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

August 2017

  • Austin Wayne Self on probation after Road America: ARCA Racing Series driver Austin Wayne Self has been placed on probation as it relates to violation of 2017 ARCA Rulebook page 5, Section 2, Item A-11, as well as the Official Event Entry, which collectively reference the ARCA policy regarding video capture and/or distribution during an ARCA Racing Series race event. Self drove team owner Kevin Cywinski’s Win-Tron Racing #33 at Road America August 27, where the violation occurred. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-31-17)
  • P.J. Jones fined $250 following Road America: ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver P.J. Jones has been fined $250 for violation of 2017 ARCA Rulebook page 13, Section 4, Item 15, as well as the Official Event Entry, which collectively reference proper display of designated sponsor logos on driver uniform. Jones drove team owner Don Fike’s RFMS #27 at Road America August 27, where the violation occurred. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-31-17)
  • Ty Majeski & Cunningham secure three race sponsor: Treeo’s, a one-stop outdoor service provider, has expanded its long-standing relationship with Cunningham Motorsports driver Ty Majeski to the ARCA Racing Series. After being involved with Majeski’s late model racing efforts since 2012, the Wisconsin-based company will serve as the primary sponsor of his No. 99 Ford for the last three races of the 2017 ARCA season at Chicagoland Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Kansas Speedway. "It's definitely going to be special to have Treeo's on board with us for the last three races of the season,” said Majeski. "They were really the first sponsor that I had as a late model driver and they’ve been with us for a long time. They were one of my first supporters and they’ve stuck with us through everything. We have a great relationship and we’ve seen a lot of success with Treeo's so hopefully we can continue this partnership for a long time." (In part from Cunningham Motorsports PR) (08-31-17)
  • Tanner Thorson back with Venturini at DuQuoin: Dirt ace Tanner Thorson is gearing up for his Labor Day return to the ARCA Racing Series and the 64th running of the General Tire GRABBER-Southern Illinois 100 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds 'Magic Mile'. Thorson, a 21-years old native of Minden, Nevada and reigning USAC National Champion, will make his second ARCA start of the season and third overall career appearance driving his Venturini Motorsports' prepared No. 15 Toyota Camry. "I can't wait to get back in the ARCA car with Venturini (Motorsports) this weekend at DuQuoin," says Thorson. "The team was really fast at Springfield a few weeks ago - I know I've got a strong piece waiting for me when we unload. I've had a really solid career running midget cars on the dirt - it would be a huge accomplishment for me to switch over and win one in the ARCA Series." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (08-31-17)
  • Team Stange Racing delays return; preparing for 2018 season: Team Stange Racing, owned by John and Ashley Stange, has delayed its ARCA return and will not compete in either of its originally planned events. The Stange organization was scheduled to run last weekend's race at Road America and the upcoming Chicagoland Speedway event in September. The Illinois based team has instead elected to concentrate on the 2018 season, which will give its new sponsor more exposure. While plans have not been finalized, Team Stange Racing is working toward a full ARCA season and a possible Indy 500 program in the IndyCar Series next year. (08-30-17) 
  • Thomas Praytor to honor Earnhardt family at Salem: In 2001 Kerry Earnhardt drove the Kannapolis Intimidators Chevrolet in the ARCA Series for three events, winning at Michigan and Charlotte. The special Intimidators paint scheme was significant to Earnhardt as a salute to his Dad, Dale, Sr., who passed away in February and the Kannapolis Intimidators, a minor league baseball team, Dale Sr., had become a part owner of during the off season. For this year's Eddie Gilstrap Motors 200 Fall Classic at Salem Speedway, Thomas "Moose" Praytor will run the Earnhardt/Intimidator throwback paint scheme as a salute to both Earnhardts. "Growing up I was a big Dale, Sr. fan, he was the man. In the early 2000s my Dad was doing ARCA TV for the Outdoor Channel and spotting for Dan Pardus. Mr. Kerry would always come and hang out at Mr. Dan's motorhome. I just thought that was the coolest thing. Mr. Kerry was always nice to us kids, a lot of the drivers just blew us off. I think he was more kid than grown up. Throwing back to Mr. Kerry's winning car and the Intimidators is really cool for me." (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (08-30-17)
