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

April 2016

  • Gus Dean wins General Tire 200 at Talladega: #98 Gus Dean won the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway after a late race caution froze the field. The race was called short due to impending weather conditions. #6 Josh Williams finished second, while #77 Chase Briscoe, #69 Will Kimmel, and #48 Sean Corr completed the top five. Full Results (04-30-16)
  • Jive Communications sponsoring Athenian Motorsports; ARCA Series: Officials from Jive Communications announced today that the international communications company has entered into a multi-faceted motorsports marketing program for the 2016 Racing Season. The announcement took place at Talladega Superspeedway.
    Athenian Motorsports:     “We are pleased to announce today a partnership with the Athenian Motorsports team and driver John Wes Townley for primary sponsorship of both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards,” commented John Pope, CEO of Jive Communications. “We’re excited and grateful to begin our association with racing with these prominent brands and franchises.” The twelve-race ARCA program will debut during today’s General Tire 200 at Talladega.
    ARCA Racing Series Sponsor:     Brian Moore, VP of Sales for Jive Communications, talked about additional involvement for 2016. “In addition to the team sponsorship, we’re delighted to announce that Jive is joining ARCA as the Official Communications Sponsor for the 2016 season,” said Moore. “We will serve as the presenting sponsor for a pair of ARCA events on this year’s schedule – at Lucas Oil Raceway July 22, and the Illinois State Fair event August 21”, Moore continued. The ARCA Sponsorship will include per-race and year end contingency awards for the race teams, in addition to the Series sponsorship. (In part from Athenian Motorsports PR) (04-30-16)
  • 37 cars on Talladega entry list: Thirty-seven cars are entered for Friday's General Tires 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. Entries include #02 Andy Seuss, #06 Tim Viens, #2 Brad Smith, #5 Bobby Gerhart, #12 Tyler Audie, #13 George Cushman, #15 Brett Hudson, #17 Gene Paul, #30 Terry Jones, #34 Willie Mullins, #48 Sean Corr, #57 Bryan Dauzat, #59 Korbin Forrister, #64 Bobby Hamilton Jr, #75 Benny Chastain, and #83 Derrick Lancaster. Thirty-six cars will qualify for the race. Full Entry List (04-27-16)
  • Ed Pompa finds additional sponsorship: McCloskey International Ltd, a crushing and screening manufacturer based in Ontario, Canada, has joined forces with ARCA Racing Series driver Ed Pompa for 2016, starting with the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. “McCloskey International was doing some work with Dennis and Sue Duellman, of Milwaukee Crusher Co, and noticed photos on Dennis’ office wall of the ARCA car with the Milwaukee Crusher logo,” Pompa said. “Sue and Dennis explained the sponsorship deal they have with me and The Double H Ranch through the ARCA car. Next thing, I’m getting a phone call and an e-mail from McCloskey, saying they would be interested in sponsoring campers at Double H through my ‘Racing for the Ranch’ effort. “I can’t thank McCloskey enough for their support. I already have a solid group of supporters that are there every year for Double H Ranch. Being able to expand that support each year is my goal.” One-hundred percent of all sponsor money is donated directly to The Double H Ranch, for the benefit of the kids. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-27-16)
  • Joey Gattina unable to secure sponsorship for Fast Track: Alabama driver Joey Gattina announced on Facebook that he has been unable to secure the needed sponsorship to drive the No. 27 Chevrolet for Fast Track Racing at Talladega Superspeedway. Gattina is currently working to drive the No. 0 for Peterson Motorsports, but still needs funds to complete the deal. (04-27-16)
  • Kimmel Racing sells owner points to Jent Motorsports: Kimmel Racing has sold owner points from its No. 68 entry to Jent Motorsports. The No. 68 car finished 18th in owner standings last year, which will give Dustin Knowles and the Jent Motorsports team an opportunity to qualify at Talladega on a provisional if needed. The point deal was made to assist Jent in qualifying, and also to allow the Kimmel team to focus on its primary No. 69 car with Will Kimmel. (04-27-16)
