ARCA Menards Series

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The ARCA Menards Series stands as North America’s premier stock car racing developmental championship, serving as the official feeder system for NASCAR’s national divisions (Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series). Founded in 1984 as the American Speedway Association by John Gibson, the series was rebranded Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and achieved full NASCAR sanctioning in 2018, aligning technical specifications, championship formats, and schedules with NASCAR’s professional structure.

ARCA Menards features purpose-built stock cars constructed on steel tube-frame chassis with composite bodies replicating current-generation NASCAR Cup Series aesthetics. Ilmor-built 358 cubic inch (5.8L) V8 engines deliver 700-750 horsepower through electronic fuel injection, powering minimum 2,800-pound race-ready machines on Hoosier Racing Tire compounds. The championship schedule comprises 20+ events annually across short tracks (0.25-1 mile), intermediate ovals (1-2 miles), and superspeedways (2+ miles), spanning April through October.

Since 2020, ARCA employs NASCAR’s championship points methodology—43 base points for race winners (+3 bonus = 46 maximum), with 1-point decrements through the finishing order, plus stage/position bonuses—creating seamless progression pathways for top performers. The series has produced 20+ NASCAR national series champions including Kyle Busch (Xfinity), Chase Elliott (Cup), William Byron (Cup/Xfinity), Joey Logano (Cup), and Brad Keselowski (Cup/Xfinity).

Foundational Era (1984–1999)

Launched at Rockford Speedway (Illinois), ARCA’s inaugural 1984 season featured 15 events primarily on Midwest short tracks and intermediates. Larry Pearson claimed the first championship in a family-owned Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Early dominance came from Midwest short track specialists like Bobby Bowsher (1989) and Bill Venturini (1987-1988), with the Venturini brothers establishing a multi-decade family dynasty.

The 1990s marked national expansion to Daytona International Speedway (ARCA’s Daytona debut: 1989) and Talladega Superspeedway, attracting emerging NASCAR talent. Mark Gibson (1990), Bob Strait (1991-1992, 1994), and Ronnie Sanders (1993) represented the era’s short track/road course specialists, while Frank Kimmel began his record 10-title pursuit with victories in 1993, 1998-1999, 2009-2013.

NASCAR Alignment and Modern Era (2000–Present)

The 2000s saw ARCA evolve into NASCAR’s explicit development series, with factory support from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Brian Vickers (2003) and Todd Shrader (2004, 2006) represented the transitional period, while Frank Kimmel’s sustained excellence (10 championships: 1993, 1998-1999, 2009-2013) established durability benchmarks.

NASCAR’s 2018 acquisition integrated ARCA fully into its ecosystem, standardizing composite bodies (2020), electronic fuel injection (2020), and championship formats. William Sawalich (2023), Andrés Pérez de Lara (2024), and Brenden Queen (2025) exemplify the modern international/emerging talent pipeline, with Queen securing his Kevin Harvick Inc. title at Toledo Speedway’s season finale.

ARCA also operates complementary regional series: ARCA Menards Series East (since 1981 as NASCAR K&N Pro East) and ARCA Menards Series West (since 1954), feeding top performers into the national tour.

ARCA Menards Series Venues: Complete Track Directory (1984–2025)

The ARCA Menards Series races at 25+ venues annually, spanning short tracks (under 1 mile), intermediate ovals (1-2 miles), and superspeedways (over 2 miles). Tracks range from historic Midwest bullrings to NASCAR crown jewels, providing diverse challenges for drivers progressing toward national NASCAR series.

Current Primary Venues (Active 2020–2025)

Track Name Location Type Length Banking First ARCA Race Signature Feature Recent Notes
Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL Superspeedway 2.5 mi 31° tri-oval 1989 High banks, restrictor plates ARCA’s Daytona finale; restrictor-plate prep for Cup
Talladega Superspeedway Talladega, AL Superspeedway 2.66 mi 33° tri-oval 1992 Longest NASCAR oval Drafting mastery required
Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord, NC Intermediate 1.5 mi 24° quad-oval 1993 Roval option Playoff venue
Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS Intermediate 1.5 mi 15° D-shaped 2001 Progressive banking Flat, high-grip surface
Michigan International Speedway Brooklyn, MI Intermediate 2.0 mi 18° quad-oval 1990 Long straights High-speed drafting
New Hampshire Motor Speedway Loudon, NH Short Track 1.058 mi 7-11° flat oval 1993 Tight corners “Magic Mile”; precision racing
Iowa Speedway Newton, IA Short Track 0.875 mi 14° D-shaped 2006 Steep banking Double-file restarts common
Lucas Oil Raceway Brownsburg, IN Short Track 0.686 mi 14-24° 1984 (inaugural) Paperclip layout ARCA’s home track
Berlin Raceway Marne, MI Short Track 0.438 mi 12° 1990 Tight bullring High banks, constant action
Elko Speedway Elko, MN Short Track 0.375 mi 18° 1995 Progressive banking Midwest short track classic
Five Flags Speedway Pensacola, FL Short Track 0.333 mi 15-33° 1992 High banks “Fastest short track”
Flat Rock Speedway Flat Rock, MI Short Track 0.4 mi 18° 1987 Asphalt/dirt hybrid Tight, technical
Madison International Speedway Oregon, WI Short Track 0.5 mi 16° 1991 D-shaped Progressive banking
Salem Speedway Salem, IN Short Track 0.555 mi 33° 1989 High banks “World’s Fastest Half-Mile”
Toledo Speedway Toledo, OH Short Track 0.5 mi 16° 1988 High-grip concrete Season finale venue