  • Austin Theriault wins the Road America 100: What looked like a full course Austin Cindric runaway turned into a last-lap Austin Theriault takeaway Sunday afternoon at Road America. Theriault, in Ken Schrader's No. 52 Ford, steered through two last-lap incidents and came out the winner of the wild ARCA Racing Series Road America 100. "We were lucky and smart today," said Theriault. "We made the least amount of mistakes. I knew those guys were fast in front of me and behind me. It came down to not overdoing it, especially on that last lap. Everybody was trying to win the race on the last lap. Turn one was a problem." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-28-17)
  • Zane Smith to drive for MDM Motorsports in three races: Zane Smith will make his debut with MDM Motorsports at Salem Speedway Sept. 9 as part of a three-race program.  Smith joins the MDM stable of drivers that have tallied four wins with four different drivers in ARCA competition this season.  Smith, who has competed in 11 events so far in 2017, will also compete for MDM Motorsports at Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 22) and Kansas Speedway (Oct. 20). "Adding a driver of Zane's caliber strengthens our already strong driver lineup," said Mark McFarland, MDM Motorsports' managing partner. "We're looking forward to the race at Salem and helping Zane continue his development as a race car driver and adding his name to our list of drivers that have gone to Victory Lane. It's a point of pride to have six drivers win across the three series in which we compete - NASCAR K&N, ARCA and NASCAR Truck - and it's rewarding to know that each team under our roof has gone to victory lane illustrating our strength across the entire organization." (In part from MDM Motorsports PR) (08-25-17)
  • Brian Wong racing for MDM at Road America: MDM Motorsports will return to ARCA Racing Series competition after a successful run in NASCAR. The Mooresville, N.C., organization is pleased to welcome Matt Tifft to the team, as well as, Brian Wong for this weekend’s event at Road America. Considered a road course specialist, Wong has experience on many road courses in several different kinds of race cars. He has experience in the NCWTS, NKNPS, ARS, American Le Mans Series and others. This weekend, the Newport Beach, Calif., native will pilot the No. 41 World Stage Racing Toyota. It will make his first ARS start since 2015. (In part from MDM Motorsports PR) (08-25-17)
  • Bo LeMastus joins Venturini Motorsports for Road America & Salem: Veteran driver Bo LeMastus will join Venturini Motorsports for two races starting with Sunday’s ARCA Racing Series event at Road America and again at Salem Speedway on September 9. LeMastus, a native of Louisville, Kentucky will pilot the team’s No. 55 Toyota with familiar Crosley Brands serving as primary sponsor for both events. “I’m excited for today’s announcement and the opportunity to run with Venturini Motorsports for these two (Road America and Salem Speedway) ARCA races,” said LeMastus. “We’ve always had a great relationship off the track – this is something we’ve talked about doing together and now we have our chance.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (08-23-17)
  • Noah Gragson returns for Road America with Venturini: Noah Gragson returns to the ARCA Racing Series for his fourth season starts when the series returns to Road America on Sunday, August 27. Gragson will rejoin Venturini Motorsports taking over the seat of the team's No. 15 Switch Toyota during Sunday's 100-mile event at Road America's 14-turn road circuit. “I’m excited for another shot in my Switch Toyota this weekend at Road America,” said Gragson. “Changing it up with a road course event is a lot of fun and really levels the playing field for the most part. I’m confident and enjoy this style of racing – I’ve had some decent road course success over the last couple years and feel like we’ve got as good as a shot as anyone this weekend.” (In part from Venturini Motorsports) (08-23-17)
