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ARCA Menards Series News and Rumors

• RFMS Racing not returning; Don Fike selling team and stepping away: RFMS Racing owner, Don Fike, recently announced that he will not continue to race in the ARCA Menards Series in the 2020 season. Fike has decided to sell his race team and step away from ownership. Fike, who has been involved in racing for over 50 years, says that it has been a very difficult decision for him. “I almost sold the team after the 2017 season. I had a bicycle accident that year, which ultimately made my Parkinson’s symptoms worsen. My doctor and I talked about reducing my stress, so I decided to stop racing. My wife and some of my closest friends could tell how miserable I was with my decision to sell, so they talked me into doing it another year. But it’s time now. As much as I love racing, I just don’t need the extra responsibility anymore.” Fike made a great run of his racing career. For 52 years, he has either raced, worked on, sponsored or owned race cars. He developed his life-long passion during his college years, when he put together his first stock car. He completed in a six cylinder at local tracks in Illinois such as the Mazon Speedbowl, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. (In part from RFMS Racing PR) (01-22-20)
• Howie DiSavino III back with Win-Tron Racing for partial schedule: It’s about to get busy for Howie DiSavino, III, in 2020. After several starts with Mooresville, N.C. - based Win-Tron Racing in 2019, the team is announcing DiSavino is signing on to pilot the team’s NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) entry. DiSavino’s truck series debut will be at Richmond Raceway, his home track, on Saturday, April 18, 2020, as well as, other select NGOTS and ARCA Menards Series races. The deal will also feature two new Virginia-based partners for DiSavino, KEES Travel™ and Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric. "Everyone at Win-Tron Racing is very excited to have Howie back behind the wheel. From the time he first jumped in the #32 ARCA car at Elko, MN, we could see that Howie is a smart and intelligent driver. He is a quick learner and a respectful young man with a huge future in front of him. We are proud to be a part of that future. Howie is a rising star, and we are truly looking forward to working with him and his partners again!” said Kevin Cywinsky, owner of Win-Tron Racing and former American Speed Association Champion. On the ARCA front, DiSavino has set a goal of top-10 finishes and sees the truck starts as a way to hone his skills and continue to learn about racing in NASCAR’s higher-level series. He knows that working with a team he already has a relationship with will help him in his transition, “I love the guys at Win-Tron and the way we work together. It will be a great year running with them on the ARCA side and the truck side. Working with PMG and Win-Tron, I have learned so much, and I want to continue to keep learning with them behind me.” (In part from WinTronRacing.com) (01-22-20)
• Josh White parts ways with Vizion Motorsports due to breach of contract UPDATES: Josh White recently posted the following statement on his Instagram page. White has parted ways with Vizion Motorsports due to breach of contract.
  STATEMENT: "Josh White Racing and it's partners have parted ways with Vizion Motorsports, effective immediately. "I wish things would have turned our differently, however, Vizion Motorsports mission does not align with ours. We regrettably say this, with great discomfort. We did not learn that Vizion Motorsports had a different goal or mission than us until the Daytona test." White said. 'I wish Vizion Motorsports nothing but success in all their future endeavors.' JWR and Vizion Motorsports did not get to turn a lap together with Josh Williams Motorsports at the ARCA Daytona test session held on January 10th-11th at Daytona International Speedway. As a result of Vizion Motorsports breaching its contract with Josh White Racing and its partners, Josh White stands to lose sponsors as a result. JWR is currently looking to partner with another team for the 2020 racing season. More details to come in the future on what happened, Josh White Racing declines to comment at this time." (In part from Instagram) (01-19-20)
  UPDATE: Vizion Motorsports, which is now owned by J.D. Cole, has denied that it breached a contract with Josh White. The team plans to release a statement soon. (01-19-20)
  UPDATE 2: VIZION STATEMENT: Vizion Motorsports has released a statement concerning why the team has released Josh White. Vizion states that White was not professional, could not meet the crash clause agreement, did not have the needed funds for ARCA licensing requirements, and that the team did not receive funds from sponsors. Full Statement (In part from Vizion Motorsports PR) (01-19-20)
