Ryan Vargas has been named the lead driver for Maples Motorsports’ No. 91 car for the 2026 ARCA Menards Series, with the announcement coming on January 6. Highlighting the Ryan Vargas 2026 ARCA season, he will also step into the operations manager role for the team, signaling a new direction for both Vargas and Maples Motorsports.
Vargas Takes on Dual Responsibilities with Maples Motorsports
In an expanded capacity, Vargas is set to handle both competitive and managerial duties with the growing ARCA team. The racer made it clear he supports team owner Michael Maples’ ambitions for the organization, stating,
“I’m a believer in what Michael Maples is trying to build in the ARCA Menards Series, so I’m proud to work alongside him and our teams to build this program,”
Vargas wrote on social media. His hands-on involvement was further emphasized:
“You’ll see me behind the wheel, with a headset on or turning wrenches, and I couldn’t be more stoked to head to Daytona [International Speedway] and get this season started!”
2026 ARCA Series Outlook and Maples Team Expansion
Vargas is preparing for immediate action, as he will participate in the preseason test at Daytona International Speedway with the No. 91 car this weekend. While his full racing schedule for the upcoming season has not yet been made public, his commitment and presence signal a pivotal role for Maples Motorsports.
Michael Maples, who will continue to compete in the No. 99 car for a second year, leads the team’s multi-car expansion. Social media updates suggest Maples Motorsports will also field entries with the Nos. 1 and 19 during the 2026 season, marking notable team growth. Last season saw Maples finish seventh in points with one top-10 finish, while Vargas, driving the No. 67 in 2025, earned two top-10s in his four starts.
What This Means for the 2026 ARCA Season
The addition of Vargas as both a lead driver and operations manager could push Maples Motorsports toward greater competitiveness in the ARCA Menards Series. With additional entries and a strong leadership dynamic, the team is poised for a shakeup that could influence the series narrative in 2026. Fans and industry figures alike will be watching Vargas’s efforts as he balances responsibilities on and off the track, particularly as the team prepares for the milestone opening at Daytona.
