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

February 2019

  • Five Flags Speedway secures presenting sponsor: Five Flags Speedway, in Pensacola, FL as well as racing promotions company, Track Enterprises, are excited to announce that Inspectra Thermal Solutions, Inc. will be the presenting sponsor of the Pensacola 200 on March 9, 2019. The event will bring the ARCA Menards Series back to the panhandle of Florida. Inspectra Thermal Solutions is a company committed to measuring their way to a more efficient environment by using their FLIR thermal cameras. "We are very excited to be a part of this great event and work with both Five Flags Speedway and Track Enterprises," stated Inspectra Thermal President & CEO, Randal Buckner. Excitement is high for the March 9 event, as ARCA will be making its first visit to the "Home Of The Snowball Derby" in over 20 years. Five Flags Speedway has hosted five ARCA Menards Series events throughout its history. The first event was held in 1992 and was won by Roy Payne. Frank Kimmel won the most recent ARCA Racing Series event at Five Flags Speedway in 1996 over Bobby Bowsher. (In part from TrackEnterprises.com) (02-24-19)
  • Raphael Lessard to drive second KBR Development entry at Five Flags: Raphael Lessard has added an important race to his 2019 calendar. On March 9th, he will be on track on the Five Flags Speedway in the ARCA series (Pensacola 200), in a car prepared by the KBR Development team. After three seasons during which the young driver has done wonders, Lessard is turning this year to heavier and more powerful cars in series such as ARCA and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck. Raphaël Lessard voiced his enthusiasm for the project. "I am impressed by the strength of my team. They understand the keys to ARCA racing and what's going on in my head. I already feel comfortable starting the new season and showing everyone my true potential in winning cars." (In part from KBRDevelopment.com) (02-22-19)
  • Todd Gilliland; DGR-Crosley fined and penalized after Daytona: The No. 4 DGR-Crosley Racing team has been fined $6,000 and driver Todd Gilliland and team owner David Gilliland have been penalized with the loss of 100 Driver, Owner, and Superspeedway Challenge points for violation of the 2019 ARCA Rulebook, Page 45, Item 3, Spoiler I, which references rear spoiler height. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-21-19)
  • Grant Quinlan; Rette Jones Racing receive Daytona penalties: The No. 30 Rette-Jones Racing team has been fined $6,000 and driver Grant Quinlan and team owner Mark Rette have been penalized with the loss of 100 Driver, Owner, and Superspeedway Challenge points for violation of the 2019 ARCA Rulebook, Page 45, Item 3, Spoiler I, which references rear spoiler height. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-21-19)
  • Peterson Motorsports secures sponsorship for full season: Peterson Motorsports has secured sponsorship from Great Railing for the full 2019 ARCA Menards Series season. The New Jersey based company has been a long-time sponsor and will be featured on all of the team's cars. Josh's Eggs, Coop Crew Hot Rods, and Detailed Designs Auto Retail have also signed on as associate sponsors. (In part from Facebook) (02-14-19)
  • DGR-Crosley picks up associate sponsorship: DGR-Crosley announced that Anchor Real Estate, LLC has partnered with the team as a major associate sponsor for the 2019 season. Anchor Real Estate will support all DGR-Crosley racing efforts including the ARCA Menards Series. "We are thrilled to have Anchor Real Estate on board this season at DGR-Crosley," said team co-owner David Gilliland. "It means so much to me that local businesses who can go to any of these race teams, choose us. Greg and Josh have a lot of connections in the sport, so for them to partner with us is really awesome. Anchor Real Estate will be on all of our cars across every series, so hopefully, we will be able to get them several wins this season." Anchor Real Estate is a Mooresville, N.C., based real estate firm that was established in 2015 by Josh Tucker and Greg Biffle. Tucker, managing partner and broker-in-charge, has over 10 years of working experience with some of NASCAR’s leading teams and drivers. (In part from DGR-Crosley PR) (02-14-19)
  • Brenden Queen to drive full time for Vizion Motorsports: 21 year-old Brenden Queen has announced that he will drive for Vizion Motorsports full time this season. The Virginia native is a veteran late model driver that has competed at tracks such as Langley Speedway. Queen drove the team's No. 35 Toyota to a 29th place finish at Daytona last weekend. (In part from Twitter) (02-13-19)
  • Lexi Gay joins Empire Racing Group for partial schedule: Empire Racing Group has announced that Georgia native Lexi Gay will compete for the team in a partial ARCA Menards Series schedule this season. Gay will be sponsored by Gordo’s Cheese Dip and will make additional starts in late model competition. (In part from Empire Racing Group) (02-13-19)