  UPDATE 3: Josh White recently post the following message on Twitter in response to Vizion's statement: "Only one way to find out... Revenge is a dish best served cold, at least that's what they say. I'm going to let karma do its work. No need for me to say anything, God will show who's a white liar. The truth shall set you free!" (In part from Twitter) (01-20-20)
• Eric Caudell planning on a partial schedule; looking at two cars: Oklahoma driver Eric Caudell is planning on returning to the ARCA Menards Series for a partial ten (10) race schedule. Caudell will begin the year at Daytona, with events at Talladega, Chicagoland, Lucas Oil, Elko, Iowa, Springfield, DuQuoin, Bristol, Memphis, and Kansas following. The owner-driver will have Jeremy Petty as his crew chief again, and the CCM Racing team is looking at expanding to two cars when a funded driver becomes available. Petty, who has expanded his race shop in Kansas, is working on acquiring a pull-down machine and is currently coaching a driver for upcoming ARCA seasons. (01-18-20)
• Scott Melton entering Daytona with Kimmel Racing; scaling back: Scott Melton will compete in the season opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 8th for Kimmel Racing. Melton drove in ten races for the team last season, earning top 10 finishes at Michigan and Chicagoland. The Michigan native only has Daytona on his ARCA schedule. Melton plans on racing in Super Late Model competition at Berlin Raceway on a regular basis and then racing larger events after gaining experience. The 58 year-old successful insurance agent self-funds his racing career and has placed the majority of his ARCA equipment for sale on RacingJunk.com. (01-18-20)
• Corey Heim joins Venturini Motorsports for partial schedule: Venturini Motorsports officials announced today that ARCA Menards Series standout, Corey Heim, has joined the storied team for a partial schedule throughout the 2020 season. Heim, will pilot the teams Toyota Camry’s in seven starts, covering all three of the ARCA Menards Series; National, East and West. "I am really looking forward to getting into one of Venturini Motorsports Toyotas and hitting the track this season," commented Heim. "Last year was a step in the right direction for me and I think with everything I learned and Venturini’s amazing track record in ARCA, we will be a threat each and every week we show up. It’s going to be a lot of fun running in all three ARCA Series and I’m looking forward to racing on short tracks, dirt tracks and road-courses." Kicking off the year, Heim will see ARCA East action at the famed New Smyrna Speedway, before heading to Five Flags Speedway as the Series second stop. He will make one more East start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, along with two West Series starts at Sonoma Raceway and Phoenix International Raceway. Rounding out his busy schedule will be two ARCA starts at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and Kansas Speedway. Venturini Motorsports will make a formal announcement regarding sponsor, car number and crew chief for Heim at a later date. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-16-20)
• General Tire extends agreement with ARCA: General Tire has extended its exclusive tire supplier agreement with the ARCA Menards Series in a multi-year agreement that will also see the company become the official tire supplier of the ARCA Menards Series East and West. ARCA’s relationship with General Tire was announced at the season finale at Kansas in 2015, and as it has over its initial four seasons, will include race entitlements, at-track activation and billboards, broadcast activation, and at-track service for teams at each of the races in the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East and West. With a long history of producing passenger vehicle and light truck tires that make “anywhere possible”, General Tire’s racing roots began by developing tires for off-road racing, showcasing industry-leading tire technologies. That “born in competition” tradition continues with their line of ultra-high performance passenger tires. After four years of experience in the ARCA Menards Series, the company has found the same success in stock car racing, putting the 103-year-old brand in front of millions of loyal fans via live broadcasts on FOX Sports and MAVTV, tape-delayed broadcasts on NBCSC, and live streams on NBC Sports Gold. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-14-20)
• Travis Braden not returning to RFMS Racing: Travis Braden recently announced on Twitter that he will not be returing to RFMS Racing this season. Braden joined the team in 2017 and raced two full seasons for the organization.
