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

January 2023

  • Dean Thompson joining Venturini Motorsports for four races: Venturini Motorsports has announced another addition to their 2023 roster: 21 year old Dean Thompson, from Anaheim, California. Thompson is set to take on a program of five races with VMS in the 2023 season; Kansas Speedway (May), Charlotte Motor Speedway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Pocono Raceway, and Phoenix Raceway (ARCA-W). “I’m super stoked to continue my partnership with Toyota by signing with Billy and Venturini Motorsports. They have established themselves as the pinnacle of ARCA and contenders to win at every race they enter. I know we will be competing for wins and I can’t wait to get started,” explained Thompson. The Venturini Motorsports team have expressed their enthusiasm over their most recently signed talent. “Dean will be a strong addition to the program. He has experience out West and in truck which will make him tough to beat. I expect him to be contending for wins,” stated team owner Billy Venturini. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-20-23)
  • Andy Jankowiak returing this season with new team partners & Whelen sponsorship: The Whelen Engineering Co., a global leader in the emergency warning industry since 1952, will return as a sponsor of KLAS Motorsports driver Andy Jankowiak for six events during the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season. The partnership between Jankowiak, KLAS Motorsports and Whelen will begin with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18. The event will be the first time the No. 73 team will compete under the KLAS Motorsports banner and team owners Kevin Lapierre and Andy Seuss. Lapierre and his company, Dak’s Market, have been a steadfast supporter of Jankowiak and the No. 73 team in years past. Beginning in 2023, Lapierre and Seuss will assume ownership roles as well as the many duties involved with those positions. Seuss will also assume the role of team manager and will oversee weekly preparations. Seuss, a two-time NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion driver, has played a large role in the growth and development of the No. 73 team from the outset by supplying the team with a North Carolina-based shop and lending his experience whenever possible. This will be Seuss’s first full-time year with the team. “Kevin has been a huge supporter of our efforts since very early on in our ARCA racing efforts and supplied our race team with two cars last season,” Jankowiak said. “Having Andy Seuss working with us full time will give us a huge advantage from where we were last year. Andy’s involvement and Kevin’s ability to handle so many of the leadership roles on the team allows me to take a step back and focus more on my role as the driver." In addition to Daytona, Whelen will support the team during events at Talladega Superspeedway, Kansas Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Watkins Glen International. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-19-23)
  • Venturini Motorsports signs Sean Hingorani for full East season: Venturini Motorsports have made an addition to their formidable driver roster for the upcoming 2023 season: 16 year old rookie, Sean Hingorani, who will be taking on the full 2023 ARCA Menards East Series calendar. In addition to challenging for the ARCA East Series championship, Hingorani is set to run four ARCA Main races (Phoenix, Berlin, Mid Ohio, Toledo) and four ARCA West races (Irwindale, The Bullring at Las Vegas, Madera, and Phoenix) with Venturini Motorsports. Hingorani made his ARCA Menards West Series debut at Evergreen in 2022 [and competed in] both Pro Late and Super Late races. (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-19-23)
  • Ed Pompa racing at Daytona; raising money for Double H Ranch: Ed Pompa will begin his 18th season in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023 when he runs the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on Feb 18. And he is continuing his fundraising effort for the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, New York. “I race for the thrill and the fun of competing,” Pompa said. “Since I’m only a part-time racer and full-time business owner, I’m not looking for someone to sponsor me personally behind the wheel. I race as much as my wallet will allow. “This ‘sponsorship’ program that we started back in 2009 is raising money for kids to attend the Double H Ranch. Double H is a camp for children with serious medical conditions. It gives them a chance for a week to forget about their medical issues and focus on being a kid.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-17-23)
  • Greg Van Alst returning for full schedule: Greg Van Alst and his Greg Van Alst Motorsports team last weekend went to Daytona International Speedway for the annual pre-race practice hoping to start his sophomore season with momentum. “I love everything about Daytona,” Van Alst said. “This place is so special to me for a lot of reasons, including our accomplishment last year. Thankfully, we haven’t had to do much to our superspeedway car over the last year other than make the necessary tweaks to get ourselves ready for the test.” With a focus on the impending 20-race schedule in 2023, Van Alst is hoping his team’s dedication along with a stout new television package will allow the series and teams to reap the benefits and open the door for new marketing partners to join his Indiana-based team along the way. “I am proud of what our team accomplished last year racing full-time on a tight budget,” he said. “We could not have done without the support of Chris Barkdull and CB Fabricating, and while I’m super thankful to have him along for the ride in 2023, we are hoping we can attract more partners along the way who believe in our journey." (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-17-23)