  • Korbin Forrister racing at Talladega with Lira: Lira Motorsports announces today that Korbin Forrister will be behind the wheel of the No. 59 entry at Talladega Superspeedway for this weekend’s General Tire 200. Forrister, who has years worth of experience in both the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, is excited to be tackling the high banks of Talladega. “I’m looking forward to being in Talladega,” Forrister said. “I have some success there in the ARCA Series and the NASCAR Truck series with a few top-15 finishes, but I really think we can be fast enough to get a win there this weekend.” Forrister will be bringing new sponsors on board of the No. 59 For. Far From Stock will be the primary sponsor on the hood of the Lira machine, as well as Banana Oral Solution, and Tilted Kilt. (In part from Lira Motorsports PR) (04-27-16)
  • Andy Seuss to attempt Talladega with Our Motorsports: Andy Seuss, the 2014 and 2015 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified champion, will attempt the General Tires 200 at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday driving the No. 02 Chevrolet for Our Motorsports. Our Motorsports is owned by Chris Our, who previously attempted Daytona in 2015 with Tommy Barrett Jr. The team has no owner points and will have to qualify on speed. (04-26-16)
  • Gene Paul partners with Roulo Brothers again: Gene Paul announced on Facebook that ESP Motorsports will partner with Roulo Brothers Racing again for Talladega. ESP Motorsports will carry the No. 17, which may allow the team to qualify for the race on a past car owner champion provisional if needed. Paul finished 21st at Daytona earlier this year after starting shotgun on the field. (04-26-16)
  • Kevin Thomas Jr back to Sprint Cars; may return for ARCA dirt races?: Kevin Thomas Jr's wife Whitney recently wrote about her husband stepping out of the No. 22  Cunningham Motorsports Ford. Her thoughts from OneDirt.com's feature piece:
    About leaving Cunningham: "We found out at the beginning of April that Nashville would be Kevin’s last ARCA race with Cunningham Motorsports. The press release stated it was due to a 'financial situation,' but it was just plain and simple a lack of funding. Sponsorship money didn’t materialize in the way we thought it would. Nothing fancy about it. No scandal. No drama. Just no money."
    ARCA Dirt Races?: "It is rumored Cunningham wants Kevin to drive the ARCA races on dirt at Illinois State Fairgrounds and DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in late August and early September, respectively."
    Back to Sprint Cars: "In the mean time, he’s looking to add about 20 more dates to his Sprint Car schedule to compensate for the loss of those races. Situations change, teams move on, and you just learn to roll with it. As a couple, we talked about it early on when the opportunity was presented to him to drive pavement. I asked him if pavement didn’t work out was he ok with driving Sprint Cars on dirt for the rest of his life. Without missing a beat, of course he said, 'Hell yeah!' So that’s where we are right now, dirt racing full time, and we’re both very ok with that." (In part from OneDirt.com) (04-25-16)
  • Chase Briscoe's day ends after axle failure: Both [Cunningham Motorsports] cars showed some strong moments with [Chase] Briscoe leading the first 44 laps before pitting for right side General Tires and fuel under the first caution on lap 72. Briscoe remained in the top-three cars for most of the day, even tightening up the battle of the top three cars with 25 laps remaining. Shortly after this point, Briscoe radioed crew chief, Chad Bryant, “the vibration is continuing to get worse.” He had first mentioned it shortly after pitting for four tires and fuel on lap 130. With five laps to go, as Briscoe began dropping positions, the No. 77 lost all drive for the 21 year old from nearby Mitchell, Indiana. His Ford came to a complete stop on the backstretch, four laps shy of the checkered flag, relegating him to 16th. A loose right rear wheel, which caused an axle failure, was found upon inspection. (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (04-25-16)
