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October 6, 2018

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ARCA Racing Series News and Rumors

  • Zane Smith fined and penalized after Salem: ARCA driver Zane Smith (No. 41 LaPaz Margarita Mix / ICON Vehicle Dynamics Toyota) and team owner Doug Fuller have been penalized as a result of Smith's actions while driving in Saturday's Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic 200 at Salem Speedway. Zane Smith has been fined $5,000, and he and team owner Doug Fuller have been penalized with the loss of 100 championship points (Driver, Owner, Short Track Challenge) as well as corresponding special awards points. The penalty was issued for violation of 2018 ARCA Rulebook Section 4, items 5 and 10, which reference unsportsmanlike conduct and conduct detrimental to the sport of auto racing, specifically retaliation for an on-track altercation earlier in the event. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (09-20-18)
  • Chandler Smith wins at Salem in dominating performance: Sixteen-year-old Chandler Smith chalked up a dominating win in Saturday night’s ARCA Racing Series event at Salem Speedway. After qualifying second, the Talking Rock, GA native drove his Craftsman Tools backed Toyota to the point of leading 199 of 200 laps enroute to earning his second career series victory of the season. "This car was absolutely on rails tonight," Smith said. "The guys on this team are the reason why. They busted their butts on pit road and got us out of the pits first every time. All the action was behind us. In a perfect world, they would all be like this. I can’t thank everyone enough for this opportunity - Toyota, Venturini Motorsports and Craftsman. It’s a total team effort." Full Results (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (09-20-18)
  • Kaden Honeycutt to make ARCA debut at Salem with Empire Racing: Kaden Honeycutt (No. 43 C&S Trailers Ford) will make his ARCA Racing Series debut in Saturday's Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic 200 at Salem Speedway. Honeycutt is a protege of 2012 ARCA champion Chris Buscher [and has followed] the same path that put Buescher on the national stage, starting in Legends cars before making the leap into full-bodied stock cars in the ARCA Racing Series. "I've been racing since I was 8," Honeycutt said. "I've raced Legends cars all over the country. We've been out in Vegas, done the Summer Shootout at Charlotte, and raced with Ken Ragan's series in Atlanta. "I've been working with the same people Chris worked with when he was coming up. It's almost like the same series of events that happened for him are happening for us. Chris has been a whole lot of help getting to this point. He's the one who said we needed to come race at Salem once we got rained out at Indianapolis." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (09-13-18)
  • Zane Smith; MDM Motorsports fined & penalized after DuQuoin: Based on post-race technical inspection following the ARCA Racing Series General Tire Grabber 100 at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, the MDM Motorsports No. 41 team has been determined to be in violation of 2018 ARCA Rulebook page 31, item 3 which references minimum roof height. Due to the infraction, crew chief Mardy Lindley has been fined $750 and team owner Doug Fuller and driver Zane Smith have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship points (Driver, Car Owner, and Short Track Challenge). (In part from ARCARacing.com) (09-09-18)
  • Rain postpones Lucas Oil Raceway event: The ARCA Racing Series Shore Lunch 200 has been postponed due to inclement weather. A front moved in this morning associated with Tropical Storm Gordon, and persistent rains throughout the day have series and track officials to postpone the race to Saturday, October 6. "It's always our goal to race on the originally scheduled date, but Mother Nature just didn't allow it tonight," said ARCA president Ron Drager. "Not only was the weather not favorable tonight, the forecast for tomorrow for calls for a 100 percent chance of rain all day, so in conjunction with our partners at Track Enterprises, our Menards vendor partner and race entitlement sponsor Shore Lunch, our television partner for this weekend MAVTV, and the people here at Lucas Oil Raceway, we decided it was best to let everyone head home rather than spend another day here in the rain. We'll look forward to coming back here on October 6 with much better weather, and in the mean time we turn our attention to the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic at Salem Speedway next Saturday night." Since no on track activity has taken place at Lucas Oil Raceway, the event will still include a full round of practice, General Tire Pole Qualifying, and the Shore Lunch 200 feature event. A complete schedule will be released in the near future. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (09-07-18)
