Monday, December 30, 2019

ARCA Late Model: Flat tire at Lanier gives Georgio Tsutomu the first last-place finish of his short SCRL career

Georgio Tsutomu picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Late Model Series career in Monday's Season 1 Georgia 150 at the Lanier National Speedway when his #53 T&K Concrete Chevrolet finished under power after 17 of 20 laps.

The finish came in his 4th start. In the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series, it's the 1st for car #53 and the 4th where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 1st for the #53 and the 244th where the car was still running. 

Tsutomu was one of several rookies making their SCRL debut by competing in the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series, Tsutomu finished 13th in his debut at Toledo, finishing 19th at Wisconsin before finishing 12th in the last round at Elko.

The series would travel down the country and to the state of Georgia for the first time, at the 0.375 mile short track. Said Ismail won his first career SCRL sanctioned pole with Tsutomu posting a qualifying time of 15.147, a time that would place him 6th on the grid, while starting last was the #48 Spray Paint and Equipment Chevrolet of Shannon Lowe.

When the race started, Lowe's stay in last would only last two turns before he knocked the unsponsored #28 Ford of Franz DeVice, who would trail the first lap but just seconds later, the battle for last ended when Tsutomu slowed entering Turn 1 before stalling in Turn 2 on the low lane of the track, with the leaders having to avoid the stalled car. With no caution coming out, Tsutomu's car would be towed back to the pit road, with the crew quickly putting on four fresh tires and sending their driver back out onto the track, having lost three laps to the racer leaders, and with no cautions or other cars having problems, the last place battle had been decided by lap 2.

The remaining Bottom Five would all finish on the same lap as the race leaders: 19th was the #15 Chebucto / Fraserway Ford of Carter Joey, 18th was the #24 Lux Enterprises / Pullen Heavy In Chevrolet of Matt McIntyre, 17th was the #13 Menards Chevrolet of Draco Drakul and 16th was the #84 Community Pharmacies Dodge of Carter Friesen.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #53 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series as well at Lanier.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #53-Georgio Tsutomu / 17 laps / running
19) #15-Carter Joey / 20 laps / running
18) #24-Matt McIntyre / 20 laps / running
17) #13-Draco Drakul / 20 laps / running
16) #84-Carter Friesen / 20 laps / running

Sunday, December 29, 2019

ARCA Midget: Juniper Skunktaur becomes the first driver to drop out of a Midget Series race at Kil-Kare

Juniper Skunktaur picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Midget Series career in the Season 1 Naturally Fresh 100 at the Kil-Kare Speedway when his #8 was involved in a multi-car crash after 5 of the 25 laps.

The finish came in his 5th start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #8 and the 1st from a crash. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 19th for the #8 and the 247th from a crash. 

Entering Season 1 of the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, Juniper was making history as he became the eight "taur" to compete in a SCRL sanctioned race, while also becoming the first ever Skunktaur to compete as well. Juniper would impress in his debut, by finishing 4th at Toledo, before improving on his finish by finishing 3rd at Salem, before finishing 8th at Flat Rock before finishing 6th in the last round at Devil's Bowl.

For the first time ever in the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, drivers visited the site of the 0.375 short track in Xenia, Ohio, as well as the first time ever in league history drivers would race at the track. In qualifying, Juniper posted a time of 16.657 seconds, 0.338 seconds behind pole sitter Chakat Silverpaw, while qualifying last was the #36 of Eugene Underwood, a full half second behind Silverpaw's lap time.

On race day, Underwood would trail for the first three laps around the quarter mile track before knocking the #19 Servan Sarihan into the final spot on Lap 4, but his stay would be brief as he knocked the #16 Daniel Hunter entered Turn 2 when seconds later his brother, the #21 of John Hunter went to hard into the turn, sliding up the track, sending both into the outside wall with both cars almost flipping over before sliding back down the track in front of a pack of cars with the #23 of Jeremy Hawkins being the first car, while Juniper tried to avoid the crash and ran right into John's car, with enough force that it ended Juniper's night.

The remaining Bottom Five drivers would finish on the same lap as the race leaders: 19th was the #23 of Jeremy Hawkins, 18th was the #16 of Daniel Hunter, 17th was the #90 of Christian Vargas and 16th was the #11 of Keri Benjamin.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #8 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Midget Series as well at Kil-Kare.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #8-Juniper Skunktaur / 5 laps / crash
19) #23-Jeremy Hawkins / 25 laps / running
18) #16-Daniel Hunter / 25 laps / running
17) #90-Christian Vargas / 25 laps / running
16) #11-Keri Benjamin / 25 laps / running

Saturday, December 28, 2019

ARCA: Oriana Dent trails the field in ARCA's first ever trip to Nashville Fairgrounds

Oriana Dent picked up the 1st last place finish of her SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series career in the Season 3 Music City 200 at the Nashville Fairgrounds when her unsponsored #67 Kimmel Racing Ford completed all 10 laps under power.

The finish came in her 3rd start. In the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, it's the 1st for car #67 and the 13th where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 4th for the #67 and the 243rd where the car was still running. 

Entering Season 3 of the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, Oriana was the latest member of the Dent racing family to sign up in a attempt to possibly become the first driver of that family to win a championship. Despite having no previous experience in the SCRL, she was quick to sign up to compete in the SCRL's highest division in the ARCA Series, driving for Kimmel Racing. Oriana would start her ARCA career off with a 34th in the caution free event at Daytona before she would again struggle in the season's second event at Atlanta.