  • Christopher Bell wins at Salem Speedway: #66 Christopher Bell won the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway in his ARCA Racing Series debut. Bell held off a hard charging #74 Justin Haley in the final laps of the race. #55 Dalton Sargeant finished 3rd, while #58 Kyle Weatherman, and #22 Blake Jones rounded out the top five. Pole winner #77 Chase Briscoe slowed in the closing laps of the race. Briscoe would finish 16th. Full Results (04-24-16)
  • Chase Briscoe wins Salem pole; fastest in practice: #77 Chase Briscoe has won the pole for tomorrow's Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway. Briscoe dominated the day, as he was fastest in both practice sessions prior to qualifying. NASCAR driver #66 Christopher Bell will start second in his ARCA debut, while #55 Dalton Sargeant, #05 John Wes Townley, and #1 Kyle Plott completed the top five. #64 Ronnie Osmer wrecked in practice and did not take time in qualifying. Qualifying Results (04-23-16)
  • 32 cars on Salem entry list UPDATE: Thirty-three cars are currently entered for this Sunday's Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway. Entries include #1 Kyle Plott, #5 Brian Keselowski, #22 Blake Jones, #32 Shane Lee, #55 Dalton Sargeant, #59 Tyler McQuarrie, #66 Christopher Bell, and #74 Justin Haley. The race is scheduled to begin at 2:15 PM EDT. Full Entry List (04-19-16)
    UPDATE: Barry Layne will drive the No. 69. Brady Boswell has been added in the No. 98 Ford. (04-20-16)
    UPDATE 2: Ronnie Osmer has replaced Eric Caudell in the No. 64 Hamilton Hughes Racing entry. The No. 68 car for Kimmel Racing has been withdrawn, leaving only 32 teams at the track. (04-23-16)
  • Max Force Racing; Thomas Praytor secure Talladega sponsorship: Alabama based Gray Gulf Charters will make their debut on the No. 9 DK-LOK Ford at Talladega Superspeedway on April 29th. Captain Gray has been a longtime fan of Mobile’s Thomas “Moose” Praytor and friends with the Praytor family since childhood. “We take a lot of pride in our charter company being based out of Alabama and what better way to show it than sponsoring our home town boy, the Moose,” offered Captain Gray. Gray Gulf Charters offers inshore and nearshore saltwater fishing experiences that leaves from Dauphin Island venturing into the Gulf of Mexico for a true Gulf Coast fishing experience. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (04-22-16)
  • Mullins Racing returning at Talladega; adds sponsorship: Mullins Racing will attempt the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway after finishing 8th at Daytona in February. Willie Mullins will drive the No. 34 Ford with sponsorhsip from Crow Wing Recycling, Bugsy's Auto Repair, and TCBX Trucking. TCBX recently joined the team as an associate sponsor earlier this month. (04-21-16)
  • Kimmel Racing Fan Appreciation Party on Friday: Kimmel Racing is hosting a fan appreciation party this Friday at the team's shop in Clarksville, Indiana from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The free event will enable fans to receive autographs and meet with ARCA drivers. Food and drinks will be served. Visit Kimmel Racing at 201 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway. (04-20-16)
  • Hamilton Hughes Racing using Hixson owner points: Hamilton Hughes Racing and Eric Caudell began using owner points from the No. 3 Hixson Motorsports entry at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. The Hamilton Hughes team missed Daytona earlier this year when it failed to qualify for the race on speed. Owner points from Hixson Motorsports will give the team an opportunity to qualify on a provisional if necessary. (04-20-16)
  • Brady Boswell to drive for Cunningham team at Talladega: The Cunningham organization is pleased to announce Brady Boswell as the driver of [the] No. 22 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 29. Boswell will make his second ARCA Series start, after starting fifth and finishing 15th at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville two weeks ago. The teenager, from Watkinsville, Georgia, earned the Rookie of the Year award in 2013 in the X-1R Pro Cup Series, while compiling 12 top-5 finishes and 21 top-10 finishes in 23 starts during two seasons. The full-time student at the University of North Georgia, majoring in Business Management said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to join the Cunningham Motorsport No. 22 team for Talladega. They put a lot of effort into their superspeedway cars to make them competitive. I am confident that we will have a shot to win.” (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (04-19-16)
