Isaac Kitzmiller, the recently crowned 2025 ARCA Menards Series East champion, is preparing for a pivotal moment in his racing career at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona this Thursday night. The 17-year-old driver is determined to build on his East Series success by claiming the top spot in the General Tire 150 race, aiming to elevate his status on the national ARCA Menards Series circuit.
Arriving in the Arizona desert with significant momentum, Kitzmiller is eager to demonstrate his skill on a challenging one-mile oval track known for its dogleg and tight turns, which require drivers to exercise precision and strategic patience throughout the 150-lap event.
Challenges and Opportunities Await at Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway presents a distinct test for drivers, featuring a unique layout that rewards those who excel in managing track position and preserving their equipment. Kitzmiller has established a reputation for rising to the occasion, especially in high-pressure, nighttime races. The upcoming event will offer him a prime-time platform alongside a competitive field of drivers, providing the perfect occasion to prove his East Series championship was only the beginning of a promising career.
If Kitzmiller secures a strong qualifying position and maintains a competitive pace through the race, he could find himself contending for the win during the crucial closing laps. His goal is straightforward: to leave Phoenix not merely with confidence but with a trophy to mark his breakthrough in the national series.
Phoenix is a place where you really have to stay disciplined and take care of your equipment, but it’s also a track where you can race hard and make moves when the opportunity is there,
said Kitzmiller.
Even though it’s my first start of the season and my first time racing at Phoenix, I’m excited for the opportunity. Our goal is to keep learning, execute a clean race and put ourselves in position to have a strong finish.
Family Rivalry and Support at the Track
Isaac will have direct guidance on navigating Phoenix Raceway from his father, Jason Kitzmiller, who competes full time in the ARCA Menards Series championship. The upcoming race marks the second Phoenix start for Jason, and notably the first occasion in the national ARCA Menards Series since last fall that the father and son will race head-to-head, rekindling their on-track family rivalry that began with the younger Kitzmiller’s East Series title victory at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The duo has competed against each other multiple times through combined events last season at prominent tracks including Dover Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Raceway, Iowa Speedway, and Bristol, where Isaac has generally outperformed his father with one top-five and four top-10 finishes.
Getting to race against my dad is always really special,
Kitzmiller shared. “We’re both competitors once the helmets go on, but at the end of the day it’s something we’ll always be able to look back on and appreciate.
Hopefully, we can both have strong runs and give the fans and our family something fun to watch.
Strong Sponsorship Backing and Team Support
Both Kitzmillers race under the colors of A.L.L. Construction and Carter Machinery, with Isaac driving the No. 79 Chevrolet in his fifth ARCA Menards Series national start. Carter Machinery, founded in 1928, has evolved into a leading Caterpillar dealer across the Mid-Atlantic, extending service from Virginia through Maryland and into the District of Columbia. Their ongoing support underscores a solid partnership built on shared goals and recent success in last season’s championship.
We’re really proud to have Carter Machinery back with us again,
Isaac said. “They’ve been incredible supporters of our program, and being able to deliver them a championship last season meant a lot to our whole team.
Now the focus shifts to this year, and hopefully we can keep building that momentum and give them — along with all of our other partners — a trip to Victory Lane.
Other associate marketing partners contributing to Isaac’s campaign include Grant County Mulch, A&J Excavating, Cobra Mining, Champion Power Equipment, and Volt Battery Technology, all prominently featured on his car for the Phoenix race.
Career Progress and Upcoming Event Details
Since beginning his national ARCA Menards Series starts in 2025, Kitzmiller has demonstrated consistency with one top-five and four top-10 finishes, including a personal best fourth-place result at Dover Motor Speedway last July. These performances solidify his reputation as a young driver with significant potential for growth.
The General Tire 150 is scheduled as the third race on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series calendar, featuring 150 laps covering 150 miles. Practice will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., followed by group qualifying at 2:30 p.m. The race is slated to start shortly after 4:00 p.m. local (6:00 p.m. ET). Fans can watch the event live on FOX Sports 1 or follow live timing and scoring at ARCARacing.com throughout the weekend.
Building Momentum Toward a Promising Future
Isaac Kitzmiller’s progression from East Series champion to a serious contender in the national ARCA Menards Series highlights his growth as a talented, disciplined driver. His upcoming start at Phoenix offers an important platform to validate his potential and secure his first national victory amid stiff competition. With strong family support and solid team partnerships, Kitzmiller’s focused performance in this event could mark the beginning of a breakout year.