  • Logan Seavey wins at DuQuoin; scores Venturini's 50th ARCA victory: Logan Seavey (No. 20 Craftsman Toyota) took the lead on lap 66 and withstood four late-race restarts to claim his first career ARCA Racing Series victory in Monday's General Tire Grabber 100 at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Seavey's win was the 50th for the Venturini Motorsports team dating back to team owner Bill Venturini's first series win at Flat Rock Speedway in 1984. "To get number 50 for them is really cool," Seavey said. "Another win on dirt is really cool. They won at Springfield too. We had the best car here and I have the best team. Pit stops are key here. Pit road is more conventional. We beat the 28 on pit road. We needed him to get jumbled up in traffic and he did." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (09-05-18)
  • Ken Schrader Racing not competing at DuQuoin: Ken Schrader Racing, which fields the No. 52 Ford entry, will not participate in this weekend's race at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. The team missed events at Madison and Elko earlier this year after Brandon Grosso left the organization in May, and it may not return until Salem Speedway on September 15th. It is still unknown if the organization will compete in the season ending Kansas ARCA 150 on October 19th. (09-01-18)
  • Chase Briscoe to drive for Chad Bryant Racing at Lucas Oil: Chase Briscoe is scheduled to the drive the No. 22 Ford for Chad Bryant Racing in the Shore Lunch 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway on September 7th. Briscoe, who is currently competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will be making his first start since winning the ARCA championship in 2016. Briscoe has participated in test sessions with the team throughout the year. (09-01-18)
  • CJ McLaughlin to race at Lucas Oil with SciAps sponsorship: CJ McLaughlin Motorsports and SciAps Inc. are announcing today that they have entered into a multi-race partnership starting at the Lucas Oil Raceway on September 7th. SciAps will be the primary sponsor for CJ's ARCA racing debut at the Shore Lunch 200 in Indianapolis. "I am super excited to have SciAps on board with us for both my ARCA debut and a home-track race in Thompson. I am also thrilled that we were able to partner with a local company that is growing and creating jobs for hard-working Americans in the Boston, MA and Laramie, WY areas." - CJ McLaughlin (In part from CJMcLaughlin.net) (08-30-18)
  • Tommy Vigh Jr. returns to Fast Track Racing for DuQuoin: Tommy Vigh Jr. is near wrapping up his 2018 racing season, one the best of his career since teaming up with Extreme Energy Solutions in 2016. Vigh brought his short track experience, along with his sponsors, to ARCA in 2018, making his ARCA debut on June 15, finishing 15th at Madison. Vigh continued the momentum, as he racked up a 12th place finish at Illinois State Fair Grounds. Vigh Jr. is scheduled to compete at Du Quoin State Fair Grounds, in hopes to finish in the top ten; behind the wheel of equipment supplied by Andy Hillenburg and his Fast Track Racing Enterprises. Vigh will pilot the #10 car of Hillenburg, decorated with the logo of Extreme Energy Solutions, Inc. and its product brands, including: SMART Emissions Reducer, Extreme Kleaner, H2O Energy Flow, and Extreme Xtra Fuel Treatments. “Every time Tommy hits the track, he is improving and he is showing signs of promise that he can compete on the short tracks of ARCA. We hope to help develop Vigh so he can go the distance on a full ARCA schedule,” commented Hillenburg, owner of Fast Track Enterprises. (In part from Extreme Energy Solutions PR) (08-30-18)
  • Joe Graf Jr. scores first career ARCA victory at Berlin: Joe Graf, Jr. nudged two drivers out of the way on the final two green flag lap to score his first career ARCA Racing Series win in the Primera Plastics 200 at Berlin Raceway. Graf edged Zane Smith at the finish by 0.041 seconds, about three feet. Graf had to work his way past Chandler Smith, who himself had recovered from a spin while battling for the third position at lap 141. C. Smith pitted for right side tires and quickly knifed his way through the field to take the lead from Christian Eckes at lap 163. C. Smith led until lap 200 when he was nudged out of the way coming to what should have been the checkered, but starter Denise Engle instead waved the caution flag setting up a one lap dash to the finish. C. Smith would go on to finish seventh. On the final restart at lap 206, Graf led the field to the green but spun his tires at the green, which allowed Zane Smith and Travis Braden to move around. But heading into turn three, Graf dove to the bottom side of the track and made contact with Z. Smith, moving him up the track and allowing Graf to take the win at the stripe. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-26-18)
  • Ken Schrader Racing; Holmes fined and penalized after Springfield: Based on ARCA Racing Series post-race technical inspection following the August 19 Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the Ken Schrader Racing #52 team has been determined to be in violation of 2018 ARCA Rulebook page 45, Item 3 which references minimum rear quarter panel height. Due to the infraction, crew chief Matt Weber has been fined $750 and team owner Ken Schrader and driver Bret Holmes have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship points (Driver, Car Owner and Short Track Challenge). (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-24-18)