  • Logan Misuraca to race at Daytona & Talladega for Spraker: Logan Misuraca recently announced she will be racing in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, driving the No. 63 Spraker/PCW Racing CELSIUS Essential Energy Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Misuraca attended the ARCA Menards Series’ pre-race practice at Daytona Jan. 13-14. During the season, the Ilmor engine Chevrolet will be sponsored by CELSIUS Essential Energy Drink while embodying the brand’s mantra, “Live Fit,” staying energized all race weekend long. Speaking on the sponsorship, CELSIUS® VP of Marketing Kyle Watson added, “CELSIUS is thrilled to be the primary sponsor and official energy drink of Logan Misuraca for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season. We are excited to sponsor our first female driver in motorsports and help fuel Logan all season long as she crosses the finish line.” (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-17-23)
  • Venturini Motorsports fastest in Daytona test: Venturini Motorsports (VMS) inaugurated the opening of the 2023 season with a clean sweep at pre-season testing. With an entry list of 61 drivers, VMS concluded the weekend with the four fastest cars. Toni Breidinger secured the fastest time of the weekend with her VMS teammates Amber Balcaen, Jesse Love, and Gus Dean closing out the top of the charts. Love, the VMS Championship contender of the season, demonstrated his quick learning during his first Daytona outing. Dean, who has previously competed at Daytona with Venturini Motorsports, showcased his consistency throughout the two day session. Announcements regarding Dean’s 2023 season are expected to be released soon. Full Practice Results (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-16-23)
  • Jon Garrett forms Veer Motorsports; to run full time: Jon Garrett has formed Veer Motorsports to compete in the ARCA Menards Series full-time for the 2023 season. Garrett will pilot the No. 66 entry.  “I am looking forward to seeing what will come in 2023,” said Garrett. “I have a great opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream with Veer Motorsports and Andy at Fast Track Racing. Driving the full schedule, with good equipment – the pressure will be on me to learn and perform to the potential of the equipment. I would also like to thank Ron Vandermier Sr and Ron Vandermier Jr for allowing me to represent and compete with the No. 66 number. We are looking forward to having a fun and successful season.” Joining ownership of Veer Motorsports is long time friend and business partner, Lane Moore, and son Logan Moore. Lane and Garrett have a long history in motorsports, spanning back to the early 2000’s where they competed against each other on track in the American Truck Series. (In part from Veer Motorsports PR) (01-14-23)
  • Amber Balcaen joins Venturini for Daytona & Talladega: Venturini Motorsports announces that Amber Balcaen will be joining their 2023 driver lineup. Balcaen has signed on with VMS to take part in their ARCA Menards Series races at Daytona and Talladega. She will be behind the wheel of the No. 15 Toyota Camry with continued support from her sponsor, Icon Direct. “I’ve watched Venturini Motorsports dominate the ARCA Menards series for years and it’s been a dream of mine for a long time to drive for VMS” explains Balcaen. “To say I’m excited to drive for a hugely winning team is an understatement! I’m thrilled knowing I’ll be in a fast car this season!” (In part from Venturini Motorsports PR) (01-12-23)
  • Toni Breidinger returns to Venturini Motorsports for partial schedule: Venturini Motorsports announces the return of Toni Breidinger to their driver roster for the 2023 ARCA Menards Season. Breidinger has signed on with VMS for a slate of 11 races including Daytona, Phoenix, Talladega, Dover, Kansas, Charlotte, Iowa, Lucas Oil, Pocono, Kansas, and Phoenix. During her time with VMS, Breidinger has worked tirelessly to develop the skills necessary to advance to the highest level of NASCAR. Working alongside her for the 2023 season will be crew chief Cayden Lapcevich. (In part from VenturiniMotorsports.com) (01-12-23)
  • Frankie Muniz to join Rette Jones Racing for full schedule OFFICIAL: Actor and racecar driver Frankie Muniz is rumored to be joining Rette Jones Racing for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Muniz participated in the January Daytona test session last year with Fast Track Racing has been looking to compete in more stock car events. The 37 year-old New Jersey native tweeted that "[his] wife has been searching online what NASCAR wives wear to the races" and that it "means this is getting real y'all" in late December. (01-05-23)
    OFFICIAL: Frankie Muniz announced that he will race the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing and compete for the ARCA Menards Series championship beginning at Daytona on Feb. 18, 2023. “It’s with the utmost excitement, optimism and gratitude that I’m joining Rette Jones Racing for the full ARCA Menards Series schedule this year,” said Muniz. “Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR, and it was important for me to partner with a team that aligned with my long-term objectives and vision while providing every opportunity imaginable to grow mentally and physically as a full-time race car driver. I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious how I am in progressing in my racing career, but also showing my son and family what it is to chase your dreams and re-invent yourself.” The much-celebrated actor of “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Agent Cody Banks” and “Dancing with the Stars” fame, among other notable projects in the entertainment world, was engaged in months of discussions with various stakeholders across the NASCAR world in advance of signing with the team co-owned by Motorsports veteran Terry Jones and former ARCA championship crew chief Mark Rette. For the 2023 ARCA season, Rette Jones Racing will continue its longtime partnership with Ford Performance but upgrade its fleet to include the Ford Mustang beginning at Daytona. (In part from Rette Jones Racing PR) (01-11-23)
