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ARCA Menards Series
ARCA Menards Series
ARCA Menards Series
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The ARCA Menards Series is an American stock car series, the premier division of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). It is considered a minor, semi-professional league of stock car racing, used as a feeder series into the three national touring series of NASCAR,[1][2] and hosts events at a variety of track types including superspeedways, road courses, and dirt tracks.[3] It also provides hobby drivers a chance to experience racing at large tracks used in the three national touring series in NASCAR. The series has had a longstanding relationship with NASCAR, including using former NASCAR Cup Series cars, hosting events in the same race weekend such as Daytona Speedweeks, and naming an award after NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr.[3][4][5] However, the series was not officially affiliated with NASCAR until its buyout on April 27, 2018.[6] 2020 was the first season that the series was sanctioned by NASCAR.[7]

Key Information

The series was known as the ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series from 1986 until 1991, the ARCA Hooters SuperCar Series from 1993 until 1995, and the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series from 1996 to 2000.[8][9] The series was sponsored by real estate company RE/MAX as the ARCA RE/MAX Series from 2001 until 2009.[10] Midwest-based home improvement company Menards began sponsoring the series in 2010 jointly with RE/MAX, and became the lone presenting sponsor in 2011,[10] and from then until February 2019 the series was known as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

History

[edit]
Michael Simko's ARCA Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Salem Speedway, Indiana in 2006

The series was founded in Toledo, Ohio in 1953 as the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC), a local touring group in the Midwestern United States.[4] The series was founded by John Marcum, a friend and former competitor of Bill France, Sr. and former NASCAR employee, who created MARC as a northern counterpart to the southern-based NASCAR. Early drivers included Iggy Katona and Nelson Stacy.[5]

The series became a part of Daytona Speedweeks in 1964 at the request of Bill France, allowing the series to open its season alongside the Daytona 500.[4][11] That same year, the series name was changed from MARC (Midwest Association for Race Cars) to the current ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) as a suggestion from France to give the series more national exposure.[5]

The series races on a variety of tracks from small ovals to superspeedways such as Daytona International Speedway. In 2008 the series returned to racing on a road course.[12] The series is currently headed by Marcum's grandson, Ron Drager.[5]

Due to the similarity between the cars and racetracks of the two series, the ARCA Racing Series is frequently used to develop young drivers looking to break into the top three series of NASCAR. The series has spawned such drivers as Benny Parsons, Ken Schrader, and Kyle Petty, and helped more recent NASCAR Cup Series drivers Kyle Busch, Justin Allgaier, Casey Mears, and Sam Hornish Jr. get acclimated to stock cars.[1][13] Young drivers will often race in the series opener at Daytona International Speedway to gain NASCAR approval to run at superspeedways in the Truck or Xfinity Series.[14] Other drivers, such as 10-time champion Frank Kimmel and 9-time race winner Bobby Gerhart remain in the series as opposed to pursuing a full-time career in NASCAR.[8] NASCAR regulars, notably Ken Schrader, are known to frequent the series as well.[13] Other notable drivers, such as Benny Chastain and Andy Jankowiak, race in the series as a hobby.

Drivers as young as 17 may be approved to drive on speedway tracks, and drivers as young as 15 years can be permitted to drive at courses less than one mile in length and road courses. This is one year younger than the minimum age of 16 in the Craftsman Truck Series (also for short tracks and road courses only). Drivers must be 18 to race in either of the two superspeedway events the series hosts at Daytona and Talladega.[15][16] Drivers 16 and 17 may participate in selected portions of the January Daytona test but may not participate in the race weekend.

An Indiana-based indie game developer created ARCA Sim Racing '08 to simulate the RE/MAX championship.[17]

From 1995 until 2016, the Hoosier Racing Tire company was the series tire supplier, with the tires being branded in 2016 by their business partner Continental AG's General Tire. Continental acquired Hoosier in October 2016.[18]

On April 27, 2018, it was announced that the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) had bought out the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), though 2018 and 2019 seasons continued as planned.[6] The ARCA Menards Series retained its name for the 2020 season, while the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West rebranded as the ARCA Menards Series East and West respectively. On October 2, 2019, NASCAR and ARCA announced the creation of a ten-race short track and road course slate called the ARCA Racing Series Showdown, with drivers from all three series eligible to compete.[19]

In January 2019, ARCA announced that every race for the 2019 season would be broadcast live on television. Eight races were broadcast between FS1 and FS2, while the remaining 12 races ran on MAVTV. This was the first time in series history that every race in a season was broadcast live.[20] Starting in 2023, all races will be broadcast on FS1 or FS2[21] and in 2024, ARCA signed a multi year contract with FS1 and FS2 under ARCA's new TV deal that will take place until 2028.[22]