  • Christian Eckes wins at Springfield: Christian Eckes took over the lead when most of the other lead lap cars pitted late in the race and held off two furious charges, first from teammate Logan Seavey and then from eventual runner up Sheldon Creed, to score his second ARCA Racing Series win of 2018 in Sunday's Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fair. Eckes nipped Creed at the line by 0.305 seconds on a two-lap overtime dash to the checkered flag. Eckes and crew chief Kevin Reed pitted for the final time of the day under the second caution flag at lap 50. When the rest of the lead lap cars pitted under the third caution just ten laps later, Eckes was elevated to the lead, a lead he wouldn't give up the rest of the distance. "I can hardly believe this," Eckes said in victory lane. "We were 1.7 seconds off the pace in practice. I literally have no idea how we ended up here. I thought Logan Seavey would have been the car to beat, and he was, and I thought Sheldon Creed would have been the car to beat, and he was. I didn't expect to win today. I thought we would have to just run the day out. Once I figured out I was driving the car all wrong it really took off." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-20-18)
  • Kelly Kovski returning at Springfield with Allgaier: Kelly Kovski will return to racing in the ARCA Racing Series in Sunday's Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It will be the first ARCA appearance for Kovski since he was injured while spectating at a sprint car race at Volusia County Speedway in February, 2017. Kovski, a Springfield native, will pilot Mike Allgaier's No. 16 Schluckebier Farm / Billingsley Towing Chevrolet, the same car he crew chiefed to victory with Grant Enfinger behind the wheel in 2017. "I told Grant last year when we were getting ready for this race that it would probably work out that we'd win the year I wasn't driving and that's exactly what happened," Kovski said. "So I told him this year we need to make it happen for me." Kovski has a long association with the Allgaier family, having worked with Justin Allgaier both during his ARCA days as a driver and on his short track equipment now that he has become a full-time competitor in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. Kovski also worked as crew chief in 2011 and 2012 when Enfinger drove for Allgaier Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Series. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-18-18)
  • Tommy Vigh Jr. adds races to schedule; both dirt: Tommy Vigh Jr. is scheduled to compete at both upcoming ARCA dirt track races: the Allen Crowe 100 at Illinois State Fairgrounds and the General Tire Grabber 100 at Du Quoin State Fair Grounds. Vigh is expected to continue to point the momentum to a strong showing, as he carries with him a 15th place finish from his ARCA career debut at Madison. Vigh also brings with him years of wisdom from his dirt track racing career, where he continues to compete on Saturday nights at the Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York. Vigh stands 5th in points at his home track this season with a number of top five and four top ten finishes. Vigh will be behind the wheel of equipment supplied by Andy Hillenburg and his Fast Track Racing Enterprises. Vigh will pilot the #10 car of Hillenburg, decorated with the logo of Extreme Energy Solutions, Inc. and its product brands, including: SMART Emissions Reducer, Extreme Kleaner, H2O Energy Flow, and Extreme Xtra Fuel Treatments. (In part from Fast Track Racing PR) (08-18-18)
  • Cole Glasson to race at Kansas for Win-Tron Racing: Eighteen-year-old Cole Glasson will make his ARCA Racing Series debut driving for Win-Tron Racing during the ARCA season finale at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 19. Glasson took part in the ARCA Racing Series test at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Ill., in June, turning a handful of laps in the No. 32 GREE Cooling Products Chevrolet driven by Win-Tron Racing’s full-time driver and Elko Speedway winner Gus Dean. Following the successful test, Glasson continued to work with Win-Tron Racing to secure an opportunity to make his ARCA debut. That dream will become a reality on Oct. 19 at Kansas Speedway. Glasson's No. 33 Win-Tron Racing Chevrolet will carry primary sponsorship from AM Technical Solutions, a construction management, project management and facility solutions firm for the high tech markets. Founded in 1994, AM Technical Solutions has more than a 20 year track record of delivering high complexity construction projects for many of the leading technology companies with proven success. (In part from MPM Marketing) (08-18-18)
