archives

Scroll down to view past ARCA Racing Series news and rumors.

January 15 - January 31, 2016

  • Austin Wayne Self charged with Simple Assault & 19/20 Alcohol in 2015: Online public records from Iredell County in North Carolina indicate that Austin Wayne Self was charged with simple physical assault and consuming alcohol 19/20 in July 2015. Self, 19 years-old, has not reached the legal drinking age of 21. These charges occurred between the dates of July 6th and July 13th, in between his ARCA victory at Winchester Speedway on June 28th and the next race at Iowa Speedway on July 17th. The driver from Austin, TX was racing for Mason Mitchell Motorsports at the time and went on to finish 2nd in driver points. Self plans to compete in the Lucas Oil 200 in February driving the No. 33 Toyota for Win-Tron Racing. Emails to Austin Wayne Self Racing were not immediately returned. (01-31-16)
  • Trouble at Jent Motorsports?; UPDATES Josh White and Illmor: Jent Motorsports, owned by Darrell Jent Jr, announced earlier this month that it would field two cars in the ARCA Racing Series this season for drivers Joey Gattina and Josh White. The team began acquiring equipment and offering sponsorship, starting at the low price of $500 for primary and secondary deals. Approximately two weeks before the season opening race, Jent has released driver Josh White and has drawn heavy criticism in the way that it has done business. White was not informed of the team's decision for days, while another prominent member of the ARCA community was used when trying to assist the team with an engine agreement. Jent Motorsports has officially entered the No. 85 Chevrolet for Daytona, but it remains to be seen if the team can survive financially without major corporate backing. Sources say that the team no longer plans to enter two cars after realizing the associated costs of racing. (01-29-16)
    JOSH WHITE: Josh White was released from Jent Motorsports because he did not provide the necessary funds to race. It was agreed that White would contribute $60,000, which would be made in two payments. White's major prospective sponsor did not materialize, meaning that he was $7,000 short at the time of his first payment deadline. Additionally, Jent officials also released him because they were misinformed in regards to White's 2015 agreement with Hixson Motorsports. Jent officials believed that White paid $400,000 to race last season, while White maintains that he was asked to bring the same amount to Hixson for 2016. Following the broken agreement, Jent Motorsports officials ignored all communications from White. Individuals associated with Josh White Racing took to social media and began bashing the team.
    ILMOR ENGINES: Because Jent Motorsports was formed late, the team was unable to secure two Ilmor engines in time for the Daytona race. Team owner Darrell Jent Jr. thought his team was receiving unfair treatment. Jent Jr. complained about his treatment to high ranking officials, using an individual who had ordered an Ilmor engine in time as an example of his perception of someone receiving special treatment. (01-30-16)
    JENT LETTER: Team owner Darrell Jent Jr. has responded in a letter. View the full letter with the identification of the other individual redacted. (01-30-16)
  • Fast Track Racing partners with RFMS; enters two cars at Daytona: Fast Track Racing has officially entered two cars for the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Ed Pompa is scheduled to drive the No. 10 Double H Ranch Chevrolet, while Dick Doheny is expected to be behind the wheel of the No. 27 Chevrolet. Fast Track has partnered with RFMS Racing, which gives the team added security in making the race. This agreement also allows for RFMS to collect valuable owner points. (01-29-16) 
  • JJ Pack joins Cushman Racing for Daytona; additional races?: JJ Pack is gearing up to race at Daytona International Speedway in the Lucas Oil 200 on February 13th in the ARCA Racing Series. He will be the driver for Cushman Racing in the #13 car. Cushman Racing and JJ Pack have been working extensively together to get prepared for this race, and have been working on a deal to put JJ behind the wheel for 5 races this ARCA season. JJ Pack and the entire crew is looking forward to Daytona and the 2016 racing season with Cushman Racing. [They are] very thankful for this opportunity. (In part from JJ Pack Racing PR) (01-27-16)