  • Financial situation leaves Kevin Thomas Jr. out at Cunningham; Blake Jones in:  No one knows better than Cunningham Motorsports that plans don’t always work out. The organization will have a driver change in their No. 22 Ford when the ARCA Racing Series teams pull into Salem Speedway. At the start of the year, it was the Cunningham team’s intention to run Kevin Thomas, Jr. throughout the season, but a financial situation has prevented that from continuing. It is hoped that KTJ will rejoin the team later in the season. A number of drivers will fill the seat during the rest of the 2016 season, starting with Blake Jones at Salem Speedway. In looking forward to his return to Cunningham, the 19 year-old, said, “I couldn’t be any more excited to have the opportunity to be back in the Cunningham Motorsports car at one of my favorite tracks. I can’t wait to hop in the fast Ford that my hard-working team will bring to Salem.” More drivers will be announced as the season progresses. (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (04-15-16)
  • Chase Storch to drive for Max Force Racing at Salem: Chase “Seth” Storch will make his first career ARCA start at Salem Speedway in the Max Force DK-LOK #23. “I’ve got a simple job to do at Salem and that’s get the car in the race and keep all the fenders on it,” said Storch. “It’s a big opportunity for me and I appreciate Thomas and Tommy having the confidence in me to get it done.” Hailing Florida, Storch has experience in open wheel modifieds and mini sprint cars. “This is our second two car effort, our first was getting Brad Smith back in a race car and our second is one of our UNOH crew members. Both are really very cool for us as a race team,” said Thomas “Moose” Praytor. “It wasn’t all that long ago I was working on cars for Andy Belmont and Grant Enfinger looking for an opportunity. It’s awesome to be able to do that for someone else.” (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (04-15-16)
  • Tyler McQuarrie joins Lira Motorsports for Salem: Lira Motorsports is happy to announce that Safecraft will be on board of the machines of Tyler McQuarrie and Sheldon Creed at Salem Speedway on April 24. Champion Formula Drift driver, Tyler McQuarrie, will be joining the Lira Motorsports team in the No. 59 Ford. He has a deep history in motorsports that ranges from karts to stock cars to sports cars. “I’m so excited about this opportunity with Lira Motorsports. It’s a great team to work with and our 59 machine is fast. It means so much to me that they would give me the opportunity to hop behind the wheel of a stock car once again,” McQuarrie said. (In part from Lira Motorsports PR) (04-15-16)
  • Gus Dean returns to Mason Mitchell Motorsports for Talladega: Officials from Mason Mitchell Motorsports announced today that GREE, the world's largest manufacturer of specialized Cooling & Heating Products, will back Gus Dean in the upcoming General Tire 200 from Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, Apr. 29. Dean, 21, returns to MMM after making his ARCA Racing Series debut at Daytona aboard the team’s No. 98 Chevrolet. “I’ve never been so anxious to get behind the wheel of a race car,” said Dean. “We are focused on finishing what we started at Daytona." (In part from Mason Mitchell Motorsports.com) (04-14-16)
  • Mason Mitchell Motorsports to use multiple drivers UPDATE: Sources indicate that Mason Mitchell Motorsports will use a variety of different drivers to run a full ARCA campaign this season. Gus Dean, who had driven the No. 98 Chevrolet at Daytona, was working on sponsorship for the full season. Dean was unable to raise the necessary funds, meaning that the Mason Mitchell team will focus on an owner's championship instead. (04-12-16)
    UPDATE: Gus Dean and Chris Knight denied that Dean was working on sponsorship for the full season on Twitter Wednesday night. (04-14-16)
  • Brian Keselowski files entry for Salem Speedway: Brian Keselowski announced on his Twitter page that he has filed an entry for Salem on April 24th. Keselowski raced at Nashville, finishing 28th after having fuel pump issues. (04-13-16)