For the first time ever in the SCRL's Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, drivers arrived at the legendary 0.596 mile short track in Nashville, Tennessee, the site of Round 1 of the Sioux Chief Short Track Challenge Championship, where a driver could win a championship inside of a championship. In qualifying, Randy Ward would score his first career series pole with a time of 21.067 seconds with Oriana posting a time of 21.289 seconds, 0.222 seconds behind Ward's pace, and placing her 38th on the grid. Starting last was the #99 Roulo Brothers Racing Ford of Grace Takayoma, a full half second off Ward's pole sitting time.

Unlike any other race on the schedule, the field was forced to be split up, with the four lowest drivers in points competing for the final four spots on the grid, Alexander Rowe would trail for the first two laps around the half mile track before knocking Oriana into last on Lap 3, a place she would remain for the next two circuits. Rowe would rejoin the battle for last on Lap 6 and appeared on his way to scoring his first last-place finish in the ARCA Series as the field started their final lap, with Rowe making a move on the backstretch, knocking Oriana down to last at the last possible second with Rowe finishing 39th while giving Oriana her the first last-place finish of her short career.

The other two drivers in the short race was 38th the #92 Fight For Life Chevrolet of Greg Masin and 37th was the aforementioned #99 of Grace Takayoma, both having competed all ten laps of the event.

Rounding out the Bottom Five in 36th was the #88 Tricar Ford of Bulut Ozkan, who was involved in a ten car crash on Lap 12 during the main race, that completely destroyed the team's short track car.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #67 has finished last in a ARCA Series race as well at Nashville.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
40) #67-Oriana Dent / 10 laps / running
39) #62-Alexander Rowe / 10 laps / running
38) #92-Greg Masin / 10 laps / running
37) #99-Grace Takayoma / 10 laps / running
36) #88-Bulut Ozkan / 9 laps / crash

Friday, December 27, 2019

ARCA Trucks: Despite early race flip, Miguel Rodriguez finishes under power at Nashville

Miguel Rodriguez picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Truck Series career in Wednesday's Season 2 Music City 50 at the Nashville Fairgrounds when his #3 Gearheart Timber Management Chevrolet finished under power after 16 of 20 laps.

The finish came in his 3rd start. In the SCRL ARCA Truck Series, it's the 1st for truck #3 and the 9th where the truck was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 17th for the #3 and the 242nd where the vehicle was still running. 

Entering Season 2 of the SCRL's ARCA Truck Series, Rodriguez had never competed in a SCRL sanctioned race before and despite his lack of racing experience, he signed up to compete in the ARCA's second highest division; the ARCA Truck Series. Rodriguez impressed in his debut, finishing 9th at Toledo before improving on his career best by finishing 8th at Kil-Kare.

In qualifying at the 0.596 short track, Rodriguez would posting a time of 21.740 seconds placing Rodriguez 20th on the grid, 0.675 behind Kyle Patricks's pole winning pace while wualifying last was the #09 Burning Rubber Chevrolet of Jimmy Dawson.

Dawson would trail for the first three laps around the track before finally making a move for position, knocking the #89 of Cassie Dent into the final position, a spot Dent would hold for only one lap when the next time around, Rodriguez would make contact with teammate the #8 Gearheart Timber Management Chevrolet of Chakat Blizzardmane, sending Rodriguez for a slow flip down the backstretch before landing on all four wheels, amazingly no caution was flown by the SCRL officials, forcing both team trucks to pit. Blizzardmane would only lose two laps due to repairs before getting back out on track to finish 25th, while Rodriguez lost four laps, returning to the track with the entire back bumper stripped off the truck, and was well off the pace in the final laps, but was able to limp across under power.

The remaining Bottom Five would finish on the same lap as the race leaders: 24th was the #50 Corona Extra / Goosebumps Ford of Jimmy Potter, 23rd was the unsponsored #18 Chevrolet of Dain Martin and 22nd was the unsponsored #88 Chevrolet of Ty Dent.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #3 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Truck Series as well at Nashville.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
26) #3-Miguel Rodriguez / 16 laps / running
25) #8-Chakat Blizzardmane / 18 laps / running
24) #50-Jimmy Potter / 20 laps / running
23) #18-Dain Martin / 20 laps / running
22) #88-Ty Dent / 20 laps / running

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

ARCA Sportsman: Early wreck takes Ryan Benjamin out of contention in series first event at Toledo

Ryan Benjamin picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Sportsman Series career in Tuesday's Season 1 Toledo 300 at the Toledo Speedway when his #72 Top Choice Lumber Products Chevrolet completed all 20 laps under power.

The finish came in his 1st start. In the SCRL ARCA Sportsman Series, it's the 1st for car #72 and the 1st where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 8th for the #72 and the 241st where the car was still running. 

Benjamin was one of twelve drivers making their SCRL debuts by signing up to compete in the third highest ranked series under the ARCA banner; the SCRL ARCA Sportsman Series. In qualifying at the half mile mile short track in Toledo, Ohio, Benjamin would qualify with a time of 17.451, 0.223 seconds behind Celious Wolf's pole winning time, placing Benjamin in the 18th position, while starting last was the #36 O'Reilly Toyota of Derrick Edison.

When the race started, Edison would remain in last for only two turns as on the backstretch he knocked the #00 Shop Rite / CompCams Chevrolet of Marina Parker, who would trail for the first two laps, before she knocked the #16 Motorcraft Quality Parts / WinnDixie Ford of Trevor Collins into the final spot on Lap 3, but his stay would last only one lap as he knocked the #52 Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets Ford of Nitahbk into last on Lap 4. Around this same time, Benjamin was running in the 22nd spot on the high side when things would end quickly for the rookie driver.