  • Harrison Burton wins season opening Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona: Harrison Burton (No. 20 DEX Imaging Toyota) drove to victory in Saturday's ARCA Menards Series Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway. It was Burton's first start of any type at Daytona. Burton held off Todd Gilliland (No. 4 Frontline Enterprises Toyota) on a one-lap overtime dash to the checkered. "It means so much to come here and win at a track my dad won at before me," Burton said. "I can't thank my guys at Venturini Motorsports enough, they busted their butts on this car for the last month to get it so we can come here and compete to win. We had some debris on the grille over the last run and I think it actually helped. The temperatures went up but they weren't too high. I got the jump on the restart and I knew Todd was on a run. We were up high next to the wall and I looked up and saw no one had a run. I knew that any time something bad could happen, and I was just waiting for it. It never did and then when I crossed the line I started screaming my head off." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-09-19)
  • Menards expands partnership with ARCA; becomes entitlement sponsor: ARCA and Menards announced today a multi-year extension that elevates the home improvement chain from presenting sponsor to the series entitlement sponsor. Effective immediately, the series is titled the ARCA Menards Series. "For the past decade Menards has played a tremendous role in growing our series and we couldn’t be happier to continue this journey during this historic time for ARCA," said Ron Drager, President, ARCA. "Menard’s is a growing company and a committed supporter of motorsports, we are honored to have their brand along-side ours as title sponsor of the series." This newly signed agreement underscores the significance of family for ARCA, Menards and NASCAR, with all three companies being family-owned. Menard’s opened for business in 1958 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and now has more than 300 home improvement stores located throughout the Midwest, many of which are in markets on the ARCA Menards Series schedule. "We are really glad we can help out!" said John Menard, Menards President/CEO. "We are a family-owned and family-run business and share similar Midwestern family-values with ARCA. Both of our organizations are focused on the overall Guest experience and doing things the right way. Many of the ARCA races are in locations where we have Menards stores which provides an opportunity to further connect with our customers. We appreciate that our customers recognized us with the 2018 JD Power Award for Customer Satisfaction and believe this translates well with the hard-working philosophy of the ARCA organization." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-09-19) 
  • Christian Eckes wins Lucas Oil 200 pole: Christian Eckes (No. 15 JBL Audio Toyota) won the General Tire Pole for Saturday's Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona on Friday afternoon. Eckes's fast lap of 49.180 seconds translates to 183.001 miles per hour around the 2.5-mile high-banked tri-oval. "You always want to start your season off this way," Eckes said. "We watched a couple of others do it. Our plan was to stay up tight with the cars in front of us and see what happens but it turns out we dropped back and got a really good run We brought a really fast car here and we didn't really show it yesterday. We have 80 more laps to do this. My whole team is just excited to get going." Eckes' pole marks the third consecutive General Tire Pole Award for Venturini Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway. Eckes nipped Thad Moffitt (No. 46 Performance Plus Oil Chevrolet) by just 0.046 seconds to take the pole. Moffitt, grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and seven-time Daytona 500 winner Richard Petty, turned a fast lap at 49.226 miles per hour. Qualifying Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-08-19)
  • Brandon McReynolds fastest in Thursday Daytona practice: Brandon McReynolds (No. 28 KBR Development Toyota) led Thursday's two-hour practice session for Saturday's Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona. McReynolds, son of NASCAR on Fox analyst Larry McReynolds, turned a fast lap 49.014 seconds/183.621 miles per hour. Todd Gilliland (No. 4 Frontline Enterprises Toyota) was second, Gus Dean (No. 32 Win-Tron Racing Chevrolet) was third, Harrison Burton (No. 20 DEX Imaging Toyota) was fourth, and Bret Holmes (No. 23 Holmes II Excavating/Southern States Bank Chevrolet) rounded out the top five. There were no serious incidents in practice. Chuck Hiers (No. 1 Fast Track Racing Toyota) grazed the outside wall while his teammate Jason White (No. 11 Power Ventures Excavating Chevrolet) had an oil line come loose. Full Speeds (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-08-19)
