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

July 2016

  • Ryan Unzicker to return at Springfield and DuQuoin: 35 year-old Ryan Unzicker will return to ARCA competition this season for the dirt races at Illinois State Fairgrounds and DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Unzicker has raced both events dating as far ack as 2003. The El Paso, Illinois has driven for Hendren Motorsports in the majority of his 11 career starts. (07-31-16)
  • Injured crew member recovering from pit road incident: Jon House, the jackman on Gus Dean's No. 98 Chevrolet, is recovering after a pit road incident at Pocono. House was hit when Dean had brake issues entering his pit stall. Although House was able to walk to an ambulance on pit road, he was taken to a local hospital for examination. Doctors diagnosed the veteran crew member with a concussion and a possible small bleed. A close or full recovery is expected. (07-30-16)
  • Tom Hessert works with new crew chief at Pocono: Venturini Motorsports made a crew chief change on Tom Hessert's No. 25 entry prior to Friday's race at Pocono. Dave Leiner replaced Ryan "Pickle" London, who has been with the organization since February 2015. Leiner previously worked with Tom Hessert at Andy Belmont Racing in 2008 and 2009. (07-30-16)
  • Chase Briscoe wins the ModSpace 150 at Pocono Raceway: #77 Chase Briscoe won the ModSpace 150 at Pocono Raceway, scoring his fourth ARCA Racing Series victory in a row. #05 John Wes Townley finished second, while #55 Dalton Sargeant, #32 Shane Lee, and #10 Kyle Weatherman completed the top five. Briscoe extended his points lead significantly over #6 Josh Williams, who finished 26th after having mechanical issues. Full Results (07-29-16) 
  • 28 cars entered for Pocono: Twenty-eight cars are entered for today's ModSpace 150. Entries include #05 John Wes Townley, #07 Brian Kaltreider, #2 Sarah Cornett-Ching, #5 Bobby Gerhart, #10 Kyle Weatherman, #15 Christopher Bell, #19 David Sear, #20 Tom Berte, #22 Myatt Snider, #27 Ed Pompa, #32 Shane Lee, #48 Sean Corr, and #69 Will Kimmel. The race will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 at 5:30 PM EDT. Entry List (07-29-16)
  • Chad Finley hopes to expand schedule in 2017; looking for sponsorship: With hopes of increasing their schedule for next season, the Finley’s know strong performances will aid in their attempt to find more sponsorship. “We hopefully have two races left this season and we just need to go out there and run like we did and hope it helps in the long-haul,” said Chad Finley. “My dad, Bruce and the guys want to do this more than four times a year in 2017 – but we’ll need some financial help to make it happen. The ARCA Racing Series has never been more affordable, thanks to the spec motor – but you still need sponsors to pay for the engines, tires, travel, etc. Believe me, I’m proud to be back in ARCA and just hope we can stay around for a little more longer this time.” (In part from Chad Finley Racing PR) (07-27-16)
  • Clayton Weatherman joins Cunningham for Berlin: Clayton Weatherman, 17 year old brother of Kyle Weatherman, will take his turn behind the wheel of the No. 22 when the ARCA Racing Series returns to Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan. Weatherman will make his fifth series start, his first with Cunningham Motorsports. Weatherman commented, “I have never been so excited to race for a team as I am for Cunningham Motorsports! Ever since my brother (Kyle) raced for them I have always wanted to race at least one race for them. Any time I went to the race track last year, I knew Kyle had a chance to win. And now, I am getting that chance!” Weatherman, who will be guided by Paul Andrews, 1992 NASCAR championship crew chief for Alan Kulwicki, is the seventh driver piloting the No. 22 during the 2016 season. [Note: Will Kimmel was originally announced as the driver of the No. 22 for Berlin in June] (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (07-26-16)