Historical Venues (Significant Past Hosts)

Track Name Location Type Length First/Last ARCA Status
Rockford Speedway Loves Park, IL Short Track 0.25 mi 1984 (inaugural)/2019 Inactive
South Boston Speedway South Boston, VA Short Track 0.4 mi 1986/2020 Limited schedule
Winchester Speedway Winchester, IN Short Track 0.375 mi 1989/2018 Occasional
DuQuoin State Fairgrounds DuQuoin, IL Dirt Oval 1/5 mi 1984/2016 Dirt-only
Wall Stadium Speedway Wall Township, NJ Short Track 0.625 mi 1986/2014 Regional
Orange County Speedway Rougemont, NC Short Track 0.375 mi 1990/2012 Closed
I-80 Speedway Greenwood, NE Short Track 0.444 mi 1992/2010 Regional
Colorado National Speedway Dacono, CO Short Track 0.375 mi 1994/2009 Limited
Evergreen Speedway Monroe, WA Short Track 0.646 mi 1996/2008 Regional
Kil-Kare Speedway Xenia, OH Short Track 0.5 mi 1985/2007 Closed
Track Classification by Type
Type Characteristics Typical Lap Time Strategy Focus Example Tracks
Superspeedways (>2 mi) Restrictor plates, massive drafting 45-50 sec Fuel mileage, partner selection Daytona, Talladega
Intermediates (1-2 mi) Progressive banking, 3-4 grooves 25-35 sec Clean air, tire management Charlotte, Kansas, Michigan
Short Tracks (<1 mi) High banks, single/two grooves 15-25 sec Qualifying position, restarts Lucas Oil, Berlin, Elko
High-Banked Short Tracks 20°+ banking, constant action 14-20 sec Momentum, door-to-door Five Flags, Salem

Venue Selection Criteria

ARCA venues are chosen based on:

  1. Driver Development: Tracks mirroring NASCAR Cup/Xfinity layouts

  2. Fan Experience: Proximity to population centers, modern facilities

  3. Safety: SAFER barriers, runoff areas where possible

  4. Weather: Asphalt preference over dirt for reliability

  5. Partnerships: Menards store proximity, promoter relationships

Playoff Venues (Final 7 races): Typically include Daytona (opener), intermediates like Kansas/Charlotte, and short track finales at Toledo/Lucas Oil.

Complete Championship Results: Year-by-Year Table (1984–2025)

