archives

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

May 2022

  • Tim Richmond unable to race at Charlotte due to mechanical issues: Tim Richmond was unable to race at Charlotte Motor Speedway due to mechanical issues with a new racecar. Darrell Phillips, the crew chief of the No. 27 entry, posted an explanation of what happened on his personal Facebook page.
    Phillips:     "Got thru tech with no issues, got ready for practice/qualifying, and as we started to roll out for practice, the kill switch on the steering wheel decided to take a s*** and not let the car run.  We tore the dash open and started trying to figure out why it shut off, and once we figured out it was the kill switch, we messed with the wires enough to get it to start again and headed for the track. Sadly, we made about 3/4 of a lap and the rear end side of the panhard bar mount ripped itself in half, causing the chassis to swing over and the driveshaft to rip a hole in the oil tank. That ended our day and put us out of the race, and really not even knowing if we had the car to be fast or not." (In part from Facebook.com) (05-31-22)
  • Brandon Jones wins the General Tire 150 at Charlotte: Friday’s General Tire 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway came down to survival for Brandon Jones. Several top contenders encountered issues during the first half of the 100-lap race, but Jones avoided the chaos and managed to pull away from Corey Heim to pick up his sixth career victory in the ARCA Menards Series. Although he remains busy with his NASCAR Xfinity Series commitments, Jones said that any opportunity to compete in the ARCA Menards Series only benefits him when it comes to building confidence and gaining precious on-track experience. "We’re trying to progress to the next level and get to the Cup Series," Jones said. "I always have fun coming back down to the ARCA Menards Series. I have a great relationship with Menards and it’s fun to have a race like we did [on Friday] so I could get them back in Victory Lane." Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-27-22)
  • D.L. Wilson will not race at Charlotte after Texas tragedy: D.L. Wilson announced on his personal Facebook page Wednesday afternoon that he will not race at Charlotte Motor Speedway as originally planned. Wilson, who is the police chief of the Riesel Independent School District in Riesel, TX, has decided to stay in Texas after the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting that occurred on Tuesday. Ed Thompson Racing (ETR) and Fast Track Racing now have Tommy Vigh Jr. as the listed driver of the No. 12 entry. Vigh raced full time for Fast Track Racing in 2019 and won the Rookie of the Year award.
    D.L. Wilson:     "ETR will have another driver for the start of the Charlotte race this weekend in our 12 car. My place is with my Riesel ISD family as Police Chief. God bless Uvalde TX. Good luck for the rest of my ARCA racing folks and we will see you soon." (In part from D.L. Wilson Facebook) (05-27-22)
  • Andy Jankowiak secures Charlotte sponsorship: V1 Fiber Communications, a North Carolina-based fiber engineering and construction company, has teamed with Andy Jankowiak and the Dak’s Racing Team for the General Tire 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The V1 Fiber No. 73 will feature a special patriotic paint scheme that will honor Army Specialist Alan N. Dikcis during the Memorial Day weekend event. The team’s car will also feature a special hashtag in memory of the victims of the shooting that took place in the team’s hometown of Buffalo, New York, two weeks ago. Jankowiak, the owner and driver of the Dak’s Racing Team No. 73, is in his second year on the ARCA Menards Series and looking to break into the top five after a strong sixth-place run in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. "We have a lot of time into our Charlotte car and I feel good about our chances this weekend," said Jankowiak, 34, of Tonawanda, New York. "We have a great group of guys working on this car and awesome sponsors behind our effort so we have everything we need to go compete." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-27-22)
  • Daniel Dye's misdemeanor trial dates set: Daniel Dye, who was arrested on a battery charge in late April, has been notified of his pre-trial and trial dates. Dye's pre-trial remote Zoom hearing is set for Tuesday, June 7th at 1:30 PM. Additionally, Dye's trial date is currently scheduled to be Monday, June 20th at 8:30 AM. These hearings will be held before Judge David H Foxman. (In part from Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court) (05-26-22)
  • Matt Wilson to make ARCA premier debut for CCM Racing at Charlotte: After finishing ninth in his first ever ARCA Menards Series East race a few weeks ago at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Matt Wilson is once again getting behind the wheel for CCM Racing. Wilson will be piloting the No. 7 Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) Toyota in the ARCA Menards Series for this weekend’s General Tire 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. CCM Racing is also excited to welcome CED back onto the hood of the No. 7 car. One of the country’s largest electrical distributors, CED’s first race with the team was the fall race at Kansas Speedway last October. "Coming off of a top-10 finish at Nashville, I’m really excited for our team and the opportunity we have to build on that this week," said Wilson. "Charlotte has always been one of my favorite tracks and it is one of the most challenging places for a driver as well. I can’t wait." (In part from CCM Racing PR) (05-26-22)