  Braden: "I feel like I've done a bad job making this known - I left my duties at RFMS after the completion of the 2019 finale. No plans to return in 2020 with the team, nor in the ARCA Menards Series." (In part from Twitter) (01-14-20)
• Dominique Van Wieringen fastest in Daytona test: After two days of track activity, Amherstburg, Ontario native Dominique Van Wieringen led the combined speeds in the ARCA Menards Series test for the season-opening Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire. Van Wieringen (No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford) turned a lap in the draft on Saturday afternoon at 49.615 seconds/181/.397 miles per hour. Her time was just 0.044 seconds quicker than World of Outlaws sprint car star David Gravel (No. 28 KBR Development Chevrolet), who times in at 49.659 seconds/181.236 miles per hour. Neither Van Wieringen and Gravel had ever made laps at Daytona prior to the open test and both were making their Daytona debuts in preparation for the Lucas Oil 200, which both are expected to enter. Former Daytona General Tire Pole Award winner Sean Corr timed in third overall, his fast time also coming in Saturday afternoon drafting practice. Corr (No. 8A Empire Racing Chevrolet) was just 0.061 seconds off Van Wieringen’s fastest lap, coming it at 49.676 seconds. The top seven speeds were set in Saturday afternoon drafting practice. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-14-20)
• David Gravel racing at Daytona for KBR Development: Veteran World of Outlaws Sprint Cars competitor David Gravel will make his stock car racing debut with KBR Development, at Daytona International Speedway. Gravel will pilot the #28 Chevrolet at the World Center of Racing, Saturday, February 8 in the ARCA Menards Series 200. The highly accomplished racer, from Watertown, Connecticut, has 51 career victories, with 12 coming in 2019 while driving the Jason Johnson Racing #41. Gravel drove the Axalta sponsored 410 sprinter to victory lane in last season’s Knoxville Nationals, and finished third in series points for the fourth consecutive year. "It's a dream come true to be able to race at Daytona International Speedway," commented Gravel. "I can’t thank everyone at KBR and GMS Racing enough for making this happen. I’m really excited for the next step in my career." Gravel will participate with KBR Development in the ARCA Menards Series open test at Daytona, January 10 and 11, in advance of next month’s ARCA season opener. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-10-20)
• Chad Bryant Racing fielding cars for Connor Hall & Jacob Haefner at Daytona: Chad Bryant Racing will participate in the Daytona test session tomorrow with three cars. Tom Hessert, Connor Hall, and Jacob Haefner will take laps in the team's equipment. Connor Hall and Jacob Haefner will return for the race in February.
  Connor Hall: Returning to Chad Bryant Racing at Daytona is Hampton, Va. native Connor Hall. An exceptional short track racer – Hall burst onto the ARCA Menards Series scene last February with an impressive showing in his ARCA debut driving the No. 22 Ford Fusion for CBR. Recovering from a mid-race spin to finish a strong 11 th in his first superspeedway race last February, the 22-year-old is thrilled to reunite with Andrews and improve on what they started nearly 12 months ago. LetLoveLive Animal Rescue will support Hall in his third career ARCA Menards Series start, while Breeden Concrete, Knot Done Yet Sportfishing and Structural Steel Products will serve as associate partners for Daytona. “I’m extremely happy and fortunate to be back with Chad Bryant Racing,” said Hall. “As always, I’m looking forward to working with Chad (Bryant), Paul (Andrews) and the No. 22 team. The test and next month’s race wouldn’t be possible without LetLoveLive and their initiative, as well as Breeden Concrete, Knot Done Yet Sportfishing and Structural Steel Products. I’m ready to get to work but have some fun too.”