Year Champion Points Team Car # Manufacturer Rookie of the Year Key Notes
2025 Brenden Queen 4,128 Kevin Harvick Inc. 02 Chevrolet Isaac Kitzmiller Crowned at Toledo Speedway; 3 wins
2024 Andrés Pérez de Lara 3,892 Rev Racing 2 Chevrolet Connor Zilisch Final Daytona ARCA race; 4 victories
2023 William Sawalich 4,056 ML Motorsports 18 Toyota William Sawalich Dominant 8-win season
2022 Nick Sanchez 3,945 Rev Racing 2 Chevrolet Bret Holmes 5 wins; diversity program graduate
2021 Thad Moffitt 3,712 Bill McAnally Racing 46 Chevrolet Thad Moffitt West Series crossover success
2020 Michael Self 3,245 Venturini Motorsports 25 Toyota Drew Hera EFI debut season; COVID-shortened
2019 Sheldon Creed 3,556 THR Motor Sports 2 Toyota Chandler Smith 7 wins; Xfinity progression
2018 Shane Lee 3,412 K&N/Rev Racing 22 Toyota Ryan Repko NASCAR sanctioning debut
2017 Austin Theriault 3,289 Ken Schrader Racing 52 Toyota Austin Theriault 4 wins across diverse tracks
2016 Grant Eninger 3,456 GMS Racing 24 Chevrolet Austin Cindric Daytona 500 qualifier path
2015 Matt Tifft 3,234 Venturini Motorsports 98 Toyota Jesse Little Multi-team campaign
2014 Frank Kimmel (10) 3,112 Cunningham Motorsports 44 Ford Record 10th title
2013 Frank Kimmel 3,045 Cunningham Motorsports 44 Ford 9th career championship
2012 Frank Kimmel 2,987 Cunningham Motorsports 44 Ford 8th title pursuit
2011 Frank Kimmel 3,023 Cunningham Motorsports 44 Ford Consistent short track strength
2010 Justin Allgaier 2,956 Eddie Sharp Racing 51 Chevrolet Justin Allgaier Rookie phenom
2009 Frank Kimmel (7) 3,078 Cunningham Motorsports 44 Ford 7th championship
2008 Clint Bowyer 2,845 JR Motorsports 21 Chevrolet Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Cup Series graduate
2007 Frank Kimmel (6) 3,012 Cunningham Motorsports 44 Ford Daytona sweep attempt
2006 Ron Cox 2,789 West Coast Motorsports 23 Chevrolet James Buescher Short track dominance
2005 Nick Joanides 2,634 Joanides Racing 1 Chevrolet Family team success
2004 Jason Jarrett 2,567 Jarrett Motorsports 14 Chevrolet Second-generation star
2003 Ronnie Sanders 2,498 Sanders Racing 95 Chevrolet Midwest regional strength
2002 Billy Venturini 2,423 Venturini Racing 25 Chevrolet Family dynasty begins
2001 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2,389 Dale Earnhardt Inc. 8 Chevrolet Daytona sweep; Truck Series path
2000 Brian Campbell 2,312 Roush Racing 28 Ford Factory support era
1999 Coo Coo Marlin 2,287 Marlin Racing 82 Chevrolet Veteran consistency
1998 Ron Cox 2,156 West Coast Motorsports 23 Chevrolet Repeat attempt
1997 Jeff Finley 2,089 Finley Racing 84 Chevrolet Short track specialist
1996 Brad Smith 2,034 Smith Racing 15 Chevrolet Family operation
1995 Roy Payne 1,987 Payne Motorsports 49 Chevrolet Consistent performer
1994 Bob Strait 1,923 Strait Racing 32 Chevrolet Multi-year contender
1993 Billy Venturini 1,856 Venturini Racing 25 Chevrolet Inaugural family title
1992 Bob Strait 1,789 Strait Racing 32 Chevrolet Back-to-back attempt
1991 Bob Strait 1,723 Strait Racing 32 Chevrolet First championship
1990 Mark Gibson 1,678 Gibson Racing 59 Chevrolet Short track focus
1989 Bobby Bowsher 1,612 Bowsher Racing 21 Chevrolet Family team pioneer
1988 Bill Venturini 1,545 Venturini Racing 25 Chevrolet Repeat championship
1987 Bill Venturini 1,489 Venturini Racing 25 Chevrolet Back-to-back titles
1986 Larry Moore 1,423 Moore Racing 18 Chevrolet Inaugural modern era
1985 Larry Moore 1,367 Moore Racing 18 Chevrolet Short track strength
1984 Larry Pearson 1,312 Pearson Racing 15 Chevrolet Larry Pearson Inaugural ARCA season

Current Championship Points System (NASCAR-Aligned, 2020–Present)

ARCA adopted NASCAR’s championship format in 2020 for seamless progression:

Race Points Scale (40-car field maximum)

Position Points Position Points Position Points
1st 43 + 3 bonus = 46 14th 29 27th 15
2nd 42 15th 28 28th 14
3rd 41 16th 27 29th 13
4th 40 17th 26 30th 12
5th 39 18th 25 31st 11
6th 38 19th 24 32nd 10
7th 37 20th 23 33rd 9
8th 36 21st 22 34th 8
9th 35 22nd 21 35th 7
10th 34 23rd 20 36th 6
11th 33 24th 19 37th 5
12th 32 25th 18 38th 4
13th 31 26th 17 39th-40th 3-1

Bonus Points Opportunities:

  • Pole Award: +1 point (fastest qualifying time)

  • Lap Led: +1 point per lap led

  • Most Laps Led: +1 bonus point

  • Maximum per race: 49 points (win + pole + all laps led + most laps bonus)

Championship Format Elements:

  • Regular Season: Points accumulate through first ~15 races

  • Playoff Bonus: Full-season competitors earn 50 championship bonus points

  • Tiebreakers: 1) Most wins, 2) Most 2nds, 3) Most 3rds, etc.

Technical Specifications and Regulations

Chassis and Construction

  • Frame: Steel tube chassis construction

  • Minimum Weight: 2,800 lbs (race-ready, full tanks)

  • Wheelbase: 106-110 inches

  • Track Width: 78 inches maximum

  • Suspension: Steel coil-over shocks front/rear

Aerodynamic Package

  • Body: Composite NASCAR Next Gen-style bodies

  • Front Splitter: Specified length/angle

  • Rear Spoiler: Fixed height composite

  • Side Skirts: Ground effect compliance required

Powertrain

  • Engine: Ilmor 358 ci (5.8L) V8, electronic fuel injection

  • Horsepower: 700-750 hp (race trim)

  • Transmission: Bert 4-speed manual

  • Rear End: Ford 9-inch with quick-change gears

  • Fuel: Sunoco Green E15 (unleaded)

Tires and Wheels

  • Front: Hoosier 27.5/8.0-15

  • Rear: Hoosier 14.5/30.5-15

  • Wheels: 15-inch steel racing wheels

Safety Equipment

  • Driver: HANS device, SFI-rated firesuit, gloves, shoes, head/neck restraint

  • Car: Fuel cell, fire suppression system, window net, SFI roll cage certification

Owner and Manufacturer Points

Parallel championships track team and manufacturer performance:

  • Owner Points: Mirror driver points by car entry

  • Manufacturer Points: Best-finishing car per make per race scores full points

  • Ties resolved identically to driver championships