On April 26, 2025, Isabella Robusto made history at the renowned Talladega Superspeedway by securing a third-place finish in the ARCA Menards series. This impressive achievement marks the highest finish by a female driver at this iconic racetrack, solidifying her place in motorsports history.
Isabella Robusto’s journey in racing began at just five years old when she started competing in go-karts. She quickly transitioned through Bandolero and Legend Cars before reaching her teenage years. By 2018, she made headlines as the first female driver to win a Legend Car national qualifier at Texas Motor Speedway. Known for her early dominance in the Young Lions Division in South Carolina, she shifted to Late Model Stock Cars by 2020, proving her potential on bigger stages.
In 2023, Robusto faced a setback when a concussion delayed her debut in the ARCA series. However, she returned to the racetrack in 2024, racing part-time in the national, East, and West series. That year was significant as she made history alongside Taylor Reimer, both finishing in the top five—an event that highlighted the remarkable achievement of two female drivers in an ARCA race. By 2025, Isabella Robusto notched her second top-five finish in the series, showcasing her growth as a driver.
The General Tire 200 featured intense competition, with Lawless Alan taking home the victory. The race included a mid-race caution caused by a spin from Brendan Queen and Spencer Gallagher. Cleetus McFarland managed a top-ten finish despite experiencing engine problems. In a nail-biting conclusion, Lawless Alan edged out Thad Moffitt by a mere 0.069 seconds, securing his first ARCA victory. Andy Jankowiak and Jason Kitzmiller rounded out the top five, demonstrating the tight battles in the race. Enthusiasts now look forward to the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway on May 9.
As she prepares for her full-time debut, Robusto has expressed her determination, stating she aims not only to compete for the title but also to push for victory in every race. Her ultimate goal is to become the first female ARCA champion. She attributed her growing success to the support from Venturini Motorsports, an organization known for its 107 ARCA wins, alongside the advanced training she received at Toyota’s simulator.
This historic performance at Talladega positions Isabella Robusto as a prominent contender in ARCA’s 2025 title race, following the strong showings of her Venturini teammates, Kris Wright and Toni Breidinger, in 2024. The excitement surrounding her future endeavors continues to build, as fans and analysts alike anticipate her next moves on the track.
