCA Menard’s series General Tire 150 next weekend. This is a proud moment for the University with Caruth being a member of the motorsports management degree program. WSSU is the first and only HBCU to have a motorsports management program, which began in 2007. "I learned the importance of HBCUs at an early age. My father went to an HBCU and is currently serving as a professor at Howard University, so I’ve been exposed to a culture and support system that is like no other. Being in WSSU’s Motorsports Management allows me to learn while doing what I love," said Caruth. The No. 6 WSSU car has the WSSU Rams mascot and school letters boldly painted across the hood as well as the rear quarter panels. The school colors are interwoven across the car with the door panels highlighted in red. (In part from HBCUGameday.com) (05-22-22)
  • Nick Sanchez wins the Dutch Boy 150 at Kansas Speedway: [Nick] Sanchez took advantage of a late-race accident between Corey Heim and Drew Dollar to score his second win in the Dutch Boy 150 at Kansas and the third of his career. Sanchez wanted an opportunity to battle both Heim and Dollar for the victory, but he was content on inheriting the lead and managing his equipment while teammate Rajah Caruth tried to chase him down in the final laps. "Honestly, we were trying to maintain and not burn any of our stuff up in case there was a caution," Sanchez said. "We lucked out with what happened between [Heim and Dollar], and we possibly could have beaten both of them at the end on speed, but we ended up winning, so I’m happy." Caruth managed to chase down Sanchez twice inside of ten laps remaining but ultimately could not get the run he needed to overtake his teammate and had to settle for second; his best run in the main ARCA division to date. Daniel Dye, who was reinstated by ARCA on Friday afternoon following a brief suspension, brought home a third-place finish. Rounding out the Top 5 were veteran Gus Dean and Connor Mosack. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-14-22)
  • Daniel Dye reinstated by ARCA; will race at Kansas: The ARCA Menards Series has  reinstated Daniel Dye after suspending him on April 27th. Dye was arrested on a felony battery charge the previous day.
    ARCA Statement:     "Daniel Dye’s indefinite suspension has been lifted. He has been approved to return to all ARCA racing activities effective Friday, May 13, 2022." (ARCARacing.com) (05-13-22)
    GMS Racing Statement:     "Today, ARCA Menards Series officials announced that GMS Racing Daniel Dye was reinstated for competition. Dye and the No. 43 Chevrolet team will compete in Saturday's event at Kansas Speedway." (GMS Racing PR) (05-13-22)
    Daniel Dye Statement:     "The past few weeks have been emotionally difficult for me and my family to say the least. You might have heard that I was recently arrested by local police and subsequently suspended by ARCA. I have been overwhelmed by the support of fellow classmates, teachers, and others who have reached out to me following an incident with a fellow student at my high school. I am happy to report that ARCA has dropped its suspension after my lawyer provided the State’s Attorney with sworn statements from eye witnesses. Following review of this information and its own investigation including review of medical records the State reduced the charge to a misdemeanor. Before I get back to racing, I think it is important to explain what happened that led local police officers to take me into custody. The facts are that me and my classmates have been engaged in a silly and admittedly immature game commonly played at the school between boys and involves hitting each other in the groin area. This has been going on since we were in the 9th grade. The other student “got me” and then I got him back. I want to be very clear that nobody was trying to seriously injure anyone in the game and I am relieved to know that the other student has recovered." (In part from Daniel Dye Racing) (05-13-22)
  • Zachary Tinkle racing at Kansas after Peterson prepares superspeeway car: Zachary Tinkle will race at Kansas! Yes, that’s been the plan for most of the season, so why’s it a big deal now? Well let’s recap the last 72 hours for Wayne Peterson Racing. During Saturday’s practice at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Nate Moeller spun his No. 06 Ford out and took a pretty solid hit. For a small team like Wayne Peterson’s, this did not just mean they were done for the weekend. This incident affects their near future in the season, as this exact car was scheduled to be driven at Kansas Speedway this upcoming weekend by Tinkle. "That was the same car I was supposed to run at Kansas and even had the Kansas setup on it," Tinkle explained to TobyChristie.com