  • Empire Racing Group purchases assests from Mason Mitchell Motorsports: Mike "Grumpy" Cheek, VP and Competition Director for Empire Racing Group confirmed Monday that ERG has purchased the operating assets of Mason Mitchell Motorsports. Mason Mitchell made the very difficult and emotional decision to cease operation and to sale the team’s assets last week. "Mitchell has been a long-time friend of ERG. I have watch him grow with his team into a champion in the ARCA Racing Series," Cheek said. When asked how Mitchell came about the decision to cease operations, "I guess this is meant to be", said Mitchell. "For me, I need to get back home and regroup. Perhaps at some point in time, I can get back into the racing arena. But, for now rest and relaxation is greatly needed." With the purchase of MMM, this will allow ERG to take their small, budding team to the next level of performance and remain strong in the ARCA Racing Series. "Things work out for a reason", Cheek said. Cheek had been in talks with John Corr about switching manufacturers over from Ford to Chevrolet. Corr, who is the owner of ERG, had been wanting to switch for some time now. "Switching over to Chevrolet will help to strengthen ERG’s alliance with Richard Petty Motorsports. Since 2016, ERG has been partners with RPM as a development team and with the purchase of MMM’s operating assets just makes good sense. Mitchell has some fast-hot rods and I am happy that now all our fleet will be Chevrolet," Cheek said. In addition to acquiring MMM’s operation assets, ERG has also hired some key personnel, starting with veteran crew chief Jeff McClure. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-18-18)
  • Logan Seavey to drive for Venturini at Springfield & DuQuoin: Venturini Motorsports announced today the addition of 21-year old Toyota Development Driver Logan Seavey to the team’s lineup for a pair of upcoming ARCA Racing Series dirt races at the Springfield and DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Seavey, a native of Sutter, California, made headlines last month after leading 53-laps and nearly pulling off the victory in his first ever NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start in the Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway. Seavey will pilot VMS' No.20 Craftsman Toyota Camry at the Springfield dirt mile on August 19 and again at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds during the series’ annual Labor Day feature on September 3. "I'm really excited and thankful to Toyota and Craftsman for the opportunity to come run these ARCA races with Venturini Motorsports," says Seavey. "We started out the year with plans to run the midget fulltime and things just kind of picked up from there, especially after the truck race. Eldora was a dream come true – we just missed it, but had a heck of a time leading laps and being there at the end. It was a great experience. And now I get a chance to run on the Springfield and DuQuoin dirt miles in the ARCA Series." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (08-09-18)
  • Roger Carter & Dana Royal arrested in Michigan: The Chippewa County sheriff said an anonymous tip submitted through the agency's mobile app helped them arrest a couple they said stole a motorhome and used a fake business. On July 10, deputies received the tip that a North Carolina parole absconder was living on Sugar Island in Chippewa County in a 5th wheel RV with his wife "Marie Carter" and her two daughters. Investigators said valid felony warrants were located for Roger "Lee" Carter II of North Carolina and Indiana. Detectives said that "Marie Carter" was actually Dana Upright Royal. Then on July 18, Chippewa County investigators learned the Hamburg Township Police Department took a report earlier in the month tying the couple to a theft of a 2012 motorhome valued at $60,000. The Hamburg Township Police Department said the couple was also using a fake business front of RVNow.com. Detectives also learned the 5th wheel on Sugar Island was also stolen by conversion from a couple out of Kentucky. The 5th wheel RV was recovered on the Sugar Island property, Chippewa County Sheriff Michael Bitnar said. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Roger “Lee” Carter and Dana Upright Royal fled the Chippewa County area, said Bitnar. The couple was arrested on Thursday by troopers from the Michigan State Police Tri-City Post after leaving Chippewa County. Carter is lodged at the Chippewa County Jail on a charge of larceny by conversion of $20,000 or more. He is being held on a $5,000 bond and on the warrants out of North Carolina. Royal is being held in the Bay County Jail on an outstanding felony warrant for fraud. (In part from UpNorthLive.com) (08-01-18)
  • L.B. Skaggs shows up without official entry at Pocono: L.B. Skaggs, No. 71 Nas-Tar Roofing Toyota, was a surprise entrant in the ModSpace 150. Hew showed up at the track despite not filing an official entry. "We're just trying to figure this deal out," he said. "We are based all the way down in Florida. It was a long haul to get up here. We hope to do some more ARCA races in the future. We'd like to be at Kansas for sure." Skaggs finished 11th in a car owned and prepared by former ARCA winner Mario Gosselin. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-30-18)
