Greg Van Alst, initially focused on the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway set for Friday night, has broadened his schedule to include the ARCA Menards Series as well. This shift, happening over the past three weeks, effectively doubles his track time during the Speedweeks, aiming to improve his performance through greater on-track experience.
The decision to take on both series is not about staying busy but about gaining momentum and refining skills that are critical at superspeedway events. Van Alst seeks to translate his preparation in the ARCA garage into enhanced results during the Truck Series competition, demonstrating a strategic approach to his raceweek activities.
Focused Preparation and Confidence Heading into Daytona
Van Alst approaches Daytona with a composed confidence, similar to what he showed when winning the ARCA Menards Series season opener at the same track in 2023. He emphasized the value of spending additional laps at Daytona, stating,
“I don’t look at it as being busier,”
Van Alst said.
“I look at it as getting better. The more time I can spend in the seat, especially at a place like Daytona, the more I can fine-tune the little things that make a difference. Every lap matters, and if it helps us on the Truck side, it’s worth it.”
Driving the No. 35 Toyota Tundra, the same truck he raced last fall at Talladega Superspeedway, Van Alst has focused extensively on improving the vehicle’s performance. He must qualify 31st or better to make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at the World Center of Racing, fully aware of the competitive nature of the field this year.
Building on Late-Season Progress for Continued Growth
Reflecting on the improvements made near the end of last season, Van Alst expressed optimism about his team’s trajectory.
“I’m proud of the gains we made on our Truck Series program at the end of the 2025 season,”
he explained.
“We learned a lot in a very short amount of time, and we have applied what we learned during the offseason in hopes of it paying off starting at Daytona.”
Van Alst plans to compete selectively throughout the season, focusing on delivering strong performances when he is on track. He added,
“We’re going to be around this year, it may not be every week, but when we’re at the track, we want to showcase that our small team can continue to get better and inch our way through the field and hopefully turn some heads.”
He also highlighted Daytona as an ideal venue to maintain the momentum built from a strong showing at Phoenix Raceway last October, stating,
“Daytona is the perfect place to keep our momentum rolling from Phoenix Raceway last October.”
Continued Commitment to ARCA with Maples Motorsports
Regardless of the outcome in the Truck Series race on Friday, Van Alst will quickly turn his attention to Saturday’s General Tire 200 in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 19 Chevrolet for Maples Motorsports. He acknowledged the importance of this opportunity, saying,
“No matter what happens Friday, I’m grateful to have another opportunity on Saturday,”
and added,
“Being able to climb back in an ARCA car at Daytona is special. It keeps me sharp, and honestly, it reminds me why we do this in the first place.”
The Essential Role of Partnerships in Racing Success
Van Alst’s ability to compete in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Daytona is supported by a range of key partners, including Top Choice Fence, East Coast Diesel and Marine, Finest Travel Agency, Indy Muscle and Joint, Island Way Pools, Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems, Mike’s Mobile Mechanic Services, NotLoc Racing Productions, SandBar Seafood and BBQ Joint, S.R.D. Industries Inc., Verns Concrete, and others. He acknowledged their critical role in the team’s progress, stating,
“You don’t get to Daytona by yourself,”
and emphasizing,
“This opportunity to compete in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is a direct result of the incredible partners who believe in what we’re building.”
Van Alst expressed pride in representing each sponsor on one of motorsports’ biggest stages, adding,
“Their support gives us the ability to chase big dreams on one of the biggest stages in motorsports, and we’re proud to represent each and every one of them this weekend.”
Looking Ahead to the Fresh From Florida 250
The Fresh From Florida 250 marks the first race of the 25-event NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season in 2026. Qualifying is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the race starting shortly after 7:30 p.m. Viewers can watch the event on FOX Sports 1 or listen via the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
As Greg Van Alst balances both Truck and ARCA races during Daytona Speedweeks, his expanded schedule underscores his dedication and passion for advancing his career. His commitment to precise preparation, coupled with strong partner support, positions him to make a notable impact in both series this season.