Entering Turn 3, the #92 Summit Racing Equipment / CompCams Chevrolet of Jacob Britts made contact with the #9 Haas CNC Machine Tools / Food City Toyota of Andrew Olsen, sending Olsen for a spin and up the track, right in from of Benjamin, as it would crunch in the hood of Benjamin's car. Benjamin was able to drive it back to pit road and the team quickly decided it was best to remove the hood, doing so without losing a lap and sent their driver back out on the track. Another pit stop would check and make sure the radiator wasn't damaged before sending Benjamin back out on track, again just seconds before being lapped. Benjamin's car would suffer due to the damaged he had received and would fall to nearly eight seconds behind by the time the checkered flag waved.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 28th was the aforementioned #16 of Trevor Collins, 27th was the #26 Jackaroo / Shell Chevrolet of Mark Austin, 26th was the #9 of Andrew Olsen and 25th was the #52 of Nitahbk.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #72 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Sportsman Series as well at Toledo.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
29) #72-Ryan Benjamin / 20 laps / running
28) #16-Trevor Collins / 20 laps / running
27) #26-Mark Austin / 20 laps / running
26) #9-Andrew Olsen / 20 laps / running
25) #52-Nitahbk / 20 laps / running

Monday, December 23, 2019

ARCA Late Model: Rookie Shane Russell suffers late race flat tire and gets trapped a lap down at Elko

Shane Russell picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Late Model Series career in Sunday's Season 1 Minnesota 150 at the Elko Speedway when his #5 Whited Auburn Truck & R.V. Center Chevrolet finished under power after 24 of 25 laps.

The finish came in his 3rd start. In the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series, it's the 1st for car #5 and the 3rd where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 16th for the #5 and the 240th where the car was still running. 

Russell was one of several rookies making their SCRL debut by competing in the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series, just looking for a chance to show the talent he had and possibly score a win or two before moving up into one of the higher series. Russell finished a impressive 7th in his debut at Toledo before struggling in the last round by finishing 19th at Wisconsin.

The series would remain in the state of Wisconsin for their 3rd race of the season, at the 0.375 mile short track in Elko, where Kevin Cook won his first career SCRL sanctioned pole with Russell posting a qualifying time of 16.817, a time that would place him 19th on the grid, while starting last was the #13 Menards Chevrolet of Draco Drakul.

When the race started, Draco's stay in last would be brief as he knocked Russell into the final spot for the first time, but Russell would fight back by knocking the #29 Bailey's Chevrolet of Richard Torres into the final spot on Lap 3. Torres would remain in last for only two laps before he knocked the #24 Lux Enterprises / Pullen Heavy In Chevrolet of Matt McIntyre into last on Lap 5, before Torres would take it back on Lap 6, then knocking the #48 Spray Paint and Equipment Chevrolet of Shannon Lowe into last on Lap 7. Lowe would trail for the next five laps as just after the field went back to racing, Russell pulled sharply and onto pit road, the driver reporting of a flat left rear tire. The team would quickly change all four tires before sending their driver back out on the track, being lapped by leader Aisha Pitts and while Russell tried to gain his lap back, a late caution that ended the race behind the pace car trapped Russell as the only car one lap behind the race leaders.

The remaining Bottom Five would all finish on the same lap as the race leaders: 19th was the #77 Bailey's Chevrolet of Danyal Gitirokh, 18th was the aforementioned #48 of Shannon Lowe, 17th was the #15 Chebucto / Fraserway Ford of Carter Joey and 16th was the #24 of Matt McIntyre.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #5 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series as well at Elko.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #5-Shane Russell / 24 laps / running
19) #77-Danyal Gitirokh / 25 laps / running
18) #48-Shannon Lowe / 25 laps / running
17) #15-Carter Joey / 25 laps / running
16) #24-Matt McIntyre / 25 laps / running

Saturday, December 21, 2019

ARCA Midget: John Hunter trails for the first time in his short career in caution free race at Devil's Bowl

John Hunter picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Midget Series career in the Season 1 Vermont 100 at the Devil's Bowl Speedway when his #21 completed all 12 laps under power.

The finish came in his 4th start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #21 and the 4th where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 19th for the #21 and the 239th where the car was still running. 

Entering Season 1 of the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, John Hunter had never completed a lap in a SCRL race and would be making his debut in his very first start in the SCRL in the brand new SCRL ARCA Midget Series. John finished 16th in his debut at Toledo, 15th at Salem before finishing a career best 3rd in the last round at Flat Rock.

In qualifying at the half mile track, Ethan Walker would win the pole with a time of 18.894 seconds with John posting a time of 19.130 seconds, 0.236 behind Walker's pace, and placing John 15th on the grid while starting last on race day would be the #1 of Chakat Silverpaw.

On race day, Silverpaw would trail for the first two turns before he knocked the #36 of Eugene Underwood into the final spot, who would trail for one lap when he knocked Hunter into last for the first time on Lap 2. Hunter would also remain in last for one lap as he knocked the #24 of Michael Brown into last on Lap 3. Brown would trail for the next five laps until he knocked Hunter back into last on Lap 9, reclaimed the final spot on Lap 10, before Brown passed Hunter again shortly before the white flag and despite Hunter trying his best, he was unable to gain the spot back.

The remaining were: 19th was the aforementioned #24 of Michael Brown, 18th was the #90 of Christian Vargas, 17th was Toledo last-place finisher the #76 of Dave Benjamin and 16th was the #36 of Eugene Underwood.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #21 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Midget Series as well at Devil's Bowl.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #21-John Hunter / 12 laps / running
19) #24-Michael Brown / 12 laps / running
18) #90-Christian Vargas / 12 laps / running
17) #76-Dave Benjamin / 12 laps / running
16) #36-Eugene Underwood / 12 laps / running

Friday, December 20, 2019

ARCA: Sour Engine keeps Joe Jefferson several laps down at Atlanta

Joe Jefferson picked up the 2nd last place finish of his SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series career in the Season 3 Georgia Boot 400 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway when his #25 ZLOOP Computer & Electronics Recycling Toyota finished under power after 30 of 35 laps.