  • John Wes Townley cleared to race at Pocono: John Wes Townley received medical clearance earlier today to resume racing in ARCA. He will compete in this weekend’s ARCA event at Pocono Raceway. Townley had been sidelined for the past four weeks while being treated for mild concussion-like symptoms. “I’d like to thank Parker Kligerman, Cole Custer and Brady Boswell for filling in for me,” Townley said. “I feel great and I’m looking forward to racing at Pocono this week.” (In part from Athenian Motorsports PR) (07-26-16)
  • Bret Holmes battles heat at Indy: Bret Holmes stepped out of his car Friday night with symptoms of heat exhaustion written all over his face. Sometime during the Sioux Chief PowerPex 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway, his helmet hose (which blows cool air onto his head) came undone. This created a long and very hot evening in Indiana. The heat was still no deterrent for the Munford, Alabama native, as Holmes ran in the top-10 for his third consecutive race of his young ARCA career. (In part from Bret Holmes Racing PR) (07-25-16)
  • Chase Briscoe wins at Lucas Oil Raceway: #77 Chase Briscoe won the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway, extending his points lead over #6 Josh Williams. Briscoe held off #8 Travis Miller who finished second. #22 Myatt Snider, Williams, and #51 Chad Finley rounded out the top five. #28 Kyle Benjamin dominated the first part of the race before he encountered trouble with his left rear brake caliper. Benjamin would recover to finish 8th. A multi-car accident occurred close to lap 130 that brought out the red flag. #2 Ray Ciccarelli, #48 Dylan Martin, #55 Dalton Sargeant, #74 Justin Haley, and #98 Brady Boswell all sustained major damage. Full Results (07-22-16)
  • 35 cars entered for today's race at Lucas Oil: Thirty-five cars are entered for today's Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200. Entries include #05 Parker Kligerman, #5 Bobby Gerhart, #8 Travis Miller, #15 Christian Eckes, #17 Ty Majeski, #22 Myatt Snider, #23 Bret Holmes, #28 Kyle Benjamin, #48 Dylan Martin, #51 Chad Finley, #69 Brian Finney, #74 Justin Haley, #78 Gus Dean, and #80 Scott Reeves. Practice begins at 1:35 PM EDT, while qualifying takes place at 5:30 PM EDT. The race is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM EDT and it will air on FOX Sports 1. Entry List (07-22-16)
  • Christian Eckes making final start of the year with Venturini: Christian Eckes, will make his fourth and final ARCA Racing Series season start with Venturini Motorsports this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway. Despite showing speed and a level of maturity behind the wheel far beyond his age, Eckes has been slowed during his last two outings due to issues outside his control. "I’m hoping we’ve used up all of our bad luck and can get back to showing our true potential and fight for a win this weekend,” said Eckes. “It’s been disappointing, we’ve been really good each time out, but just can’t catch a break.” Eckes will have one final shot Friday night to erase the disappointment of the last couple of races. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-22-16)
  • Project Semi Colon back with Praytor: With 11 races under their belt, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK team head up to Indiana for the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200. This weekend the DK-LOK Ford is teaming back up with Project Semi Colon. The team will sport the newest Semi Colon T-shirt now available on Project Semi Colon’s website. “We joined the DK-LOK Team in Madison and the family run team and crew won us over. They have strong ties to what we stand for and are a great extension of us,” said Amy Bleuel. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (07-22-16)
  • Kyle Weatherman not entered for Lucas Oil: 18 year-old Kyle Weatherman is not entered for the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway. Weatherman, who is third in driver points, was left without a full time team after Lira Motorsports closed. The Missouri driver has raced for Mason Mitchell Motorsports and Fast Track Racing since, but it appears that Weatherman will miss his first race of the season. (07-21-16) 