ARCA Menards Series cars

[edit]
2013 Rookie of the Year Justin Boston

The series was known for using veteran steel-bodied Generation 4 cars from the NASCAR Cup Series, running cars until they are several years old and even after a model's discontinuation in the Cup Series. For example, Bobby Gerhart's winning Daytona car in 1999 used a chassis built by Hendrick Motorsports in 1989 and said car would be used until 2004 at Talladega by Boston Reid. Following the transition of the Cup and Xfinity Series to the Car of Tomorrow in 2007 and 2010 respectively, the ARCA Series continued to use the 2007-style models of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (re-branded as the Impala), Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Dodge Charger. The carbureted V8 engines used by the series are also built under similar specifications to their NASCAR counterparts, and occasionally purchased from NASCAR teams.[2][3][5][23] In spite of the similarities, ARCA racing is much more affordable than its more popular counterpart, with car owner Larry Clement estimating the required budget to run an ARCA car as "10 percent of what a NASCAR Cup Series budget is."[13]

ARCA Ilmor 396 engine

[edit]

On August 1, 2014, ARCA president Ron Drager announced a new engine package option for the 2015 season, in addition to the current open motor rules package. The package is called the ARCA Ilmor 396 engine, alternately known as the ARCA Control Engine (ACE). Developed by Ilmor, which has also developed engines for the IndyCar Series, the engine is a "purpose-built powerplant" using Holley electronic fuel injection and based on the Chevrolet LS engine family that is able to deliver 700 horsepower and 530 ft-lb of torque. The engine costs $35,000 to build and $15,000 to be re-built, and allows teams to use the same engine at all track types for up to 1,500 miles (2,400 km) between re-builds.[2][24][25][26]

The Ilmor engine debuted during testing at Daytona International Speedway in December 2014, with Sean Corr's Ilmor-powered #48 Ford topping the speed charts at an average of 188.478 miles per hour (303.326 km/h) in a time of 47.743 seconds.[2][27] The new engine has generated controversy, with some teams that use the former engine package believing that their motors will become obsolete and converting to the new package will be too costly. Teams and outside engine builders also cannot perform maintenance on the engines, and minimal tuning is allowed (including a specification lubricant, currently supplied by Valvoline). The spec engine also reduces manufacturer identity for teams, with construction based on the Chevrolet engine package and branded as an Ilmor. Non-Ilmor engines, meanwhile, are subject to intake and RPM restrictions to maintain performance limits relative to the new package.[2][15][16][26]

Composite car bodies

[edit]
A composite-body Ford Fusion driven by Ty Majeski in 2016.

On November 4, 2014, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NASCAR president Mike Helton unveiled a new body style for the K&N Pro Series East and West that would also be eligible for use in ARCA competition, based on the Sprint Cup Series Gen 6 models of the Chevrolet SS, Ford Fusion, and Toyota Camry (no Dodge option was offered due to a lack of factory support). The new body, developed with Five Star Race Car Bodies, is constructed of a composite laminate blend and designed with easily replaceable body panels, to reduce the costs of fabrication, and to eliminate on-track debris after accidents. The composite body is also significantly lighter than traditional steel bodies.[28][29] The composite body debuted at preseason testing at Daytona, with the intent of approving it for tracks over a mile in length.[30]

The body style was made eligible in the 2015 ARCA season only on tracks one mile or shorter in length, with the traditional steel bodies running alongside.[28][31] The composite bodies made their superspeedway debut at Pocono Raceway on June 3, 2016.[29][32] In 2018, ARCA began to phase out the Steel bodies, mandating all composite bodies at Daytona and Talladega. They were then mandated for all tracks over 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km) in 2019, and all tracks in 2020.[33] The Gen-4 style bodies were allowed to compete in one final race at the 2020 General Tire 100 at the Daytona Road Course. In 2022, the Ford Fusion was replaced by the Ford Mustang, but was not widely adopted by Ford teams until 2023.[34] The Ford Fusion body is still legal under ARCA rules as of 2024, however only smaller teams compete with them.

Specifications

[edit]
The templates for Gen-4 ARCA cars at Road America in 2013.

[15][16]

  • Engine displacement: 350–360–396 cubic inches (5,740–5,900–6,490 cc) pushrod V8
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,400 lb (1,500 kg) minimum (steel); 3,300 lb (1,500 kg) (composite); without driver
  • Power output: ~700 brake horsepower (520 kW) unrestricted
  • Fuel: Sunoco unleaded gasoline
  • Fuel capacity: 18 US gallons (68 L; 15 imp gal) or 22 US gallons (83 L; 18 imp gal)
  • Fuel delivery:
  • Compression ratio: 12:1
  • Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
  • Wheelbase:
    • 105 inches (2,700 mm) – except restrictor plate tracks
    • 110 inches (2,800 mm) – all tracks
  • Car body:
    • Steel (Gen 4) – Fit to templates (no longer eligible as of 2020)
    • Composite (Gen 6) – Unmodified (2014 Holden VF Commodore, 2014 Ford Fusion, 2014 Toyota Camry, 2022 Ford Mustang)[35]
  • Rear spoiler: Minimum angle 65 degrees (steel); 70 degrees (composite)
  • Steering: Power, recirculating ball

Championship results

[edit]
Tim Steele during the Pocono ARCA race June 1996. Steele would win the championship that year.
10-time champion Frank Kimmel in his Menards/Ansell Toyota Camry in 2013.