  • Zane Smith wins rain shortened ModSpace 150: Zane Smith won Friday's rain-shortened ModSpace 150 for the ARCA Racing Series at Pocono Raceway. Smith led an MDM Motorsports sweep of the top four positions in his No. 41 LaPaz Margarita Mix/ICON Vehicle Dynamics Toyota. It was his fourth ARCA Racing Series win of the season. Smith took the lead when Todd Gilliland pitted under caution on lap 14, and with the exception of lap 28, when his teammate Sheldon Creed nipped him at the line, he led the rest of the way. Chase Purdy finished third in the No. 8 Bama Buggies Toyota, Harrison Burton was fourth in the No. 12 Dex Imaging Toyota, and Riley Herbst rounded out the top five in the No. 18 NOS Energy/ORCA Coolers Toyota. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-30-18)
  • Natalie Decker adds Shoney’s as primary Pocono sponsor: Natalie Decker will introduce Shoney’s, the iconic, All-American restaurant brand, as primary sponsor on her Venturini Motorsports prepared No. 25 Toyota in her return to the ARCA Racing Series on July 27 at Pocono Raceway. "It’s an honor to carry the Shoney’s brand this week on our Pocono car," says Decker. "We had the opportunity to visit one of their newly branded stores while racing in Nashville earlier in the year. Had so much fun there not only meeting new people and fans but hanging out with Mr. David Davoudpour, Chairman and CEO of Shoney’s and his friendly team." Admitting her love for sweets, Decker added with a smile, "Nothing would be better than celebrating my first win by eating Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake in victory lane. It’s delish!" (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-25-18)
  • Mullins Racing; Bruce fined and penalized after Elko: Based on ARCA Racing Series post-race technical inspection following the July 14 Sioux Chief PowerPEX 250 at Elko Speedway, the Hixson Motorsports No. 2 team has been determined to be in violation of ARCA Rulebook page 87, Item 11 which references minimum weight. Due to the infraction, team owner Wayne Hixson has been penalized with a fine in the amount of $750 and he and driver Robert Bruce have been penalized 25 championship points (Driver, Car Owner and Short Track Challenge). (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-25-18)
  • Primera Plastics 200 postponed until August: ARCA Racing Series and Berlin Raceway officials have jointly announced that the Primera Plastics 200 has been postponed due to inclement weather. Forty-five minutes into the first on-track activity of the day, the first and only ARCA practice, rain began to fall on the speedway.The precipitation stopped briefly in the early evening, but returned heavily just prior to the scheduled driver autograph session at 5:30. The rain, heavy at times, continued through the evening, and weather radar indicated that the storm would continue into and past the scheduled start time for the event. "We made every attempt to wait the system out, but it wasn’t meant to be tonight," commented Ron Drager, ARCA President. Full details for the rescheduled running of the Primera Plastics 200 will be announced shortly, as the ARCA Racing Series will return to West Michigan and compete with several of the tracks weekly divisions on Saturday, August 25. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-25-18)
  • 22 cars entered at Berlin Raceway: Twenty-two cars are currently entered for Primera Plastics 200 at Berlin Raceway. Entries include #0 Wayne Peterson, #5 Bobby Gerhart, #10 Rick Clifton, #11 Dick Doheny, #35 Carson Hocevar, #52 Bret Holmes, and #67 Scott Melton. The race will take place Saturday night at 9:00 PM EDT and will air live on MAVTV. Full Entry List (07-20-18)

    Mullins Racing returns at Elko Speedway with two cars:     After taking more than five months off after a spectacular runner-up result in the ARCA opener at Daytona in February, Willie Mullins is ready to get back behind the wheel. Mullins will be back in action on Saturday, July 14, when he pilots the No. 3 CW Metals Ford at Minnesota’s Elko Speedway. "We’re obviously excited," said Mullins, whose No. 3 Ford will carry sponsorship from local scrap metal recycling business CW Metals. "When you have a good finish at the biggest stage we race on it’s going to be a big momentum builder. We’re also going to have a bit of home field advantage since our sponsor, CW Metals, is from the area and my wife Dinah’s family is from the area as well." Mullins Racing will be fielding two cars in the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 250 presented by CW Metals and MatrixCare, with veteran Robert Bruce returning to the team for the second-straight year to pilot the No. 2 Ford. The duo recently tested at Shenandoah Speedway in Virginia and Mullins thinks they learned a lot that will help them be better prepared for Saturday’s race at Elko Speedway. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (07-13-18)