  • Brad Smith attempting to find Lucas Oil ride UPDATE Peterson & Hauck: Veteran Brad Smith is working to find a ride for Friday night's Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200. Smith, who currently is 7th in ARCA driver points, has primarily driven for Hylton Motorsports this season. Hylton's number will be carried by Empire Racing and Dylan Martin in the event. (07-19-16)
    UPDATE: Brad Smith will drive the No. 31 entry for Peterson Motorsports and Hauck Enterprises Inc. Smith is rumored to be driving an entry from Peterson, with owner points from Hauck. The Shelby Township, Michigan driver has previously raced for Hylton Motorports and Max Force Racing this season. (07-21-16)
  • Parker Kligerman to substitute for Townley at Lucas Oil: John Wes Townley remains under treatment for a possible concussion and will not compete in Friday night’s ARCA Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive at Lucas Oil Raceway. Veteran driver and NASCAR on NBC analyst Parker Kligerman will substitute for Townley. Townley is scheduled to be re-evaluated by his physician on Monday July 25th, when he anticipates gaining medical clearance to return to competition next week at Pocono Raceway. (In part from Athenian Motorsports PR) (07-18-16)
  • Iowa Speedway on 2017 ARCA Schedule: Iowa Speedway officials announced that the ARCA Racing Series would be returning in 2017 to race on the .875-mile Newton, Iowa oval. The 11th ARCA Racing Series Iowa 150 will again share the weekend line-up with the Verizon IndyCar Series, giving race fans a full complement of stock car and open wheel racing. The ARCA Racing Series Iowa 150 will be Friday, July 8, with the IndyCar Series Iowa Corn 300 the day after, July 9. "The combination of ARCA stock car racing and IndyCar open wheel racing has been a huge hit here at Iowa Speedway, so we’re very pleased to continue hosting the ARCA Racing Series in 2017," said Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small. "Iowa Speedway has become the launch-pad for the next superstars in motorsports, and the ARCA Racing Series continues to deliver an incredibly entertaining and competitive show for our fans." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-17-16)
  • Gus Dean to race at Lucas Oil with GREE sponsorship: Gus Dean is still reaping the benefits of his breakthrough victory from Talladega Superspeedway in April. Today, Mason Mitchell Motorsports announces that Dean and sponsor GREE, the world’s largest manufacturer of specialized Cooling & Heating Products, will compete in next Friday night’s Sioux Chief PowerPEX® in the No. 78 Chevrolet at Lucas Oil Raceway. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the No. 78 GREE Cooling Products / Karl Chevrolet at Lucas Oil Raceway next weekend,” said Dean. “It’s because of Dave (Pearson) and all the folks at GREE who are allowing me to race and I want nothing more than to bring them another win in Indianapolis.” Lucas Oil Raceway will kick-off back-to-back races for the former CARS Pro Cup event winner. In addition to Lucas Oil Raceway, Dean will return to the MMM’s flagship No. 98 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway the following week for the ModSpace 125 on July 29. (In part from Mason Mitchell Motorsports PR) (07-15-16)
  • Venturini's Jeff McClure placed on probation: As a result of an incident in the ARCA Racing Series garage area at Iowa Speedway July 9 after qualifying involving unsportsmanlike conduct, Venturini Motorsports crew chief Jeff McClure has been placed on disciplinary probation for the remainder of the 2016 season. The penalty was issued for violation of 2016 ARCA Rulebook Section 4, Page 10, #4 and #9, which references conduct by team members toward ARCA Officials and conduct or actions detrimental to the sport of auto racing. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-13-16)
  • Mark Littleton retired after nine years of racing: Veteran Mark Littleton retired from ARCA Racing Series competition at the end of the 2015 season. Littleton, who had competed at dirt tracks at Springfield and DuQuoin dating back to 2007, drove his own No. 5 Littleton Motorsports Chevrolet. The 44 year-old from Arenzville, Illinois had a career high finish of 14th, which came at last year's Allen Crowe 100. (07-12-16)