  • Josh Williams Motorsports hires crew chief; team expanding: Josh Williams Motorsports is growing. What used to be three full-time people in 2015 are now four for the ’16 season opener at Daytona. And one of those four full-timers is veteran crew chief Danny Johnson, the newest employee. Up until now, Williams served both roles - crew chief and race car driver. “I pretty-much never had a crew chief throughout my whole program, so this is going to be a real bonus for me, having Danny as crew chief. “I used to manage by trial and error. If we had a caution, I’d ask the guys what we burned on that last run; then I would calculate it in my head then and there. If we didn’t get a caution, we’d do it under green. I’d ask my gasman or my dad on the box, ask for the numbers and tell ‘em what to do.” Like several, Williams got a jump on the 2016 season [by participating in the] ARCA open test at Daytona. Williams will be campaigning Fords on the two restrictor plate tracks – Daytona and Talladega, but Chevrolets everywhere else in 2016. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-27-16)
  • Scott Edwards to drive for Hamilton-Hughes Racing at Daytona: 30 year-old Scott Edwards announced on Tuesday night that he will drive the No. 62 Bishop's Glen Retirement Community Dodge for Hamilton-Hughes Racing at Daytona. Edwards tested for the team earlier this month and will be attempting to make his fourth career start. The driver from London, England raced in three events last season for Carter 2 Motorsports, earning a career high finish of 16th at New Jersey Motorsports Park. (01-27-16)
  • Frank Kimmel has no plans in place for 2016 UPDATE 4 Team Stange Racing Denied? STATEMENT: 10-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel has no current plans to compete in the 2016 ARCA Racing Series season. Kimmel was informed weeks ago that a sponsorship package was not enough to run, meaning his future is uncertain. (12-17-15)
    UPDATE: Chris Knight reported on Friday that Frank Kimmel is said to be "working hard on a program" and that he is "hopeful to race in February." (01-15-16)
    UPDATE 2: Knight expanded on his report Monday night, saying that Frank Kimmel is close to an announcement and that he might retire following the 2016 season. (01-19-16)
    UPDATE 3: During Fan4Racing radio's NASCAR Hot Topic Sound Off  this past Monday (January 25th), Chris Knight stated that Frank Kimmel is being linked to Team Stange Racing for this season. An announcement is expected at the earliest on Monday, February 1st. (01-25-16)
    STANGE STATEMENT: Team Stange Racing officials took to Facebook in response to Chris Knight's report: "Good evening race fans, The rumor mill is spinning with some really cool stuff tonight that we wish were true. We will be announcing something within the next week but nothing towards the magnitude of the rumors going around." (Team Stange Racing Facebook) (01-25-16)
  • Athenian Motorsports racing full time; multiple drivers: Athenian Motorsports will field the No. 05 Chevrolet full time in pursuit of the 2016 ARCA Racing Series owner's championship. The team will use multiple drivers throughout the season, with its primary being John Wes Townley. As reported earlier, Athenian has acquired owner points from Peterson Motorsports' No. 00. This may allow for a provisional if the team's entry does not qualify on speed. (01-25-16)
  • No full time drivers at Lira Motorsports?: It appears that Lira Motorsports may not have any full time drivers for the 2016 ARCA Racing Series season. Although Brandon Lynn will not race the full schedule, he tentatively plans on competing in the televised events. J.A. Junior will focus on the K&N Pro Series East series driving for Rev Racing, with the possibility of more ARCA races later in the season. Kyle Weatherman's schedule has not been confirmed, but it is said to be dependent on sponsorship. (01-25-16)
  • Lafferty Motorsports leaves Italian driver rideless at Daytona: 27 year-old Mauro Capriglia traveled to the United States from Italy last week to participate in the open ARCA Racing Series test at Daytona. Capriglia had paid to test with Lafferty Motorsports, but when he arrived at the track the team was nowhere to be found. Although Hamilton-Hughes Racing tried to reach out to Capriglia after learning about his situation, the driver from Parma, Italy left without any laps on track. Capriglia is considering legal action against team owner Chris Lafferty. Emails to Lafferty team officials have not been returned. (01-23-16)