  Jacob Heafner: Newcomer Jacob Heafner will round out the trio of cars this weekend at Daytona for CBR. Heafner, a native of Dallas, N.C. will turn his first laps in an ARCA Menards Series car this weekend and return to the facility to partake in his series’ debut aboard the No. 77 Ford Fusion in February. Heafner, 20, efforts will be supported by PowerHouse Recycling, a marker leader in certified electronics recycling and IT asset management services. The veteran Late Model Stock racer and 2018 Hickory Motor Speedway Late Model champion is eager for his first laps around the historic Daytona high banks. “I’m so blessed to have this incredible opportunity to drive for Chad Bryant Racing at Daytona,” sounded Heafner. “While I’m very eager to get on track, I understand the magnitude of this race and I’ll be incredibly focused on working with Chad (Bryant) and the rest of my Chad Bryant Racing team to take in as much knowledge as I can, while following the advice and guidance of my teammates. “Looking forward to a strong weekend of testing and gaining some momentum for the actual race.” (In part from Chad Bryant Racing PR) (01-09-20)
• Thad Moffitt joins DGR-Crosley for Daytona: DGR-Crosley announced today that Thaddeus "Thad" Moffitt will join the team for the ARCA Menards Series season-opener at the Daytona International Speedway. Moffitt, the grandson of NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, will carry the iconic Petty Blue, the hue made famous by the Petty family, with Performance Plus Richard Petty Signature Series adorning the sides of his Ford Fusion. Moffitt joins the David Gilliland-led Ford Development team after a part-time ARCA Menards Series schedule in 2019, where he racked-up four top-10 finishes in seven starts. The 19-year-old Trinity, N.C.,-native looks to carry on his family's legacy when he takes to the historic two-and-a-half-mile superspeedway for the second time in his career. "Daytona is a very special place for my family,” Moffitt said. “I had the opportunity to race there last year in the ARCA Menards Series, and can’t wait to go back. Between the experience I've gained throughout the course of the season, and the talent within the DGR-Crosley organization, I feel confident that we will have a strong showing.” Performance Plus, a high-quality lubricant that is used by race teams across the country, will continue their support of Moffitt as he takes the next step in his racing career. (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (01-09-20)
• Our Motorsports testing at Daytona with several drivers: Our Motorsports is set to head to Daytona International Speedway for the ARCA Menards Series test session next week. The team will be bringing down a two car fleet for the test, with Andy Seuss, Sebastian Arias, Keith McGee and Ronnie Osmer behind the wheels. “We are looking forward to having a great test session at Daytona International Speedway,” commented Team Manager, Andy Seuss. “We’ve had a lot of success over the past couple years, including expanding into the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2020. We have some great guys that are going to be testing with us, and hopefully we’ll be able to come back to Daytona in February strong for the season opener.” Our Motorsports has shown great strength in Superspeedway racing, posting six Top 10’s and two Top 5’s in the last seven starts. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-08-20)
• ARCA Menards Series West schedule announced for 2020: The ARCA Menards Series West will continue the history of one of the longest-running stock car series in the United States with a 10-race championship schedule in 2020. The slate will include visits to seven western states and include stops at some of the most iconic venues in the region. In its first season under the ARCA banner, the West Series will continue the lineage of crowning series champions that dates back to Lloyd Dane’s Pacific Coast Late Model Division title in 1954. The slate brings the total ARCA Menards Series calendar to 38 races over 34 weekends, covering the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and the inaugural Sioux Chief Showdown. The showdown is a 10-race super series within the 20-race ARCA Menards Series bringing the best drivers from all three series together. “Equally important as we move forward with the ARCA Menards Series was ensuring that we maintained the traditions of each of the series,” said ARCA Series president Ron Drager. “We’re very pleased to be able to build a schedule that will not only bring out the best in the drivers over a variety of venues, we were also committed to continuing our relationships with the tracks that have helped build the West series.” The 67th season will take the green flag at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, Feb. 20, with the Star Nursery 150 kicking off the Pennzoil 400 weekend at LVMS. The ARCA Menards Series West championship will culminate at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 7, as part of the NASCAR championship weekend. Full Schedule (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-06-20)