in a Twitter DM. "Unfortunately, the car is pretty tore up, Front & rear clip is believed to be bent along with body damage, rear end got shoved over as well and both the A-arms on the left front got damaged so it will need a large amount of repair and it’s not going to make Kansas." Fixing the Nashville car in time for Kansas would likely be impossible, so that was out of the equation. Willie Mullins and his team had reached out as well just in case, but it was unlikely that the car would get approved in time. So how is the former CRA Late Model Sportsman Champion getting on the track this weekend at Kansas? The entire WPR team worked all through the night to convert their Daytona & Talladega Chevy into a car capable of racing on the 1.5 track and are ready to go. “The car is better than we anticipated, team worked through the night to get it ready and we are ready to hit the road!” Tinkle said. “Pretty pumped for it so I’m glad we can get the car back on the track this weekend.” (In part from TobyChristie.com) (05-12-22)
  • Amber Balcaen adds new associate sponsor for Kansas: Kansas will also be the site of a new partner aboard [Amber Balcaen's] No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford. 1st Phorm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri is a high-performance supplement and nutrition that has been a long-time partner of Balcaen’s, however, this weekend, 1st Phorm will increase its commitment and serve as an associate marketing partner for the 100-lap race. "1st Phorm and I have been partnered for the last eight years but this is the first time they will be on my race car in a larger way. Their brand and core values really align with mine, so it’s the perfect fit. I am a big advocate for fitness and health, so I am excited to have them on the car this weekend." (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (05-12-22)
  • Gus Dean adds Kansas Speedway to ARCA schedule: Gus Dean has added Saturday afternoon’s Dutch Boy 150 race to his Venturini Motorsports 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Dean, a native of Bluffton, S.C. returned to the ARCA Menards Series in 2022 after a two-year hiatus and has delivered two top-five finishes aboard the No. 55 Dean Custom Air Toyota Camry at Daytona and the series’ most recent race at Talladega. Despite missing the series’ second race of the year at Phoenix Raceway, he is seventh in the championship standings. Dean will pilot the No. 15 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry with Kevin Reed Sr. serving as crew chief. “I’m very thankful to add this race with Venturini Motorsports,” said Dean. “Everyone at Venturini Motorsports has certainly been great to work with and we’ve enjoyed some strong runs in our two races together. Our goal at Kansas though is to win. Anything less than a win would be a disappointment.” The 27-year-old South Carolinian is amid a busy 2022 season combining of ARCA, Late Models, Mud Truck Racing and a hopeful sporadic appearance or two in one of NASCAR’s National Series. “With no championship on the line for me this season, it’s about having fun,” sounded Dean. “Whether that’s competing with Venturini Motorsports in ARCA, DLP Motorsports in Late Model competition, or the other racing endeavors we have planned for this season. We’re working hard behind the scenes to get back to a full-time status hopefully in 2023.” (In part from Gus Dean Racing PR) (05-09-22)
  • Thomas Praytor diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis: After suffering through several days of flu like symptoms, Thomas Praytor lost the use of his left arm and left leg on lap 5 of the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. Driving with his right hand only Praytor continued to compete until a red flag allowed for a driver change with Sean Corr with 10 laps to go. The medical team removed the ailing Praytor from his AIDB Chevy and began treatment in the infield care center. A heavy dose of IV Fluids and oxygen patched up the Moose enough to send him back home. Back in Mobile the doctors began a regimen of testing producing a diagnosis of rare Rhabdomyolysis or commonly called “Rhabdo” (Less than 26,000 cases in US). Rhabdo normally happens during extreme exertion with endurance runners, firefighters working in hot environments and members of the military involved in heavy duty exercises in a hot environment. “I really appreciate my doctors in Talladega and Mobile working hard on getting this deal figured out. I’ve raced with concussions, broken bones, flu, kidney stones, you name it but nothing like this. I’m glad we know what it is and what we have to do to get me back 100%,” said Praytor. “Since I stopped competing full time and I’m not the Ironman of the Series anymore, my Dad and I have had a lot of conversations about some things I maybe shouldn’t have done to stay in the race car. I think Dale (Earnhardt) Jr talking about his issues with concussions and other stuff have made that conversation possible. In hind sight I pushed it too far at Talladega but at the end of the day was able to get out of the car knowing I had made the right decision.” While rare, Rhabdo is treatable and can be kept in check which will allow Praytor to completely recover and compete again. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (05-09-22)