  • Bret Holmes driving for Ken Schrader Racing at Iowa: After taking off for a week and missing the SCOTT 150 at Chicagoland Speedway, Bret Holmes will make his return to the driver's seat for this weekend's Fans with Benefits 150 at Iowa Speedway. But instead of the familiar blue No. 23 Chevrolet, Holmes will pilot Ken Schrader Racing's No. 52 Holmes II Excavation Ford. For Holmes, it will be the first time in his career that he's driven for another team other than his father. "This is the first time I have ever driven for anyone other than my family," Holmes said. "It's going to be a big change. I was laughing with my guys about this because I don't want to miss my pit board on pit road. I'll have to be extra careful about it." Holmes and his family-owned team took the week off at Chicagoland to regroup after some performance issues. "We came in a couple of years ago and we ran really good," he said. "We just haven't been running as good as we've been wanting lately. We looked at things and decided we needed to make a change. Wayne Peterson will run the 23 to keep that car up in the points for us until we get the right people in place to come back and run the way we know we can run." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-03-18)
  • Michael Self wins at Chicagoland: Michael Self took advantage of a late-race restart and led the final two laps to score his second ARCA victory of 2018 in [the] SCOTT 150. Self made a three-wide move to take the lead on the initial start of the race, and when Riley Herbst couldn't get the power down coming to the final restart of the night, he made a carbon copy move to retake the lead and pick up the win by 0.155 over series championship points leader Sheldon Creed. "Every time I went into the Venturini shop I saw that trophy from last year that should have been ours," Self said, referring to last year's race in which he dominated but saw go awry with just a couple of laps to go with a flat tire. His Venturini teammate Christopher Bell won the race. "It was great motivation for us. I owe it all to Billy (Venturini) and the team. They gave me a great car and all I had to do was drive it." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-03-18)
  • Jesse Iwuji joins Max Force Racing for Chicagoland: Scotts Rookie of the Year Candidate and official track ambassador for the Stars and Stripes weekend, Lt. Jesse Iwuji is teaming up with Thomas Praytor’s Max Force Racing for the ARCA Racing Series Scotts 150 at Chicagoland Speedway on Thursday night June 28th on FS1. "Jesse's story is incredible," from Praytor. "We've been working hard to give him a quality piece that he can get some valuable seat time in. We’re looking to have a lot of fun and a good night in Chicago." Iwuji, a currently serving Naval Officer, will become the first United States Naval Academy graduate to ever compete at [Chicagoland] Speedway. The Chicago area is also home to his primary sponsor headquarters, BBMC Mortgage - who will be promoting their "we've got your six" sweepstakes, and debut Iwuji’s patriotic paint scheme that honors local fallen soldier Army Pvt. Aaron S. Toppen. Iwuji is also looking forward to racing with his new team. "For a guy trying to make a move through the ranks, having the team we have been able to put together for Chicago is incredible! It gives me a lot of confidence before I even get into the seat," said Iwuji. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (06-28-18)
  • Kevin Reed; Venturini Motorsports penalized after Madison UPDATE To Appeal: Based on post-race technical inspection after the Herr's Potato Chips 200 at Madison International Speedway, the Venturini Motorsports No. 15 team has been penalized for violation of the 2018 ARCA Rule Book, Page 82, No. 8F iii, which references minimum and maximum tread width. As a result, No. 15 team crew chief Kevin Reed has been fined $750 and team owner Bill Venturini and driver Chandler Smith have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship points. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-20-18)
    UPDATE: Venturini Motorsports has stated that the team will appeal the penalty. Kevin Reed, the crew chief of the No. 15 entry, posted the following message on Twitter: "We added 1/8” wheel spacer because studs were worn when we had a loose RF wheel wasnt hiding anything. Many crew chiefs have done this over the years only way to fix until you can change studs. Onto Gateway Trophy Hunting" (In part from Twitter.com) (06-26-18)
  • Sheldon Creed dominates at Gateway; scores second win: Sheldon Creed started the PapaNicholas Coffee 150 from the General Tire Pole and dominated all evening long, picking up his second ARCA Racing Series win of the season on Friday night at Gateway Motorsports Park. Creed drove the No. 28 United Rentals Toyota to a track record in the second practice session that set the field for the start. "Some race weekends are easier than others," Creed said in victory lane. "We won at Michigan and then went out and qualified twelfth last weekend at Madison. This weekend we were fast in practice, set a track record, led the most laps and won." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-26-18)