  • S&S Volvo renews ARCA sponsorship: ARCA officials announced today that S&S Volvo has renewed its sponsorship for 2016. The announcement extends S&S Volvo’s support of ARCA as the “Official Tractor Supplier” for the sixth consecutive year. “The ARCA Racing Series provides us with great exposure, and great entertainment opportunities,” commented owner Todd Schaub. “Many of our customers are race fans who love the ARCA Series.” S&S Volvo will once again sponsor the S&S Volvo “Long Haul Award,” a year-end award honoring the driver who completes the most laps during the ARCA Racing Series season. The S&S Volvo Long Haul Award is annually presented during the ARCA Racing Series Championship Awards Banquet following each season. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-22-16)
  • JA Junior to drive for Lira Motorsports at Daytona: Jairo Avila Jr (JA Junior) will make his ARCA Racing Series superspeedway debut at Daytona in February. The 20 year-old driver will be behind the wheel of the No. 59 Ford for Lira Motorsports. Avila tested for the team this past week and made two starts last season. Brandon Lynn (No. 36) and Kyle Weatherman (No. 58) are confirmed teammates, with another expected to be announced soon. (01-21-16) 
  • Venturini Motorsports signs 15 year-old Christian Eckes: Venturini Motorsports announced today the addition of 15-year old, Christian Eckes for limited short track action during the upcoming season. Eckes, a native of Middletown, NY, joins VMS on the heels of last week’s announcement that he’ll be driving full-time in the CARS Tour for JR Motorsport’s Late Model Program. Eckes is scheduled to make his VMS/ARCA debut on April 9th at the Nashville Fairgrounds followed by events at Madison Int’l Speedway (June 19th) and Iowa Speedway (July 9th). (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-21-16)
  • Ricky Sanders NOT racing at Daytona after testing crash?: Ricky Sanders, who competed full time for Hixson Motorsports in 2006, had planned to race the No. 68 Ford for Kimmel Racing at the season opening Daytona race in February. However, the testing crash that occurred last Saturday involving both Kimmel cars may have changed those plans. Sanders has said that "[there is] just not enough time to repair the car or locate and [prepare] another one" and that he "probably will not be doing any ARCA this year." It's unclear how Kimmel Racing will use the points from the No. 68, but many teams have been reportedly looking for owner points in the event that they do not qualify on speed. (01-21-16)
  • Lira testers Dylan Cappello and Devin O'Connell have no Daytona plans; working on sponsorship: Rookie drivers Dylan Cappello and Devin O'Connell both tested for Lira Motorsports at Daytona, but will not be competing in the February race. Both are currently working on securing sponsorship to run races later this season. (01-21-16)
  • George Cushman Racing to field Daytona car for Claude Hutchings Jr UPDATE NO Hutchings?: Claude Hutchings Jr., is ready to embark on another phase of his successful career. The Sauquoit, N.Y., driver has been offered the opportunity to compete this February [in] ARCA for car owner Dave Cushman. The deal was put together over the last few months after Hutchings met Cushman at a local car show. For Hutchings it is going to be big step, but one he feels he’s ready and excited for. “The plan is right now to go down and test,” he said. “I’m already ARCA approved for the test. Every new driver has to go out the first day of testing by themselves and they make sure you can keep up a pace and not be in the way. Then Saturday they’ll send you out with 10 other cars and make sure we can draft and bump draft without spinning out. They want to make sure you can handle the cars.” To this point Hutchings has spent several nights working in the shop preparing the cars. The team is currently in the process of converting a Dodge to a Chevrolet. An extensive process which they’ll have done before he hits the track on Friday. Other dates with the ARCA car are currently on a yet to be determined basis. Cushman has cars to run several other tracks but this deal is for Daytona. If all goes well there may be more opportunities for Hutchings to drive the car in the future. (In part from DirtTrackDigest.com) (01-12-16)
