Treyten Lapcevich delivered an extraordinary performance at Berlin Raceway by leading every lap of the 200-lap event, securing his dominant first ARCA Menards win on June 10, 2023. Racing at the 0.438-mile oval in Michigan, the Ontario-born driver achieved this milestone during just his second start in the ARCA Menards Series, marking not only a personal triumph but also Nitro Motorsports’ inaugural victory in the series.
Strong Start on Pole Sets the Stage for Control
Lapcevich began the weekend by claiming his first pole position in ARCA competition, edging out championship contender Lavar Scott. From the green flag, Lapcevich quickly took the lead by pushing Scott higher on the track, setting the tone for a commanding run. Despite several caution periods caused by single-car incidents, Lapcevich maintained momentum and returned to the front each time without challenge.
Seamless Race Execution Maintains Lead Throughout
Following an early caution triggered by Trevor Ward’s spin, Lapcevich demonstrated control and composure, never relinquishing his lead. His ability to navigate restarts effectively became crucial as the race progressed. Lapcevich remarked on his adaptation to the car’s responses during restarts, explaining how gaining confidence helped him defend his position through the final stages of the race.
“I don’t even know what to say,”
Treyten Lapcevich said after the win.
“A big thanks to Nitro Motorsports. [My crew chief] Shannon [Rusch] and the guys had this thing hooked up. I haven’t been in the seat a whole lot this year, and these guys came together and made this possible for me. A huge thanks to Nitro for truly giving me a rocket ship.”
“I was really trying to get [comfortable] with the car on restarts to understand how hard I could push it into turn one, that second half of the race, it really started coming to life on the restarts. [so] I was able to defend a lot better and retain the lead.”
Historic Win for Canadian Drivers and Nitro Motorsports
This victory marks a notable achievement for Canadian racers, as Lapcevich is the first Canadian-born driver to win in the ARCA Menards Series since Andrew Ranger’s 2014 triumph at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Furthermore, it is the first win on an oval track by a Canadian driver since Steve Arpin’s 2010 success. The triumph also represents Nitro Motorsports’ debut ARCA win since entering the series earlier this season.
Nitro Motorsports has garnered success in other racing formats, including the Trans Am TA2 Series where Toyota Racing Development drivers Brent Crews and Raphael Matos have won championships. This ARCA victory highlights the team’s expanding presence in stock car racing.
Competitive Field and Remaining Top Finishers
Max Reaves finished a strong second after qualifying fourth, closely trailing Lapcevich for much of the latter half of the race as he aimed for his first national ARCA win. The top five was rounded out by Lawless Alan in third, followed by Brenden Queen in fourth, and Lavar Scott completing the fifth position.
Additional top ten finishers included Isabella Robusto, Mason Mitchell, Jason Kitzmiller, Matt Kemp, and Willie Mullins. Series points leader Brenden Queen holds a slim seven-point lead over Lawless Alan and Lavar Scott as the ARCA Menards Series prepares for its next challenge at Elko Speedway in Minnesota, promising more exciting short-track action.