Below is the list of all-time ARCA Racing Series champions, along with the Rookie of the Year and Bill France Four Crown award winners.

The Rookie of the Year award – currently sponsored by Scott Paper Company – is given to the rookie that scores the most points at the end of the season. Winners have included future NASCAR drivers Benny Parsons, Davey Allison, Jeremy Mayfield, Michael McDowell, and Parker Kligerman.

The Bill France Four Crown award, inaugurated in 1984, is a prize given to the driver with the most points at four specific events, combining dirt ovals, short ovals, superspeedways and road courses. The award was known as the Bill France Triple Crown prior to 2009, when the road course component was added to the competition. Future Winston Cup Series star Davey Allison won the first Four Crown. Frank Kimmel is the top Bill France Four Crown winner with seven titles.[3][36][37][38]

Other awards include the Superspeedway Challenge (Owners only), the Short Track Challenge (Drivers only), the Pole Award (most poles), the Marcum Award, the ARCA Motorsports Media Award, the Bob Loga Memorial Scholarship, the Spirit Award, Most Popular Driver Award, Most Improved Driver, and Engine Mechanic of the Year.[39][9]

Year Drivers
Champion 		Rookie
of the Year 		Bill France
Four Crown
2025 Brenden Queen Brenden Queen Brenden Queen
2024 Andrés Pérez de Lara Lavar Scott Andrés Pérez de Lara
2023 Jesse Love Jesse Love Andrés Pérez de Lara[40]
2022 Nick Sanchez Daniel Dye Daniel Dye
2021 Ty Gibbs Nick Sanchez Ty Gibbs
2020 Bret Holmes Hailie Deegan Bret Holmes
2019 Christian Eckes Tommy Vigh Jr. Bret Holmes[41]
2018 Sheldon Creed Zane Smith Zane Smith
2017 Austin Theriault Riley Herbst Austin Theriault
2016 Chase Briscoe Dalton Sargeant Chase Briscoe
2015 Grant Enfinger Kyle Weatherman Kyle Weatherman
2014 Mason Mitchell Austin Wayne Self Grant Enfinger[42]
2013 Frank Kimmel Justin Boston Frank Kimmel
2012 Chris Buescher Alex Bowman Chris Buescher[43]
2011 Ty Dillon Chris Buescher Chad McCumbee[44]
2010 Patrick Sheltra Dakoda Armstrong Joey Coulter
2009 Justin Lofton Parker Kligerman Parker Kligerman[38]
2008 Justin Allgaier Matt Carter Frank Kimmel[45]
2007 Frank Kimmel Michael McDowell Frank Kimmel
2006 Frank Kimmel Blake Bjorklund Blake Bjorklund
2005 Frank Kimmel Joey Miller Frank Kimmel
2004 Frank Kimmel T. J. Bell Brent Sherman
2003 Frank Kimmel Bill Eversole Jason Jarrett
2002 Frank Kimmel Chad Blount Frank Kimmel
2001 Frank Kimmel Jason Jarrett Frank Kimmel
2000 Frank Kimmel Brian Ross Tim Steele[37]
1999 Bill Baird Ron Cox Bill Baird
1998 Frank Kimmel Bill Baird Frank Kimmel
1997 Tim Steele Josh Baltes Tim Steele
1996 Tim Steele Blaise Alexander Tim Steele
1995 Andy Hillenburg Dill Whittymore
Harris DeVane 		Harris DeVane
1994 Bobby Bowsher Gary Bradberry Bob Hill
1993 Tim Steele Jeremy Mayfield Bob Keselowski
1992 Bobby Bowsher Frank Kimmel Bobby Bowsher
1991 Bill Venturini Roy Payne Bobby Bowsher
Bill Venturini
1990 Bob Brevak Glenn Brewer Bob Keselowski
1989 Bob Keselowski Graham Taylor Tracy Leslie
1988 Tracy Leslie Bobby Gerhart Grant Adcox
1987 Bill Venturini Dave Weltmeyer Grant Adcox
1986 Lee Raymond Mark Gibson Lee Raymond
1985 Lee Raymond David Simko Lee Raymond
1984 Bob Dotter Davey Allison Davey Allison
1983 Bob Dotter Bill Venturini
1982 Scott Stovall Lee Raymond
1981 Larry Moyer Gordon Blankenship
1980 Bob Dotter Scott Stovall
1979 Marvin Smith Steve Ellis
1978 Marvin Smith Bob Slawinski
1977 Conan Myers Bill Green
1976 Dave Dayton Tom Meinberg
1975 Dave Dayton Charlie Paxton
1974 Ron Hutcherson
Dave Dayton 		Jerry Hufflin
1973 Ron Hutcherson Bruce Gould
1972 Ron Hutcherson Delmar Clark
1971 Ramo Stott A. Arnold
1970 Ramo Stott Tom Bowsher
1969 Benny Parsons Larry Ashley
1968 Benny Parsons Cliff Hamm
1967 Iggy Katona Norm Meyers
1966 Iggy Katona Dave Dayton
1965 Jack Bowsher Benny Parsons
1964 Jack Bowsher Charlie Glotzbach
1963 Jack Bowsher N/A
1962 Iggy Katona Curly Mills
1961 Harold Smith Virgil Oakes
1960 Nelson Stacy N/A
1959 Nelson Stacy Bob Bower
1958 Nelson Stacy Paul Wensink
1957 Iggy Katona Bill Granger
1956 Iggy Katona N/A
1955 Iggy Katona N/A
1954 Bucky Sager N/A
1953 Jim Romine N/A