  • Will Kimmel to race at Kansas in place of Scott Melton: Will Kimmel announced in a recent Kimmel Racing Facebook video that he will race at Kansas Speedway on May 14th in place of Scott Melton. Scott Melton was injured in an accident during the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. Kimmel stated that Melton told him "just keep digging" and "just switch" drivers. (In part from Kimmel Racing Facebook) (05-06-22)
  • Dead On Tools to partner with Taylor Gray & David Gilliland Racing: David Gilliland Racing has announced that Dead On Tools will partner with drivers Tanner and Taylor Gray during the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series seasons. In addition to their sponsorship efforts with the eldest Gray, Dead On Tools will serve as Taylor Gray’s primary partner for the Bush’s Beans 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway with the ARCA Menards Series. “It’s really neat to represent the Dead On Tools brand as they expand their presence in our sport,” [said] Taylor Gray. “I’m excited to be the one who gets to drive the Dead On Tools Mustang in the ARCA Menards Series and also have them on my truck the same day.” (In part from David Gilliland Racing PR) (05-05-22)
  • Bobby Gerhart Racing seeking funded drivers: Bobby Gerhart Racing has posted the following classified on RacingJunk.com in search of funded drivers for its driver development program: "Bobby Gerhart Racing is offering funded driver development opportunities at a variety of levels. From an 18 race entry level program in the Super Cup series; to single or multiple races in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series. Previous customers include Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and dozens of racers who have driven winning equipment. BGR has over 100 development starts with wins and many top five finishes and a very strong super speedway program. Start your drivers road to victory lane today." (In part from RacingJunk.com) (05-05-22)
  • Daniel Dye arrested for felony battery UPDATES: 18 year-old GMS Racing driver Daniel Dye was arrested yesterday in Deland, FL for felony battery. Dye was arrested at 1:50 PM and was released at 7:33 PM after posting $2,500 in bond. GMS Racing announced in October 2021 that Dye would race full time and would compete for the ARCA Menards Series championship this season. Dye currently ranks second in driver points following this past weekend's event at Talladega Superspeedway. (In part from VolusiaMug.VCGov.org) (04-27-22)
    UPDATE: The Volusia charging affidavit states that the victim came in and reported a felony battery. The victim "stated that on April 25, 2022 at approximately 1440 hours, he was attending class at Father Lopez Catholic High School located at 3918 LPGA Blvd. [The victim] stated that while he was sitting in his [redacted] class one of his classmates, Daniel Dye came up to him on his left side and started grinding and dancing with his groin (pelvic area) by [the victim's] head and face. [The victim] stated that he pushed his left arm up towards [Daniel Dye] in an attempt to push him away. [The victim] stated that this did not work and [Daniel Dye] continued for another minute until [Daniel Dye] stopped. [The victim] further stated that he thought the incident was over and all of a sudden [Daniel Dye] came up from behind him and punched him in the groin area." (In part from Volusia Charging Affidavit) (04-27-22)
    GMS Racing Statement: "GMS Racing is aware of the current situation surrounding Daniel Dye. Daniel and the Dye family are cooperating with local law enforcement. No further comment will be made on the subject until more information becomes available." (GMS Racing PR) (04-27-22)
    Suspended indefinitely from ARCA: Daniel Dye has been suspended indefinitely from ARCA competition for a violation of the 2022 ARCA Rulebook Section 12-8.1.E.2, a behavioral penalty which references ARCA Member Conduct Guidelines. Dye, 18, was arrested on a felony battery charge Tuesday in Volusia County, Florida. Dye races full time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 43 Chevrolet for GMS Racing. After three races in 2022, he ranks second in series standings. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-27-22)