  • Christian Eckes loses cylinder in Iowa race: Christian Eckes finished a disappointing 11th after losing an engine cylinder early in the race in Saturday night’s ABC Supply Co. 150 at Iowa Speedway. After posting the fastest lap times within the first 10-laps, Eckes radioed his crew with trouble, stating he felt he was down on power. Urged by his team to stay focused, Eckes would manage to battle and work his way inside the top-10 by the midway point. Clearly down on horsepower, Eckes would fall a few positions before finishing in the 11th spot. After the race it was determined the plug wire replaced post qualifying came off at the onset of the race resulting in loss of power and only seven of the eight cylinders firing under the hood of Eckes’ Toyota. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-12-16)
  • Will Kimmel fills in for Nick Higdon at Iowa: Will Kimmel drove the No. 08 T&T Construction Chevrolet in place of Nick Higdon at Iowa this past weekend. Kimmel took to social media to describe what transpired Saturday night. "This weekend in Iowa was busy to say the least. Special thanks to Tommy and Nick for making the decision to let me run the car. Unfortunately after qualifying Nick got pretty sick, about 30 minutes before driver intros. The car was pretty good once I settled in. After about 60 laps I had to keep the brakes pumped in between turns. We had got up to 12th with about 30 to go but the RF caliber had lost a seal and shoved all the fluid out. At some point our luck will break." (07-11-16)
  • Chase Briscoe wins ABC Supply 150 at Iowa: #77 Chase Briscoe won the ABC Supply 150 at Iowa Speedway and extended his points lead. #28 Kyle Benjamin finished second, while #8 Harrison Burton, #55 Dalton Sargeant, and #22 Myatt Snider completed the top five. #10 Kyle Weatherman dominated the race early, but lost a right front tire and made contact with the wall. Weatherman went on to finish 9th. Full Results (07-09-16)
  • Kyle Benjamin wins Iowa pole: #28 Kyle Benjamin has won the pole for tonight's ABC Supply 150 at Iowa Speedway. #15 Christian Eckes qualified second, followed by #10 Kyle Weatherman, #98 Brady Boswell, and points leader #77 Chase Briscoe. Eckes will have to drop to the back at the start due to unapproved adjustments (broken plug wire). FOX Sports 2 television coverage of race is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM EDT or 8:00 PM CDT. Starting Lineup (07-09-16)
  • Chase Briscoe fastest in Iowa practice: Points leader Chase Briscoe was fastest in Iowa practice, turning a 24.137 second lap. #28 Kyle Benjamin was second. #8 Harrison Burton, #10 Kyle Weatherman, and #78 Mason Mitchell rounded out the top five. Qualifying will begin at 4:15 PM EDT (3:15 PM CDT) and the race is scheduled for 9:00 PM EDT (8:00 PM CDT). Full Practice Speeds (07-09-16)
  • 29 cars currently entered for Iowa UPDATE 2: Twenty-six cars are currently entered for the ARCA 150 at Iowa Speedway. Entries include #05 John Wes Townley, #08 Nick Higdon, #2 Sarah Cornett-Ching, #8 Harrison Burton, #15 Christian Eckes, #19 David Sear, #20 Tom Berte, #22 Myatt Snider, #28 Kyle Benjamin, #56 Josh Reeves, and #98 Brady Boswell. More cars are expected to be added soon. Preliminary Entry List (07-05-16)
    UPDATE: Twenty-nine cars are now listed for tonight's race at Iowa. Additional entries include #14 Dustin Knowles, #34 Mike Basham, and #69 Kevin Hinckle. James Swanson has replaced Brad Smith in the No. 48 for Hylton Motorsports. (07-09-16)
    UPDATE 2: Brad Smith is now back in the No. 48 Ford for James Hylton. (07-09-16)
  • Justin Haley and Braun Motorsports skip Iowa: Justin Haley and his Braun Motorsports team have decided to skip Iowa Speedway, which was originally on their partial schedule. The team did not feel that it would be properly prepared for the event. Haley and Braun are planning to return at Lucas Oil Raceway on July 22nd for their third race of the season. (07-09-16)
