Ever since 2018, NASCAR found itself increasing its focus on the ARCA Menards Series. After all, that’s where most drivers came to the Cup Series from. It was the place to show their talent, grab the attention of team scouts, and get their ticket to the Cup Series. But was that all the series was known for? NASCAR veterans Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace disagree.

In a recent conversation about grassroots racing, Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader highlighted the diverse racing platform that is ARCA.

How is NASCAR advancing its driver’s foundation?

Going ahead, Ken further expressed, “I remember that I know he [Scott Bloomquist] ran some other races, we’ve had a lot of people, shark track change that just made the step pretty hard just to buy a truck and go play with those guys or to buy a car that’s really crazy. It used to be a destination. We had different guys. That’s what they ran, they ran ARCA. Now at this point, it’s just we’re passing through to hopefully go to greener pastures but that doesn’t always work out for everybody.” 

As Schrader implied, no one emphasizes the opportunity of ARCA as Scott Bloomquist did. He won Dirt Late Model Dreams eight times. When it came time to race in the Truck Series during the 2013 Mudsummer Classic with Kyle Busch Motorsports, things didn’t go so well for Bloomquist. He qualified outside the top 30 and his performance in the first heat race left fans disappointed. However, it didn’t take away his legendary status in racing. The fact that he has over 600 race wins participating in ARCA and other series is a testament to his skill.

It’s the reason why NASCAR is constantly working toward improving the overall grassroots racing experience. Their streaming partnership with FloRacing will give the racers exposure to a wider audience and fan base. Beyond that, they’re funding the improvements of local tracks and increasing the purses who take part in NASCAR’s touring and weekly series events. This can act as a kick-start jackpot for the coming rookies. Considering the impact ARCA had over shaping NASCAR drivers, it’s no wonder NASCAR wants to continue investing in the series. Drivers like Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, and Denny Hamlin all came through the ARCA system. 

Considering the present time, Schrader opened up about how ARCA can play a good role in shaping drivers. He said, “But you know What’s really good opportunity right now is Helio was done testing and Helio is going is going to run the arca race.” Supporting that Wallace added, “You know as we’re in current times there is no more testing in the NASCAR CUP SERIES you cannot go anywhere and test a new cup car and they put that in to try to cut cost now they’re going to have I think for the Daytona 500. I think everybody gets a 45 minutes practice season and then you qualify. Helio down there getting used to heavy the big heavy cars.”

Wallace’s points make a massive impact on understanding why so many drivers still prefer to run ARCA and other grassroots leagues. The lack of practice during the offseason, combined with the possibility of a limited-time practice session before a race, makes it a viable option. More importantly, it lets drivers like Castroneves get a feel for the Cup Series car, which is very similar to the ARCA car.

Veterans’ views on the recent debut of Helio in the NASCAR Daytona 500 international speedway can get a kick with his participation in ARCA’s Series. After finishing his test phase for the Daytona ARCA 200. Kenny Wallace’s insights on only 45 minutes of practice at NASCAR qualifying, stress the importance of practice Helio is going to get in his ARCA racing series and numbered chances to familiarize himself with the tracks and the patterns of racing. Though there aren’t many differences in both NASCAR and ARCA cars, however, the engines vary, prominently. NASCAR uses modern electronic fuel engines, whereas ARCA is still binding with older carburetor technology. But it will be interesting to see if another ARCA expert holds on to the NASCAR trophy.

How can Helio Castroneves fight the competition with his debut?

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Helio Castroneves’ Daytona 500 debut is all over NASCAR world. A celebrated IndyCar driver jumping into a Next-Gen car is a massive moment for the sport. However, even for a champion like Castroneves, racing at Daytona won’t be simple. As Wallace mentioned, drivers don’t have a lot of time to practice. It’s why Castroneves is participating in the Daytona 200 in the ARCA Series. 

“I am looking forward to ARCA racing,” he said, speaking after his ARCA test. “I think getting as much seat time as possible will help in our preparation for the Daytona 500, plus I have watched ARCA races in the past on television and they look like a lot of fun.” 

Driving with the Pinnacle Racing Group, Castroneves drove a Chevy car during the test, letting him get a better feel for the Trackhouse Racing Chevy he’ll use for the Cup Series race. In terms of performance, he took to NASCAR quickly, coming in at 27th place. While that may not seem like a positive result, Castroneves was only off by 1.047 from the leader, Amber Balcaen, who had a time of 49.102 seconds.

Castroneves will value the time spent in the car during the test and the Daytona ARCA 200. Since the ARCA race is just two days before the Daytona 500, the driver will have important insights to draw on.