Tony Cosentino will compete full-time in the Tony Cosentino ARCA 2026 season, racing for Maples Motorsports in the No. 1 car as announced on January 12. The team is gearing up for a competitive run in the ARCA Menards Series championship, aiming for strong results as the new year approaches.
Maples Motorsports Welcomes Tony Cosentino for 2026
With the addition of Tony Cosentino to its roster, Maples Motorsports expands its lineup of full-time drivers for the ARCA Menards Series. The announcement came through formal channels, with the team highlighting Cosentino’s reputation for a purposeful and intense driving style.
“Every lap is an attack, and every restart a statement. This is pressure at race pace, precision under fire, and intent from the drop of the green. Welcome to the Maples family.”
— Maples Motorsports (via Instagram)
The team has not yet confirmed the manufacturer, sponsorship details, or Cosentino’s crew chief for the No. 1 entry, with selections expected in the coming months.
Team Structure and Driver Roster Takes Shape
Cosing Cosentino on the full-time roster are Michael Maples, who will drive the No. 99, and Ryan Vargas, whose season participation was also confirmed. Between them, Cosentino brings a wealth of ARCA experience, having competed in 34 career starts, collecting seven top-ten finishes, and recording his best result—seventh—at Elko Speedway during the 2023 season. His 2025 campaign included 14 races with three top-ten finishes and a tenth-place standing in overall points.
Maples Motorsports plans to operate a multi-car effort, fielding four full-time cars: Cosentino in the No. 1, Maples in the No. 99, and two additional cars, the Nos. 19 and 91, with seats to be rotated among other drivers. During a recent series test at Daytona International Speedway, it was shared that both Shane Backes and Christopher Tate are expected to drive MMS cars at various races throughout the year. Meanwhile, former MMS driver Ryan Roulette, who made six starts and achieved a ninth-place finish at Daytona in 2025, is no longer with the team.
Monty Tipton also participated in the Daytona test with the goal of being cleared for the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway and the subsequent event at Talladega Superspeedway.
Strengthening Resources and Managing Owner Points
In preparation for the coming season, team owner Michael Maples has broadened MMS’s operational capability by acquiring several racecars and two haulers from Rev Racing.
“In addition to Michael Maples acquiring more racecars, his organization also has the former Rev Racing hauler.#ARCA pic.twitter.com/gsKA46fjhj”
— Mark Kristl (@MarkKristl), ARCA Menards Series Editor at Frontstretch
For the 2025 season, the team’s No. 99 finished 11th in the owner standings, while the No. 67 car finished 14th; the owner points for the No. 67 have now been assigned to the No. 91 entry. However, the newly-announced Nos. 1 and 19 entries will begin the 2026 season with no owner points—a significant hurdle, as Michael Maples confirmed. As the Daytona entry list is expected to exceed 40 drivers, both of these Maples Motorsports cars must qualify for the race unless additional points are acquired before the season opener.
Looking Ahead to a Challenging ARCA 2026 Campaign
With new resources, expanded staff, and an ambitious driver roster that includes Tony Cosentino, Michael Maples and Ryan Vargas, Maples Motorsports is preparing for a highly competitive Tony Cosentino ARCA 2026 season. Securing sponsorship, finalizing the crew leadership, and qualifying for the opening race at Daytona are immediate priorities. The significance of these changes will be measured as the season unfolds, particularly as the team works to solidify its standing and push toward championship contention against a crowded field of entrants.
In addition to Michael Maples acquiring more racecars, his organization also has the former Rev Racing hauler.#ARCA pic.twitter.com/gsKA46fjhj
— Mark Kristl (@MarkKristl) January 9, 2026