The finish, which came in his 22nd start, was his first on the circuit since the Season 2 ARCA Texas 500k at the Texas World Speedway when was involved in a multi-car crash after 2 of the 25 laps, 17 races ago. In the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, it's the 2nd for car #25 and the 12th where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 14th for the #25 and the 238th where the car was still running. 

Entering Season 3 of the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, Joe has found great success in the SCRL, having visited victory lane, scoring 12 career wins, 2 of which came in the ARCA Series, both coming in Season 2 at Charlotte and South Boston, both driving for Venturini Motorsports. For Season 3, Joe signed up to continue to drive for Venturini but would move over to the #25 car while his brother Jay would drive the #55. Joe would qualify 25th and would finish 17th at Daytona.

In qualifying at the mile and a half track, Truttle would win the pole with a time of 27.446 seconds with Joe posting a time of 27.514 seconds, 0.068 behind Truttle's pace, and placing Joe 25th on the grid. Starting last was Joe's brother Jay Jefferson in the #23 Allegiant Air Chevrolet, 0.161 seconds behind Truttle's pole winning time.

When the command was given for drivers to start their engines and begin their lone pace lap, Joe's car would stall on pit road, being forced to be pushed to his pit stall as the rest of the field drove onto the track, had Joe's team not been able to fix the problems, Joe would have become the first driver to not complete a lap in the ARCA Series since the Season 2 Scott Get Geared Up 200 at the Lucas Oil Raceway when Luke Rainey's unsponsored #99 Roulo Brothers Racing Ford suffered a broken gear box. But Joe's team would find out the problem, it was discovered they had suffered engine damage and sent their driver back out to complete as many laps as possible, and with no drivers have any other problems, Joe remained 5 laps down to the race leaders, the only driver to not finish on the lead lap.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 39th was the #44 Ansell / Menards Toyota of Riley Spurlytube, 38th was the #15 Renton Coil Spring Toyota of Anthony Lopez, 37th was the #62 Phoenix Air Chevrolet of Alexander Rowe and 36th was the unsponsored #67 Kimmel Racing Ford of Oriana Dent.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #25 has finished last at Atlanta.
*This marked the first time the #25 has trailed a ARCA Series race since the Season 1 RanEater Wiper Blades 200 at the Michigan International Speedway when Cole Nixey's #25 Venturini Motorsports Toyota was involved in a multi-car crash after 1 of the 20 laps; 32 races ago.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
40) #25-Joe Jefferson / 28 laps / running
39) #44-Riley Spurlytube / 35 laps / running led 1 lap
38) #15-Anthony Lopez / 35 laps / running
37) #62-Alexander Rowe / 35 laps / running
36) #67-Oriana Dent / 35 laps / running

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Throwback ARCA: Piston problems prevents pole sitter John Arndt from competing a lap at Pocono

John Arndt picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series career in the Season 1 Pocono ARCA 200 at the Pocono Raceway when his #66 Phoenix Air Toyota fell out with piston problems without completing any of the 9 laps.

The finish came in his 7th career start. Arndt was one of several rookies making their SCRL debuts by competing in the ARCA Series with the hopes of one day racing in the Cup Series. Arndt's ARCA season started off with a 23rd at Daytona, 18th at Atlanta, 12th at Charlotte, 35th at Talladega, 10th at Gateway before finishing a disappointing 39th in the last round at Kentucky.

On race day, Arndt was scheduled to roll off starting 1st while starting last was the #44 Richard Petty Driving Experience Dodge of Josh Nixey but just seconds after the field started to pull off pit road Arndt's car began to start smoking as the driver quickly pulled aside to allow the other drivers to drive by as he tried to figure out what was wrong with the car, costing back around to pit road as the green flag waved, Arndt's car was pushed behind the wall with the Venturini Motorsports team looking over the cause with them finding that the piston had broken, ending their day when it appeared it was going to be a career day for their driver.

The remaining Bottom Five would be filled up before Lap 3 as a multi-car crash would break out coming out of Turn 1: 40th was the #20 Coal - America's Energy Chevrolet of AJ Jones, 39th was the #17 Roulo Brothers Racing Ford of Tommy Hudson, 38th was the #15 RaceHard.com / Accelerade Toyota of Riley Spurlytube and 37th was Charlotte last-place finisher the #69 Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Ford of Daniel Bouchard.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #66 had finished last in a ARCA Series race as well as at Pocono.
*This was the first time piston was the cause of a driver finishing last in a ARCA race.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
41) #66-John Arndt / 0 laps / piston
40) #20-AJ Jones / 2 laps / crash
39) #17-Tommy Hudson / 2 laps / crash
38) #15-Riley Spurlytube / 2 laps / crash
37) #69-Daniel Bouchard / 2 laps / crash

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

ARCA Trucks: Leonard Pearson's night ends before it has a chance to start; becomes the first driver in series history to fail to complete a lap

Leonard Pearson picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Truck Series career in Wednesday's Season 2 Naturally Fresh 50 at the Kil-Kare Speedway when his #54 Mansfield Welding Service Chevrolet fell out with engine problems without completing any of the 25 laps.

The finish came in his 2nd start. In the SCRL ARCA Truck Series, it's the 1st for truck #54 and the 1st for engine issues. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 3rd for the #54 and the 49th for engine issues. 