  • Justin Haley to make first season start at Salem: 17 year-old Justin Haley will make his first start of the season at Salem Speedway on April 24th. The driver from Winamac, Indiana will be behind the wheel of the No. 74 Braun Auto Group Chevrolet for Braun Motorsports. Haley, who competed in three races last season, is expected to increase his schedule to seven (7) this year. (04-12-16)
  • Jent Motorsports and Hixson Motorsports partnership over UPDATE: It is rumored that the partnership between Jent Motorsports and Hixson Motorsports is over. Jent Motorsports, formed by Darrell Jent Jr. this year after settling a workplace injury lawsuit for $3 million in April 2012, failed to qualify for the season opening race at Daytona. Hixson Motorsports was assisting the team during the weeekend, and the two organizations later announced a formal partnership shortly after. Emails to Jent Motorsports and Hixson Motorsports were not returned. (04-03-16)
    UPDATE: Jent Motorsports team owner Darrell Jent Jr. posted on Facebook days before the Nashville race that he was "so happy other than not getting the crew chief [that he wanted]" and vowed that "[he would] not buy points and sell [his] soul." Jent has separated from Hixson Motorsports, citing that he did not want to purchase owner points because he "was losing sleep over being someone who was selling out." (04-12-16)
  • Travis Miller to attempt Talladega with family owned team: Chris Knight broke the news on Fan4Racing's online radio show that 27 year-old Travis Miller will attempt Talladega Superspeedway later this month driving for his family owned team. Miller has several starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and is currently working with Ranier Racing with MDM. Knight reported that Miller may use the No. 8. (04-11-16)
  • Cunningham Motorsports adding third car?: Cunningham Motorsports is rumored to be expanding to three cars on a part-time basis this season. The North Carolina based team fielded a third entry last year in multiple races, and it has the capability to expand again. Cunningham currently fields two full time cars for Kevin Thomas Jr. and Chase Briscoe. (04-11-16)
  • Tyler Audie to return for General Tire 200 at Talladega: Tyler Audie, a freshman at The University of Alabama, will return to ARCA Racing Series competition at Talladega Superspeedway later this month. Audie will drive his family owned No. 12 Toyota in the event. The team last competed at Daytona in February, finishing 12th after qualifying for the race on speed. (04-10-16)
  • Flexzilla joins Venturini Motorsports as sponsor: Venturini Motorsports and Legacy™ Manufacturing Company have entered into a strategic marketing partnership with core emphasis on promoting the company’s well-known Flexzilla® brand through a highly targeted motorsports marketing and activation campaign. Legacy is a manufacturer of high-quality, durable equipment for professional and domestic use. Legacy is the driving force behind the popular Flexzilla brand of air and water hoses, extension cords and other products designed to make your work easier than ever. “This sponsorship is a great fit for Flexzilla,” says Matt Weems, Vice President of Legacy. “The Flexzilla brand promise means extreme performance. Venturini Motorsports is consistent with that message, so we are very excited to be partnering with them.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-10-16)
  • Josh Williams wins the Music City 200 at Nashville: #6 Josh Williams won his first career ARCA Racing Series race at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. Williams took the lead after passing #98 Brady Boswell and held off #27 AJ Fike. #69 Brian Finney finished behind Fike in third, while #05 John Wes Townley and #23 Bret Holmes completed the top five. Crowd favorite #55 Cole Williams had mechanical issues in the opening laps of the race and was never able to contend for the win. Full Results (04-09-16)
  • Team Stange Racing missing Nashville; Renegotiated Sponsorship: Officials from Team Stange Racing will make an announcement in a press release tomorrow. Team Stange fielded a car for Frank Kimmel at Daytona earlier this year, finishing 5th. The Illinois based team announced that it would compete full time with JUICE Batteries sponsorship in February. (04-07-16)