  • Brandon Jones to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing at Charlotte; four other races: [Brandon] Jones will compete in his first ARCA Menards Series race of 2022 this Friday at Charlotte behind the wheel of the No. 81 Menards/Tide Toyota Camry for JGR. Jones will run five ARCA Menards Series races this season. The schedule includes: Charlotte (May 27), Iowa (June 11), Pocono (July 22), Watkins Glen (Aug 19) and Bristol (Sept. 15). (In part from SpeedwayDigest.com) (05-25-22)
  • Josh White making first ARCA start since 2015: [Josh] White, 31, will enter Friday night’s General Tire 150 for Clubb Racing Inc. driving the No. 03 Ford. White is thrilled to be back and given another opportunity. "I’m very excited to finally go back out on track and race," White said. "Especially at Charlotte, which is in NASCAR’s backyard. I’m excited to meet my crew as well, and make new friends." During his time away, White has paid close attention to the ongoing evolution in the ARCA Menards Series - from drivers to cars, tracks and rules. "I’ve been following the season for sure, and I have a good eyeball on who is going to be the ones to beat," he said. "I’ve been prepping with iRacing, which I know is not a real car, but it’s close enough. I’m very familiar with the track and I’m very confident that we can finish well if we can stay out of trouble." The primary sponsor for White’s [No. 03 Ford] will be Kanawha Ammunition, an ammunition plant in Kanawha County, West Virginia. His associate sponsors will be Raysir Apparel, FishFin, BubnMuthas, Military Java Group, Patriot Popcorn Company and You 1st Realty Infinity. (In part from Josh White Racing PR) (05-25-22)
  • Steve Austin no longer with CCM Racing; on parole after multiple felonies: A spokesperson for CCM Racing has confirmed that Steve Austin, who raced in two ARCA Menards Series East events this season, is no longer a member of the team. CCM Racing states that it "[does] not anticipate any further relationship or affiliation with [Austin]" in the future. This follows a recent announcement that Austin will join Tom Crosby Enterprises for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series East season. However, Austin's eligibility to participate in ARCA competition is unclear after his arrest history and parole status has surfaced.
    Edward Brian Hudson:     Steve Austin, whose legal name is Edward Brian Hudson, is a habitual felon that has been arrested and convicted of crimes dating back to 1996. Crimes include obtaining property with false coins/tokens, obtaining property by worthless checks (over $2,000), obtaining property by false pretenses/cheats/services, unauthorized use of a motor-propelled conveyance (boats, airplanes, motor vehicles, etc.), extortion, and a parole violation on April 27, 2021. Austin has remained on parole since his most recent felony conviction in North Carolina. (In part from NC DPS Offender Public Information and Mugshots.com) (05-22-22)
  • Rajah Caruth to carry WSSU colors at Charlotte: Winston-Salem State student and professional race car driver Rajah Caruth will have the ride of a lifetime on May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Caruth will pilot a WSSU themed race car in the ARCA Menard’s series General Tire 150 next weekend. This is a proud moment for the University with Caruth being a member of the motorsports management degree program. WSSU is the first and only HBCU to have a motorsports management program, which began in 2007. "I learned the importance of HBCUs at an early age. My father went to an HBCU and is currently serving as a professor at Howard University, so I’ve been exposed to a culture and support system that is like no other. Being in WSSU’s Motorsports Management allows me to learn while doing what I love," said Caruth. The No. 6 WSSU car has the WSSU Rams mascot and school letters boldly painted across the hood as well as the rear quarter panels. The school colors are interwoven across the car with the door panels highlighted in red. (In part from HBCUGameday.com) (05-22-22)
  • Nick Sanchez wins the Dutch Boy 150 at Kansas Speedway: [Nick] Sanchez took advantage of a late-race accident between Corey Heim and Drew Dollar to score his second win in the Dutch Boy 150 at Kansas and the third of his career. Sanchez wanted an opportunity to battle both Heim and Dollar for the victory, but he was content on inheriting the lead and managing his equipment while teammate Rajah Caruth tried to chase him down in the final laps. "Honestly, we were trying to maintain and not burn any of our stuff up in case there was a caution," Sanchez said. "We lucked out with what happened between [Heim and Dollar], and we possibly could have beaten both of them at the end on speed, but we ended up winning, so I’m happy." Caruth managed to chase down Sanchez twice inside of ten laps remaining but ultimately could not get the run he needed to overtake his teammate and had to settle for second; his best run in the main ARCA division to date. Daniel Dye, who was reinstated by ARCA on Friday afternoon following a brief suspension, brought home a third-place finish. Rounding out the Top 5 were veteran Gus Dean and Connor Mosack. Full Results (In part from ARCARacing.com) (05-14-22)
  • Daniel Dye reinstated by ARCA; will race at Kansas: The ARCA Menards Series has  reinstated Daniel Dye after suspending him on April 27th. Dye was arrested on a felony battery charge the previous day.
