Brenden Queen, known as ‘Butterbean,’ secured a thrilling victory after double overtime in the ARCA Menards Series race held Friday night at Kansas Speedway, moving closer to clinching the 2025 ARCA title. His strong performance in this event adds momentum to his remarkable rookie campaign and positions him well as the season finale approaches.
Dominant Victory at Kansas Highlights Queen’s Championship Pursuit
Queen triumphed over a competitive field with Gio Ruggiero finishing second, Leland Honeyman third, Kris Wright in fourth, and Taylor Reimer rounding out the top five. Reflecting on his success, Queen said,
“One more race left — maybe we can get nine (race wins), but I think we’re closing in on what the main prize is.”
Brenden Queen ARCA title shines as the 27-year-old driver currently enjoys an 85-point lead over Lavar Scott heading into the final race at Toledo. All Queen needs to do to secure the championship is to start the season finale, underscoring just how close he is to capturing the crown.
Rookie Season Full of Consistency and Breakthrough Wins
The rookie driver has impressed by winning eight out of the 19 races conducted so far this season, along with 16 finishes in the top five. He maintains an average finish of 4.9, highlighting his steady performance throughout the year. Queen’s success marks a significant feat, as six of the past seven ARCA champions (except Bret Holmes) have gone on to compete full-time in one of NASCAR’s three national divisions.
Expanding Experience Across NASCAR Series
In addition to his ARCA achievements, Queen recently made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Kaulig Racing, finishing 20th at Bristol. He is set to return in the No. 11 car this weekend at Kansas following his ARCA win. Furthermore, Queen has also started races in the NASCAR Truck Series between 2024 and 2025, with a standout fourth-place finish at North Wilkesboro during his debut.
Next Steps and Championship Outlook
As Queen prepares for the upcoming season finale in Toledo, the ARCA Menards Series title is within easy reach, pending his participation. This success could be the launching point for the talented driver’s progression into higher tiers of stock car racing, continuing the trend of recent champions moving into NASCAR’s national divisions. Fans and teams will be closely watching Queen’s performance as he aims to cement his status as a rising star in motorsports.
