ARCA Racing Resources

Upcoming ARCA Races

March 14, 2015

Mobile International Speedway


April 11, 2015 

Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville


April 26, 2015

Salem Speedway

  the pit lane links

Twitter    















Frontstretch.com



Front Stretch Photos


The Pit Lane




Front Stretch Photos

ARCA Racing Series News and Rumors

  • Dominic Ursetta to drive for Venturini Motorsports at Mobile, Salem: Dominic Ursetta is set to make his ARCA Racing Series debut with Venturini Motorsports in next week’s Mobile 200 at Mobile International Speedway. Recently signed to a two race contract, Ursetta will drive the No.55 Mosquito Patch - Arvada Excavating & Productive Data Solutions Toyota with veteran crew chief Jeff McClure leading the charge. Ursetta will also compete at Salem Speedway on April 26th. “The ARCA Series is rich in history and has developed some great racers over the years. Should be a lot of fun. It’s a great opportunity to start off here. No doubt this is the biggest race of my career so far,” said Ursetta. At 26-years old the Arvada, Colorado native is coming off a successful season in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series where he captured the 2014 Super Late Model Colorado State Championship. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (03-05-15)
  • Cunningham Motorsports announces driver development program with Roush Fenway; Kyle Weatherman to drive: Cunningham Motorsports’ co-owner, Kerry Scherer, announced that his organization has reached an agreement with Roush Fenway Racing to become a driver development team for them in the ARCA Racing Series. Their primary driver will be 17-year old Kyle Weatherman, who will join the Cunningham team for the next ARCA race at Mobile on Saturday, March 14. Weatherman’s schedule of races has not been completed at this time, but Cunningham and Roush Fenway expect he will be racing as often as his age and his development schedule will allow. In making the announcement Scherer commented, “We are excited to partner with such a tradition-rich organization as Roush Fenway Racing. We look forward to working with Kyle, a truly gifted driver, to help him reach his goals with Roush Fenway.” (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (02-25-15)
  • Bo LeMastus may expand part time schedule: Bo LeMastus announced earlier in the year that he was stepping up his ARCA program in 2015, and as things continue to evolve, that could mean running the entire 20-race schedule. “We’ve got a plan in place to run all of them. We’re still sorting through some things, but we’d like to try it. That could change based on my schedule, we’ll see. I’ve got a company to be concerned with that pays for all my playtime, so I have to be realistic. I guess you could say we’re tiptoeing into a full schedule. The employees get a little nervous when the boss is gone all the time. We’ve certainly got everything we need. We’re set up for a three-year program.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-24-15)
  • Donnie Neuenberger steps out of Carter 2 car UPDATE: Donnie Neuenberger stepped out of his No. 40 Carter 2 Motorsports Dodge before the Lucas Oil 200 on February 14th after being displeased with his car's performance. The car that the Carter 2 Motorsports team prepared for him allegedly was having electrical issues and was the slowest in practice. Reports that Neuenberger was ill were untrue. (02-22-15)
    UPDATE: Despite the continued illness claims made by team official, we stand behind the report that Donnie Neuenberger stepped out of the No. 40 Dodge to due car performance issues. Team owner Roger Carter II posted on Facebook an hour before the start of the Lucas Oil 200 that he hoped "that bugs [were] worked out of [the 40]" and "if not it will be a short day for the 40 car." Carter II was unsure if Neuenberger's original car would even complete the race. Additionally, teammate Cassie Gannis tweeted that wrong parts were used on her No. 95 Dodge which caused her to miss the same event one day earlier. (02-24-15)
  • Brett Hudson fined, penalized after Daytona: Based on post-race technical inspection after Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 ARCA Racing Series race at Daytona Int’l Speedway, the #09 team has been fined $10,000, team owner/driver Brett Hudson has been penalized with the loss of 190 championship points and crew chief John Hayden has been placed on probation for the remainder of the 2015 season. The penalties are a result of violating the Daytona Race Event Technical Bulletin, specifically “no alteration of ARCA-issued restrictor plate, spacer and/or gasket package”. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-20-15)