Entering Season 2 of the SCRL's ARCA Truck Series, Pearson had been competing for several seasons over various series sanctioned by the SCRL but was on a losing streak until he made his first attempt at a open wheel car signing up to drive in Season 1 of the SCRL Formula 2 Series. While he would struggle for most of the season, Pearson would finally break through by scoring his first career win in the second to last event at Adelaide. After finishing 12th in the overall championship standings, Pearson decided it was best to head back to the United States and signed on to compete in the ARCA's Truck division. Pearson's truck career would start by qualifying 9th before finishing 6th in the last round at Toledo and was looking to continue his momentum in the season's second race at Kil-Kare.

In qualifying at the 0.375 short track, Ty Dent would win the pole with a blistering 15.299 seconds with Pearson posting a time of 15.401 seconds, 0.109 behind Ty's pace, and placing Pearson 12th on the grid. Starting from the back of the pack was Sierra Albaugh in the #82 Champion Chevrolet, over four hundreds of a second behind Ty's pole winning time.

When the command was given for drivers to start their engines and begin their lone pace lap, Pearson's truck stalled in Turn 1, preventing the high line from going at the start as Pearson's truck was towed back to pit road to allow for the team to look over the truck, looking under the hood the team found that the problem was a terminal engine failure, with his truck being pushed behind the wall, being scored last having not completed a lap.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 25th was the unsponsored #18 Chevrolet of Dain Martin, 24th was the unsponsored #9 Chevrolet of Zachary Fitzwater Jr., 23rd was the #09 Burning Rubber Chevrolet of Jimmy Dawson and 22nd was the #28 ETS / Engine Rebuilders Chevrolet of Al Lagasee.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #54 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Truck Series as well at Kil-Kare.
*This marked the first time a driver has not only failed to complete a lap in the ARCA Truck Series, but also the first time a driver has fallen out due to engine issues.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
26) #54-Leonard Pearson / 0 laps / engine
25) #18-Dain Martin / 25 laps / running
24) #9-Zachary Fitzwater Jr. / 25 laps / running
23) #09-Jimmy Dawson / 25 laps / running
22) #28-Al Lagasee / 25 laps / running

ARCA Late Model: Hanz DeVice trails the field in caution free race at Wisconsin

Hanz DeVice picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Late Model Series career in Tuesday's Season 1 Dixieland 100 at the Wisconsin International Raceway when his #34 North and East Recycle Chevrolet completed all 30 laps under power.

The finish came in his 2nd start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #34 and the 2nd where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 9th for the #34 and the 237th where the car was still running. 

DeVice had competed in several SCRL sanctioned series having scored only one career win and was looking to finally find momentum again by signing up to compete the the ARCA division's fourth lowest series, the ARCA Late Model Series. DeVice would finish 17th in his series debut at Toledo and was looking to improve on that entering the next round at Wiscosin. In qualifying, Season 3 SCRL NASCAR Legends Series Champion Cole Nixey would win the pole with a time of 20.555 seconds, with Hanz posting a time of 20.871, 0.316 seconds behind Nixey's qualifying time while qualifying last 0.474 seconds behind Nixey was Carter Friesen for the second race in a row.

When the race started, Friesen would remain in last for the first lap before he knocked the #13 Menards Chevrolet of Draco Drakul, who would remain in last for the next four laps before he knocked Hanz into last for the first time on Lap 7. Hanz's stay in last would be brief as he knocked the #097 Dodge Dealers / UAW Dodge of Aisha Pitts on Lap 8. Pitts would remain in last for two laps before knocking the #17 Said Ismail on Lap 10, with Ismail staying in last till Lap 12 when the #24 Lux Enterprises / Pullen Heavy In Chevrolet of Matt McIntyre. The next lap Draco would take the final spot back and appeared on his way to his 7th last-place finish, but Hanz would be passed by Draco on Lap 27 and while Hanz tried to take the spot back, but was unable to and would score the second last-place finish of his career.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 19th was the #5 of Shane Russell, 18th was the aforementioned #13 of Draco Drakul, 17th was the #24 of Matt McIntyre and 16th was the #42 of Simon Fox.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #34 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series as well at Wisconsin.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #34-Hanz DeVice / 30 laps / running
19) #5-Shane Russell / 30 laps / running
18) #13-Draco Drakul / 30 laps / running
17) #24-Matt McIntyre / 30 laps / running
16) #42-Simon Fox / 30 laps / running

Monday, December 16, 2019

ARCA Midget: Late tire problem at Flat Rock gives Bafode Sacko his 4th career last-place finish in the SCRL

Bafode Sacko picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Midget Series career in the Season 1 Metro Tire Centers 100 at the Flat Rock Speedway when his #71 finished under power after 17 of 20 laps.

The finish came in his 3rd start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #71 and the 3rd where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 8th for the #71 and the 236th where the car was still running. 

Entering Season 1 of the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, Sacko was still looking to make a name for himself in the SCRL, and despite having competed in several series, Sacko was still looking for his breakthrough victory. Sacko chose to signup to compete in the ARCA's smallest division for an attempt to possibly get that first career win. In his debut, Sacko finished 10th at Toledo before finishing a disappointing 17th in the last round at Salem.

As with all SCRL races, there would be no practice for the drivers, so their first look at the track came in qualify, with Sacko posting a time of 14.133 seconds, 0.587 seconds off the pace of pole sitter Conner Thunder, while the #21 of John Hunter posted the slowest lap, almost a half second off Thunder's pace.

On race day, Hunter would trail for the first two turns before knocking the #11 of Keri Benjmain into the final spot. Benjamin would continue to trail the field for the first seven laps around the quarter mile track before knocking her brother, Toledo last-place finisher the #76 of Dave Benjamin into the final spot on Lap 8, who had fallen a lap down at this point after a flat tire. Dave would remain in last for the next six laps when Sacko entered the battle, being forced to pit himself for a flat tire and would fall three laps down and would easily trail the field.