  • Jake Finch joins Venturini Motorsports for Pocono: Venturini Motorsports announced today the signing of 16-year-old driver, Jake Finch to a two-race ARCA schedule in 2022. Finch, who comes to VMS ready to learn and gain experience, will pilot the No. 25 Toyota Camry at Dover Motor Speedway this Friday, April 29 for the ARCA East race. Finch will also pilot the No. 55 Toyota Camry at Pocono Raceway on July 22 for the ARCA Menards event. “I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to race in the ARCA Menards Series for Venturini Motorsports,” said Finch. “Both Pocono and Dover are unique and historic, fast racetracks, and it’ll be a cool experience and challenge for me as I learn at some new places.” Finch, son of former NASCAR Cup Series & Xfinity Series team owner James Finch, has experienced stock-car racing since he was seven years old. The Lynn Haven, Florida native just recently made his debut in the ARCA East series at his home track of Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL scoring a top-ten finish in the Pensacola 200. In 2021, Finch also captured the Outlaw division track Championship at Five Flags Speedway. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-25-22)
  • Thomas Praytor suffers from illness at Talladega; replaced by Sean Corr: On the way to Talladega, Thomas Praytor [started] feeling bad, bad moved to really bad and shivering under stacks of blankets, a flu bug had gotten a hold of the Mobile, Alabama driver and it was ugly. The former series Ironman, Praytor had competed under adversity before, feeling like crap at the race track is nothing new, he soldiered through inspection and practice. On race day the symptoms had not subsided and in some ways were worse than the day before but when you only race a time or two a year you keep digging. Even a fast race car couldn’t hold off the sickness and Praytor reported he was losing feeling and strength in his left arm and leg. If you’ve never driven a race car at 180MPH your left arm is important to turn the steering wheel to make left turns. After a couple of cautions the Moose set a faster lap of the race and was rumbling to the front. Under caution Praytor reported he had lost all use of his left arm completely and asked spotter Tab Boyd to put him in the high lane only because he could no longer hold the car on the bottom. Back under green Praytor was now driving with one hand. The Moose proceeded to put the AIDB Chevy in the top 10 turning a lap over 183 miles per hour setting a new fastest time of the race for the third time and was half a second faster than the leaders drafting his way to the front, right handed. “Thomas was having a great day and I’m use to him driving with all sorts of problems, kidney stones, viruses, concussion, broken body parts, he just has no quit in him. I was getting worried about losing the use of his left hand and if he was admitting to that he was probably a whole lot worse,” said Dad, Tommy Praytor. “I felt like he would only get out of the car is if we had a replacement he would be happy with. I thought about our friends in the Xfinity garage that would come down and started looking down the list of ARCA drivers who were already out of the race, Sean Corr. Thomas and Sean have drafted together for years and he is one of the only people who has as much experience as Thomas on restrictor plate tracks. I texted Grumpy (Corr’s crew Chief) and ARCA telling them I needed Sean as a standby,” Corr quickly made his way to the pit box. A red flag for a big wreck on the front stretch gave the team the perfect opportunity to swap drivers and Praytor was called to the garage for the swap. The medical staff pulled Thomas out of the car taking him to the infield care center while Corr strapped in. While Corr finished the race Praytor spent the afternoon in the infield care center getting an IV and oxygen for elevated carbon monoxide levels. “We are grateful for all the work Mike and the guys at Venturini put in on our car. Can’t thank Sean Corr enough for filling in, not too many other people Thomas would have given his car too. Really appreciate the Doctors and Nurses in infield care taking care of Thomas. He is on the mend but is still stiff, sore and sick but he’ll get better. We had a good effort this weekend and overcame a lot of adversity, we’ll get our driver healed up and get ready to go again,” offered Tommy Praytor. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (04-25-22)
  • Scott Melton suffers compound fracture in lower left leg: Scott Melton, driving the No. 69 Melton McFadden Insurance Agency Ford, was involved in a lap 49 crash that was triggered when Toni Breidinger spun into a pack of cars. Scott Melton was extracted from his car and posted the following message on his Facebook page:
    SCOTT MELTON:     "Today didn’t go as planned. Currently I’m in the hospital, after some nice gentleman offered me a helicopter ride, in Birmingham, Alabama. I will have surgery first thing in the morning to repair a compound fracture on my lower left leg. Sounds like a fairly simple procedure.  Hoping to fly home tomorrow. Apparently we won’t be in the late model at Salem tomorrow. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. We live to fight another day. Really appreciate everyone at kimmel racing. They delivered another great car. (In part from Scott Melton Facebook) (04-24-22)
  • Nick Sanchez wins the General Tire 200 at Talladega: [Nick] Sanchez made a daring, three-wide move to take the race lead moments before a caution flag waved to end the race early, allowing him to claim his second ARCA victory dating back to last year and first of the 2022 season. The race ended nine laps early so Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race could start on time. Prior to a restart with 13 laps left, teams were informed that the next flag – checkered or caution – would end the race. “They told me the last caution was going to end it, so I was driving pretty aggressive just trying to get to the front before someone wrecked,” Sanchez said. While that was happening, Daniel Dye was at the front of the field trying to pass race leader Heim. He first moved up to the top to block a run by Bret Holmes before moving low to try and block Heim. The move to block Heim came too late, and Dye spun off the nose of Heim’s No. 20 Toyota. That’s when Sanchez saw his opportunity. Sanchez moved low under Holmes and was able to go three-wide to pass Heim for the lead seconds before the caution was displayed for Dye’s spin, allowing Sanchez to secure the first superspeedway triumph for Rev Racing. Heim was scored third behind Sanchez and Holmes and expressed displeasure with how the race ended. “I think that’s just a joke,” Heim said. “My spotter told me the race was going to end under caution whenever the next flag was. That’s just a joke.” Thad Moffitt made a late run through the field to finish fourth ahead of Gus Dean in fifth. Rajah Caruth, Drew Dollar, Ryan Huff, Parker Chase and Max Gutierrez unofficially completed the top-10. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-24-22)
  • Lineup for Talladega set by owner points: The starting lineup for the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway has been set by 2021 owner points. #18 Drew Dollar will start from pole position and #20 Corey Heim will start alongside. #15 Parker Chase, #2 Nick Sanchez, and #25 Toni Breidinger complete the top five. Full Starting Lineup (04-23-22)
  • Ryan Huff returning at Talladega; hoping to compete in additional races: On the heels of earning a quiet top-10 finish in the 2022 ARCA Menards Series season-opener at Daytona, Ryan Huff invades Talladega determined to earn back-to-back top-10 finishes for the first time in his young ARCA career. “Daytona feels like forever ago, so I’m just glad Talladega is finally here,” said Huff. “After our solid start to our ARCA season at Daytona, I’ve been eager to get to Talladega and see if we can get keep the momentum on our side. It’s not easy being a small family-owned team out here competing with some of the best of the best in the series, but I think we’ve surprised a few people with our effort and dedication and I believe as a team we are now more than ready to turn our top-10 finishes into top-five efforts.” The remainder of Huff’s 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule is still being pieced together, but the Williamsburg, Va. native hopes to have a larger presence in the series. “We’re still ironing out the details, but we’re hoping to make Kansas our next race following Talladega,” Huff explained. “If everything goes good at Kansas, we’ll take on Charlotte, Pocono and other races during the season. We are working hard to be at the track as much as possible this summer and fall, but it’s an expensive sport and we are doing the best we can with the support we have.” H&H Excavation, a company owned by Huff will serve as the primary partner this weekend at Talladega. In addition, Southeastern Services, Outback Steakhouse and Hawkeye Graphics will serve as associate marketing partners for Huff’s third ARCA start at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. (In part from Ryan Huff Motorsports PR) (04-20-22)