  • Venturini Motorsports and Cody Coughlin fined, penalized after Daytona: Based on post-race technical inspection after Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 ARCA Racing Series race at Daytona Int’l Speedway, the #55 team has been fined $6,000 and team owner Billy Venturini and driver Cody Coughlin have been penalized with the loss of 100 championship points and crew chief Dave Leiner has been placed on probation through July 1. The penalties are a result of violating the Daytona Race Event Technical Bulletin, specifically “both the left and right rear coil springs must be active in supporting the rear weight of the car.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-20-15)
  • Frank Kimmel working on a full schedule?: It was reported during the FOX Sports 1 Daytona broadcast that Frank Kimmel is working on securing sponsorship for the full season. Kimmel would compete for another team, as he is sharing the No. 25 Toyota entry this season with Brandon Jones. (02-16-15)
  • Grant Enfinger wins at Daytona: #23 Grant Enfinger won the Lucas Oil 200 for the second straight year. #15 Daniel Suarez finished second, while #09 Brett Hudson, #55 Cody Coughlin, and #25 Frank Kimmel completed the top five. The race featured three cautions including one accident that took out #5 Bobby Gerhart, #17 Buster Graham, and #66 Leilani Munter. Full Results (02-16-15)
  • Mark Thompson wins Daytona pole: #11 Mark Thompson won the pole for tomorrow's Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Thompson, 63, also become Daytona's oldest polesitter. #55 Cody Coughlin will start alongside, while #77 Tom Hessert, #09 Brett Hudson, and #52 Clay Campbell completed the top five. Nine cars failed to qualify for the field. Drivers missing the race included #03 Raymond Hassler, #7 Tommy Barrett Jr, #57 Bryan Dauzat, #73 Dale Shearer, #76 Andy Seuss, #80 Russ Dugger, #83 Derrick Lancaster, #95 Cassie Gannis, and #99 Brent Cross. Derrick Lancaster originally made the race, but his time was disallowed after a minimum rear quarter panel height violation. Starting Lineup (02-13-15)
  • Sean Corr and Empire Racing supporting horse carriage industry: Sean Corr, an up-and-coming race car driver from upstate New York, decked out his race car with a mural featuring a Central Park horse-carriage driver to show support for the embattled industry. The hood of his tan Ford is decked with a drawing of a horse-carrige operator under the headline “New York Horse Power.” It also features a Teamsters logo — which is the union that reps the drivers and is in a fierce battle with City Hall to protect the industry — and the hashtag “#Carriageon.” “We had the open spot [on the hood] and I couldn’t think of a better cause to put on it,” said Corr. [Corr] grew up on a horse farm in Goshen in Orange County and reached out to the industry to ask for a mural for the car during the race. In addition to supporting a good cause, it also shows the world his connection to his home state. (In part from NYDailyNews.com) (02-13-15)
  • 50 cars entered for Daytona: Fifty cars are currently entered for the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Recent entries include #6 Josh Williams, #17 Buster Graham, #78 Mason Mitchell, and #92 Daniel Hemric. View the complete list on ARCA's official website. Full Entry List (02-10-15)
  • Brennan Poole reduces ARCA schedule; multiple Team BCR drivers: Brennan Poole has joined HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi and will compete in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. While it was previously announced that Poole will compete in a minimum of ten races for Team BCR Racing, team officials now state that Poole will run selected races that fit his schedule. Multiple drivers will now drive the No. 45 Ford this season. (02-10-15)
  • FOX Sports signs multi-year broadcast agreement: ARCA officials and FOX Sports announced today a new multi-year broadcast rights agreement for the ARCA Racing Series under which racing events will be televised on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2 during the 2015-2017 racing seasons. Ten races will be telecast on either FOX Sports 1 or FOX Sports 2 in 2015, the first of the three-year agreement. FOX Sports 1 waves the green flag on 52nd Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona on Saturday, February 14. In addition to Daytona, races from Talladega Superspeedway on May 1; Iowa Speedway July 17; Lucas Oil Raceway July 24 and Kentucky Speedway September 25 will also air on FOX Sports 1. Both Pocono events (June 6 and August 1), plus the races from Michigan International Speedway on June 12; Chicagoland Speedway June 20; and Kansas Speedway October 16 will air on FOX Sports 2, with a re-air scheduled for each on FOX Sports 1. All races included in the deal also will air on FOX Sports GO, the app that delivers streaming video of FOX Sports content. “FOX Sports continues its long-term commitment to motor sports, securing a multi-year deal with the ARCA Racing Series,” said Patrick Crakes, SVP Programming, Research and Content Strategy for FOX Sports. “FOX Sports and ARCA have a long history together, and we are happy to extend that significant relationship with this new contract.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-10-15)