  • Christian Rose joins AM Racing for ARCA championship run: Officials from AM Racing confirmed today that Christian Rose has joined the organization and will compete for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship title beginning with next month’s season-opener at Daytona. Rose, a former Division 1 baseball player for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has traded the glove and bat in for a steering wheel and helmet and has set achievable goals for his first full season of stock car competition aboard the team’s flagship No. 32 Ford Mustang. Rose joins the Statesville, N.C.-based team on the heels of a limited ARCA schedule in 2022 competing in a series of races on ARCA’s platform with Cook Racing Technologies which was highlighted by a career-best seventh-place finish at Kansas Speedway last October. “I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity to compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for AM Racing,” said Rose. “I have learned so much over the past two seasons of a part-time ARCA schedule that I am excited to elevate my schedule this year which includes visiting new tracks of new disciplines with the goal of being in contention to win races and compete for the championship.” The team’s sponsorship lineup along with a crew chief will be announced in the weeks leading up to the series' 60th race at [Daytona] on Feb. 18. (In part from AM Racing PR) (01-10-23)
  • Landon Pembelton to practice at Daytona for Mullins Racing: Mullins Racing has added 17-year-old Landon Pembelton to its driver roster for the ARCA Menards Series pre-race practice at Daytona International Speedway on January 13-14. While he already has some experience in ARCA after competing in multiple events last year with Venturini Motorsports, his relationship with Willie and Dinah Mullins pre-dates his breakout Martinsville triumph. “The whole Mullins family hangs around Dominion,” Pembelton said.  “We built a relationship with them.  Dinah takes photos for us, and it all came together. They gave me this opportunity to drive for them in Daytona for the practice and I’m very thankful for this opportunity that they gave me.” His win in the NASCAR-sanctioned ValleyStar Credit Union 300 catapulted him into the spotlight as one of the hottest young drivers in short track racing. “It’s opened up tons of opportunities for me, starting with Venturini and Toyota last year,” Pembelton explained. “They gave me the opportunity to run four races and gave me experience with the ARCA cars, which are different from the late models.  We’re going to be running full-time in the late model still, going to the ARCA practice session, and maybe have some other stuff coming up too.” (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (01-10-23)
  • Conner Jones returns to Venturini for 12 races: 16 year-old Conner Jones continues his rapid ascent in the stock car ranks in 2023, announcing an expanded schedule of 12 ARCA Menards Series races with Venturini Motorsports. Jones will pair with multi-time race-winning crew chief Kevin Reed, Jr. for the expanded slate. “I’m excited for the opportunity to return to Venturini Motorsports this season for additional races,” Jones said. “Being teamed up with one of the top teams in the ARCA Menards series will allow me to gain more experience and develop my craft behind the wheel.” The expanded 2023 ARCA campaign for Jones will open at Phoenix Raceway in March, site of a fifth-place qualifying effort in November and will end where it started in November during the championship race for the ARCA Menards Series West at Phoenix. Sponsorship will include PepperJack Kennels and Jones Utilities with additional partners and car number for Jones’ 2023 ARCA campaign being announced prior to the start of the season. (In part from MDM Consulting PR) (01-09-23)
  • Tim Goulet Enterprises renamed as Rise Motorsports; Rita Goulet & Stephen Leicht to drive: Rise Motorsports has announced the rebranding of its ARCA Menards Series team previously known as Tim Goulet Enterprises. This will be a joint effort between co-owners Tim Goulet and driver/co-owner Rita Goulet. The team intends to run a part-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series with Rita Goulet (Thomason) and Stephen Leicht dividing driving duties. The team also has opportunities for funded and qualified drivers who are operating on a budget. Rise Motorsports currently has one Chevrolet SS and one Toyota Camry in its fleet. The plan is to exclusively field Toyota entries. Tim Goulet will continue to maintain the No. 31 as he has since the 2021 season. The team intends to use this platform for driver development with an eye toward eventually moving into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Being a part of the ARCA Menards Series as well as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will help maintain the future of the sport by providing opportunities for funded and qualified drivers operating on a budget as previously mentioned. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-09-23)
  • Jesse Love expected to compete full time for Venturini Motorsports: Jesse Love will compete full-time for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series championship, multiple sources have confirmed to Frontstretch. Love will pilot a Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, continuing his tenure with the organization. Love’s car number, crew chief and sponsors have not been revealed at this time. Love piloted the No. 20 during his part-time 2022 ARCA slate. Love will turn 18 on Jan. 18, making him eligible to compete for the main series championship for the first time in his career. (In part from Frontstretch.com) (01-08-23)