  • Alex Clubb escapes Springfield without major injury: Illinois driver Alex Clubb escaped major injury on Sunday after he was involved in a crash during the Herr's Potato Chips 100. Clubb, who was making his first series start since 2015, was rear-ended by another car when he slowed to avoid an accident on lap 58. The 25 year-old was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and was later released with sore and severely bruised ribs. Clubb was hoping to run additional races this season at DuQuoin and Salem, but those plans are in jeopardy as he works to gather funding to replace his destroyed race car. (08-21-17) 
  • Grant Enfinger wins at Springfield: [Grant] Enfinger, in the Allgaier Motorsports-prepared 16 car, fought off ARCA championship leader Austin Theriault to win the Herr's Potato Chips 100 Sunday afternoon, then toasted his crew chief, Springfield's own Kelly Kovski in Victory Lane while the locals roared with approval. "Everybody knows how special this is," said Enfinger. "We've all been rooting for Kelly (Kovski). Next year I'll be on the box and he'll be out here." Kovski is still mending after being a struck by a race car that had careened off the track. Kovski crew-chiefed for Enfinger through much of his ARCA days in cars fielded out of Allgaier's Springfield race shop. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-20-17)
  • Matt Tifft reunites with MDM Motorsports for Road America: Veteran driver Matt Tifft will reunite with MDM Motorsports and will drive the team's No. 28 Toyota in the Road America 100. Tifft will receive valuable seat time in preparation for the NASCAR XFINITY Series event, which will be held on the same day. The 21 year-old competes full time in NASCAR XFINITY competition in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. He filled in for Riley Herbst at Daytona earlier this year. (08-19-17)
  • Austin Wayne Self returning at Road America with Win-Tron: Officials from AM Racing and its development partner Win-Tron Racing jointly announced today that Austin Wayne Self will return to the ARCA Racing Series for next Sunday’s Road America 100 at the famed Road America road course. “I’m excited to return to ARCA next weekend,” said Self. “I love road course racing and I’m excited to have the opportunity to drive the No. 33 Don’t mess with Texas Toyota in my ARCA return.” AM Racing is utilizing the ARCA road race to prepare Self for his return to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park where he’ll compete in the Canada 250 Sept. 3. (In part from AM Racing PR) (08-18-17)
  • ARCA officials enforcing minimum speed rule to race: The ARCA Racing Series rulebook states that "[drivers and/or vehicles] must prove, to ARCA officials' discretion, ability to maintain minimum race speed" to qualify for ARCA events. However, the series did not adhere to this rule prior to the July 28th race at Pocono Speedway. This has recently changed, as ARCA officials have started to enforce a minimum speed rule that allegedly calls for drivers to be within 20% of the leader's speed to compete in each event. During the ModSpace 150 weekend, Peterson Motorsports did not turn a lap quick enough with any of its cars or drivers. Don Thompson, Con Nicolopoulos, and Dale Matchett were all sent home. At Winchester Speedway, the No. 06 Peterson Motorsports car was again too slow. It was sent home along with the No. 3 Hixson Motorsports entry for not meeting the minimum speed. The driver of the No. 3 Hixson entry, Mike Senica, later took to Twitter to voice his displeasure. Senica posted "Its hard to justify marketing dollars from any company when a racing series changes the rules to suit the needs of others!!" in regards to the rule change. (08-17-17)
  • Tyler Dippel returns at Springfield with AMWinTron Racing: AMWinTron Racing in a collaborative effort with Rette Jones Racing (RJR) officially announced today that Wallkill, New York native Tyler Dippel will drive the No. 33 TYCAR Trenchless Technologies / D and A Concrete Contractor Toyota Camry for Sunday’s Herr’s Potato Chips 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. “I’m very excited about being able to return to ARCA and race on the dirt this weekend,” said Dippel, a former NASCAR Next alumnus. “Since we have a couple weeks off in the K&N Series, I think it’s important for me to stay in the seat and this race on Sunday from Springfield is a good opportunity for me and our partners TYCAR and D and A Concrete.” (In part from AMWinTron Racing PR) (08-17-17)