  • Buster Graham returns to Roulo Brothers for Daytona and Talladega: Buster Graham is set to debut the No. 17 Louisiana Tech Bulldog Ford Saturday at Daytona in the Lucas Oil 200. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to drive the No. 17 Louisiana Tech car in this race," said Graham. "It's an honor to represent such an outstanding, upper tier university and to sport the Bulldog colors and logos. At the end of the race, I hope to be able to climb out of the car on Victory Lane and talk up Louisiana Tech. We are going to do our best to make the Bulldogs proud." Before climbing into a stock car for Roulo Brothers Racing, Graham was a veteran of APBA Hydroplane Racing and Supercross. In 2012, he had a season-best 10th place finish at Michigan and won the CSG Imaging Hard Charger Award, presented to the driver who gains the most positions from their starting spot throughout the race season. Graham earned a ninth-place finish in 2013 at Michigan before joining with Roulo Racing in 2014. In addition to Saturday's race at Daytona, Graham and the No. 17 Louisiana Tech Bulldog Ford is scheduled to race at Talladega Superspeedway on May 1 in the Talladega ARCA 200. (In part from The News-Star) (02-10-15)
  • Grant Enfinger to drive full time for GMS Racing: Grant Enfinger returns to the ARCA Racing Series with GMS Racing for the 2015 season. Enfinger will kick off the year at Daytona International Speedway, piloting the No. 23 Alamo Rent-A-Car Chevrolet.  “Last season was a great year for us and all of the guys have worked really hard throughout the off-season, giving us a chance to get that trophy in Daytona.” Enfinger, said. “We moved up to Statesville (N.C.) at the end of last year. It’s taken a lot of effort from the team, but we are where we want to be with just a few weeks until our first time out in 2015.” 2015 marks Enfinger’s third full-time season in ARCA Racing competition and his eighth straight year making at least one start in the series. “Grant (Enfinger) proved last season he has what it takes to win races and compete for a championship.” Nic Moncher, GMS Racing’s Team Manager, said. “We’re happy to have him as part of the GMS Racing family for 2015.” (In part from GMS Racing PR) (02-05-15)
  • Lira Motorsports signs John Lowingski-Loh for Daytona: Lira Motorsports is excited to welcome John Lowingski-Loh to its ARCA Racing Series driver lineup for Daytona. Lowinski-Loh will be behind the wheel of the No. 58 Ford for the up-and-coming race team based out of Port Orange, Florida. In 2014 he competed for track championships at Thompson Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl, capturing numerous top-five finishes. He also made his ARCA Racing debut in 2014 at Kansas Motor Speedway, finishing the race 10th. John is is still accepting sponsorship for the 2015 ARCA Racing Series schedule. Any interested parties should contact Lira Motorsports. (In part from Lira Motorsports PR) (02-05-15)
  • Mullins Racing enters car for J.J. Pack at Daytona: Mullins Racing welcomes J.J. Pack to the team. Pack, the reigning Super Cup Stock Car Series champion, will team up with Mullins for ARCA’s annual Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona. The Bealeton, VA driver has been racing for more than fifteen years and has Super Cup Stock Car, NASCAR Late Model Stock Car, and mini-stock experience. Pack’s car owner, Willie Mullins, from Fredericksburg, VA has competed in ARCA road course races and operates a full bodied road course building business for teams. “It's really a surreal feeling,” said Mullins. “It's a big jump for us, but we are more than ready. When you have the opportunity to run Daytona, you take it. We have had a lot of help from our friends in ARCA and we are really excited to get JJ (Pack) behind the wheel.” Mullins’ team will be sponsored by Bugsy’s Auto and by Crow Wing Recycling. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (02-03-15)
  • Tom Berte returning for partial ARCA schedule: Tom Berte, a completely self-made man, is at the helm of four very successful businesses and, at 71, races part-time on the ARCA Racing Series tour. “I own my own stuff, but Venturini Motorsports prepares it for me for all the races" said Berte. "I’ve got six races scheduled in 2015 – both Poconos, Chicagoland, Iowa, Kentucky and Kansas. My crew chief is David Ifft. I did order the new engine package for all the races. As long as my reactions hold up and I still have stamina, I want to keep doing it.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-03-15)
