Brenden Queen secured the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship following an intense finale at Toledo Speedway on Saturday. The 27-year-old celebrated what he described as a “dream season,” while Max Reaves capitalized on his pole position to claim his third victory of the year.
The closing laps saw Queen and Reaves fiercely competing, exchanging the lead multiple times. Reaves even pushed Queen out of his racing line at one point to retake the lead, highlighting the high stakes of their rivalry.
Queen Reacts to Reaves’ Aggressive Maneuvers in Post-Race Comments
In his post-race interview, Queen confronted Reaves about the bold driving tactics during their duel.
“We won the owners [championship], we won the war. I raced him clean, [Reaves] will learn how to one day. What a dream season it’s been, we’re definitely gonna pound some waffles and ice cold drinks here in a little bit,” he said via Frontstretch.com
Following the race, Reaves issued an apology, explaining that the aggressive move was unintentional. Despite the incident, Pinnacle Racing Group secured the Owner’s championship as a result.
Queen’s Dominant First ARCA Season and Racing Background
In his debut ARCA campaign, Brenden Queen recorded eight victories, four pole positions, and 16 top-five finishes, firmly establishing himself as a formidable contender in the series. His racing resume also includes three championships at Langley Speedway and a title in the CARS Tour.
Adding to his growing profile are his part-time entries in the Xfinity Series, which have showcased his versatility and talent. Queen is gearing up for a full-time role in the Truck Series with Kaulig Racing in the upcoming season.
Queen Discusses Rising Profile and Broadcast Exposure
Reflecting on his increasing recognition after his Xfinity Series debut at the playoff opener in Bristol, Queen credited platforms like Flo Racing and FS1 for amplifying his exposure. He believes that televised coverage expanded his personal brand beyond just the racetrack.
“I think the door is still more open than I thought it would have been five years ago. Flo Racing (which televises the CARS Tour) did a lot to help me showcase my brand and me as a person. Doing the ARCA Series and being on FS1, I think, just showed the world who I was as a person, not just a race car driver.”
“The timing has to work for everybody in this sport, and honestly, for me, it just seemed like it just opened up right at the right time,” he added.
During his Bristol outing, Queen started near the back of the pack and finished 20th, but he improved markedly in Kansas Speedway, starting from the second row and finishing ninth overall, including a sixth-place result in Stage 1.
Team Support and Future Prospects with Kaulig Racing
Queen joined Kaulig Racing as a replacement for Josh Williams, and the organization’s president, Chris Rice, praised Queen’s abilities and outlook.
Rice described Queen as an exceptional short track competitor and expressed excitement about the future collaboration in the Truck Series.
Significance of Queen’s Championship and What Lies Ahead
Brenden Queen’s title win caps off a breakthrough season that positions him as one of ARCA’s brightest talents, confirming his status as a top contender in stock car racing. With his steady progress through the ranks and growing fanbase, particularly in NASCAR’s feeder series, Queen’s career trajectory points toward a strong presence in higher-tier competitions.
As he prepares for a full-time role with Kaulig Racing, his experience and success will likely influence the dynamics of the Truck Series and beyond, making him a driver to watch in the coming seasons.