  • Chandler Smith wins the Herr's Potato Chips 200 at Madison: Fifteen-year-old Chandler Smith scored his first career ARCA win in the Herr's 200 at Madison International Speedway on Friday night. Smith also led the practice session earlier in the day, and earned his fourth consecutive General Tire Pole in qualifying. Smith dropped to the tail of the lead lap with loose right side wheels. As Smith was slowing with those wheel issues on lap 37, Tommy Vigh, Jr. spun in turn four to put the field under the third caution of the evening, which allowed Smith to pit and stay on the lead lap. Smith made an unscheduled stop under caution on lap 39, and when the green waved three laps later he restarted 13th. The Talking Rock, Georgia, native quickly worked his way back up into the top five. By the halfway mark, he had moved back into third behind Zane Smith and Chase Purdy, both of whom looked like they could potentially be the car to beat. But by lap 126, Chandler dipped to the lowside on a restart and moved into the lead, a lead he wouldn't reliquish. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-18-18)
  • Ken Schrader Racing not competing at Madison: Ken Schrader Racing, which won the owner's championship last year with Austin Theriault driving, will not compete in tomorrow's Herr's Potato Chips 200 at Madison International Speedway. The team had announced that Brandon Grosso would compete full time in January, but Grosso left the organization prior to Pocono. Ken Schrader is expected to be behind the wheel of his own No. 52 entry when the team returns to the series at Gateway Motorsports Park on June 22nd. Will Rodgers will also compete in more events for the team later this year. (06-14-18)
  • Sheldon Creed scores first career win at Michigan: It wasn't exactly a barn burner, but for Sheldon Creed, in search of his career-first ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards victory, it must have looked like the "promise land" out the front windshield of his No. 28 United Rentals Toyota. Creed dominated the final two-thirds of the race, taking the lead on lap 37 of the 100-lap show and never let it go. In the end, the Alpine, Calif. driver pulled away from runner-up finisher Riley Herbst to win the 37th running of the ZOMONGO 200 Friday afternoon at Michigan Int'l Speedway. "It's been a long time coming," said Creed, who has three third-place finishes and a pair of runner-up runs already this year. "We have been so close to winning these things; it feels so good to finally get it done. It starts when you unload off the truck. It all goes back to the guys in the shop. Just a great day. No complaints inside the car…just a great day. Thanks to my whole family…my grandpa who's been behind me since day one. I can't wait to come back to the track and do it again." Creed also took back the championship points lead from his MDM Motorsports teammate Zane Smith. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-08-18)
  • Kevin Reed Jr; Daniel Koozer fined and suspended after Pocono: As a result of an incident on pit road and in the ARCA Racing Series garage area at Pocono Raceway June 1, Daniel Koozer and Kevin Reed Jr. have been fined $1,000 each, suspended for two races and placed on disciplinary probation for the remainder of 2018. The penalty was issued for violation of 2018 ARCA Rulebook Section 4, Pages 12-13, #5 and #10, which collectively reference professional conduct by team members, fighting and conduct or actions detrimental to the sport of auto racing and/or ARCA. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-08-18)
  • Chad Finley secures new sponsorship for Michigan: Former winner Chad Finley is set to make his return to ARCA's national tour in this Friday's ZOMONGO 200 at Michigan Int'l Speedway. Finley, in the family-owned No. 51 Chevrolet, will also get an assist from new marketing partner Strutmasters.com. Since 1999, Strutmasters.com has severed as an industry leader in suspension parts and air to non-air suspension conversion kits. The Roxboro, N.C. company debuted in the ARCA Racing Series in 2012 with driver Matt Lofton's race team. "We are so excited to welcome Strutmasters.com on board this weekend at Michigan," said Finley. "We work around the clock to try and bring new partners to our team and we’re glad to make it happen with Strutmasters.com. "Strutmasters.com is no stranger to ARCA and success in the series. We are hoping we can give them a good finish on Friday and maybe it will turn into more opportunities with them down the road." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-08-18)
  • Ken Schrader to race at Gateway with Drydene; Rodgers increases schedule: Drydene Performance Products has announced the addition of three races with Ken Schrader Racing for the 2018 ARCA Racing Series season. The additional races include Michigan International Speedway Friday and Chicagoland Speedway (June 28) for Will Rodgers, along with a return to ARCA competition by veteran Ken Schrader at Gateway Motorsports Park June 22. "The exposure that Team Drydene has garnered from this partnership to date has been exceptional," said Dave Klinger, president of Drydene Performance Products. "We are very proud to extend our support of Will Rodgers and Ken Schrader Racing. The response from our customers has been tremendous and that shows the power of being aligned with the right team combination in motorsports. Seeing Ken Schrader in our Drydene red firesuit will be a thrill for our customers and employees."