  • Zane Smith & Venturini Motorsports terminate contractual obligations: Venturini Motorsports and team driver Zane Smith have mutually agreed to terminate contractual obligations for the remainder of the 2017 ARCA Racing Series season. The terms of the new agreement are effective immediately. According to team sources, Frankie Kimmel will step into the 55 car for this Sunday's Herr's Potato Chips 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-16-17)
  • Alex Clubb forms Clubb Racing; to debut at Springfield: 25 year-old Alex Clubb has formed his own team and will compete at Springfield in the No. 97 A. Clubb Lawn Care & Landscaping Ford. Clubb has purchased an ex-Bowsher Racing car and will have his dad, Brian Clubb, serving as his crew chief. If the Springfield race is a success, Clubb Racing may compete at DuQuoin and Salem to close out the year. The Illinois driver has three career ARCA starts, with two coming at Springfield and DuQuoin in 2015. (08-16-17)
  • Christian Eckes replaces Christopher Bell at Springfield: Sixteen year-old Christian Eckes has been tapped to replace Christopher Bell behind the wheel of Venturini Motorsports’ No. 15 Toyota on the legendary dirt mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on Sunday, August 20. Bell, proven to be one of the premier dirt track racers in the country, will be forced to miss out on his previously scheduled ARCA Racing Series dirt spectacle due to recent unforeseen changes in his busy racing schedule.  “I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill come next week,” says Eckes on replacing Bell. “But I’m definitely excited for the chance to run my first dirt race. I'm really looking forward to it, every time I go with Venturini Motorsports, it's always fun. Trying something new for the first time makes it even more fun." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (08-15-17)
  • Max Force Racing teaching UNOH students about racing: Since entering the ARCA Series five years ago, Mobile, Alabama based Max Force Racing has utilized University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) interns as over the wall crew. The first few years the team was able to build from UNOH with little attention but with a 5th place finish in the Championship standings in 2016 NASCAR teams have been taking and using crew members. “For us, it is the ultimately complement to our program that NASCAR teams think enough about what we do and how we do it to take guys of our team and put them to work,” said driver Thomas “Moose” Praytor. Every returning UNOH team member from 2016 has worked in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or Xfinity Series Garage in 2017. Along with moonlighting in the NASCAR garage at companion races some have already moved to full time over the wall status in NASCAR. Full Story (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (08-15-17)
  • Grant Enfinger returns at Springfield with Allgaier & Kovski: Springfield, Illinois' Kelly Kovski will again return to the ARCA Racing Series, pairing with an 'ole friend for the Herr's Potato Chips 100 coming to the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile dirt in Springfield Sunday, August 20. "I'm really excited," said Kovski. "Grant's (Enfinger) is going to drive it. We're getting the old team back together." Under Kovski's direction, the Allgaier team, with some good old-fashioned volunteers, have assembled a new piece for Springfield. "The guys at the shop have built a new composite car. Mike (Allgaier) is helping us with an Ilmor motor. My dad and I bought a brand new chassis in the off-season. Mike knew someone over at Gibbs and we ended up getting a composite body from them. The guys on this Allgaier team have worked really hard on this. I'm really excited how the race car is coming out." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-10-17)
  • ARCA extends partnership with Ilmor: Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) President Ron Drager and Ilmor Engineering President Paul Ray confirmed that the ARCA Racing Series will continue to utilize the ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package through 2023. “We are pleased to extend our relationship with Ilmor and further structure a long-term strategy to keep our series healthy, our on-track product strong and our team owners confident in their investment,” said Drager. “The ARCA Ilmor 396 engine package has exceeded our expectations both in terms of competition and cost containment. We have great confidence in Ilmor Engineering to continue as a key partner in maintaining a stable platform for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-10-17)
