On January 9, 2026, the ARCA Menards Series kicked off its first practice of the season at Daytona International Speedway, as more than sixty drivers took to the legendary 2.5-mile oval for a two-day test ahead of the February 14 season opener. Gus Dean set the fastest lap during the session, marking a promising start as teams prepare strategies for the highly anticipated ARCA Menards Series Daytona results in February.
Top Performers Shine in Tight Practice Sessions
The opening day of testing saw fierce competition among established names and newcomers aiming to make their mark. Gus Dean set the pace with a lap time of 48.744 seconds, securing the top spot. Gavan Boschele followed closely in second, clocking a 48.806, while Jake Finch took third with a 48.856. The top five rounded out with Thomas Annunziata (48.864) and Isabella Robusto (48.887), reflecting a narrow spread among the fastest contenders.
The close times continued through the top ten, with Jake Bollman, Garrett Mitchell, Andy Jankowiak, Amber Balcaen, and Taylor Reimer all posting competitive runs under 49.3 seconds. As drivers and teams used this session to fine-tune aerodynamics and handling, the leaderboard showcased both experience and emerging talent, including established competitors such as Sean Corr and Ryan Vargas further down the order.
Complete Results from Daytona International Speedway Practice
Below are the full results from the first day of practice at Daytona International Speedway, giving insight into the field’s balance and depth:
1. Gus Dean – 48.744
2. Gavan Boschele – 48.806
3. Jake Finch – 48.856
4. Thomas Annunziata – 48.864
5. Isabella Robusto – 48.887
6. Jake Bollman – 48.914
7. Garrett Mitchell – 49.086
8. Andy Jankowiak – 49.234
9. Amber Balcaen – 49.258
10. Taylor Reimer – 49.276
11. Jack Wood – 49.278
12. Austin Green – 49.279
13. Giovanni Ruggiero – 49.287
14. Max Reaves – 49.299
15. Alli Owens – 49.329
16. Sean Corr – 49.422
17. Tim Richmond – 49.428
18. Ryan Vargas – 49.455
19. Jason Kitzmiller – 49.689
20. Timothy Tyrrell – 49.892
21. Carson Brown – 49.915
22. Issac Kitzmiller – 49.931
23. Caleb Costner – 50.068
24. Landon S Huffman – 50.186
25. Nolan Wilson – 50.349
26. AJ Moyer – 50.514
27. Charles Weslowski – 50.540
28. Tyler Garreston – 50.606
29. David Rodriguez – 50.693
30. Bryce Applegate – 50.701
31. Bobby Earnhardt – 50.712
32. Derek White – 50.759
33. Robbie Kennealy RTD – 50.772
34. Bob Martin – 50.871
35. Jonah Cullen – 50.873
36. Tim Goulet – 51.003
37. Brad May RTD – 51.033
38. Casey Roderick – 51.143
39. Trent Curtis – 51.283
40. Logan Misuraca – 51.387
41. Willie Mullins – 51.452
42. Michael Maples – 51.460
43. Mitch Stapleton – 51.503
44. Austin J Hill – 51.568
45. Wesley Slimp – 51.574
46. Bryan Dauzat – 51.923
47. Ed Pompa – 51.968
48. Hunter Deshautelle – 51.971
49. Paul Foddie – 52.214
50. Thomas D’Angelo – 52.416
51. Stan Mullins – 52.803
52. Monty Tipton – 52.969
53. Takuma Koga – 52.974
54. Nick White – 53.542
55. Shane Backes – 53.771
56. Rob Vandermier Jr – 53.829
57. TJ Harris – 53.950
58. Dustin Hillenburg – 54.178
59. Brian Barbarow – 54.178
60. Robert Hindt – 54.967
61. William Earley – 55.253
62. Todd Cooper – 55.711
63. Toby Blanton – 56.666
64. Michael Clayton – 59.270
65. Alex Clubb – 59.558
High Stakes as Season Approaches Daytona Opener
This early testing at Daytona International Speedway signals a high-intensity build-up as teams look to fine-tune their setups before the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season opener. With new talent joining veterans such as Andy Jankowiak, Bobby Earnhardt, and Willie Mullins, the field promises deep competition and storylines to watch across the season. The ARCA Menards Series Daytona results from testing will be closely analyzed by teams and fans alike, offering a strong preview of what to expect on February 14 and beyond at this renowned venue.
