The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is a prominent stock car racing organization within North America. It serves a significant purpose in the motorsports landscape, providing a platform for competition across various tracks.
Understanding the Automobile Racing Club of America
ARCA was founded in 1953 by John Marcum, initially known as the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC). The organization has maintained a long-standing presence in American motorsports, with its name changing to the Automobile Racing Club of America in 1964 at the suggestion of Bill France Sr., the founder of NASCAR, to gain more national recognition.
NASCAR officially acquired ARCA in April 2018, integrating it more fully into the broader NASCAR family. Despite the acquisition, ARCA continued to operate independently through the 2019 season, and as of 2020, it became sanctioned by NASCAR. This integration allows ARCA to maintain its distinct identity and series while benefiting from NASCAR’s infrastructure and reach. ARCA also owns and operates Toledo Speedway and Flat Rock Speedway.
Specifications for ARCA Race Cars
ARCA stock cars adhere to specific technical requirements for competitive balance and driver safety. The cars typically weigh a minimum of 3,400 pounds for steel bodies or 3,300 pounds for composite bodies without the driver. These vehicles utilize a 4-speed manual transmission and are powered by pushrod V8 engines with a displacement ranging from 350 to 396 cubic inches.
Engine power approaches 700 horsepower when unrestricted. ARCA vehicles can use two different engine packages: the carbureted Roush spec motor, which produces around 650 horsepower, or the fuel-injected Ilmor 396 engine, a purpose-built powerplant based on the Chevrolet LS engine family that delivers approximately 700 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The chassis and roll cage assembly must be NASCAR-approved Generation 5 components, meeting precise specifications for safety.
The composite car bodies, resembling models like the Ford Mustang and Toyota Camry, became mandated for all tracks by 2020, phasing out the older steel bodies. General Tire is the series’ official tire supplier. These specifications help maintain parity among competitors and control costs, distinguishing ARCA cars from other racing series while sharing design principles with older NASCAR stock cars.
The ARCA Menards Series
The ARCA Menards Series is the premier racing division of ARCA. It features a diverse schedule of events, encompassing various track types including short tracks, superspeedways, road courses, and even dirt tracks. A typical season consists of approximately 20 races across numerous venues.
The championship is determined by a points system that aligns with NASCAR’s format, awarding 43 points to the race winner with additional bonus points. A win earns a three-point bonus, while leading a lap and leading the most laps each provide a one-point bonus. Earning the pole position through qualifying also adds a bonus point, allowing a driver to score a maximum of 49 points in an event. The series includes segments, with bonus points awarded to teams and drivers who compete in all races within each segment.
The competitive environment in the ARCA Menards Series is often characterized by close racing and the participation of both seasoned drivers and aspiring talents. Races are broadcast on networks like Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, with some events appearing on the Fox broadcast network.
ARCA’s Path to Higher Racing
ARCA serves as a developmental series, a stepping stone for individuals aiming for higher NASCAR divisions. Drivers, crew members, and teams gain experience and hone their skills. This helps them attract sponsors and prepare for the NASCAR Xfinity Series or Cup Series.
Many successful drivers have progressed through ARCA, including past NASCAR Cup Series champions and race winners. Notable drivers who raced in ARCA before advancing include Benny Parsons, Kyle Petty, Ken Schrader, Kyle Busch, Justin Allgaier, and Daniel Suárez. Young drivers often participate in ARCA’s superspeedway events, such as the Daytona season opener, to gain experience and approvals for competing on larger NASCAR tracks. This developmental pathway highlights ARCA’s contribution to stock car racing’s future talent.