    UPDATE: Team Stange Racing and JUICE Batteries have renegotiated their race sponsorship agreement. JUICE will become an associate sponsor and will remain the primary sponsor in select races of the No. 46 car. Team Stange and JUICE are currently working to complete a revised primary race schedule. Team co-­owner Ashley Stange stated, “We are disappointed to have to change our original plans, however I’m confident that our fans, ARCA fans, and Frank’s fans understand we are doing what is best for our team’s longevity, and for everyone’s mutual benefit. I remain grateful for the JUICE sponsorship and confident of the success of their product launch. I believe this will lead to an ever­increasing relationship leading to a successful 2017 primary sponsorship.” Team Stange also revealed it will begin transitioning new cars being built to the Toyota new composite body run with Ilmor engines. (In part from Team Stange Racing PR) (04-08-16)
  • 35 cars on Nashville entry list UPDATE 2: 37 cars are currently entered for the Music City 200 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville. Notable entries include #23 Bret Holmes, #32 Shane Lee, #38 Sheldon Creed, #48 Dylan Martin, #55 Cole Williams, #59 Travis Swaim, #66 Christian Eckes, #69 Brian Finney, #93 Clayton Weatherman, and #98 Brady Boswell. The race will be held on Saturday, April 9th and can be followed on ARCA Racing's official website. Full Entry List (04-04-16)
    UPDATE: #5 Brian Keselowski and #68 Barry Layne have been listed as drivers. (04-06-16)
    UPDATE 2: Hixson Motorsports (#3) and Hamilton-Hughes Racing (#4) have withdrawn entries from the Music City 200. 35 cars remain. (04-07-16)
  • Sheldon Creed to drive full time for Lira Motorsports: Safecraft, one of the leading safety equipment suppliers in motorsports, has joined forces with Lira Motorsports and the team’s newest driver, Sheldon Creed. Beginning in Nashville this weekend, Safecraft Safety Equipment will be on board the No. 38 Lira Motorsports entry and will continue to be on the hood of the car until the final race of the season at Kansas Speedway in October. “Safecraft is proud to be partnered with a top team such as Lira Motorsports,” Safecraft owner Pat O’Keefe said. “We are thrilled to be a sponsor on Sheldon Creed’s No. 38. We look forward to following the 38 throughout the ARCA season.” In addition to this news, Creed will be running with Lira Motorsports full-time in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards while also continuing his Speed Energy Formula Off Road Racing series career. He will be making his series debut at Nashville this weekend as one of five Lira Motorsports drivers. (In part from Lira Motorsports PR) (04-06-16)
  • Brian Keselowski partners with Bobby Gerhart Racing this season: Brian Keselowski [tested] today at Motor Mile Speedway with his No. 5 Keselowski-Gerhart Racing Chevrolet. “We’re heading to Motor Mile today to shake the car down,” Keselowski said. The “we” part includes his father Bob Keselowski who will be crew-chiefing his son at the track. “We’re not really testing for any one thing, we’re just shaking the car down so when we get to Nashville we’re ready.” Once the Keselowski’s land at the track, the “we” part gets even more interesting when the Keselowski clan meets up with the Gerhart gang. “His (Gerhart’s) guys are going to show up and help me at the track. We’ve been helping each other for a long time. When he (Bobby Gerhart) got hurt in 2007, I drove for him back then, and, ever since then, we’ve always helped each other out. “We’ll be working together quite a bit this year. I’ll crew chief Bobby on the speedways and intermediates, like we did at Daytona, and he’s letting us use his motor (ARCA Ilmor 396) and points. Pretty cool wearing the 5 number, I like it.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-06-16)