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

ARCA Menards Series

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The ARCA Menards Series is the premier division of the (ARCA), an American sanctioning body that organizes national touring events as a primary development platform for emerging drivers in the sport. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in , as a Midwest-based stock car series, ARCA has evolved into the second-oldest continuously operating auto racing series in the United States, behind only . The series emphasizes affordability and accessibility, featuring standardized equipment including Ilmor-sourced engines and composite-bodied cars from manufacturers like Chevrolet, Ford, and , while competing on a diverse array of track types including superspeedways, intermediate ovals, short tracks, road courses, and dirt facilities. ARCA's history is deeply intertwined with NASCAR, as founder John Marcum previously served as a official and forged early alliances with NASCAR's , leading to collaborative growth in . In April 2018, NASCAR acquired a majority stake in ARCA, enhancing its role as a feeder system within the broader ecosystem and aligning operations more closely with NASCAR's regional and national series. The 2019 partnership expansion with , a major home improvement retailer, elevated the sponsor to entitlement status, renaming the series from the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards to the ARCA Menards Series in a multi-year deal that provides significant marketing and financial support. Today, the ARCA Menards Series runs a 20-race schedule across 19 venues, with all events broadcast live on , offering national exposure to competitors. It remains renowned for launching careers, with over 75 percent of drivers in NASCAR's Cup Series, Xfinity Series, or Craftsman Truck Series having competed in the ARCA Menards Series at some point in their careers, underscoring its status as stock car racing's leading grassroots-to-professional pathway.

History

Founding and early years

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), originally established as the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC), was founded in 1953 by John Marcum and his wife Mildred in Toledo, Ohio. In 1964, the series was renamed the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) to better represent its growing national scope. John, a veteran racer from the 1930s and 1940s who had competed against NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., sought to capitalize on the post-World War II boom in stock car racing by creating a sanctioning body that emphasized accessibility and low costs for participants. Their motivations stemmed from a desire to foster grassroots-level competition amid the era's surge in motorsports interest, providing an alternative to more expensive national series while drawing on John's prior experience as a NASCAR official. In its early operations, the series functioned as a regional touring group focused on the Midwest, primarily featuring short-track events on both pavement and dirt surfaces to accommodate independent teams with limited budgets. This low-barrier entry model allowed everyday racers to compete using modified production cars, aligning with the founders' vision of promoting affordable without the high financial demands of larger organizations. By prioritizing regional venues and modest purses, ARCA/MARC quickly built a loyal base among Midwestern drivers and tracks, setting it apart as a community-oriented alternative during the 1950s racing expansion. The series awarded its first national points championship in 1953, with Jim Romine claiming the title. Bucky Sager won the 1954 championship after a season of 15 races, marking a key milestone in establishing structured competition. Early growth included diversification across track types, exemplified by events like the ARCA 200 at Dayton Speedway, which highlighted the series' emerging presence in pavement racing and drew growing crowds to Midwest ovals. These developments solidified ARCA's regional roots through the , laying the groundwork for broader involvement while maintaining its commitment to cost-effective, driver-focused racing.

