Mooresville, NC – On March 5th, 2026, Isabella Robusto will return to the track at Phoenix Raceway as part of the ARCA Menards Series, seeking to bounce back after a challenging opening race at Daytona International Speedway. Following her promising speed in the season opener, Robusto is determined to translate that performance into a successful run at the second event on the 2026 calendar.
Daytona Efforts Highlight Robusto’s Potential Despite Mechanical Issues
Competing in the No. 55 Mobil 1 Toyota for Nitro Motorsports, Robusto showed considerable skill during the General Tire 200 at Daytona. She secured the second position in qualifying and impressively led 11 laps, marking the highest number led by a female driver in the ARCA Menards Series since 1989. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure forced her team to retire early, cutting short a race that had hinted at strong results for the season.
Despite this setback, the team’s pace at Daytona reinforced the No. 55 car’s competitiveness heading into Phoenix. The experience has fueled their motivation to execute a cleaner and more consistent race this time.
Daytona was a great example of what our team is capable of,
said Robusto.
We had a really fast Mobil 1 Toyota and were able to run up front and lead laps early in the race. It was disappointing not to finish after the mechanical issue, but everyone at Nitro Motorsports worked incredibly hard and the speed we showed gives us a lot of confidence heading into Phoenix. Our focus now is executing a clean race and continuing to build momentum.
Balancing Racing with Aeronautical Engineering Studies
Beyond the racetrack, Robusto is balancing her ARCA Menards Series career with academic pursuits through an online aeronautical engineering program at Arizona State University. Her education aligns naturally with her racing interests, providing deeper insight into the technical aspects of motorsports while connecting her personally to Arizona, the home state of her university, and the location of the upcoming race.
Being able to race at Phoenix while pursuing my aeronautical engineering degree through Arizona State is really special,
Robusto shared.
I’ve always been fascinated by the engineering side of racing, and studying aeronautical engineering alongside my racing career gives me a deeper understanding of the sport I love.
Challenges and Opportunities Presented by Phoenix Raceway’s Unique Course
Phoenix Raceway is known for its distinctive one-mile oval, contrasting with the high-speed superspeedway layout at Daytona. Success here depends heavily on managing tire wear, maintaining speed during long green-flag runs, and strategically positioning the car throughout the race. This setting offers Robusto and Nitro Motorsports a fresh challenge to apply their demonstrated speed under different conditions.
As the season continues, Robusto is focused on maintaining momentum from Daytona’s strong showing while aiming to avoid the mechanical issues that hindered their previous finish.
Upcoming Race Details and Broadcast Information
Fans eager to follow Isabella Robusto’s next performance at Phoenix Raceway can tune in for the ARCA Menards Series race scheduled on March 5th. The day’s events will start with a timed practice session at 1:30 PM MST, followed by qualifying at 2:30 PM. The race’s green flag is set to drop at 4:00 PM and will be available for viewing on FS1 and ARCARacing.com.
Profile of a Rising Star in Motorsports
At just 17 years old, Isabella Robusto is rapidly establishing herself as a promising talent in professional racing. Signed at age 16 to Toyota’s Driver Development program, she earned the 2025 ARCA Menards Series Rookie of the Year title, demonstrating her capability and growth in a competitive environment. Her blend of youthful talent and professional approach has garnered attention within NASCAR and among motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
Off the track, her commitment to aeronautical engineering studies enhances her technical understanding of racing, while her story of resilience and precision inspires fans and sponsors alike. Robusto’s expanding influence reflects a new generation’s innovation and determination within the sport of motorsports.