  • Max Force Racing fined after Winchester: Based on ARCA Racing Series post-race technical inspection following the August 6 Winchester ARCA 200 at Winchester Speedway, the Max Force Racing #9 team has been determined to be in violation of ARCA Rulebook page 86, Item 11 which references ballast weight being painted white and having proper car number or team identification on each piece. Due to the infraction, team driver and car owner Thomas Praytor has been penalized with a fine in the amount of $500. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-10-17)
  • Kyle Benjamin wins the Winchester ARCA 200: It would have been difficult to hold off Kyle Benjamin over the course of 200 laps Sunday afternoon at Winchester Speedway, and in the end it proved impossible. But it certainly wasn't out of the question, and it even looked possible until Zane Smith's car broke coming to the final restart inside of 20 laps from the finish. With Smith gone from the mix, Benjamin, in the No. 28 MDM Motorsports Toyota, cruised under the checkered flag as winner of the 28th running of the Winchester ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards 200. "This is the coolest track," said Benjamin. "It's a track I've always wanted to win at... and I've been trying for a while. It's nice to finally get it." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-07-17)
  • Kimmel Racing announces upcoming plans: Kimmel Racing has announced its upcoming ARCA Racing Series plans in a Facebook video. The team's driver lineup for the next several events will include Bo LeMastus, Will Kimmel, and Ricky Sanders.
    BO LEMASTUS:     Bo LeMastus, the CEO of Crosley Brands, will drive the No. 69 T&T Construction / Crosley Brands Toyota in this Sunday's race at Winchester Speedway. LeMastus will be in a short track car owned by Nick Higdon, who has made several starts with the team this season.
    WILL KIMMEL:     Will Kimmel will return to the driver's seat at Springfield, DuQuoin, and Salem. The 29 year-old driver has competed in five starts this year for his family owned team. A special throwback paint scheme is planned for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200.
    RICKY SANDERS:     Veteran driver Ricky Sanders is expected to compete in the Road America 100 on August 27th. Sanders finished 7th in the season opening race at Daytona. The Georgia native also raced at Talladega Superspeedway in May. (In part from Kimmel Racing Facebook) (08-02-17)
  • Travis Braden joins RFMS Racing for Winchester: To borrow the term, "silly season" is bubbling up in ARCA town. According to RFMS Racing Team Manager and Crew Chief Dan Glauz, the No. 27 Ford will have a different driver in the saddle for the Winchester ARCA 200 this weekend at Winchester Speedway. "Travis Braden is driving the RFMS car at Winchester," said Glauz. "We're just testing the waters for now, but AJ (Fike) will be back in the car at Springfield." Braden, a two-time ARCA CRA Super Series champion and 2016 Winchester 400 winner, tested in the 27 car just before the ARCA race at Lucas Oil Raceway. "I tested with those guys right before Lucas Oil... at Lucas Oil," said Braden. "It was the first time I had met them. I really liked working with them. They called yesterday and asked by if I wanted to race." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-02-17)
  • AJ Fike to drive for Fast Track Racing this weekend: Travis Braden will drive the RFMS Racing 27 Ford at Winchester Speedway this weekend. While Braden didn't get the call until Wednesday morning, the conversation actually began weeks ago. "Me and Andy Hillenburg had been talking for the last few weeks about me getting in the 10 car," said AJ Fike. "I started my ARCA career with Andy... we ran a full season together in 2004. He didn't have anyone to drive the car and we wanted to help him out. Travis had already tested the 27 at Lucas Oil so it made sense to put him in the 27 at Winchester; at the same time, we had the opportunity to help Andy. He gave me my start here years ago. "It's probably a one-off deal... I'm trying to help him out and at the same time, hopefully Travis can give the 27 a good run at Winchester. It's a really a situation where everyone's trying to help everyone out, to keep both programs going... hopefully it works out for all of us." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (08-02-17)