  • Toni Breidinger partners with the Women’s Sports Foundation for Talladega: Toni Breidinger is raising awareness of the importance of gender equality in sports. Breidinger will race the No. 25 Women’s Sports Foundation Toyota at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23rd. “Teaming up with WSF for a race at a historic track like Talladega stands for everything that I believe in when it comes to supporting women in sports,” said 22 year-old Breidinger. “As one of three females running a full season at a National level in NASCAR, it’s important to me to bring awareness to the sport and having WSF on my car for the race is a step in the right direction." Breidinger will be working closely with WSF to shine light on the importance of female empowerment in motorsport. Motorsports is one of the only sports where men and women compete professionally together. “The Women’s Sports Foundation works to unlock the possibilities in every girl and woman through the power of sport,” said Danette Leighton, WSF CEO. “Seeing a female race car driver blazing around the Talladega Superspeedway can encourage and inspire girls everywhere to recognize their own power and potential. We are grateful to our WSF Athlete Ambassador Toni Breidinger for including WSF signage on her car, and we’ll be rooting her on for a great race and season ahead!” (In part from Roman Empire PR) (04-20-22)
  • Max Gutiérrez racing at Talladega: Max Gutiérrez returns to the premier ARCA Menards Series tour for Saturday afternoon’s General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. The former NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series champion returns to finish what his team started in the 2022 season-opener at Daytona in February. Gutiérrez and his Rette Jones Racing team in an alliance with AM Racing trekked 12 miles north where he successfully qualified 19th aboard his No. 32 TOUGHBUILT | Rette Jones Racing car at the “World Center of Racing.” While running competitively in the draft and inching close to the top-10, Gutiérrez’s race car developed an electrical issue which thwarted their opportunity to contend for the win and instead left the 19-year-old embracing laps around the superspeedway in the draft to prepare him for this weekend’s battle at Talladega. With the team confident that the electrical issue is fixed for Talladega, Gutiérrez heads to the famed Alabama race track ready to contend for a strong finish. “I am so thankful for this opportunity at Talladega,” offered Gutiérrez. “Daytona was certainly disappointing, but you will have days like that in racing. Even though we were out of contention for the win, I never stopped learning from the drop of the green flag to the checkered flag. (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (04-20-22)
  • Jon Garrett to make ARCA debut at Talladega with Fast Track: Jon Garrett, the Athens, Texas resident, is set to make his ARCA Menards Series debut at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday April 23rd. “I just want to say a big Thank You to everyone that has helped me make this life long dream come true, especially Michael Harper and Bayley Currey for guiding me through the process,” commented Jon Garrett. “There have been so many people that have helped me along the way, really coming full circle from people that I’ve supported through the years.” Partnering together with Andy Hillenburg and Fast Track Racing, Garrett will be piloting the No. 11 Ford. On board will be the familiar Fort Worth Screen Printing colors, alongside several associate partners; Athens Screen Printing, The Twitch iRacing Community, Dalton Kowden, Tuffskinz Vented Outboard Covers, Freelancers eSports Team, Manufacturing News, Venture Foods of Shattuck, OK and Head Kandy. “I hope to be smart, learn a lot as the race goes and be there at the end, because you never know what can happen at Talladega,” continued Garrett. “Of course none of this would ever have been a possibility if it wasn’t for Andy Hillenburg and the awesome crew at Fast Track Racing.” (In part from Jon Garrett PR) (04-19-22)
  • Andy Jankowiak secures Whelen sponsorship for five races: Whelen Engineering Company, a global leader in the emergency warning industry since 1952, have teamed with owner/driver Andy Jankowiak for five ARCA Menards Series events this year beginning at Talladega Superspeedway. Whelen designs and manufactures reliable and powerful warning lights, white illumination lighting, sirens, controllers and high-powered warning systems for Automotive, Aviation, and Mass Notification industries worldwide. “We are still a very young team, but we are trying to grow into a team that can compete at this level,” said Jankowiak, a 34-year-old native of Tonawanda, New York. “Our goal is to keep getting better each time we go to a race and the only way to do that is to build a support system. Having Whelen on our team gives us a lot of confidence that we can continue to keep