• Chad Bryant Racing seeking drivers for this season: Chad Bryant Racing has immediate openings for their race program next season that includes competing in the ARCA Menards Series, the ARCA Menards Series Showdown and the newly rebranded ARCA Menards Series East and West divisions. The Mooresville, N.C.-based team fielded two full-time entries this season with drivers Joe Graf Jr., Connor Hall, Corey Heim and Ty Majeski respectively. Between the two entries, the team scored three wins (Majeski), 15 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes in 40 races collectively this season. Additionally, the team made starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at Bristol Motor Speedway and in the season-finale NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at ISM Raceway respectively. CBR’s immediate openings include pre-season testing at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway from January 10 – 11, 2020 in preparation for the Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire series’ season-opener on Sat. February 8, 2020. "2019 was a good season for Chad Bryant Racing, but we are focused on making 2020 even better," said team principal Chad Bryant. "Between all the drivers at Chad Bryant Racing, we were able to win races, maintain a constant presence at the front of the field and cap off the year with Joe Graf Jr. finishing top-five in points and Corey Heim inside the top-10, despite not running the entire season. "I feel that with the leadership of our team, including former Cup Series championship winning crew chief Paul Andrews – Chad Bryant Racing has the ability to bring in the next wave of talent and immediately continue our winning ways." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-04-20)
• Bobby Gerhart not racing at Daytona; looking for drivers: [Bobby] Gerhart himself isn’t planning on being behind the wheel [at Daytona]. “I guess you could say I got the greatest Christmas gift of all,” Gerhart said in a recent phone interview. “I was at home and wasn’t feeling well and drove myself to the doctor. When I got there they said I had a pretty serious heart attack. It could have been a matter of five minutes or five hours, but had I waited, it’s pretty likely it would not have ended up as well as it did. I still have a very long road to go but I have been given a second chance here and for that I am very lucky and very grateful.” The 1988 Bounty Rookie of the Year plans on staying involved in the sport as a team owner and driver coach. With the change in his status coming so late in the off-season, he is hoping something will fall into place to allow the BGR team to make another run at Daytona victory. “It’s awfully late in the going, we know that,” he said. “But we have really great equipment ready to go. All we need is a driver to plug in and we can go win Daytona. We’ve done programs like this in the past with drivers like Kyle Krisiloff and Blake Feese. We have a great record of success at Daytona and working with other drivers so we’re hoping even with just a few weeks to go we can find someone who wants to go race. We’ll look at any opportunity, from one-race deals to partial season deals to a full season deal. We know we can be an asset to someone who is looking to go and run up front at Daytona. We are going to work hard to keep these race team going.” (From ARCARacing.com) (01-02-20)
• KBR Development relocates; hires Frank Kimmel as general manager: Following a successful first full season of competition in the ARCA Menards Series, KBR Development is pleased to announce a number of changes for the program moving into 2020. KBR has relocated its ARCA team headquarters from Michigan, to Statesville, North Carolina. The existing relationship with GMS Racing and KBR will strengthen in 2020, with KBR operating from the GMS shop and working closely as a satellite team. Long time ARCA competitor Frank Kimmel has been hired to serve as team General Manager. The Clarksville, Indiana native is a highly decorated driver, having collected an astounding 10 ARCA titles and 80 victories in his career. "I’m really excited to be joining KBR Development," Kimmel stated. "They’re a first-class outfit, and I’m looking forward to helping them succeed. Mike and everyone at KBR wants to continue to grow the program and improve on the racetrack, and believe fully in everything they are doing." KBR Development will again compete full time with the ARCA Menards Series in 2020, as well as template late model special events throughout the country. KBR is currently working on driving arrangements for 2020, with some ARCA and late model events still available. "I really couldn’t be any more excited about the changes and upgrades we’ve been able to put together," commented team President Michael Bursley. “Having an experienced veteran in Frank Kimmel to steer the KBR ARCA ship for us is monumental. In addition, the resources and support from everyone at GMS Racing and Chevrolet will be a game-changer. With the first ARCA season under our belt, we expect to be competing for wins every time we hit the racetrack in 2020." KBR Development will travel to Daytona International Speedway for the open ARCA Menards Series test on January 10. The race season kicks off at the ‘World Center of Racing’ in Daytona Beach on February 8, with the Lucas Oil 200. (From KBRDevelopment.com) (12-21-19)