  • Ken Schrader to race at Springfield and DuQuoin: Veteran driver Ken Schrader will race at Springfield and DuQuoin this season for two premier ARCA Racing Series teams. Schrader will team up with Cunningham Motorsports and will drive the No. 22 on August 21st at Springfield. Afterward, Schrader will join Venturini Motorsports at DuQuoin on September 4th in the No. 55. The long time driver and car owner will be competing for his 19th win in the series. (07-07-16) 
  • Kyle Weatherman forms alliance with Hillenburg; racing at Iowa: Kyle Weatherman, in alliance with Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track High Performance race team, has filed an entry for the ABC Supply 150 at Iowa Speedway coming Saturday, July 9. Weatherman, currently third in ARCA Racing Series championship standings, is entered in the No. 10 St. Charles Glass-Fast Track Ford composite car. “Really looking forward to Iowa,” Weatherman said. “We’ve always run strong there no matter whose car we’ve been in. Love the track, can’t wait to get there and see what we’ve got.” Weatherman will compete in the same composite car that his younger brother Clayton Weatherman drove to a 14th-place finish at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville back in early April. The car is already equipped with the ARCA Ilmor 396 engine. Veteran crew chief Tony Furr, who crew-chiefed Travis Braden to victory lane last year at Lucas Oil Raceway, will call the shots on the pit box. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (07-06-16)
  • John Wes Townley out at Iowa; Cole Custer in: Athenian Motorsports driver John Wes Townley is undergoing treatment for a possible concussion and will not compete at Iowa Speedway. Cole Custer, who competed at Daytona with Ken Schrader Racing, will substitute for Townley in Saturday night’s ARCA 150 presented by Casey’s General Stores. (In part from Athenian Motorsports PR) (07-06-16)
  • Chris Bailey Jr. signs with Max Force for 7 more races: Chris Bailey Jr. will join Mobile, Alabama’s Max Force Racing for seven more races in 2016 beginning this weekend for the ARCA 150 at Iowa Speedway. “Working with the Praytor’s this year has been a lot of fun and we are learning more every outing,” offered Bailey. “We are going to get a lot of opportunities to keep contributing to the program giving input on making cars better.” In addition to Iowa, Bailey will be behind the wheel at Lucas Oil Raceway, Pocono Speedway, Berlin Speedway, Salem Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and Kentucky Speedway. “We are excited to have Chris back with us for the second half of the season,” said Thomas “Moose” Praytor. “When Chris is at the track it picks up the level of our whole race team.” (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (07-05-16)
  • Flexzilla sponsoring Tom Hessert and Venturini at Iowa: Tom Hessert will kick-off the second half of the season driving the No. 25 Flexzilla – Legacy Manufacturing Toyota for Venturini Motorsports. Earlier in the season Venturini and Legacy Manufacturing Company announced their strategic marketing partnership with core emphasis on promoting the company’s well-known Flexzilla brand. Legacy Manufacturing Company, with corporate headquarters in Marion, IA, is a manufacturer of high-quality, durable equipment for professional and domestic use. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (07-05-16)
  • John Wes Townley and Athenian returning for 8 more events: Daytona winner John Wes Townley will return for eight (8) more races this season with his Athenian Motorsports team. Townley will compete at Iowa, Lucas Oil, Pocono, Berlin, Springfield, Salem, Chicago, and Kansas. The Georgia driver will skip DuQuoin and Kentucky as he competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. (07-02-16)
  • Harrison Burton to drive for Ranier Racing with MDM at Iowa: 15 year-old Harrison Burton will drive the No. 8 Dex Imaging Chevrolet for Ranier Racing with MDM at Iowa Speedway on July 9th. Burton, the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Burton, has been competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East this year for HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks. The ARCA 150 at Iowa will mark Burton's first career start in the series. (07-01-16)