  • KBR Development honoring Davey Allison with paint scheme: KBR Development team owner Mike Bursley has confirmed that Brandon McReynolds will drive a car designed to honor the late Davey Allison in the season opening ARCA Racing Series event at Daytona Int’l Speedway. The famed white, black, red and gold 28 scheme reflects the design used during the 1987 season, when Davey earned Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Allison, who was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame last Friday, is the godfather of Brandon McReynolds. "I am really pumped up to be running the famous 28 number and Davey Allison throwback scheme at Daytona with KBR development," said McReynolds. "A lot of people don’t know this, but Davey is my godfather. To be able to carry his colors and number at Daytona is a dream come true. This will be very special to my entire family, and I hope the Allison family as well. We couldn’t have picked a better weekend to run this scheme since Davey just went into the Hall of Fame. I hope we can make Davey, the Allison family, and all Davey Allison fans proud." Brandon’s father Larry McReynolds worked as Davey’s crew chief beginning in 1991, when their families quickly became extremely close. (In part from SPEED SPORT) (02-08-19)
  • Jason White competing at Daytona with Fast Track Racing: Jason White, who has competed every year in the series since NASCAR began sanctioning the series in 2007, will compete in the ARCA Racing Series opener. White will drive a car prepared by ARCA and NASCAR racing veteran Andy Hillenburg in Saturday’s race. After the ARCA Racing Series event on Saturday, White will remain in Daytona to drive the No. 34 truck for Reaume Brothers Racing - the same team he’s driven for in his two previous truck series starts - in the season opener next Friday night. (Motorsport.com) (02-08-19)
  • John Ferrier driving third Empire Racing Group entry at Daytona: Empire Racing Group announced that veteran John Ferrier will complete the organization’s three-car lineup for the ARCA season opener at Daytona. Ferrier’s No. 44 Chevrolet will carry sponsorship from Steve Green, an advocate and advisor for stem cell transplants. The car will promote the "877-4STEMCELL" number to encourage those interested in the benefits of stem cell transplants to obtain more information. Green has worked with stem cell clinics abroad since he received a stem cell transplant to address pancreas and liver problems in 2007. Green met Ferrier during last month’s ARCA testing session at Daytona and when he learned Ferrier was still seeking sponsorship for the race, Green decided to utilize the car and race as a way to promote awareness of stem cell benefits. "There are so many issues that can be addressed with stem cells – autism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, Parkinson’s for example," Green said. "Stem cells can help all aspects of your health. I want people know to about this option and create awareness of all the possible benefits that stem cells can provide. We can change people’s lives." (In part from PitStopRadio.net) (02-07-19)
  • Salvatore Iovino not racing at Daytona as previously planned: 35 year-old Salvatore Iovino will not be racing for Vizion Motorsports at Daytona as previously announced. Iovino shared this news on his Instagram account.
    Iovino: "For all of those that are wondering. I didn't lose my ride or spot for me racing in the ARCA Daytona International Speedway Lucas Oil 200 race. But, I have better news than just one single race. News that secures s long term racing career. My sponsors and I are solidifying a long term deal that will put me in the driver's seat for Vizion Motorsports on a 3-5 year deal. Our primary focus will be ARCA and the NASCAR Truck series full time. Just like any other driver that wants to race Daytona. For me personally, a long term deal vs one race is the most beneficial thing to solidify my racing career long term. I will be racing plenty this year which I am super excited about. While at the same time I will be at Daytona this weekend supporting my team and my teammates to the fullest!" (In part from Instagram) (02-07-19)
  • CJ McLaughlin to drive for Our Motorsports at Daytona: CJ McLaughlin Motorsports and SciAps Inc. [announced] that they have entered into a multi-race partnership for 2019 starting at Daytona International Speedway on February 9th for the Lucas Oil 200. CJ McLaughlin will be piloting the 09 out of the OUR Motorsports stable. SciAps will be the primary sponsor for CJ in 10 events across the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. (In part from CJ McLaughlin Motorsports) (02-06-19)
  • Travis Braden; MatrixCare back full time at RFMS Racing: RFMS Racing and their driver, Travis Braden, are pleased to announce an expanded partnership with MatrixCare, a leading out-of-hospital technology provider in the United States. In this newly expanded relationship, the MatrixCare brand will be prominent on everything from the #27 Ford Fusion, to the driver’s suit, pit crew uniforms, pit stall signage and more. "Everyone at RFMS Racing is very excited to announce that we are back with Travis and running the full ARCA season in 2019! MatrixCare has decided to make an even stronger commitment with us, and we are making some professional improvements to our team in response. All our additional sponsors are coming back with us again this year too, and we couldn’t be more grateful," said Don Fike, Founder and President of RFMS Racing. "We finished the 2018 ARCA Racing Series with a strong 5th place finish, and we are confident that we have the experience, momentum, and support to do even better this coming season." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (02-05-19)