  • Woodruff Motorsports to run partial ARCA schedule: Teams are in the process of finalizing their plans and solidifying sponsorship deals to make the season opening races in Florida. Owner Darryl Woodruff and his Woodruff Motorsports team are no exception. “It has been a long off-season for the entire Woodruff Motorsports team, but we have accomplished a number of goals on our checklist as we continue to work towards 2015 and beyond,” said Darryl Woodruff. In December 2014, Darryl and his team participated in the ARCA Racing Series test at Daytona in hopes of gaining approval to compete in the series for 2015. Woodruff Motorsports’ driver Kyle Lockrow was behind the wheel of the #7 Ford, and at the conclusion of the two-day test was 18th on the speed charts, earning the team’s approval from ARCA series officials. The tentative [ARCA] schedule for Woodruff Motorsports includes events at Pocono in June and Kentucky in September. Sponsorship opportunities with Woodruff Motorsports are available for the 2015 season. (In part from Woodruff Motorsports PR) (01-30-15)
  • Daniel Suarez to drive four races for Venturini Motorsports: Venturini Motorsports announced today that Daniel Suarez will return to the ARCA Racing Series with an abbreviated four race schedule starting at Daytona. In addition to making his Daytona start, Suarez will drive the No. 15 ARRIS Toyota at Chicagoland Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Kansas Speedway in 2015. “I’m very excited to compete in four ARCA Racing Series events this season with Venturini Motorsports,” said Suarez. “I had a lot of fun and gained really good experience last season in Kentucky and I’m sure this opportunity will help me further develop as a driver for 2015 and beyond.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-26-15)
  • Preliminary Daytona entry list released: The preliminary entry list for the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona has been posted. Notable entries include #00 Barry Fitzgerald, #06 Ed Pompa, #0 James Swanson, #8 Austin Hill, #23 Grant Enfinger, #54 Matt Kurzejewski, #68 David Levine, #78 Mason Mitchell, #82 Patrick Starapoli, #83 Derrick Lancaster, and #94 Dalton Hopkins. Additional entries are expected to be added soon. Preliminary Entry List (01-24-15)
  • DGM Racing to field Daytona entry for Russ Dugger: Russ Dugger is excited to announce his return to Daytona's famed high banks, with sights firmly set on running up front in the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200. Dugger will again be in top notch equipment when he climbs behind the wheel of his [DGM Racing] Chevrolet for what may be the finale of his professional driving career. Tanda Racing, a kart racing organization based in Norman, Oklahoma will be the primary sponsor for Dugger's entry for the Valentine's Day race, highlighting their "Promoting Youth In Motorsport" mission. (In part from Russ Dugger Racing PR) (01-24-15)
  • Ken Schrader Racing back full time in 2015 UPDATE 2 Campbell and Thompson at Daytona; Tifft returning?: Veteran race car driver Ken Schrader was on stage Saturday as the sixth-place owner. He said he wasn’t sure of the details for Ken Schrader Racing in 2015, but said the team expects to have plenty of the ARCA Racing Series in its future. “I’m very glad to be part of the ARCA series and we’ll be there for all 20 races with Federated Car Care as our sponsor,” Schrader said. “I’m very excited about the new body with the ARCA Ilmor engine and very excited for the new season.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-15-14)
    UPDATE: Clay Campbell and Mark Thompson are the rumored Ken Schrader Racing drivers for Daytona in February. Campbell, the president of Martinsville Speedway, drove for the team at Daytona and Talladega last year. He also participated in the Daytona open test in December. Mark Thompson is also expected to drive a second car. Thompson owns Phoenix Air and has been a long time competitor in the series, most recently driving for Turner Scott Motorsports and Venturini Motorsports. (01-08-15)
    UPDATE 2: There is more good news coming from the ARCA Racing Series – expect to see a lot of Ken Schrader Racing on the tour in 2015. The team is expected to return in 2015 with much the same cast of drivers to include Schrader, Clay Campbell and, more than likely, 18-year-old Matt Tifft. “Right now, we’ve got Clay Campbell in for Daytona and Talladega,” Schrader said. “I can tell you that I’ll be driving in the first Salem race, Toledo, Winchester, IRP (Lucas Oil Raceway), DuQuoin and the last Salem for sure, maybe more. Outside of that, I’m confident that you’ll see some Matt Tifft appearances in there too.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-24-15)
  • Group qualifying for Daytona: For the first time in ARCA history at Daytona, Menards Pole Qualifying will be conducted in a group qualifying format, similar to the procedure at Talladega Superspeedway last year. This will include the element of “drafting,” which will likely produce speeds significantly higher than last year. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-19-15)