growing.” Jankowiak and his team caught the eye of Whelen Engineering’s Ted Marsh in 2021 after Marsh supplied the team with a car for the road course event at Watkins Glen International last August. “I was very impressed with the dedication and knowledge of Andy’s volunteer team members,” said Marsh, who also owns Marsh Racing, a team that has fielded cars with his trademark No. 31 in multiple motorsports divisions through the years. “Ted is held in very high regard by all of us in racing and having his support was one more step towards our team being an organization that could represent a company like Whelen,” said Jankowiak. Whelen Engineering Company will be featured during five events on Jankowiak’s No. 73 car during the ARCA Menards Series season starting with the event at Talladega on Saturday, April 23. Whelen will also be represented on the team’s car for the events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Watkins Glen International and Kansas Speedway. “Whelen Engineering takes pride in our long-standing involvement in motorsports,” said Peter Tiezzi, III, General Manager of Motorsports for Whelen Engineering Company. “We are very excited to partner with Andy Jankowiak in the ARCA Menards Series.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-19-22)
  • Thomas Praytor and Max Force Racing returning at Talladega: The former ARCA Menards Series “Iron Man” Thomas “Moose” Praytor has filed an entry for the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. “Really looking forward to being back at Talladega,” said Praytor. “My brother-in-law, Mike Abram and the guys at Venturini have been working on our car all winter and I’m excited about the piece we are bringing back to Alabama.” Talladega will be Praytor’s 113th ARCA Series start, ranking him second in career starts amongst active drivers and his 10th at Talladega Superspeedway. The Moose has competed in 17 restrictor plate races logging over 3,000 miles in plate competition. Only two active drivers have more restrictor miles than the Moose. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (04-11-22)
  • Venturini Motorsports; Jesse Love sign Yahoo sponsorship for five races: Yahoo and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) are pleased to announce a multi-year agreement. Yahoo has been named an Official Partner of TRD and will receive several assets as part of the agreement, including primary schemes with Toyota-backed teams. “At Yahoo, we connect people to their passions with the content and experiences that fuel their day,” said Iván Markman, Chief Business Officer at Yahoo. “We’re excited to work with TRD this year, and look forward to seeing the Yahoo brand at high speed.” Yahoo will support the Toyota Driver Development (TD2) program and Jesse Love. 17-year-old Love will run the Yahoo livery in five ARCA events for Venturini Motorsports. (In part from YahooInc.com) (04-05-22)
  • Daniel Dye secures sponsorship from Champion Container Corporation for three races: GMS Racing’s Daniel Dye is pleased to welcome Champion Container Corporation as a primary partner on the No. 43 Chevrolet for three events in 2022. The Edison, New Jersey based company, will ride along with Daniel at Pocono Raceway, Watkins Glen, and Bristol Motor Speedway. "It is a tremendous honor to have Champion Container onboard with us later this season at three prominent and internationally known racetracks in Pocono, Watkins Glen, and Bristol," commented driver Daniel Dye. "We showed really good speed at Bristol last year, and I was able to test well at Pocono and feel like we should be upfront and represent Champion Container very well at each of those three races as we chase the ARCA title." Dye, an 18-year-old high school senior from Daytona Beach, Florida, finished third at Daytona and second in Phoenix to open the ARCA Menards Series national season and now sits first in the championship point standings. GMS Racing fields the No. 43 Chevrolet SS for Dye. (In part from GMSRacing.net) (03-22-22)
  • David Gilliland Racing acts quickly to race at Phoenix: On the morning of Tuesday, March 8, David Gilliland took a phone call no race team owner or human being ever wants to receive. Three days later, he and his organization found themselves in Victory Lane at Phoenix Raceway after what Gilliland called “the most special win (he’s) ever been a part of” in his motorsports career. This is the result of an astonishingly concerted and heavy-hearted effort on the part of David Gilliland Racing in the wake of a traffic accident that took the life of team hauler driver Steven Stotts early that Tuesday morning. Stotts was transporting Taylor Gray’s No. 17 Ford and DGR’s ARCA Menards Series equipment to Phoenix for the General Tire 150. Two more team members, John Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle, were injured in the accident. Just a few hours after Gilliland received that phone call Tuesday morning, another DGR hauler was on its way to Phoenix loaded with equipment and another No. 17 Ford. Full Story (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-15-22)