• Venturini Motorsports tabs Ryan Repko for five races in No. 20: In hopes of chasing after the 2020 ARCA Menards Series owner’s championship once more, Venturini Motorsports officials have signed Ryan Repko to their driver lineup on the No. 20 Toyota Camry. Repko will see action in five (5) ARCA intermediate and superspeedway style races throughout the season. "I am excited to have Ryan (Repko) join Venturini Motorsports for 2020 and pilot our No. 20 Toyota Camry for five races next season," commented Billy Venturini. "Ryan has proven himself a solid contender in all of the different facets of racing he has competed in and I believe he will play an integral part in helping our team achieve our expectations and goals this coming season." Sparking his interest in racing at a young age, the Denver, N.C. native grew up watching NASCAR races with his grandfather on TV, which eventually led to him running his first quarter midget race. Before he knew it, Repko had amassed over 115-wins and 20-championships across the country and the rising star was headed to race late models. Repko will be teaming up with veteran crew chief and VMS team owner, Billy Venturini as the newly paired duo work together to earn the No. 20 Toyota Camry another ARCA owner’s championship in 2020. Kicking off that quest, Repko will see his first start come at the famed 2.5-mile high banked Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 8th. Sponsor announcements will be forthcoming at a later date via team officials. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (12-20-19)
• ARCA announces 2020 TV schedule: ARCA Racing along with FOX Sports and MAVTV announced today a comprehensive live broadcast television schedule that will cover all 20 races in the 2020 ARCA Menards Series, including the 10-race Sioux Chief Showdown. The schedule will kick off with the Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb., 8 at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, the first of eight races slated to air on FOX Sports networks. FOX Sports’ coverage will bookend with coverage of the championship at Kansas on Friday, Oct., 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET airing live on FS2 and with a re-air later that night on FS1. MAVTV, will air 12 races including the inaugural Sioux Chief Showdown championship race on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Memphis International Raceway. A three-year partnership extension between the ARCA Menards Series and MAVTV was announced in October. The Sioux Chief Showdown is a 10-race super series that brings together the best drivers of the ARCA Menards Series as well as the ARCA Menards Series East and West. The television schedule for the ARCA Menards Series East and West will be announced at a later date. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-20-19)
• Chandler Smith returning to Venturini for 13 races:  After contributing to the Owners Championship in 2019, Venturini Motorsports officials announced that Chandler Smith will once again pilot the No. 20 Toyota Camry in 2020. Smith will handle the driving duties in the 13-races he will be age eligible throughout the season and rejoin with crew chief and team owner Billy Venturini. "Chandler (Smith) is an incredibly talented young driver who we have enjoyed having as part of our program since he first came to the ARCA Series," commented Billy Venturini. "My main goal next season with Chandler, is to win the most races, most pole awards and win the Sioux Chief Showdown. After that, I think we set our sights on defending our Owners Championship from 2019 and build off what we have already started." At a mere 17-years old, Smith is only eligible, per the ARCA rulebook, to compete on tracks less than one-mile in length and road courses. This will allow the young Toyota Racing Development driver the opportunity to compete in 13-races next season, including all of the intermediate 1.5-mile style tracks following his 18th birthday on June 26th. The sole season goal for the Billy Venturini led team; to defend their 2019 Owners Championship and put the No. 20 Toyota Camry in victory lane every chance they can. While the 2020 season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 8th, Smith’s first scheduled start will be at ISM Raceway on Friday, March 6th. An announcement regarding sponsorship and additional teammates to Smith in the No. 20 will be forthcoming. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (12-19-19)
• Taylor Gray to compete for DGR-Crosley in East & Showdown: DGR-Crosley announced today that Taylor Gray will rejoin the team for the upcoming 2020 campaign. Gray will drive the No. 17 Ford Fusion in the newly formatted ARCA Menards Series. Due to age restrictions, Gray will miss the start of the season. After his 15th birthday (March 25th), Gray will compete full-time in both the Sioux Chief Showdown Series and the ARCA Menards Series East (ARCA East) in 2020. In addition to his busy schedule, Gray will also pick up select late model races throughout the season. The 14-year-old Denver, N.C., native will make the transition to the ARCA Menards Series after competing in several Cars Tour races as well as additional Late Model Stock races for DGR-Crosley in 2019. In his first season with DGR-Crosley, Gray was able to capture five wins, including the Fall Brawl at Hickory Motor Speedway. "I’m really excited for the opportunity to compete again with DGR Crosley in 2020," says Gray. "We had a lot of success together this year in the late model stocks and were able to pick up several wins. It’s going to be a challenge competing in multiple series next year, but I’m confident that with our new relationship with Ford Performance we will be a force to be reckoned with." (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (12-18-19)