  • Frank Kimmel to join Venturini Motorsports OFFICIAL Sharing car with Brandon Jones: Frank Kimmel is expected to join Venturini Motorsports for Friday’s open-test session at Daytona International Speedway, CATCHFENCE.com has learned. Kimmel with backing from longtime partner Ansell and Menards has left Win-Tron Racing and is certain to fill the spot for graduated driver Justin Boston. The Jefferson, Indiana native is expected to compete for the team in the 2015 season-opener next month on February 14. While details of the once former rivals is still forthcoming, sources close to the situation say that Kimmel has funding for at least 10 ARCA races this season. Kimmel, 52, has hoisted the No. 44 in ARCA Racing Series competition since 2008, but it’s likely that Kimmel will campaign with the iconic Venturini Motorsports’ No. 25 this season. Kimmel is expected to be joined by Cody Coughlin, Leilani Munter and Daniel Suarez as Venturini Motorsports teammates for the Lucas Oil 200. (In part from Catchfence.com) (01-13-15)
    OFFICIAL: Officials from Ansell Protective Products and Menards announced today that they will move their ARCA Racing Series team sponsorship program to Venturini Motorsports in 2015. In addition to the team sponsorship announcement, Ansell and Menards disclosed that 10-time ARCA Racing Series champion Frank Kimmel would run a 10-race schedule in 2015, with development driver Brandon Jones driving the Venturini Motorsports Toyota Camry in the remaining 10 events. The car will be the No. 25, the flagship car of Venturini Motorsports. “As the sponsorship world changes, we all know how difficult it is to run a full season, so we had to get creative with our sponsors Ansell and Menards,” Kimmel said. “It’s a situation where we all had to pool our resources to make this program go.” Ansell and Menards will be co-primary sponsors on the No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Toyota for 15 events and each will serve as associate sponsors on the remaining five events. Kimmel will be a driver, mentor, coach and spokesman at Venturini Motorsports. In addition to Daytona, Kimmel is expected to compete at Toledo Speedway; both Pocono events; Michigan International Speedway; Chicagoland Speedway; Berlin Raceway; the mile dirt tracks at both Springfield and DuQuoin, and the fall Salem event. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-15-15)
  • Team BCR Racing to field entry for Cole Powell at Daytona: Cole Powell has signed with Team BCR Racing to drive the #88 Tricar Ford at Daytona for the Lucas Oil 200. Before making his Daytona debut in 2014, Powell was named the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Rookie of the Year; the first Canadian to win this title. Powell made his ARCA Racing Series Daytona debut in 2014, where he  was involved in a multi-car incident early in the race. Cole Powell said, "I am really looking forward to 2015, and starting it off with Team BCR is very exciting. Their proven track record, equipment and crew members are very promising, and I feel that I have a great shot at winning this race." (In part from Team BCR Racing PR) (01-15-14)
  • Blake Jones testing for Cunningham; preparing for Daytona race: As long as Blake Jones can remember, he’s dreamed of the day when he would be old enough to drive at Daytona. That dream will come true Friday, January 16 when the 18-year-old driver climbs aboard the No. 22 Cunningham Motorsports Dodge for the open test in preparation for the 52nd annual Lucas Oil 200. “It’s surreal,” Jones said. “It’s a dream come true. I don’t think it has really set in yet, but I am sure that it will become more real on Friday at the test. But, the test will be just a taste of the entire experience. It’s crazy how God works….two-and-a-half years after we began our association, I am preparing to race at Daytona with Cunningham Motorsports. To be working with Paul Andrews (NASCAR championship crew chief) and spotter Rusty Webb completes my dream.” (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (01-13-15)
  • Cole Custer to run partial ARCA schedule for JR Motorsports: JR Motorsports will field cars for [Cole] Custer in select NASCAR K&N Pro Series events as well as a limited number of ARCA races. He has four career K&N Pro Series victories. (In part from NASCAR.com) (01-13-15)
  • Sarah Cornett-Ching to drive for RACE 101 at Daytona: On Feb. 14, Sarah Cornett-Ching, 23, will be behind the wheel of a stock car at the challenging Daytona 200. "I am pretty excited, and it still feels a little bit surreal," said Cornett-Ching. Racing in such a prestigious race doesn't seem like such a long shot, when Cornett-Ching's background is taken into consideration. She has been a part of the high speed world since she was a little girl, going to races with her dad Joe Cornett-Ching. "At first I liked hanging out with my dad, but then I started to like the more competitive side of racing," she said. By 12, she was racing cars herself at the Penticton Speedway. There were some memorable wins along the way, but a turning point for her was winning a scholarship for a driving school in North Carolina called Race 101. "I spent a year doing that, on and off, in 2011," she said. "I learned a ton from that program from the technical side of cars, the way