Dave Benjamin would fight hard to try and get one of his two laps back, but a late caution would prevent that and place him 19th in the final rundown.

The remaining Bottom Five would all be scored a lap down to the race leaders: 18th was the #56 of Ethan Walker, 17th was the #24 of Michael Brown and 16th was the #12 of Nick Kennedy.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #71 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Midget Series as well at Flat Rock.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #71-Bafode Sacko / 17 laps / running
19) #76-Dave Benjamin / 18 laps / running
18) #56-Ethan Walker / 19 laps / running
17) #24-Michael Brown / 19 laps / running
16) #12-Nick Kennedy / 19 laps / running

Friday, December 13, 2019

ARCA: Flat tire at Daytona gives Mitchell Collins the first last-place finish of his SCRL career in his ARCA debut

Mitchell Collins picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series career in the Season 3 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at the Daytona International Speedway when his #22 Ebay Motors / St. Jude Children's Hospital Dodge finished under power after 18 of 20 laps.

The finish came in his 1st start. In the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, it's the 3rd for car #22 and the 11th where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 15th for the #22 and the 235th where the car was still running. 

Entering Season 3 of the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, Collins had already proven himself in the SCRL by scoring two career wins, and was looking to gain more experience by competing in his first ever season in the ARCA Series by signing to drive for Cunningham Motorsports. Season 2 Champion Sebastian Torres would be one of the 40 drivers who signed up to compete in a effort to become the first driver to win a championship in back-to-back seasons. Also for the first time in the ARCA Series history, the division would be awarding two championships at the end of the season; one for the overall champion of the series and the Sioux Chief Short Track Challenge.

Both Practice and Happy Hour would be rained out so all forty drivers would have have no experience with their cars until it came time to qualifying, despite the series cutting down the starting fields from 42 to 40 cars, no one would be sent home with Collins qualifying 29th with a lap of 192.629 mph (46.722 seconds)

Starting last and also making her ARCA debut was the unsponsored #67 Kimmel Racing Ford of Oriana Dent. When the green flag was waved, Oriana would remain in the final spot for the event's first two laps before she would knock the unsponsored #43 David Levine Racing Dodge of Pria McShane into the final spot on Lap 3. McShane would trail for two laps before knocking the #09 Casite.com / ETS Ford of Pritti Shah into the final spot on Lap 5. Around this same time, Collins had drafted himself up into the 11th spot but entering Turn 1 the driver began to slow down as he quickly pulled the car to the apron as the rest of the field drove by, the driver reporting of a tire going down.

Collins would be forced to coast back around the 2.500 mile track, finally making it to pit road, being put one lap down shortly after as the crew put four new fresh tires on the car and sent Collins back out on the track. Collins would lose another lap between then and the finish, and with no cautions coming out, Collins was trapped two laps down and easily trailing the field when the checkered flag waved, ending his streak of never finishing last in his SCRL career.

The remaining Bottom Five would finish on the same lap as the race leaders: 39th was the #92 Fight For Life Chevrolet of Greg Masin, 38th was the #4 Cessna Chevrolet of Randy Ward, 37th was the #68 Gary Yeomans Ford / Clarksville Schwinn Ford of Becky Dent and 36th was the #11 Hudson Perf/ Drivelines / Warrick Tubing Dodge of Tony Newman.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #22 had finished last in the SCRL ARCA Series at Daytona.
*This marked the first time the #22 has trailed a ARCA Series race since the Season 1 Pennsylvana ARCA 125 at the Pocono Raceway when Cam Nixey was involved in a multi-car crash after 7 of the 20 laps; 26 races ago.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
40) #22-Mitchell Collins / 18 laps / running
39) #92-Greg Masin / 20 laps / running
38) #4-Randy Ward / 20 laps / running led 9 laps
37) #68-Becky Dent / 20 laps / running
36) #11-Tony Newman / 20 laps / running

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Throwback TRUCK: Sebastian Torres becomes the first driver to trail the field twice in the truck series after failing to advance in LCQ at I-70

Sebastian Torres picked up the 2nd last place finish of his SCRL Rainbow Dash Truck Series career in the Season 1 Western Auto 200 at the I-70 Speedway when his #32 Straight Arrow / Mane 'n Tail Ford completed all 25 laps in the LCQ.

The finish, which came in his 7th career series start, was his first on the circuit since the Ford Credit 125 at the Mesa Marin Raceway when he completed all 15 laps in the LCQ, 3 races ago

After trailing the field at Mesa Marin, Sebastian rebounded by finishing 5th at Portland and then 24th in the last round at Evergreen.

With the track only able to fit 33 trucks, the last five in points would be forced to battle it out for the last two spots. On race day, Sebastian would roll off the field in 2nd place in the LCQ while starting last was Evergreen last-place finisher the #83 Coffee Critic Chevrolet of Richard Torres. After the completion of the first last, Sebastian had fallen back to and would trail for the first two laps before Sebastian passed the #31 Performance Race Cars Chevrolet of Truttle, who trailed on Lap 3. Truttle would remain in the final spot until he passed Sebastian back on Lap 6. The two drivers continued to battle until Lap 9 when the two made contact and spun out on the frontstretch. Truttle would assume last spot again and would keep it until Sebastian was involved in another spin on Lap 16, as he would soon lose a lap when he pitted for repairs, as he would remain in last for the remaining laps and failed to transfer. Also not transferring was 35th the #31 of Truttle and 34th the #2 Ultra Custom Wheels / ASE Ford of Josh Barker.