• Drew Dollar and Venturini Motorsports team for 2020 season: Venturini Motorsports officials announced today that Drew Dollar has joined the storied organization to compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series. Dollar will be joined by veteran crew chief Shannon Rursch and the No. 15 team in their 2020 championship bid. "With the addition of Drew Dollar to our driver development program in the ARCA Menards Series, the 2020 season looks to be picking up right where last season left off," said Venturini Motorsports’ owner Billy Venturini. "Drew is an incredibly talented young racer and I believe pairing him with Shannon (Rursch) and our No. 15 Toyota Camry team will create a true force to be reckoned with each and every week." Shannon Rursch a veteran crew chief in the ARCA and numerous NASCAR Series has been tabbed to call the shots atop the pit box. Rursch previously served as Michael Self’s crew chief during the 2019 season, earning four wins, four poles, 14 top-five and 26 top-10 finishes en route to a second-place championship run. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (12-18-19)
• Hailie Deegan joins DGR-Crosley’s Driver Development Program: DGR-Crosley announced today that Ford Performance development driver Hailie Deegan will join the team for the 2020 season. Deegan will run the full 20 race ARCA Menards Series schedule in the seat of the No. 4 Ford Fusion. Deegan has two full-time seasons under her belt in the ARCA Menards Series West while also competing part-time in the ARCA Menards Series East. With three wins, 13 top-five and 26 top-10 finishes, Deegan has proven herself to be a rising star in the NASCAR ranks. In 2018 she became the first female driver in series history to win a race after a last-lap pass on her teammate at Meridian Speedway. While the young Ford Performance development driver will be running for Rookie of the Year honors in 2020, she does have six prior starts in the ARCA Menards Series. "I could not be more excited to join Ford Performance and DGR-Crosley next season," said Deegan. "Growing up watching my dad race a Ford, and now to be able to do the same thing is very cool. It's important to me to be teamed up with a hardworking group such as DGR-Crosley with like-minded visions and goals. We are all committed to working as hard as it takes to finish on top. I look forward to the upcoming season and learning as much as possible to get me closer to accomplishing my goals of winning races." (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (12-17-19)
• Mason Diaz joins Venturini Motorsports for East championship run: Officials from Venturini Motorsports formally announced today the signing of 19-year old Mason Diaz to become a part of their Driver Development Program. Diaz will compete full-time in the newly named ARCA Menards Series East throughout the 2020 race season. "I cannot begin to explain how truly honored and grateful I am for this once in a lifetime opportunity with Venturini Motorsports," commented Diaz. "Venturini (Motorsports) has become the leader in today’s driver development programs and to be asked to join their storied program and begin working with Toyota through TRD (Toyota Racing Development) is humbling. I want to thank everyone at Venturini Motorsports for helping this come together as well as my whole family and all of my fans for sticking by my side. I cannot wait to see what the 2020 season brings." Hailing from Manassas, VA, Diaz has become a household name throughout much of the Southeast. From an INEX Legends State championship title in 2015, to a track championship in Late Model Stock Cars (LMSC) in 2017 and numerous Rookie of the Year honors in between, he continues to earn high accolades across the region. He has also been called upon to run select NASCAR Xfinity (NXS) and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series (NGROTS) races along the way.  When he’s not winning races across the South, the Old Dominion University student is working his way to a bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Marketing. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for select races next season and a formal announcement regarding the team number and crew chief will be forthcoming. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-16-19)
• Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway added to East schedule: A trio of high-profile short track racing events will be held at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in 2020. Track Enterprises and Promoter Bob Sargent will promote the three events, including the prestigious All American 400 Weekend. Track Enterprises has a well-established relationship with The Fairgrounds after promoting ARCA Menards Series events at the track the last five years. "We are excited for the chance to add to the rich history that The Fairgrounds track has built,” Sargent said.  “We've developed great relationships with many people in Nashville over our five years while hosting the ARCA race and we look forward to expanding that with additional events." The first races on the current 2020 schedule will be a huge doubleheader weekend of racing on Saturday and Sunday, May 2/3.  On tap Saturday night will be the ARCA Menards Series East and the Pro Late Models. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-16-19)