  • Chad Bryant Racing signs Connor Hall for Daytona: Officials from Chad Bryant Racing announced today that Connor Hall has joined the veteran ARCA team for Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona. Hall will make his series’ debut about the No. 22 Ford with support from Marlow Yachts and Healing Hands. NASCAR championship winning crew chief Paul Andrews will call the shots for Hall in the 80-lap season opener. "I am ecstatic that I get to work with Chad Bryant Racing some this year," Hall said. "I am beyond thankful for my sponsors and I'm extremely happy to represent them for this event, as well as the rest of the 2019 season. I look forward to what the 2019 season will bring for myself as a driver and also for my partners. I hope this is going to be our biggest and best year yet." Hall, 21, participated in the ARCA open-test at the "World Center of Racing" in January with another team where he earned crucial drafting experience readily preparing him for his superspeedway debut. (In part from ChadBryantRacing.com) (02-05-19)
  • Mullins Racing secures Daytona sponsorship: Willie Mullins and Mullins Racing are heading back to Daytona International Speedway this Saturday with one goal in mind – do one position better than they did in 2018. If Mullins, 38, is able to improve his 2018 finish in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire by one position, he’ll end the night celebrating in victory lane. "We’re very motivated. We’re always there to do better and try to succeed and this year is no different. We’re just trying to get one spot better," said Mullins. "We added Tony Furr recently as our crew chief and he brings just a little bit more knowledge. Andy Belmont, our crew chief last year, did good to help us get where we are and Tony is helping us get to the next step and hopefully getting that last missing piece to get one more sport on Saturday at Daytona." This year at Daytona Mullins’ No. 3 Ford will carry primary sponsorship from County Waste, a company that provides communities with a full line of trash, recycling and construction and demolition removal services. County Waste currently services more than 200,000 residential customers each week through homeowner associations and individual subscription services. Also returning as a major sponsor of Mullins and Mullins Racing will be Crow Wing Recycling. Crow Wing Recycling is a family-owned business that buys, processes and sells scrap metals— ferrous and nonferrous — from automobiles, trucks, appliances, machines that are generated by industry through construction or deconstruction of facilities. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (02-05-19)
  • Ken Schrader Racing signs Tyler Dippel for Daytona: Ken Schrader Racing, Inc. has signed Tyler Dippel to pilot the #52 KSR entry for the ARCA Racing Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 9. Dippel has eight ARCA races to his credit, including two Top 5s and three Top 10s. The 18-year-old has competed in the ARCA Racing Series since 2015. "I’m really excited to get the opportunity to run the ARCA race with Ken Schrader Racing," Dippel said. "With the veteran leadership and proven car I think we can go down and contend for a win. It should be a really fun time learning the draft as well as the nuances of racing at Daytona. I can’t wait to get there!” Two of Dippel’s sponsors, D & A Concrete Contractors and TyCar Trenchless Technologies will support his ARCA run. Veteran crew chief Donnie Richeson will be calling the race from pit road while giving Dippel some valuable pointers on racing at Daytona. The Ken Schrader Racing team is coordinating potential programs for the entire 2019 ARCA Racing Series. Drivers and marketing partners who may be looking for select venues are welcome to call the team. (In part from SchraderRacing.com) (02-01-19)
  • Leilani Munter to be sponsored by ‘What the Health’ in farewell race: Leilani Munter has announced her forthcoming retirement from the sport following next week’s ARCA Racing Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Leilani, 44, entering her seventh ARCA Season, will make her final series start of her career driving the What the Health No. 55 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports on Saturday, February 9. Sponsorship support for Leilani’s farewell ride is a collaboration between strategic partners A Well-Fed World and TryVeg.com. What the Health, found on Netflix, is the groundbreaking follow-up film from the creators of the award winning documentary Cowspiracy. Produced by Joaquin Phoenix and Kip Anderson this investigative documentary will be an eye-opener for everyone concerned about our nation’s health and how big business influences it. "It’s been an amazing adventure doing what I love and I’ve been very fortunate being able to support so many great causes along the way," says Leilani. "My entire career has been based on my ability to raise sponsorship. I’m at the point now where I don’t have anything lined up past Daytona so this is likely my last race. I am truly thankful for every lap I've ever taken in a race car. It was a lot of hard work, but it was a lot of fun as well. I have met so many wonderful people along the way, people I will stay friends with long after I hang up my helmet." (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (02-01-19)