    UPDATE: Although Claude Hutchings Jr. tested for George Cushman Racing at Daytona, he may not be the team's driver for the race. A source has told us the team will have another driver behind the wheel in February. (01-21-16)
  • Lira Motorsports to field entries for Brandon Lynn, Kyle Weatherman, & Gray Gaulding at Daytona?: Chris Knight reported Monday night on Fan4Racing radio that Lira Motorsports is expected to field entries for Brandon Lynn, Kyle Weatherman, and possibly Gray Gaulding at Daytona in February. Lynn raced in three events for the team last season, while Weatherman was announced as running a partial schedule for Lira Motorsports along with his brother Clayton in November. Gaulding recently joined the organization for the Daytona test last weekend. (01-19-16)
  • Bret Holmes buys GMS Racing equipment; working with Enfinger: Bret Holmes has purchased equipment from GMS Racing and is working with 2015 ARCA Racing Series champion Grant Enfinger to compete part time this season. Holmes is expected to race in at least three events, Nashville Fairgrounds, Winchester, and Salem. The 18 year-old tested with Empire Racing this past weekend at Daytona. (01-19-16)
  • Mason Mitchell working on Daytona sponsorship: After posting the fastest overall lap in ARCA testing, Mason Mitchell is working on sponsorship to return for the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona in February. The Mason Mitchell Motorsports team only has Gus Dean secured to drive the No. 98 Chevrolet, meaning the organization is accepting other funded drivers for the race as well. (01-19-16)
  • Austin Wayne Self attempting Daytona; preparation for Trucks: Austin Wayne Self, runner-up to ARCA champion Grant Enfinger last year, will attempt the ARCA Racing Series season opener at Daytona in preparation for his NASCAR Camping World Truck series debut the following weekend. Self's truck crew will be utilized, giving them an opportunity to work together in race conditions. Although Daytona is the only scheduled event for Self, this can be subject to change. (01-18-16)
  • Mason Mitchell posts fastest time on Sunday: 2014 ARCA Racing Series champion Mason Mitchell posted the fastest time during Daytona testing on Sunday, edging out Dylan Lupton driving for Empire/Win-Tron Racing. Fifteen car and driver combinations took time. Many teams left the track after testing on Saturday. Day 2 Speeds (01-17-16)
  • Gus Dean fastest in first day of practice; Kimmel cars damaged: Late Model standout Gus Dean was fastest after the first day of on-track activity at Daytona International Speedway. Teammates Spencer Boyd and Noah Gragson followed, all driving cars for Mason Mitchell Motorsports during the test session. A total of 66 car and driver combinations took time on Saturday, one day after rain washed out all activity on Friday. Two incidents occurred. The first took place when both Kimmel Racing cars collided after running through fluid from another car on the track. Another occured when an Empire Racing entry lost sheet metal after a cut tire. Full Speeds (01-16-16)
  • Daytona testing begins; weather could be factor: ARCA Racing Series testing at Daytona begins today at 9:00 AM EST. The morning session will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with an hour lunch directly after. Following the break, on track activity will resume from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Single car runs and drafting are allowed as long as packs have six (6) cars are less. Rain could be a factor; forecasters are predicting a 35% chance to start the day and a 100% chance of precipitation at 1:00 PM. Sunday, January 17th will be used as a weather date if needed. Follow ARCARacing.com for live time and scoring from the event. (01-15-16)
  • Josh White joins Jent Motorsportsin second car: Jent Motorsports has announced that Josh White will drive the team's second car in 2016. This announcement follows one regarding Joey Gattina, who will drive the team's first entry. White will attempt to make the Lucas Oil 200 field next month at the Daytona International Speedway. A car number, sponsors, and additional information will be revealed at a later date. (In part from The NASCAR News Source) (01-15-16)