The 2025 ARCA Menards Series concluded on Saturday afternoon at Toledo Speedway with the Owens Corning 200 race. Brenden Queen secured the 2025 driver’s championship by simply posting a lap in practice, edging out Lavar Scott in the overall standings as the season wrapped up at the half-mile oval in Ohio.
Practice and Qualifying Set the Stage at Toledo Speedway
Twenty-five drivers took part in the season finale event. Max Reaves led the only practice session early Saturday, setting a fast lap of 16.245 seconds, reaching 110.803 mph. Behind him were Tristan McKee, Lavar Scott, Julian DaCosta, and Brenden Queen rounding out the top five speeds.
In qualifying, Reaves continued his strong performance by earning the pole position with a time of 16.174 seconds, averaging 111.290 mph. This marked his third pole start of the 2025 season in the No. 18 Toyota. Following Reaves on the starting grid were Brenden Queen, Tristan McKee, Lavar Scott, and Julian DaCosta.
Race Developments and Tire Issues Affect Competitors
On the race’s first lap, Reaves overtook Queen to lead the pack. After 20 laps, he held a lead of more than a second over Queen, with McKee, Scott, and Isabella Robusto completing the top five running order. Tire troubles plagued several teams early on, causing Jason Kitzmiller, Presley Sorah, DaCosta, and Jackson McLerran to pit for flats before the first caution brought the initial scheduled race break.
At the break, Reaves topped the standings with McKee, Queen, Robusto, and Scott following. Willie Mullins gained the free pass during this caution period.
Second Half of the Race Brings Intense Battles and Setbacks
Once green-flag racing resumed after 80 laps, Reaves quickly reestablished a solid lead. Meanwhile, Lavar Scott and Isabella Robusto engaged in a fierce battle for fourth place until Scott spun off in Turn 4. The spin caused significant nose damage to Scott’s Chevrolet, ending his race with a 22nd-place finish.
Reaves maintained his lead until the third caution for the second break on Lap 125. The top five at the break were Reaves, McKee, Queen, Robusto, and Tyler Reif. After a series of routine pit stops with no notable changes, Reaves restarted as the leader with 70 laps remaining.
With 51 laps left, Brenden Queen closed in on Reaves and briefly took over the lead for one lap. Despite Queen’s charge, Reaves regained control of the front spot and extended his lead to nearly 1.3 seconds with 35 laps to go. The rest of the top five consisted of Queen, McKee, Robusto, and Reif.
Race Outcome Secures Championship and Season Reflection
Max Reaves claimed victory in the Owens Corning 200, while Brenden Queen finished second, clinching the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship. Tristan McKee completed the race in third, followed by Isabella Robusto and Tyler Reif in fourth and fifth positions respectively. Other top ten finishers included Tayler Reimer, Willie Mullins, Julian DaCosta, Jason Kitzmiller, and Becca Monopoli.
Looking Ahead to the Next ARCA Season at Daytona
After the competitive 2025 season, the series will conduct a two-day test session at Daytona International Speedway. The upcoming 2026 season opener is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at the same 2.5-mile track, with coverage provided live on FOX and MRN Radio.
“The 2025 ARCA Menards Series season concluded Saturday afternoon at Toledo Speedway with the Owens Corning 200. Brenden Queen entered the event needing to post a lap in practice to clinch the 2025 driver’s title over Lavar Scott.”
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“Max Reaves led the lone practice session early Saturday morning with a quick time of 16.245 seconds (110.803 mph). Tristan McKee, Lavar Scott, Julian DaCosta, and Brenden Queen rounded out the top five.”
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“Reaves went on to score the pole for the event at the Ohio oval with a time of 16.174 seconds (111.290 mph), marking the third time the driver of the No. 18 Toyota started on pole in 2025. Queen, McKee, Scott, and DaCosta comprised the top five.”
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“Live on FS2, Reaves quickly cleared Queen to lead the opening lap, with the No. 18 Toyota leading by 1.184 seconds over the No. 28 Chevrolet after 20 laps. McKee, Scott, and Isabella Robusto were in the top five.”
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“Teams encountered tire problems that persisted through the first race break. Drivers Jason Kitzmiller, Presley Sorah, DaCosta, and Jackson McLerran all pitted for flat tires. Shortly after, the caution flag waved for the first of two scheduled race breaks, allowing Willie Mullins to receive the free pass.”
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“Scott and Robusto battled intensely for fourth when Scott spun off Turn 4, sustaining heavy damage to the nose of his Chevrolet. His day ended, resulting in a 22nd-place finish.”
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“Reaves went on to win the Owens Corning 200, while Brenden Queen secured the 2025 series championship with a second-place finish. Tristan McKee, Isabella Robusto, and Tyler Reif rounded out the top five.”
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“The series will hold a two-day test session at Daytona International Speedway before returning to the 2.5-mile track for the first race of the 2026 season, live on FOX and MRN Radio, on Saturday, February 14.”
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