    ARCA Statement:     "Daniel Dye’s indefinite suspension has been lifted. He has been approved to return to all ARCA racing activities effective Friday, May 13, 2022." (ARCARacing.com) (05-13-22)
    GMS Racing Statement:     "Today, ARCA Menards Series officials announced that GMS Racing Daniel Dye was reinstated for competition. Dye and the No. 43 Chevrolet team will compete in Saturday's event at Kansas Speedway." (GMS Racing PR) (05-13-22)
    Daniel Dye Statement:     "The past few weeks have been emotionally difficult for me and my family to say the least. You might have heard that I was recently arrested by local police and subsequently suspended by ARCA. I have been overwhelmed by the support of fellow classmates, teachers, and others who have reached out to me following an incident with a fellow student at my high school. I am happy to report that ARCA has dropped its suspension after my lawyer provided the State’s Attorney with sworn statements from eye witnesses. Following review of this information and its own investigation including review of medical records the State reduced the charge to a misdemeanor. Before I get back to racing, I think it is important to explain what happened that led local police officers to take me into custody. The facts are that me and my classmates have been engaged in a silly and admittedly immature game commonly played at the school between boys and involves hitting each other in the groin area. This has been going on since we were in the 9th grade. The other student “got me” and then I got him back. I want to be very clear that nobody was trying to seriously injure anyone in the game and I am relieved to know that the other student has recovered." (In part from Daniel Dye Racing) (05-13-22)
  • Zachary Tinkle racing at Kansas after Peterson prepares superspeeway car: Zachary Tinkle will race at Kansas! Yes, that’s been the plan for most of the season, so why’s it a big deal now? Well let’s recap the last 72 hours for Wayne Peterson Racing. During Saturday’s practice at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Nate Moeller spun his No. 06 Ford out and took a pretty solid hit. For a small team like Wayne Peterson’s, this did not just mean they were done for the weekend. This incident affects their near future in the season, as this exact car was scheduled to be driven at Kansas Speedway this upcoming weekend by Tinkle. "That was the same car I was supposed to run at Kansas and even had the Kansas setup on it," Tinkle explained to TobyChristie.com in a Twitter DM. "Unfortunately, the car is pretty tore up, Front & rear clip is believed to be bent along with body damage, rear end got shoved over as well and both the A-arms on the left front got damaged so it will need a large amount of repair and it’s not going to make Kansas." Fixing the Nashville car in time for Kansas would likely be impossible, so that was out of the equation. Willie Mullins and his team had reached out as well just in case, but it was unlikely that the car would get approved in time. So how is the former CRA Late Model Sportsman Champion getting on the track this weekend at Kansas? The entire WPR team worked all through the night to convert their Daytona & Talladega Chevy into a car capable of racing on the 1.5 track and are ready to go. “The car is better than we anticipated, team worked through the night to get it ready and we are ready to hit the road!” Tinkle said. “Pretty pumped for it so I’m glad we can get the car back on the track this weekend.” (In part from TobyChristie.com) (05-12-22)
  • Amber Balcaen adds new associate sponsor for Kansas: Kansas will also be the site of a new partner aboard [Amber Balcaen's] No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford. 1st Phorm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri is a high-performance supplement and nutrition that has been a long-time partner of Balcaen’s, however, this weekend, 1st Phorm will increase its commitment and serve as an associate marketing partner for the 100-lap race. "1st Phorm and I have been partnered for the last eight years but this is the first time they will be on my race car in a larger way. Their brand and core values really align with mine, so it’s the perfect fit. I am a big advocate for fitness and health, so I am excited to have them on the car this weekend." (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (05-12-22)