The remaining Bottom Five suffered mechanical problems just seconds into the main event: 33rd was the #29 Winnebago Dodge of Dinkdrinker, who suffered a blown engine during the pace lap and 32nd was the #21 Ortho Lawn & Garden Care Ford of Chakat Whitelion, who broke a gearbox one lap later.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #32 had finished last at I-70.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
36) #32-Sebastian Torres / 25 laps / running
35) #31-Truttle / 25 laps / running
34) #2-Josh Barker / 25 laps / running
33) #29-Dinkdrinker / 0 laps / engine
32) #21-Chakat Whitelion / 1 lap / gearbox

Monday, December 9, 2019

ARCA Trucks: First start nets Dillon Jones the first last-place finish of his career at Toledo

Dillon Jones picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Truck Series career in Monday's Season 1 Safety Kleen 50 at the Toledo Speedway when his #20 unsponsored Chevrolet completed all 20 laps under power.

The finish came in his 1st start. In the SCRL ARCA Truck Series, it's the 5th for truck #20 and the 8th where the truck was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 9th for the #20 and the 234th where the truck was still running. 

Dillon Jones was one of several rookies making their SCRL debuts by signing up to compete in the second highest division in the ARCA Series; the SCRL ARCA Truck Series, driving for the same team that had won the Season 1 SCRLASTCAR Championship with Anthony Lopez, who decided to not return for Season 2.

The series made their first stop of the season at the ARCA division's "home track" the half mile at Toledo, where twenty six drivers would make up the field, two of those drivers being former champions in the SCRL, Chakat Whitelion and Al Lagasee. In qualifying, Lagasee would win the pole with a time of 17.871 seconds, with Jones posting a time of 18.362, 0.491 seconds behind Lagasee's qualifying time while qualifying last 0.525 seconds behind Lagasee was the #88 unsponsored Chevrolet Ty Dent.

When the race started, just like it had been with the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series, it was the inside line that would provide the best passing, with Dent trailing for the first lap before Ty knocked the #05 Little Mountain Insurance Ford of Hunter Blade, who would remain in the last spot for the next three laps, knocking the #26 Coyote Entertainment Chevrolet of Derrick Jones into last on Lap 6. Jones would remain in last for two laps before knocking the #89 of Cassie Dent into the final position. Dent's stay in last would be brief as she knocked the #51 Exxon Chevrolet of Burt Myers into last on Lap 10.

Over the next seven laps, Myers would struggle to stay with the field, but finally would pass Dillon into last on Lap 18, Dillon would fight back however and passed Myers on the white flag, but coming off Turn 4 the trucks raced side-by-side with Myers winning the battle for 25th while Dillon was scored last.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 24th was the #4 unsponsored Chevrolet of Gatlin Downey, 23rd was the aforementioned #05 of Hunter Blade and 22nd was the #50 Corona Extra / Goosebumps Ford of Jimmy Potter.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This makes the second year in a row the #20 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Truck Series at Toledo.
*This marked the first time the #20 has trailed a ARCA Truck Series race since the Season 1 Georgia 250 Presented by Jani-King at the Lanier National Speedway when Anthony Lopez completed all 22 laps under power; 5 races ago.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
26) #20-Dillon Jones / 20 laps / running
25) #51-Burt Myers / 20 laps / running
24) #4-Gatlin Downey / 20 laps / running
23) #05-Hunter Blade / 20 laps / running
22) #50-Jimmy Potter / 20 laps / running

Friday, December 6, 2019

ARCA Late Model: Jeff Cornils becomes the first driver to trail the field at Toledo; picks up the second last-place finish of his career

Jeff Cornils picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Late Model Series career in Tuesday's Season 1 Toledo 200 at the Toledo Speedway when his #09 Mechanical Services Inc. Pontiac completed all 20 laps under power.

The finish came in his 1st start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #09 and the 1st where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 6th for the #09 and the 233rd where the car was still running. 

After competing in his first ever series in the SCRL Formula E Series Presented by Twitter, Cornils traveled back to the United States and continue his career by signing up to complete in the SCRL's latest addition to it's ARCA division; the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series. With 40 drivers competing in the main ARCA division, the decision was made to make lower series to allow others to compete for a championship and hopefully experience before moving up with their careers.

The series made their first stop of the season at the ARCA division's "home track" the half mile at Toledo, where twenty drivers would make up the field, two of those drivers being former champions in the SCRL, Draco Drakul and Cole Nixey. In qualifying, Draco would win the pole with a time of 17.193 seconds, with Cornils posting a time of 17.478, 0.285 seconds behind Draco's qualifying time while qualifying last 0.432 seconds behind Draco was Carter Friesen.

When the race started, it was the inside line that had the best run, with Friesen remaining in last for the first lap before he made a move and knocked the #7 PH Crane and Hoist Chevrolet of Kevin Cook into the final spot on Lap 2. Cook would remain in last for one lap as well, knocking the #34 North and East Recycle Chevrolet of Han DeVice into last on the third circuit, while on Lap 4 Cornils entered the battle for the first time. On Lap 5 the #53 T&K Concrete Chevrolet of Georgio Tsutomu took the final spot and would hold it for the next three laps, finally giving it up on Lap 9 when he knocked the #097 Dodge Dealers / UAW Dodge of Aisha Pitts into the final spot.

