Brent Crews reinforced his reputation as a top contender in ARCA dirt racing by securing a decisive victory at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Sunday, August 17. This notable achievement marked his third career ARCA dirt win and came during his first race driving the No. 70 Toyota for Nitro Motorsports.
His flawless performance on the dirt track further cemented Crews’ standing, especially after a recent setback at Watkins Glen International, where a mechanical failure cost him a likely win.
Details of Crews’ Weekend and Race Highlights
Starting sixth without any prior practice or qualifying due to starting positions being set by owner points, Crews quickly advanced through the field. He made two strong attempts to pass pole sitter Brenden Queen before overtaking him on lap 18. After taking the lead, Crews maintained control despite late-race cautions and restarts, eventually crossing the finish line with a comfortable margin.
Crews’ third dirt win came in his third victory of the 2025 season and the fifth in his overall ARCA career. His consistent racing has made him a formidable presence, especially on dirt tracks.
In victory lane, Crews expressed his enthusiasm:
“This is one of my favorite races on the schedule… I’ve had a lot of success on the dirt.”
—Brent Crews, Driver
Top Finishers and Race Impact
Lavar Scott secured second place, moving closer to points leader lawless Alan, who suffered damage and finished 20th after an incident on lap 20. Kelly Kovski, a known dirt track specialist, finished third, followed by ‘Butterbean’ Queen in fourth and Sean Corr rounding out the top five. Max Reaves completed the top six after a challenging day on the dirt.
The race was disappointing for Isabella Robusto, whose hopes for a strong finish were dashed when she exited early on lap 11, a stark contrast to her runner-up result at the same track last year.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming ARCA Menards Series Events
Following this dirt track event, the ARCA Menards Series will head to Madison International Speedway for the Badger 200 on Friday, August 22. Coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and the Fox Sports App. Fans can also anticipate a return to dirt racing at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds on Sunday, August 31, as the series continues through its competitive 2025 schedule.