Expansion and professionalization

In the 1980s, the ARCA series transitioned from a primarily regional focus to a national touring format, incorporating high-profile superspeedway events that elevated its visibility and attracted more competitive entries. The series began racing at in 1980, marking its entry into major venues, and expanded to with the inaugural ARCA 500 in 1984, where secured the victory. This shift was supported by consistent scheduling at intermediate and superspeedway tracks, such as the 1983 Pocono race, which featured the first live national television broadcast of an ARCA event, won by Bob Schacht. Professionalization efforts intensified during this period, with the establishment of more structured operations and rule standardization to align with national competition standards. By the mid-1990s, ARCA mandated the use of Series-style chassis across all tracks, promoting uniformity in equipment and enhancing safety and competitiveness for a growing field of drivers transitioning from regional series. The series also built a dedicated administrative framework, including key personnel like Ron Drager in operations roles, to manage the expanding schedule and logistics. Television exposure grew, with broadcasts on networks like TNN beginning in the late 1980s and continuing into the 1990s, alongside early Speedvision coverage starting in 1997, which helped draw larger audiences and sponsorship interest. The 1990s saw significant growth through partnerships with NASCAR-affiliated tracks, solidifying annual stops at facilities like , , , and Talladega, which boosted car counts from an average of around 20 in the early 1980s to fields often exceeding 30 by the decade's end. Purse sizes increased accordingly, with select events offering over $100,000 to the winner, reflecting heightened promoter investment and series prestige. This era also highlighted ARCA as a proving ground for future NASCAR stars, exemplified by Ernie Irvan's lone ARCA victory in the 1989 season finale at , which preceded his successful Cup Series career. Despite this progress, the series encountered financial instability in the mid-1990s, stemming from fluctuating sponsorships and operational costs amid a competitive sanctioning landscape. Recovery came through strengthened alliances with track operators, including venues, which provided guaranteed event slots and shared revenue models that stabilized purses and participation through the late 1990s.

NASCAR integration and recent developments

In April 2018, NASCAR acquired the sanctioning rights to the ARCA Racing Series, marking a significant step in integrating the series into NASCAR's developmental ecosystem, with the deal closing on December 31 of that year. This acquisition occurred amid ARCA's financial restructuring efforts, as the organization faced mounting operational challenges in a competitive motorsports landscape; full ownership and operational control transitioned to NASCAR in 2020, allowing ARCA to leverage NASCAR's resources for stability and growth. The move positioned ARCA as the base level of NASCAR's ladder system, enhancing its role in nurturing talent for higher divisions like the and Xfinity Series. Following the ownership change, ARCA aligned several rules with standards to streamline progression for drivers and teams, including a full transition to composite bodies starting in 2020, which improved , safety, and cost efficiency in line with 's vehicle specifications. This alignment elevated the series' prestige as a premier developmental platform, attracting more young drivers and fostering closer technical parity with 's national tours, thereby increasing opportunities for ARCA graduates to advance. Sponsorship evolved concurrently, with the series rebranding as the ARCA Series in 2019 through an expanded partnership with home improvement retailer , which became the entitlement sponsor across ARCA's national and regional divisions. Recent developments have further solidified ARCA's integration and expansion. The 2023 schedule featured 20 races across diverse venues, boosting visibility and participation while maintaining a mix of superspeedways, short tracks, and intermediates. In 2025, the schedule incorporated additional dirt events at tracks like the Illinois State Fairgrounds, alongside traditional ovals, to broaden the series' appeal and test driver versatility, though no international races were added. extended its media rights agreement through 2028, ensuring all races air live on FS1 or FS2, which has amplified exposure since the full-season coverage began in 2023. continued its dominance in the manufacturers' standings, securing its 10th title by 2025, including nine consecutive championships from 2017 onward, underscoring the brand's investment in ARCA as a talent pipeline.

Series Format

Schedule and venues

The ARCA Menards Series follows a typical 20-race schedule across 19 tracks in 2025, providing a diverse calendar that spans the . The season features high-speed superspeedways like and , intermediate ovals such as and , short tracks including Toledo Speedway, and specialized venues like the road course at and the dirt track at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. This mix allows teams and drivers to adapt to varying track configurations throughout the year, from high-banked ovals to technical road layouts. Historically, the series' venues evolved from a regional Midwest emphasis in the 1950s, when it was founded as the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC) in , focusing on local short tracks and ovals in the . By the 1990s, ARCA had expanded nationally, incorporating major facilities like —serving as the season opener since 1964—and integrating races at prominent NASCAR-affiliated tracks to broaden its reach. Recent developments include the addition of road courses starting in , with events at and , enhancing the series' variety. Key events underscore the schedule's structure and significance, including the season-opening Ride the 'Dente 200 at Daytona, a traditional superspeedway test held annually since 1964. Many races occur as doubleheaders alongside or Series weekends, such as at Charlotte and , which boosts attendance and media exposure. These alignments with larger events play a crucial economic role in the series' sustainability, as shared infrastructure and fan bases at established venues reduce operational costs while maintaining competitive relevance. Track classifications reflect the series' emphasis on oval racing, with approximately 90% of events on pavement ovals ranging from short tracks under a mile to 2.5-mile superspeedways. The schedule includes one annual dirt event at the one-mile DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, a staple since the , and road courses introduced in 2021 to diversify challenges and attract broader talent.