Pitts would hold onto last for the next two laps as well before passing the #9 Champion Direct Chevrolet of Tracey Dent into the final spot. Dent would remain in last for two laps before getting back by Cornils on Lap 13. Over the next seven laps, Cornils tried his best to gain a spot but just was unable to, finishing nearly seven seconds behind when the checkered flag waved.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 19th the aforementioned #9 of Tracey Dent, 18th was the #28 unsponsored Ford of Fran DeVice, 17th was the #34 of Hanz DeVice and 16th was the #24 Lux Enterprises / Pullen Heavy In Chevrolet of Matt McIntyre.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #09 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Late Model Series as well at Toledo.
*This is only the second time in his career that Cornils has trailed an SCRL field; the only other time was in Season 2 of the SCRL Formula E Series Presented by Twitter career in the Toronto ePrix at the Streets of Toronto when his #18 Cafe de Colombia was involved in a single-car crash after 3 of the 9 laps.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #09-Jeff Cornils / 20 laps / running
19) #9-Tracey Dent / 20 laps / running
18) #28-Franz DeVice / 20 laps / running
17) #34-Hanz DeVice / 20 laps / running
16) #24-Matt McIntyre / 20 laps / running

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

ARCA Midgets: Toledo race winner Jeremy Hawkins goes from first to worst in back-to-back races in series first trip to Salem

Jeremy Hawkins picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Midget Series career in Monday's Season 1 BFGoodrich Tires 100 at the Salem Speedway when his #23 completed all 20 laps under power.

The finish came in his 2nd start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #23 and the 2nd where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 6th for the #23 and the 232nd where the car was still running. 

After the ARCA Midget Series make it's successful debut at Toledo, the series moved to Indiana and the half-mile Salem Speedway for the series's second ever event. In his debut for the series, Hawkins made history by leading flag to flag, all 20 laps, to score his first career SCRL sanction win. In qualifying, Hawkins would struggle, posting a lap that was over four hundredths of a second slower then pole sitter Ethan Walker and just one race after scoring his first win, Hawkins would start last in the very next race.

On race day, Hawkins would roll off starting last and when the green flag waved he would struggle to keep up for the first three laps around the track before knocking the #11 of Keri Benjamin into the final spot on Lap 4. Keri would trail for the next two laps before moving back around Hawkins on the high side in Turn 4. Over the next 16 laps, Hawkins tried his best to get back around any driver in front of him, but a tough track surface that allowed for limited passing, would prevent him from gaining any ground and would be last by the time the checkered flag waved.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 19th was the #5 of Michael Collins, 18th was the aforementioned #11 of Keri Benjamin, 17th was the #71 of Bafode Sacko and 16th was the #34 of Conner Thunder

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #23 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Midget Series as well at Salem.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #23-Jeremy Hawkins / 20 laps / running
19) #5-Michael Collins / 20 laps / running
18) #11-Keri Benjamin / 20 laps / running
17) #71-Bafode Sacko / 20 laps / running
16) #34-Conner Thunder / 20 laps / running

Sunday, December 1, 2019

ARCA Midgets: Late spin at Toledo makes Dave Benjamin the first driver to trail a ARCA Midget Series event

Dave Benjamin picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL ARCA Midget Series career in the Season 1 Toledo 100 at the Toledo Speedway when his #76 car completed all 20 laps under power.

The finish came in his 1st start. In the SCRL ARCA Midget Series, it's the 1st for car #76 and the 1st where the car was still running. Across all the series in the SCRL, it's the 2nd for the #76 and the 231st where the car was still running. 

After a very successful return to the Formula division, it was time to return to the United States where for the first time in two years the SCRL would be returning to the ARCA division. Unlike the first time where just the main ARCA series and the ARCA Trucks was ran, this time the division had been expanded to allow for more drivers a chance to race, with the SCRL now sanctioning the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, the SCRL ARCA Truck Series, the SCRL ARCA Sportsman Series, the SCRL Late Model Series and the SCRL Midget Series. When the dust settled for signups, all available spots had been filled and it was time to get back to racing.

The SCRL ARCA Midget Series was seen as a feeder series, were debuting drivers could get some practice on tracks the main ARCA Series would visit in a attempt at one day competing in a higher level as well as for a championship. One of those 14 rookies was Dave Benjamin, who had never competed in a SCRL sanctioned race and was looking to impress in his debut.

On race day, Benjamin would roll off starting in the 10th spot while the #15 of Sebastian Dent would start in the last spot. As soon as the green flag waved, the racing would be intense around the half mile track, with Dent trailing for those first three laps, before he knocked the #90 of Christian Vargas into the final spot. Vargas's stay would be short lived as he knocked the #36 of Eugene Underwood into last on the very next lap, a spot Eugene would hold for two laps, knocking the #16 of Daniel Hunter into last on Lap 7. Hunter would also stay in last for two laps, knocking the #12 of Nick Kennedy there on Lap 10, a position Kennedy would hold for three laps before he passed the #04 of Mario Junqueira into last.

The battle for last would quickly come to a end one lap later as entering Turn 3, Benjamin, who had moved up to 14th at the time, was in a three wide battle with the #16 of Daniel Hunter and the #11 of Keri Benjamin, with the three cars making contact, sending Dave for a spin up the track with the rest of the field driving by unaffected. No caution would come out and Dave quickly put his car back in gear and would try his best to rebound but it was too late, as he finished fourteen seconds behind the race leader, Jeremy Hawkins, who won in his SCRL debut.

The remaining Bottom Five were: 19th was the #04 of Mario Junqueira, 18th was the #18 of Nick Kennedy, 17th was the #90 of Christian Vargas and 16th was the #21 of John Hunter.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This was the first time the #76 has finished last in the SCRL ARCA Midget Series as well at Toledo.
*The only other time the #76 has trailed a SCRL field was in Season 2 of the SCRL NASCR Legends Series Alabama 500 at the Alabama International Motor Speedway when KurtPikachu's #76 unsponsored Ford completed all 18 laps under power. It would turn out to be the lone last-place finish of his SCRL career.


THE BOTTOM FIVE
20) #76-Dave Benjamin / 20 laps / running
19) #04-Mario Junqueira / 20 laps / running
18) #12-Nick Kennedy / 20 laps / running
17) #90-Christian Vargas / 20 laps / running
16) #21-John Hunter / 20 laps / running