  • CCM Racing returning with multiple drivers: CCM Racing will return to the ARCA Menards Series national and East divisions this season with multiple drivers. Eric Caudell, who owns the team, will run a partial schedule. Matt Wilson and Colton Collins are also expected to race, but no official schedule has been set. The organization has been working on building four new composite cars for the upcoming season. (01-07-23)
  • GMS Racing will not field an ARCA entry this year: GMS Racing has released the following statement from Mike Beam about not fielding an ARCA entry in 2023:
    Mike Beam:     "In an effort to shift the team's primary focus and resources towards competing for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, GMS Racing will not field an ARCA Menards Series entry in 2023. Everyone at GMS Racing is grateful for its time spent over eight seasons competing in the ARCA Menards Series. The series has been near and dear to our hearts, as ARCA was where our roots as a stock car racing team truly began. We have been fortunate for our organization to have had success throughout the years, namely winning the 2015 national championship with Grant Enfinger, as well as the 2019 and 2020 ARCA Menards Series East championships with Sam Mayer." (In part from GMS Racing PR) (01-06-23)
  • Caleb Costner & Costner Weaver Motorsports to race part time: Caleb Costner will compete in the opening race of the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season at Daytona International Speedway in addition to multiple ARCA races piloting the Costner Weaver Motorsports No. 93 Chevrolet. Costner will also take part in the pre-race practice at Daytona on Jan. 13-14. Crew chief Darrell Phillips will be atop the pit box calling the shots for the race on Feb. 18. The Costner Weaver Motorsports team returns to the ARCA Menards Series after making its debut last season in the ARCA Menards Series East. Owner/driver Costner also put two ARCA Menards Series West races under his belt in 2021. “2022 was a pivotal year in continuing to build our team along with planning for the future of how we wanted to take our team to the next level,” Costner said. “We’ll start the season off at Daytona on the biggest stage, and I couldn’t be more ready.” Lickety Lews – All-Purpose Boo Yow Sauce will be a new co-sponsor of the No. 93 Costner Weaver Motorsports Chevrolet on the high banks of Daytona. Innovative Tiny Houses will continue its partnership with Costner Weaver Motorsports at Daytona and throughout the season. “2023 will be the biggest opportunity of my racing career to this point as we plan to make multiple starts in the ARCA Menards Series throughout the season,” Costner concluded. (In part from ARCARacing.com) (01-05-23)
  • Landon Huffman attending Daytona practice with Mullins Racing: Landon Huffman, 26, from Claremont, North Carolina, will turn his first laps around Daytona International Speedway on January 13-14 when the ARCA Menards Series returns to the famed superspeedway for its annual pre-race practice. He heads to Daytona with Mullins Racing months removed from his first NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Division I track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway. “I never thought I was ever going to get to run laps at Daytona, so this is pretty incredible,” Huffman said. “It’s every short track racer’s dream to run laps at Daytona. My dad had a quote, I use it in my podcast as part of my intro, after his first race at Daytona, he said, ‘it doesn’t matter if you’re racing a go-kart, slot car, or foot race, you won at Daytona.’” Huffman picked up his first championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in September. His father, Robert Huffman, won two championships at Hickory in the late 1980s before going on to win five championships in the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series. The husband-and-wife co-owners of Mullins Racing, Willie and Dinah Mullins, came to Hickory Motor Speedway last summer to watch Huffman race. They became fast friends and soon the two parties reached an agreement for Huffman to pilot one of the Mullins Racing cars at Daytona in ARCA’s pre-race practice. “I have been internet friends with Dinah and Willie,” Huffman recalled.  “They came down and watched me race at Hickory, came down to the pits, and we really hit it off. I really respect how they race, we can relate on a lot of levels, based on the money we spend versus our competitors, they’re a family team and do a lot of it themselves, a lot of mutual respect. They’ve done a great job building their program.  Anytime I can work with people like that, it’s a good opportunity.” Huffman hopes to compete in a handful of ARCA Menards Series races for Mullins Racing at some point this season. (In part from Mullins Racing PR) (01-03-23)
  • D.L. Wilson returning to Fast Track for East championship run: D.L. Wilson is turning his focus towards a championship hunt. Piloting the team’s #12, Wilson will compete in the 8 race ARCA Menards Series East season, along with the Elite/West Combination race at Phoenix, March 10th. “I’m really looking forward to what we can do with our efforts this year” said Wilson. “We made some nice updates this offseason. I think by really focusing on these 9 races, we can come out there and run well and push towards top 5’s and 10’s” This will be Wilson’s first full season attempt across the ARCA Menards Series platform. Wilson and team are currently working on sponsorship for the #12 Chevrolet, with news coming soon. (In part from Fast Track Racing PR) (01-02-23)