  • Matt Wilson joins CCM Racing with Laravel sponsorship: Laravel will be partnering with CCM Racing driver Matt Wilson, also an Arkansas native, in a select number of races in the ARCA Racing Series this season, with the official schedule to be released at a later date. “Laravel is thrilled to partner with CCM Racing and we can’t wait to see what Matt and the team accomplish on the track this year,” said [Taylor] Otwell, founder and CEO of Laravel. Wilson participated in the pre-season ARCA Racing Series test at Daytona International Speedway in January and currently competes in the COMMA Racing Series at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in Jennings, Oklahoma. “It’s very cool having Laravel on board this season,” said Wilson. “Taylor and I have been friends since we were kids. We went to the same high school and even played on the drumline together. I have watched him build a company around his passion and enjoy tremendous success. So I couldn’t be more proud to represent Laravel at this level of motorsports.” (In part from CCM Racing PR) (03-13-22)
  • Taylor Gray scores emotional victory at Phoenix: Racing with a heavy heart after the loss of David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts in traffic accident on Tuesday, Taylor Gray earned his first ARCA Menards Series victory Friday night during the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. The 16-year-old Gray had to withstand multiple challenges throughout Friday’s race. He first battled with defending ARCA Menards Series East champion Sammy Smith and later battled his way past GMS Racing’s Daniel Dye during a restart on lap 138 to take the lead for the final time. Gray retained the lead during two more restarts, including a green-white-checkered restart, in the final portion of the race to claim the victory at the one-mile tri-oval. “It felt like they didn’t want me to win tonight,” said Gray, who led a race-high 76 laps. “All those guys are really tough to beat. We just had a really good race car tonight.” Dye finished second after taking the lead during the second half of the race and, at one point, leading by more than four seconds. He blamed the decision to restart in the top lane on lap 138 for costing him a shot at the victory. Smith, driving the No. 18 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports, finished third after leading most of the first half of the race. Rajah Caruth finished fourth after running as high as second in the final laps. Jake Drew was the highest finishing ARCA Menards Series West regular in the field in fifth. Jesse Love, Nick Sanchez, Josh Berry, Derek Kraus and Connor Mosack completed the top-10. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-12-22)
  • David Gilliland Racing transporter involved in accident UPDATE: David Gilliland Racing (DGR) has learned that our No. 17 ARCA team transporter was involved in an accident early this morning near Longview, Texas. The transporter was en route to Arizona for Friday evening’s ARCA Menards Series event at Phoenix Raceway. DGR and driver Taylor Gray’s participation in Friday’s event will be determined at a later time. (David Gilliland Racing PR) (03-08-22)
    UPDATE:     We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Steven Stotts, co-driver for our No. 17 ARCA team transporter, that was involved in an accident early this morning near Longview, Texas. Our deepest sympathies go out to Steven’s family and friends. John Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle, who were passengers in the transporter, have been treated and released from a local hospital. Our continued thoughts are with the driver of the second vehicle involved in the accident. (David Gilliland Racing PR) (03-08-22)
  • Krista Kelley, Mike Massaro join MAVTV’s ARCA coverage: Veteran motorsports announcer Krista Kelley will anchor MAVTV Motorsports Network’s live broadcasts of the ARCA Menards Series in 2022. Kelley replaces lap-by-lap race caller Bob Dillner, who had been part of the ARCA broadcasts on MAVTV since 2017. Dillner has stepped out of the booth to take an expanded role in the development of the motorsports network but will continue to work with the production team on the broadcasts. Long-time ARCA analyst Jim Tretow will join Kelley in the booth, while Mike Massaro will join the team to handle pit road duties. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (03-01-22)