cars handle, to the marketing side as well." Since then, she has raced her late model stock car around BC and had a few wins. She also stayed in touch with the owner of Race 101, Tony Blanchard, and got the opportunity to go test at Daytona in 2013. Cornett-Ching couldn't race in the Daytona 200 that year, however, because she didn't have funding. To raise money for the race in 2015, she took 2014 off, working as a welder in BC and Saskatchewan. She has raised most of what she needs to participate, but still has a way to go. No matter what, she plans to race on Feb. 14. After the Daytona 200, Cornett-Ching hopes to race the rest of the ARCA season. Her ultimate goal is to race in NASCAR and make a living as a race car driver. "That would be awesome if I could do that," she said. (In part from Castanet.net) (01-09-15)
  • Max Force Racing separates from Hixson; changes car number: With sponsorship from DK-LOK USA Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his Mobile, Alabama based Max Force race team will attempt to become the first full time ARCA team based out of Mobile, Alabama. The last two seasons Praytor and Max Force Racing have been paired with Soddy Daisy, Tennessee’s Hixson Motorsports.  “This is a huge opportunity for our race team,” said Thomas Praytor. “We really could not have gotten here without Pam and Wayne Hixson believing in me and making the last 2 years possible. We wish them the best with the 2 car and the 3 car in the future.” There will be a lot of changes for Praytor’s Max Force team in 2015. The team has acquired owner’s points from Cunningham Motorsports and will be changing from the number 2 to the number 9. While changes will be a theme in 2015 some things will remain the same, the Moose will continue to pilot DK-LOK Fords powered by rock solid Roush Yates Horsepower. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (01-07-15)
  • Mark Rette leaves Win-Tron to form own team with Terry Jones OFFICIAL: ARCA champion crew chief Mark Rette has left Win-Tron Racing and Frank Kimmel. He has formed his own team for the 2015 season with driver Terry Jones. The two veterans will compete in the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. An official announcement is expected soon. (12-07-14)
    OFFICIAL: A new ARCA Racing Series team headquartered in a 10,000 square foot Mooresville, North Carolina shop will debut next month at Daytona International Speedway. On Tuesday, veteran ARCA Racing Series driver Terry Jones announced the creation of Rette Jones Racing, a new team started by the Amherstburg, Ontario native and 2009 ARCA Racing Series championship crew chief Mark Rette. Together, the two racers will field a part-time ARCA Racing Series team beginning with February’s Lucas Oil 200. The team also hopes to expand into other racing divisions, such as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series as they build their platform. “I’m excited to be back on an ownership level in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with partner Mark (Rette),” said Jones. “Together, we are both determined to build a successful and winning organization that will field cars not only in ARCA, but in other series too. It’s a big task for us to put together a competitive program for Daytona next month, but Rette Jones Racing is determined to debut strong and show everyone what we’re capable of.” The team will also concentrate on breeding new young talent at the ARCA Racing Series level behind the wheel of their newly acquired race fleet in select races. Jones will debut for RJR in the 2015 ARCA Racing Series opener next month behind the wheel of the No. 30 Toyota Camry. The team will also utilize the new ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package throughout the season. Further key announcements from Rette Jones Racing are forthcoming in the coming weeks. (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (01-06-15)
  • Team Stange Racing announces sponsorship for Chicagoland; Iowa: Team Stange Racing will race the No. 46 Ford with co-primary sponsorship from Shooters Restaurant Group for the June 20th ARCA 150 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois and on July 17th for the Iowa ARCA 150 in Newton, Iowa. “Today it is great pleasure to announce the first step of our 2015 ARCA plans as we work towards announcing more races to our 2015 ARCA schedule. We are working very hard and I am still hopeful to announce a Daytona program for next month as well” said Ashley Stange, co-owner Team Stange Racing. A driver for the No. 46 Ford for Chicagoland and Iowa has not been chosen as of this time. (In part from Team Stange Racing PR) (01-05-15)
