Isabella Robusto captured attention on Saturday, April 26, by achieving a historic third-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway, marking the highest position ever attained by a female ARCA Menards Series driver at this iconic track. The 20-year-old racer drove the #55 Venturini Motorsports Toyota in the General Tire 200, starting from fourth position and ultimately delivering an impressive performance that highlighted her determination and skill.
NASCAR journalist Kaitlyn Vincie took to X to share her congratulations, posting a picture from the post-race interview with Robusto. During the interview, Robusto expressed her aspirations to finish even higher but conveyed her satisfaction with her record-setting performance. “I wish I could have finished two spots further for the win, but I’m really happy with how it all turned out,” she stated, reflecting the enthusiasm that followed her milestone achievement.
While Robusto celebrated her impressive finish, her Venturini Motorsports teammate, Lawless Alan, clinched victory after a late-race caution, with Thad Moffitt finishing in second place. Andy Jankowiak and Jason Kitzmiller rounded out the top five, but the spotlight remained on Robusto, who has shown remarkable promise in her rookie season.
When Robusto signed on for her first full-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series, she set ambitious goals for herself, hoping to contend for leads against fiercely competitive drivers. “I look forward to fighting at the front of the field this season,” she remarked, demonstrating both her passion for racing and her competitive spirit.
Initially struggling with a disappointing DNF at Daytona International Speedway, where a multi-car wreck hindered her efforts, Robusto faced further challenges at the Phoenix Raceway, where she again did not finish the race. However, her hard work and determination led to a breakthrough moment at Talladega, transforming her challenges into a triumphant achievement.
The excitement continues as the ARCA Menards Series gears up for the Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway, scheduled for May 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast live on FOX. With fans eagerly anticipating her next performance, Isabella Robusto’s historic third-place finish at Talladega stands as a testament to her talent and potential in the world of motorsports.