Race procedures and rules

Races in the ARCA Menards Series typically span 100 to 250 miles or a fixed number of laps, depending on the track configuration, with examples including 80 laps for the 200-mile event at and 100 laps for the 150-mile event at . Qualifying procedures vary by venue to determine the starting grid, often utilizing a timed session format where each car's fastest lap sets the order, supplemented by group qualifying or two-lap runs at shorter tracks like Madison International Speedway. Caution periods are initiated by yellow flags for on-track incidents, , or scheduled breaks, requiring drivers to slow down and maintain position without passing until the restart. Restarts following cautions employ a double-file lineup, with the leader choosing the inside or outside lane and lapped cars positioned at the rear, a procedure adopted to enhance competitive . Most races conclude under green-flag conditions to ensure a decisive finish, though exceptions apply at select tracks equipped with advanced scoring systems. Pit stop regulations emphasize safety and efficiency through a modified live pitting , limiting crews to a maximum of four uniformed members over the pit wall for tire changes and adjustments during green-flag stops. Fueling occurs exclusively with Unleaded 260 GTX, the series' official fuel, and strategies focus on full or partial fills based on race stage, with no fueling permitted under green except during designated breaks. Violations such as speeding on pit , loose wheels, or improper conduct result in penalties including pass-throughs, stop-and-go directives, or post-race deductions enforced by ARCA officials. Unique rules support emerging talent and field completion, including rookie requirements where inexperienced drivers must attend orientation meetings and pass on-track tests prior to competing, with eligibility for Rookie of the Year limited to those with fewer than 20 prior ARCA starts. Provisional starting positions, typically four to six per event, are allocated based on car owner points from the previous season (or current standings after the first three races), past champions, and series entries to accommodate up to 40 cars while prioritizing qualifiers. On road courses, adaptations include mandatory race breaks for pitting—such as at the midpoint—and full-course cautions signaled by double yellow flags at all stations to neutralize the field safely around corners.

Points system and playoffs

The ARCA Menards Series uses a points system revised in to better align with NASCAR's national touring series formats, emphasizing finishing position and performance bonuses to reward consistency and speed. The race winner is awarded 43 points for their finishing position plus a 3-point bonus for the victory, totaling 46 points, while points decrease by 1 for each lower position—second place receives 42 points, third 41 points, and so on down to 1 point for the last-place finisher. Additional bonuses include 1 point for securing the via qualifying, 1 point for leading at least one lap during the race, and 5 points for leading the most laps overall. The 20-race season is structured into four segments of five events each, providing further incentives for full participation; drivers and owners who start all five races in a segment earn a 50-point bonus, and those competing in every race across the season receive an extra 50-point bonus. This segment system encourages teams to maintain a full while adding strategic depth to point accumulation. Rookie drivers compete in a separate points standings based purely on finishing positions without access to bonuses, culminating in the Bounty Rookie of the Year award for the top performer among eligible newcomers. Prior to 2020, the system operated on a different scale where the winner earned 235 base points plus a 10-point victory bonus, with awards structured around a 5-point increment per position relative to rivals, resulting in higher total points per race. The update to the current hybrid model shifted toward a more compact, NASCAR-like structure to facilitate smoother transitions for drivers advancing to higher levels of competition. Unlike NASCAR's national series, the ARCA Menards Series determines its driver's and owner's championships through cumulative points across the full season, without a playoff or elimination bracket. Ties in the final standings are resolved first by the number of feature race wins, followed by the highest individual finishing positions starting with the most recent race and working backward. For owner's points, each entry earns points based on its driver's finish, with the owner's championship determined by the highest-scoring entry.

Vehicles and Technology

Chassis and body designs

The ARCA Menards Series has undergone significant evolution in its and body designs since its inception, reflecting advancements in racing technology and cost management. In the , the series adopted tube-frame purpose-built racing constructed from tubing, moving away from unmodified production car frames while initially retaining modified bodies for a balance of familiarity and . By the , these designs had standardized into full stock car configurations, with enclosed bodies closely mimicking production models but engineered for high-speed oval racing durability. Modern ARCA vehicles utilize a steel tube chassis with a 110-inch wheelbase, providing a stable platform for diverse track lengths from short ovals to superspeedways. A 105-inch wheelbase option is approved for ARCA Menards Series West road course events effective 2025. This design emphasizes rigidity and weight distribution to handle the series' varied schedules, drawing from established stock car engineering principles without adopting the independent rear suspension of NASCAR's Next Gen car introduced in 2022. Body designs shifted from traditional steel panels, used predominantly before 2021, to composite materials starting with optional implementation in 2015. This transition to flange-fit composite bodies—primarily with some carbon fiber elements—aimed at reducing repair costs and improving damage resistance, as the lighter panels (under 135 pounds total) allow quicker trackside fixes compared to dent-prone . The change became mandatory for tracks over 3/4-mile in 2019 and for all events in 2020, supplied exclusively by Race Car Bodies in modular 12-panel kits. Aerodynamic elements are integral to these designs, featuring a front composite valence (air dam) for underbody airflow management and a rear spoiler measuring 61 inches wide by 6.25 inches high to generate without excessive drag. These components are standardized across the series but tailored to manufacturer-specific templates, including the Chevrolet SS, (updating from earlier Fusion models), and , ensuring competitive parity while allowing brand differentiation in body contours and rooflines.

