The Points Battle in America’s Other Racing Series

A battle is brewing in one of America’s top series. No it’s not in one of NASCAR’s premier levels. Instead, it is the ARCA Series. Right now, any of the top five contenders has a chance at the series title, and with six races still left this season, the drama is just beginning. From Scott Speed to Frank Kimmel the story lines have been great, the characters colorful and the points divide very small.

This season has seen reigning series champion and undisputed king of ARCA Frank Kimmel stumble as he ventured out into the realm of team ownership. The nine time series champion has had a rough season, finishing in the back more than once, scoring only his first win this past weekend in Springfield. Kimmel sits fifth in points, but given a banner run late this season Kimmel may be able to take the series lead. While it is a long shot, given the way the points are structured a lot of ground can be made up in just one race.

Emerging as perhaps the most promising newcomer is Roush Fenway Racing development driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. In his first season in ARCA, the baby faced driver has two wins and has led the points off and on all season. Initially Roush planned to run Stenhouse in only select races, however the potential for a championship was too great, and they elected to keep him in the car the remainder of the season.

The most colorful character that has emerged though is former F1 driver Scott Speed, racing for Team Red Bull Racing. From flamboyant driving shoes, to painted toe nails, he is certainly a departure from the norm. His personality has made him a target for some fans and other competitors, but no one can argue that he holds back. His four wins this season have put him on top of the standings; he leads second place Stenhouse by 110 points.

In third and fourth respectively are Matt Carter and Justin Allgaier who have maintained very consistent seasons in a series that often becomes a wreck-fest. Carter sits only 10 points from second place Stenhouse and has a chance of gaining ground. Likewise Allgaier is 40 points up on fifth place Kimmel and is only 95 points from Carter.

The points race really is wide open back to fifth place. With one dirt race and one road course race left, the season is sure to yield some surprises. While the broadcasts are not as glamorous as the Sprint Cup Series, and the cautions can at times become daunting, the racing is some of the best out there. It is the only regularly televised series that features NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow racing today. So if you are not familiar with ARCA or have not tuned in in a while, I encourage you to check it out now.

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