NASCAR
The ARCA Racing Series has always served as a mix of aspiring NASCAR dreams and mainstays who make a living doing what they love. The series is usually the first stop for any stock car driver looking to make it big at the top level. It’s almost the racing equivalent of rookie league baseball. But, ARCA’s role in developing young talent has changed with it’s recent acquisition by NASCAR. Here are several young names to keep an eye on for the next few years.
Riley Herbst: The defending ARCA Rookie of the Year and last year’s Pocono winner has had a about par second season. With ten top 10’s and an 8th place finishing average, the improvement is there and showing despite some lackluster results. But, with backing from not only sponsors but the Joe Gibbs Racing team his next step seems to be anytime now into the NASCAR Camping World Truck series as early as next season.
Chandler Smith: He may be only 16 years of age, but he’s already a proven winner. His first series win at Madison came in his 4th career start. On top of that, he claimed poles in his first 4 ARCA Racing Series starts. You may not know much about him now, but in him is a mirror of Erik Jones who found success early and often too.
Christian Eckes: Eckes is having a breakout season in the ARCA Racing Series. With 2 wins and 5 top tens he’s finding his stride. Also, like in the case with Herbst he’s basically on the road to a Truck Series ride in the near future. In fact, he’s already notched a top 10 finish in that series at Iowa earlier this season with Kyle Busch Motorsports.
Joe Graf, Jr.: A wildcard of sorts, but has blossomed this season. The 20 year old may be a late comer in this day of age, but his results don’t show that with 7 top ten’s this season. He also won his first race at Berlin in a aggressive, but controversial manner. Look for him to move up the ranks soon thanks to his ability to muscle through the field
Sheldon Creed: The ARCA Points leader already has a gifted talent for racing. From Stadium Super Trucks to Stock Cars he’s versatile. On top of that, he’s found success thanks to 3 wins this season. Look for teams in the Trucks or even NXS look at him with wide eyes if he wins the title.
Natalie Decker: It’s no secret she has a cult following among race fans. But, also like Creed she is a versatile driver. She ran Trans Am cars at Road America and the Berlin ARCA Racing Series race on the same day. Also, she has steadily come to her own this season by winning the pole at Daytona and 8 top tens.
Bottom line is the ARCA Racing Series is a diamond in the rough in American Auto Racing. Young, hot prospects mixing it up with gritty, blue collar veterans at every event. The racing is a must see in person and so are the talent. Who knows, the names you just read about may be a future champion in NASCAR.