Engines and manufacturers

The engines used in the ARCA Menards Series have evolved to emphasize cost control, parity, and durability, transitioning from open rules allowing a variety of production-based powerplants in the series' early decades to standardized specifications in modern eras. In the and , competitors often relied on modified flathead V8 engines derived from contemporary automobiles, reflecting the stock car roots of the series founded in 1953. By the 1990s, electronic (EFI) became standard, aligning with broader advancements in stock car technology and improving efficiency and power delivery. Since 2015, the series has mandated the use of the 396 as the primary spec powerplant, a 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) pushrod V8 based on Chevrolet's LS architecture but designed to be supplier-neutral for fair competition across all teams. This produces approximately 700 horsepower and 530 foot-pounds of on racing fuel, with a targeted service interval of 1,500 miles before requiring a rebuild to ensure reliability during extended race weekends. To promote parity, engines are sealed by series officials upon installation, limiting modifications and requiring adherence to strict technical specifications that prevent performance advantages from tuning or components. Eligible alternatives include the NT1 (Chevrolet-based) and Robert Yates Racing Engines spec package (Ford-based), though the remains the dominant choice and has powered winners in every race since its introduction. Manufacturer involvement centers on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) providing support for body styles and development programs, while the spec rules minimize differences. entered the series in 2007 and has since dominated the manufacturers' championship, securing 10 titles by 2025 (2013, 2017–2025), often through teams like Venturini Motorsports, , and Nitro Motorsports fielding bodies. Ford and Chevrolet also participate actively, with Ford supporting entries via bodies and Chevrolet through SS models, contributing to a competitive balance where points are awarded based on finishes with each OEM's vehicles. This structure fosters rivalry among the three primary OEMs—Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet—while the sealed spec engines ensure that success hinges more on setup, skill, and than raw power disparities. The series specifies 260 GTX unleaded gasoline as the official , a high-octane (approximately 98–100) blend designed for applications to support the engines' without under high loads. cells hold 18 or 22 U.S. gallons depending on the configuration, with delivery via electronic standardized across all entries. Maintenance protocols include post-race inspections to verify seal integrity and compliance, with engines subject to series-approved disassembly if irregularities are suspected, promoting longevity and cost efficiency in a developmental environment.

Specifications and safety features

The ARCA Menards Series enforces strict technical specifications for its stock cars to promote competitive balance and structural integrity. Vehicles must adhere to a minimum weight of 3,175 pounds (3,200 pounds for spec engines), including the driver, for drivers weighing 250 pounds or more, measured during official inspections to prevent performance advantages through lightweight materials, as of 2025 rules. Tires are exclusively supplied by , featuring a standard size of 27.5 inches in diameter for oval track events, designed to provide consistent grip and wear characteristics across the field. Gear ratios for oval races are fixed and track-specific, with ranges such as 4.40–4.63 for first gear at , ensuring standardized acceleration and top speeds without team-specific tuning. Safety features in ARCA vehicles prioritize driver protection through mandated equipment and trackside enhancements. The Head and Neck Support () device became mandatory in 2001 following high-profile incidents in , tethering the helmet to the shoulder harness to mitigate basilar skull fractures during impacts. SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers are required at all ARCA-sanctioned oval tracks, consisting of steel tubes backed by foam to dissipate crash energy and reduce g-forces transmitted to the driver. Fuel cells are limited to 18- or 22-gallon capacity, constructed with foam baffling and rollover valves to contain spills and suppress fires in collisions. Post-2010 rule updates introduced reinforced roll cages with additional tubing in the roof and side structures, enhancing rigidity against roof crushes and side impacts. Technical inspections form a core component of series oversight, conducted pre-race to verify compliance with specifications and post-race to detect alterations. ARCA officials perform measurements, weight checks, and component examinations; failures can result in severe penalties, including disqualification, fines up to $10,000, points deductions, or suspension for teams and crew chiefs. Series rules incorporate telemetry systems for broadcast and , including speed and RPM, with ARCA retaining data rights as of 2025.