• Sioux Chief sponsoring ARCA showdown: Sioux Chief Manufacturing, one of America’s leading rough plumbing components manufacturers, has signed on become the entitlement sponsor of the ARCA Menards Series Showdown in 2020. Sioux Chief has been the sponsor of ARCA’s former Short Track Challenge since the 2017 season and has agreed to increase its involvement to support one of the major initiatives of NASCAR’s acquisition of ARCA. The newly increased point fund, combined with race purses, owner plan, and contingency awards, will now offer racers a chance to compete for their share of over $920,000 in posted awards throughout the ten-race series. "The Sioux Chief Showdown will bring together the best teams from the ARCA Menards Series and the ARCA Menards Series East and West to give racing fans a show they’ve never seen before and we are honored to be a part of it," said Sioux Chief Manufacturing Company president Joe N. Ismert. "We have seen a lot of great drivers and great races in the Short Track Challenge over the past three seasons and we’re excited to see what 2020 will bring." The Sioux Chief Showdown is a ten-race series within a series that will bring together the best of the best from the ARCA Menards Series, the ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West, formerly known as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Those events, held on oval tracks 1.25-miles in length and under and road courses, offer drivers who may not be able or eligible to run the full 20-race ARCA Menards Series schedule the opportunity to run for a championship. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (12-16-19)
• DGR-Crosley announces manufacturer change to Ford: DGR-Crosley announced a manufacturer change today as they join forces with the historic Ford Performance family, effective immediately. The David Gilliland led driver development program will field Ford entries across multiple racing series including late models, ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. The multi-year manufacturer agreement will help further develop Ford's pipeline of young talent to support their successful efforts in NASCAR's top series. "We're very excited to have DGR-Crosley come to Ford as part of our long-term efforts to develop drivers for NASCAR," said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. "We have just scratched the surface of what is possible in developing the next generation of Ford drivers with people like Chase Briscoe, and we believe a coordinated effort with a team like DGR-Crosley will help move that process forward successfully. David Gilliland was a trusted and valued Ford driver in NASCAR for many years, and we look forward to renewing that relationship with him in this new effort." The partnership will also provide DGR-Crosley and their drivers with assets that will help elevate their program to a championship caliber organization across multiple racing series. (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (12-11-19)
• Empire Racing Group leaving ARCA for NASCAR Xfinity?: Empire Racing Group has recently posted new classified ads on RacingJunk.com, as the organization continues to look for buyers of its ARCA Racing Series equipment. The team has been advertising its ARCA cars on the racing classifieds site for several months. These classifieds state that the complete team is for sale to make room for Xfinity cars. Empire Racing Group fielded entries for Thad Moffitt, Sean Corr, John Ferrier, and Lexi Gay this year. It has been in ARCA competition for several years. (In part from RacingJunk.com) (11-13-19)
• ARCA Menards Series East schedule announced: The ARCA Menards Series East officially enters a new era with a seven-race slate in 2020 that will provide a mix of short-track showcases and national series companion events. The compact stand-alone schedule will also allow for the opportunity for competitors to compete for the new 10-race ARCA Series Showdown championship. The East season will kick off as the main event of the 54th World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway on Monday, Feb. 10. The champion will be crowned on Saturday, Sept. 12 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Full Throttle Fall Weekend. With the blending of the ARCA Menards Series with the newly renamed ARCA Menards Series East and West, and a consolidated rulebook to go along with it, opportunities now exist for traditional ARCA Menards Series teams to test the waters in the East Series. One team looking to do just that is the ARCA Menards Series reigning championship team, Venturini Motorsports. "This is a great schedule with excellent spacing between events," said Venturini Motorsports co-owner Billy Venturini. "Our team will continue to compete in the ARCA Menards Series, as we have since 1982, but this schedule gives us the flexibility to run these seven races as well. It’s great to be able to offer this to the young drivers we are working with in 2020 and beyond." (In part from HomeTracks.NASCAR.com) (11-09-19)