Brent Crews delivered a commanding performance in the ARCA Menards Series on Thursday, September 11, capturing a wire-to-wire victory at Bristol Motor Speedway. This win marked his eighth of the season across the ARCA platforms and clinched the ARCA Menards Series East owner’s championship for Joe Gibbs Racing, as Bristol was the final race in the season’s eight-event schedule.
The race, however, was far from straightforward despite Crews’ dominance. It featured nonstop action and concluded with an overtime finish, adding complexity to his triumph. Reflecting on the achievement after the race, Crews shared with FOX Sports 1,
“I’ve had this race circled for years, ever since I was a little kid.”
Isaac Kitzmiller Clinches ARCA East Championship with Consistent Run
Isaac Kitzmiller secured the ARCA Menards Series East title by finishing eighth at Bristol, a result that ensured he met the requirement of finishing 13th or better to claim the championship. Throughout the race, Kitzmiller maintained a steady presence near the top 10, managing delicate battles alongside his rival and runner-up in the East standings, Tyler Reif. By focusing on a disciplined performance, Kitzmiller secured the title while balancing competitive race dynamics.
Close Competition for Podium Spots and Action-Packed Race Dynamics
While Crews pulled away early, Tristan McKee remained a strong contender, consistently running near the front but unable to challenge Crews for the top spot, finishing second. Brenden Queen, Leland Honeyman, and Thomas Annunziata rounded out the top five, with Tyler Reif, Jake Finch, Isaac Kitzmiller, Jason Kitzmiller, and Patrick Staropoli completing the top 10. The contest produced intense moments as leaders maneuvered through heavy lapped traffic, maintaining high speeds and focus throughout.
The race began with an extended green-flag run where drivers carefully navigated the dense field. Crews demonstrated remarkable pace early on, extending his lead beyond three seconds within the first 19 laps. As analyst Bozi Tatarevic noted during the event,
“The closing rate is wild with some of these cars and the delta seems higher than a prototype approaching a GT3 car. https://t.co/JF9FYKvbwe pic.twitter.com/DmMvgKkNmK”
— Bozi Tatarevic
Brenden Queen Maintains Command of Main Series Standings
Entering the race, Brenden Queen only needed to avoid major issues to retain his lead in the ARCA main series championship standings. On lap 140, while running second, Queen executed an impressive save that preserved his position and points lead. After Bristol, Queen holds a 50-point advantage over contender Lavar Scott, who finished 11th in the event.
Challenges in the Final Stages Featuring Tire and Mechanical Issues
The race’s latter stages were marked by setbacks for several drivers due to tire wear and mechanical failures. Garrett Mitchell experienced a right-front tire failure with 23 laps remaining while running 16th, contributing to his early exit from contention. Timmy Hill also faced difficulties, suffering a tire issue in the closing laps that led to an overtime finish while he ran fifth. Additionally, Isabella Robusto was forced to retire early from the event due to mechanical problems, ending her day prematurely.
Looking Ahead to Salem Speedway
The ARCA Menards Series will continue its schedule at Salem Speedway on Saturday, September 20, with the race set to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Following the thrilling and eventful Bristol race, drivers and teams will prepare to tackle the challenges of the next track in pursuit of further victories and championship points.