  • Tom Hessert picks up Nashville sponsorship: Tom Hessert and his Venturini Motorsports team are headed back to Nashville for this week’s Music City 200. Hessert, who is running full time this season for VMS, will showcase Slinger Apparel onboard his No. 25 Toyota. Slinger Apparel, an Average Joes brand and Nashville based company, offers a line of clothing merchandise which encompasses the lifestyle and attitude of an up-and-coming millennial demographic. As part of an ongoing partnership between Venturini Motorsports and Colt Ford’s Average Joes Entertainment group, the sponsorship opportunity provides a solid platform and audience in which to cross-promote their respective brands. In addition to Slinger Apparel – the MEGA Truck Series (MTS) will share real estate on Hessert’s VMS car. MTS, a new form of extreme mud racing featuring monster trucks which are built and designed to take on the nastiest terrain, from deep mud pits, to big jumps and twisted obstacle courses. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-04-16)
  • Fast Track Racing to compete full time; races available: Fast Track Racing plans to compete full time in ARCA competition this year. The team will have various drivers behind the wheel of its cars, such as Ed Pompa, Rick Clifton, and Dick Doheny. Opportunities are still available for funded drivers. Anyone interested in driving for the organization should contact the team for more details. (04-04-16) 
  • Brad Smith to drive for Hixson Motorsports at Nashville: Veteran driver Brad Smith will drive the No. 2 Chevrolet for Hixson Motorsports in the Music City 200 at Nashville on Saturday, April 9th. Smith, who was originally scheduled to drive the No. 49 Ford for Hylton Motorsports, joins Hixson reportedly for financial reasons. Hylton Motorports operates on a small budget and did not have full sponsorship for the race. (04-03-16)
  • Veteran driver Andy Hampton passes away at age 87: ARCA veteran driver, winner and all-around great guy Andy Hampton has taken his final breath. Hampton passed away peacefully in the care of hospice Friday, April 1 at 12:30 p.m. at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 87. Born in Crestwood, Kentucky on December 1, 1928, Hampton ranked 11th on the all time ARCA Racing Series win list with 20 career victories. Hampton earned his career-first ARCA win at his hometown track on April 11, 1965 at Fairgrounds Speedway in Louisville. His final ARCA win also came close to home at Salem on July 30, 1972, wrapping up a relatively short, but brilliant ARCA career. Hampton was preceded in death by his wife Ramona. He is survived by seven children: Andy Jr., Lynn, Jack, Robin, Ronnie, Rose Ann, and Mary Ann. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be made available when information becomes available. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (04-01-16)
  • Venturini Motorsports signs Christopher Bell, Tanner Thorson & Nicole Behar: Venturini Motorsports announced today the additions of Toyota Racing’s Christopher Bell, Tanner Thorson and Nicole Behar to the team’s 2016 ARCA Racing Series driver lineup. The Toyota teammates will compete in seven events with VMS combined over the course of the remaining season schedule.
    Christopher Bell:     Christopher Bell, the highly touted NASCAR rookie, will compete under the VMS banner (No.15/66 Toyota Camry) at five-events starting at Salem Speedway on April 24. The 20-year-old from Norman, Oklahoma will also drive at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Pocono Raceway, Chicagoland Speedway and Salem Speedway for a second time when the series returns in September. Bell currently drives full-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
    Tanner Thorson:     Tanner Thorson, widely known for his prowess in the seat of his open wheeled midget, will sling some dirt ARCA Style in his VMS debut (No. 55 Toyota) in Springfield at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in August. Thorson currently pilots the No. 67 Keith Kunz Motorsports Toyota Midget on the USAC National Tour.
    Nicole Behar:     Nicole Behar will make her first team (No. 55 Toyota) and ARCA Series start at Madison International Speedway on June 19. One of 12 members of the 2016 NASCAR Next Class, the 18-year-old currently drives for David Gilliland Racing in the CARS Tour and the Pro All Star Series. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (04-01-16)
  • Darrell Basham Racing returning for partial schedule: Darrell Basham Racing plans to return to ARCA Racing Series competition this year for a partial schedule. Although the number of races is still to be determined, the team could be in Nashville if the car is prepared in time. Darrell's son Michael is expected to drive. (04-01-16)