It’s no secret that motorsport is an expensive affair. Only recently, Ross Chastain highlighted, “Money buys speed, and you’re gonna see that in any form of racing.” As the technical aspect of racing continues to gain complexity, and the cost of competing rises. Gone are the days when a driver could get into a top racing series; without significant financial backing.
Speaking of which, this is the reality NASCAR aspirant Colby Evans needed to face this week. Instead of preparing for his ARCA Series debut in the Atlas 150 at Iowa Speedway, Evans took to X to announce the unsettling reality.
An unfortunate ARCA situation proves cash is still king in motorsport
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With how expensive access to motorsport is in the modern era, it’s a dream come true for a driver to even debut in a top category like the ARCA Menards Series. So when the part-time ARCA and NASCAR crew member was presented with an opportunity to finally change his resume from an aspiring driver to an experienced one, Colby Evans was over the moon.
Unfortunately, that Euphoria did not last for long. Only a few days before the Atlas 150, Evans shared a disappointing update; “Found out today (that) I will not be racing in the Iowa ARCA race next weekend. I’m heartbroken, as it was supposed to be my big debut with a part-time schedule behind it.”
Found out today I will not be racing in the Iowa ARCA race next weekend. I'm heartbroken as it was supposed to be my big debut with a part-time schedule behind it.
I'll still be there as Crew on the 48, but It won't feel the same. Racing business can really kick you in the gut
— Colby Evans (@StartAndParkCar) June 6, 2024
After contributing to the world of NASCAR through The Racing Experts media outlet to working alongside lower budget teams because ‘they rule’, it’s safe to Evans wasn’t expecting such a disappointing situation.
According to the Brad Smith Motorsports crew member, a last-minute call was made that sidelined his NASCAR debut. Instead of getting behind the wheel of the #48 Chevrolet SS for the first time, Colby Evans would have to watch on from the pit lane. He concluded, “I’ll still be there as Crew on the 48, but It won’t feel the same. (The) racing business can really kick you in the gut.”
While Evans didn’t mention exactly why the call had to be made, it’s safe to say it had a lot to do with the nature of the ‘racing business’. With Evans out of the picture to drive the #48, full-time driver and team owner Bradley Smith could most likely step in.
However, as per many fans, another ‘pay driver’ might just have snatched the Colby Evans’ dream opportunity from right under his nose.
The NASCAR community sympathizes with Colby Evans’ unfortunate exit from Iowa
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After Colby Evans made the shocking revelation on X, many fans chimed in to share their disappointment with the outcome. Instead of witnessing the beloved community member make his big debut, users felt that the business side of things had taken over once more.
One fan speculated, “I’m guessing it’s because someone out of nowhere came in with a sponsor who needed to drive that race. Either way that sucks,” Whilst another shared, “That’s crazy how you can just lose a ride nowadays” For an aspiring racer, such an opportunity would surely come again, but the fact that it was delayed so close to fruition stung many fans.
Users shared their support for the part-time crew member during this time of crisis, “Sorry, Colby. You’ll get your debut soon” with others sympathizing, “That’s awful. So sorry Colby. I hope you get that ride!!” As things stand, there is no talk about when Colby Evans will get a shot at a NASCAR event next.
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To conclude, a well-wisher stated, “Keep up the good work boss. Your time will come.”
With Colby Evans’ unfortunate fate ahead of the Atlas 150 at Iowa Speedway sent the NASCAR community into a frenzy, could the support turn the tides in his favor?