Championships and Records

Drivers' and teams' championships

The drivers' championship in the ARCA Menards Series is awarded annually to the driver accumulating the most points over the 20-race schedule, determined by finishing positions with bonuses for qualifying on the pole, leading laps, and leading the most laps in a race. To be eligible, drivers must hold a valid ARCA and meet age requirements, with minimum ages ranging from 15 to 18 depending on track type and experience, including 18 for superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. The system includes five-race segments awarding 25 playoff points to segment winners, accumulating up to 100 bonus points for completing all segments, incentivizing consistent performance across the season. The teams' championship, or owners' championship, is awarded to the car owner whose entry earns the highest points total, mirroring the drivers' points structure to recognize in preparation and strategy. Owners with multiple entries score points for each, but the championship title goes to the top-performing car, with additional year-end bonuses from the series point fund exceeding $385,000 distributed based on final standings. Since NASCAR's 2018 acquisition and the 2020 integration of the former K&N Pro Series, the and West maintain separate drivers' and teams' championships, allowing cross-entries while crowning distinct regional titles alongside the national division. Notable patterns in the championships highlight family-run teams' dominance, exemplified by the Kimmel family, where Frank Kimmel secured a record 10 drivers' titles from 1998 to 2013, including eight consecutive from 2000 to 2007. This era underscored the series' emphasis on owner-drivers building multi-generational programs. Additionally, the series serves as a key developmental pathway, with more than 20 former ARCA Menards Series champions advancing to compete in the , including recent successes like and , who have achieved full-time seats and multiple victories there. Brenden Queen won the 2025 drivers' championship with eight victories. Championship honors are presented at the annual awards banquet, held at the Charlotte Convention Center in November following the season finale. The event celebrates top performers with cash awards, including a $2,500 champion bonus from select sponsors and shares from the overall point fund, where the national drivers' and owners' champions receive the largest payouts to recognize their season-long achievements.

Manufacturers' championship

The Manufacturers' championship in the ARCA Menards Series recognizes the top-performing automobile manufacturer based on cumulative points earned throughout the , fostering among suppliers of and body designs. Points are allocated exclusively to the highest-finishing car representing each manufacturer in every race, following a descending scale that awards 40 points to the first-place finisher down to 1 point for the 40th-place finisher; no additional bonuses apply to manufacturer standings, unlike driver or owner points systems. Ties in total points are resolved by the number of race victories achieved by vehicles of the tied manufacturer. The championship has been a fixture of the series since the , initially dominated by domestic manufacturers such as Chevrolet, which claimed multiple titles during the amid the rise of steel-bodied stock cars. Ford also secured notable wins, including 10 overall championships, with its most recent in marking a return to prominence after a gap since 2008. Toyota entered the fray in 2007 by supporting select teams and quickly ascended, capturing its first title in 2013 before embarking on an unparalleled run of dominance with victories in 2017 through 2021. This competition incentivizes heavy investment from manufacturers, offering marketing advantages like enhanced brand exposure through team affiliations and series-wide promotions, which in turn bolster event purses and operational funding. To maintain parity and prevent any single supplier from overwhelming the field, ARCA enforces strict rules including standardized V8 engines across all entries and periodic inspections with seals to verify compliance and limit performance modifications. In recent years, has exemplified this dominance, clinching the 2025 Manufacturers' championship on October 3 following the event, securing their 10th overall title and ninth consecutive crown with nine race wins that season. This achievement, driven by supported teams like Venturini Motorsports and , highlights the manufacturer's pivotal role in sustaining series growth through technical and financial contributions.

All-time statistical records

Frank Kimmel holds the all-time record for most career wins in the ARCA Menards Series with 80 victories, achieved between 1990 and 2016. His dominance is further highlighted by 44 career pole positions, the most in series history. Iggy Katona ranks second on the wins list with 79 triumphs, primarily in the and . In terms of championships, Kimmel also leads with 10 titles, won in 1998, 2000–2007, 2011, and 2013, surpassing Katona's previous record of six. The longest championship streak belongs to Kimmel as well, with eight consecutive titles from 2000 to 2007. The ARCA Menards Series has contested more than 1,500 races since its inception in 1953 as the Automobile Racing Club of America, with 1,571 events completed through the 2024 season and an additional 20 in 2025. Field sizes have evolved significantly over time, starting with modest entries of around 20 cars in the 1950s and growing to averages exceeding 30 during the series' expansion in the late 20th century, though recent seasons have seen fields typically in the mid-20s amid varying participation levels. Key milestones include the series' 1,500th race, run in June 2021 at Madison International Speedway. International participation has added diversity, with Canadian drivers securing victories since the 1990s; notable examples include Andrew Ranger's win at New Jersey Motorsports Park in 2014 and Treyten Lapcevich's dominant triumph at Berlin Raceway in 2025, the first for a Canadian since Ranger.

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