  • Our Motorsports to run partial schedule with Tommy Barrett Jr: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team owner Chris Our arrived in the series in 2012 with no history in the division and quickly made it clear he was building an organization to be reckoned with. Now Our is taking the steps to take that organization to a much larger stage. Our will field a car part-time for Tommy Barrett Jr. on the ARCA Racing Series in 2015. “We purchased a speedway car,” Our said. “We’re going down to test on [January 16] and then we’re going to go back for the Daytona race and take it from there. The goal right now is to run from two to four races this year and see how it goes. The opening race will tell the story about where we’re at and how we’re going to do. We leased a fresh motor from a top team that should be very stout. It’s a real good piece. So we should be good that way. And it’s a beautiful car.” (In part from Our Motorsports PR) (01-03-15)
  • Carter 2 Motorsports fined after Daytona test: Based on violation of the established restrictor plate size and dimension rule during the ARCA sanctioned open test at Daytona Int’l Speedway December 19-20, Carter 2 Motorsports team owner Roger Carter has been fined in the amount of $1,000. (ARCARacing.com) (01-03-15)
  • Tom Hessert rejoins Cunningham for first five races of 2015:  Tom Hessert will climb into the Cunningham Motorsports No. 77 Dodge this weekend at Daytona, testing the ARCA Racing Series car as a prelude to racing at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in February. According to Cunningham Motorsports officials, Hessert has plans to compete in the first five races of the 2015 season with the team – which would include Daytona, Mobile, Nashville, Salem and Talladega. Cunningham Motorsports is expected to make more announcements about its 2015 season soon, company officials said. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-19-14)
  • David Levine to drive full season for Lira Motorsports: Lira Motorsports is excited to welcome David Levine to its driver lineup in 2015. Levine will be the newest member of Lira Motorsports, the local race team based out of Port Orange, Florida. Levine plans to run a full schedule in 2015 in the ARCA Racing Series. Levine has made a career as a road course specialist thus far, focusing on sports cars, stock cars, and open wheel formula cars. In 2013, Levine was the closing driver in the Ford Mustang Boss 302 for Racers Edge and he also drove the No. 43 in three ARCA races for the Richard Petty organization, including a top-10 finish in the Scott 160 at Road America. (In part from Anthem Motorsports PR) (12-19-14)
  • Cody Coughlin returns to Venturini Motorsports for 10 races: Cody Coughlin [will] compete at Daytona Int'l Speedway in what will be his first of ten scheduled ARCA Racing Series events in 2015 with Venturini Motorsports in the number-55 Toyota Camry. "This is something I've always wanted, to be able to do in my chosen profession, so I am excited about it,"said Coughlin, who just turned 19. "Venturini Motorsports has always had fast cars at Daytona, including winning the pole for last year's event." Coughlin will once again have Dave Leiner as his crew chief for the 2015 season. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (12-13-14)
  • ARCA revises bonus point system, qualifying rain-outs, free pass; introduces short track challenge: The ARCA Racing Series announced some changes to its point system and qualifying procedure Friday, changes that will take effect beginning with the 2015 season opener at Daytona International Speedway February 14. “We are looking at our 63rd season of racing,” ARCA President Ron Drager said. “And, one of the things we pride ourselves on is staying on top of what we need to do to be around another 63 year.
    Point System - [Five] bonus points for winning a race, changing the qualifying points to award only a five-point bonus to the pole winner. Previously, the top three qualifiers earned points.
    Qualifying - If qualifying is rained out and a practice session was completed, ARCA will set the 2015 race lineup by the practice speeds, not owner points. Provisional spots will still be awarded when necessary.
    Free Pass - The free pass [will be awarded to drivers all race, instead of just in the last 10 laps].
    Also new in 2015 will be the introduction of a new short track challenge, a championship points standings for drivers and owners at tracks a mile and less, plus road courses. The series has long had the Hoosier Superspeedway Challenge, a similar series within the overall series point system. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-12-14)
  • Mason Mitchell Motorsports announces Austin Wayne Self as driver: Austin Wayne Self will drive the No. 98 AM Technical Solutions Ford for Mason Mitchell Motorsports in 2015. The announcement was made Friday at the annual ARCA Racing Series press conference during the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show. “I think the goal, realistically, going into 2015, is to compete for the championship,” Mitchell said. “Austin is a talented race car driver. The combination of our team and Austin will be able to compete for wins and compete for the championship again.” Self said he was looking forward to the 2015 season, starting with the ARCA Racing Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-12-14)