  • Gus Dean adds Kansas Speedway to ARCA schedule: Gus Dean has added Saturday afternoon’s Dutch Boy 150 race to his Venturini Motorsports 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Dean, a native of Bluffton, S.C. returned to the ARCA Menards Series in 2022 after a two-year hiatus and has delivered two top-five finishes aboard the No. 55 Dean Custom Air Toyota Camry at Daytona and the series’ most recent race at Talladega. Despite missing the series’ second race of the year at Phoenix Raceway, he is seventh in the championship standings. Dean will pilot the No. 15 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry with Kevin Reed Sr. serving as crew chief. “I’m very thankful to add this race with Venturini Motorsports,” said Dean. “Everyone at Venturini Motorsports has certainly been great to work with and we’ve enjoyed some strong runs in our two races together. Our goal at Kansas though is to win. Anything less than a win would be a disappointment.” The 27-year-old South Carolinian is amid a busy 2022 season combining of ARCA, Late Models, Mud Truck Racing and a hopeful sporadic appearance or two in one of NASCAR’s National Series. “With no championship on the line for me this season, it’s about having fun,” sounded Dean. “Whether that’s competing with Venturini Motorsports in ARCA, DLP Motorsports in Late Model competition, or the other racing endeavors we have planned for this season. We’re working hard behind the scenes to get back to a full-time status hopefully in 2023.” (In part from Gus Dean Racing PR) (05-09-22)
  • Thomas Praytor diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis: After suffering through several days of flu like symptoms, Thomas Praytor lost the use of his left arm and left leg on lap 5 of the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. Driving with his right hand only Praytor continued to compete until a red flag allowed for a driver change with Sean Corr with 10 laps to go. The medical team removed the ailing Praytor from his AIDB Chevy and began treatment in the infield care center. A heavy dose of IV Fluids and oxygen patched up the Moose enough to send him back home. Back in Mobile the doctors began a regimen of testing producing a diagnosis of rare Rhabdomyolysis or commonly called “Rhabdo” (Less than 26,000 cases in US). Rhabdo normally happens during extreme exertion with endurance runners, firefighters working in hot environments and members of the military involved in heavy duty exercises in a hot environment. “I really appreciate my doctors in Talladega and Mobile working hard on getting this deal figured out. I’ve raced with concussions, broken bones, flu, kidney stones, you name it but nothing like this. I’m glad we know what it is and what we have to do to get me back 100%,” said Praytor. “Since I stopped competing full time and I’m not the Ironman of the Series anymore, my Dad and I have had a lot of conversations about some things I maybe shouldn’t have done to stay in the race car. I think Dale (Earnhardt) Jr talking about his issues with concussions and other stuff have made that conversation possible. In hind sight I pushed it too far at Talladega but at the end of the day was able to get out of the car knowing I had made the right decision.” While rare, Rhabdo is treatable and can be kept in check which will allow Praytor to completely recover and compete again. (In part from Max Force Racing PR) (05-09-22)
  • Will Kimmel to race at Kansas in place of Scott Melton: Will Kimmel announced in a recent Kimmel Racing Facebook video that he will race at Kansas Speedway on May 14th in place of Scott Melton. Scott Melton was injured in an accident during the General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. Kimmel stated that Melton told him "just keep digging" and "just switch" drivers. (In part from Kimmel Racing Facebook) (05-06-22)
  • Dead On Tools to partner with Taylor Gray & David Gilliland Racing: David Gilliland Racing has announced that Dead On Tools will partner with drivers Tanner and Taylor Gray during the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series seasons. In addition to their sponsorship efforts with the eldest Gray, Dead On Tools will serve as Taylor Gray’s primary partner for the Bush’s Beans 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway with the ARCA Menards Series. “It’s really neat to represent the Dead On Tools brand as they expand their presence in our sport,” [said] Taylor Gray. “I’m excited to be the one who gets to drive the Dead On Tools Mustang in the ARCA Menards Series and also have them on my truck the same day.” (In part from David Gilliland Racing PR) (05-05-22)
  • Bobby Gerhart Racing seeking funded drivers: Bobby Gerhart Racing has posted the following classified on RacingJunk.com in search of funded drivers for its driver development program: "Bobby Gerhart Racing is offering funded driver development opportunities at a variety of levels. From an 18 race entry level program in the Super Cup series; to single or multiple races in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series. Previous customers include Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and dozens of racers who have driven winning equipment. BGR has over 100 development starts with wins and many top five finishes and a very strong super speedway program. Start your drivers road to victory lane today." (In part from RacingJunk.com) (05-05-22)