    Schrader: In Schrader’s last ARCA appearance at Gateway, his car broke while leading. Schrader's planning for a better go-round this time. He's also planning on getting a lot of local support, being from nearby Fenton, Mo. "With Gateway in my backyard, and with so many of my family and friends who will be there," said Schrader. "I'm looking forward to getting back into an ARCA race; it'll be fun, and I want a great finish for Drydene. I do want to give a shout out to Drydene Performance Products and thank them for giving an old guy like me a chance. Seriously, support from companies like Drydene is essential for racers like Will to build a strong foundation for a career in motorsports." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-07-18)
  • Natalie Decker returns to action at Michigan: Natalie Decker, the popular 20-year old driver, returns to the action this weekend when the ARCA Racing Series invades Michigan International Speedway on Friday June 8 for the 37th running of the ZOMONGO 200. In a well-documented storyline, Decker was partially sidelined last week at Pocono Raceway after undergoing successful hernia surgery on May 25, the day after competing at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On the mend and unable to go the distance, Decker was relegated to taking one-lap in last Friday's #AnywhereIsPossible 200 at the Tricky Triangle, before giving way to Venturini Motorsports' relief driver Brennan Poole. "I was overly optimistic thinking I could be ready for Pocono," said Decker. "My doctor kept me out knowing it would be best long term – we didn't want to chance missing any more races. I'm feeling 100% better now and ready to go at Michigan." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (06-07-18)
  • Tommy Vigh Jr. to make ARCA debut at Madison for Fast Track Racing: In an effort to gain additional market exposure and increase its presence throughout the racing community, Extreme Energy Solutions took the opportunity to promote long time Veteran Dirt Track Race Car Driver Tommy Vigh Jr. to compete in ARCA. Vigh is the Company's Brand Ambassador in representing the Extreme Kleaner and H2O Energy Flow product lines, and has done so for a number of years. Tommy Vigh Jr. of Otisville, NY; and will be piloting equipment provided by Fast Track Racing, under the leadership of Andy Hillenburg, to make a run in this year's Herr's Potato Chips 200 at the Madison International Speedway on June 15, 2018, in the #11 car. "I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity Extreme Energy Solutions and Samuel K. Burlum have been able to provide me over the last few years. Being able to drive at the ARCA level is a highlight for my career. I am also looking forward to driving for Fast Track and Andy Hillenburg. I appreciate that Andy allowed for me to get behind the wheel of his car. I look to make both Extreme and Fast track proud and hope for a good debut run,” Vigh shared. (In part from Extreme Energy Solutions PR) (06-07-18)
  • Harrison Burton wins at Pocono Raceway: ARCA rookie Harrison Burton looked more like a veteran in his career-first superspeedway start, handily winning the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 Friday afternoon at Pocono Raceway. Burton, in the No. 12 DEX Imaging Toyota, drove away from his teammates over the final 10 laps to earn his second career ARCA victory in his fifth series start. "That was awesome," said Burton. "It's my first superspeedway race, but it doesn't matter to us. I have the best team behind me. This win is for John Andretti. Their family is going through a lot right now. He's the toughest guy on the planet. If anyone can do it, he can." Burton struggled in the open test Wednesday, had a mechanical issue in practice Friday, but put it all together in time to go to Victory Lane. "I didn't get much sleep last night, but it was all worth it. All that matters is family in this world and I got a great one behind me. This is so cool." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (06-01-18)
  • Brennan Poole to relieve Natalie Decker after green flag: Natalie Decker, recovering from recent surgery, will start tomorrow’s ARCA Racing Series General Tire #AnyWhereIsPossible 200 at Pocono Raceway but will give way to Brennan Poole after the drop of Friday’s green flag. Natalie Decker and Brennan Poole Venturini PoconoDecker, who underwent successful hernia surgery last week the day after finishing 15th at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will take the green flag before coming down pit road on lap-1 making way for Poole to jump into the seat of her No. 25 N29 Capital Partners – Yamaha Power Products Toyota and complete the race for the popular 20-year old rookie driver. "It’s an unfortunate situation for Natalie and the team," said Poole Thursday morning from Pocono. "As a driver you always want to compete. I know how difficult this deal is for Natalie but it’s important for her to heal up and not push herself too much too early." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (06-01-18)
  • Tony Mrakovich back with Fast Track Racing for Pocono: Tony Mrakovich is excited to return to his hometown track to compete in the ARCA General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 this Friday at Pocono Raceway. Mrakovich will pilot the No. 11 Street Stores Hardware/Cedar Street Supply Chevrolet for Andy Hillenburg and Fast Track Racing. "I am really looking forward to competing at Pocono with the ARCA Racing Series this week" said the 19-year old. "I am eager to see how the weekend goes, returning to a track for the second time in the ARCA Series. My first start last year at Pocono was going very well until we picked the wrong fuel strategy and lost some track position." Mrakovich also understands that building team chemistry is critical to improving performance, something he sees developing with Fast Track Racing as Friday will mark the third time both team and driver have worked together in 2018. "The guys at Fast Track Racing work really hard but still know how to have fun, which makes it particularly enjoyable to work with them. Last month at Toledo was the first time back with the team since Daytona. Working consistently with them and building momentum is the best way we can learn and improve together" explained Mrakovich. (In part from Tony Mrakovich Racing PR) (06-01-18)