  • Grant Enfinger has no current plans in place for next season: Even though [Grant] Enfinger is now an established driver, he also added that making money in the offseason has to be a priority. "After the ARCA season was over I got a day job at GMS Racing up in North Carolina," he said. "I've been on the road with the trucks teams and stuff like that, but it's tough watching them when you're working and you want to be driving. "As of right now, I don't have anything lined up for 2015. All of it is sponsorship pending. There's just so much that goes into it but, the longer I'm in it, the longer I'm involved, the more I appreciate every opportunity I get. I've definitely been blessed." (Pensacola News Journal) (12-11-14)
  • Bobby Gerhart Racing re-signs Lucas Oil: Bobby Gerhart Racing has announced that it has re-signed Lucas Oil for the 2015 ARCA Racing Series season. "The 2015 season marks our 12th year with Lucas Oil,” Bobby Gerhart said. “We are very proud of our association with Lucas Oil and the success that we have enjoyed together at Daytona. We are looking forward to another strong effort in the 2015 Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real at Daytona." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-11-14)
  • John Wes Townley has no ARCA plans for 2015: John Wes Townley has no current plans to compete in the ARCA Racing Series in 2015. Townley competed in 15 events this past season, missing several races due to a hard crash at Pocono Raceway while qualifying. The 24 year-old plans on concentrating on NASCAR XFINITY and NASCAR Camping World events next season. (12-10-14)
  • Garrett Smithley attempting Daytona race with Rick Ware Racing/MacDonald: Garrett Smithley will be back behind the wheel of an ARCA Racing Series stock car at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. The Kannapolis (NC) based driver will pilot the MacDonald Motorsports/Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet Impala stock car in preparation for the 200 mile season opener on 14th February before making his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series a week later. Smithley is eager to get back to the track. "There is nothing like driving at Daytona. The first time I tested there in 2012, I was admittedly nervous, but after making more laps at Daytona with the Richard Petty Driving Experience and racing at Talladega earlier this season, I’m very confident going back.” (In part from Garrett Smithley Racing PR) (12-10-14)
  • Entry list for ARCA Daytona Test: The ARCA Racing Series has published a tentative entry list for the Daytona open test that will be held on December 19th and 20th. Forty-six drivers are entered, including #12 Tyler Audie, #46 Christian Celaya, #55 Cody Coughlin, #75 Benny Chastain, #87 Derrick Lancaster, Mike Affarano, David Levine, and Raul Orlandini. View the complete entry list on ARCA's official website. Full Entry List (12-09-14)
  • Multiple crew chief changes for 2015?: While drivers are currently finalizing their 2015 plans, ARCA crew chiefs are doing the same. It is rumored that Ryan “Pickle” London has left GMS Racing and has joined Mason Mitchell Motorsports to become Austin Wayne Self's new crew chief. Jamie Jones is reported to be no longer with the championship winning team. Matt Weber, who was traded to Venturini Motorsports with six races remaining in the 2014 season by Mason Mitchell Motorsports, will replace Teddy Brown at Team BCR Racing. (12-07-14)
  • Team BCR Racing signs Will Carroll for partial schedule: Beginning in the 2015 season, Will Carroll will make his ARCA Racing Series debut with Team BCR Racing and Development Team. Carroll plans to compete in a limited schedule in 2015, with the goal to run for a Championship and Rookie of the Year honors in 2016.  “Team BCR is excited and proud to welcome Will to the team,” says Team Manager, Howard Bixman. “We’ve been working with Will over the last few years, where he has developed into a NASCAR Champion driving for Anthony Campi Racing (ACR 81). The next step in his career is the ARCA Racing Series, where this developmental driver will be competing at tracks such as Daytona International Speedway to the historic Salem Speedway. We are looking forward to being a part of this two-year development program with Will to further his career into the top ranks of NASCAR.”Marketing partners and complete 2015 debut schedule will be announced at a later date. (In part from Team BCR Racing PR) (12-03-14)
  • Alex Malycke released from detention center: Alex Malycke was released from the Loudoun County Detention Center following a 7-month stay. He was charged with a string of Attempted Grand Larcenies (Copper) and one B&E along with a rash of driving penalties (14 infractions since January) and a Probation Violation - Weapons Offense. We now know the reason for the season long Withdraw's from ARCA #91. (In part from RaceRap.com) (12-03-14)