“What a Mid Series”- Fans Anger Boils Over As Controversial Star Claims ARCA Menard’s Championship Title

The exhilarating Phoenix showdown is well underway. On one side, NASCAR drivers are rigorously gearing up for the climactic Xfinity and Cup finales in Phoenix. Meanwhile, in a striking turn of events, the ARCA Menards Series has crowned its champion—Sean Hingorani. Curiously, Hingorani didn’t clinch the final race; that honor went to William Sawalich, who triumphantly hoisted the race cup in Phoenix, but even by finishing third, Hingorani managed to win the title.

In an alternative scenario, had Kyle Larson or a driver akin to Christopher Bell emerged victorious, an outpouring of admiration and heartfelt congratulations would likely have ensued, along with a barrage of good wishes for their future pursuits. Yet, it appears Sean Hingorani’s series triumph has sparked not joy but the ire of fans. This discontent stems from Hingorani’s racing style, which many believe clashes with the sport’s ethical racing standards.

Sean Hingorani clinched the West Series championship with a podium finish in Phoenix

The final race unfurled into an enthralling duel to the checkered flag, with William Sawalich and Dean Thompson vying for the top spot. Ultimately, the youthful determination of Sawalich, also 17, prevailed, earning him a coveted victory in the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 at Phoenix Raceway. For Sawalich, a Minnesota native, this win was a sweet reversal of fortune. Starting from the pole, he commanded the race, leading all but seven laps in Friday’s electrifying ARCA West season finale.

Amidst the fierce competition, all eyes were on Sean Hingorani in the No. 15 Venturini Motorsports Toyota. The young driver was not just racing for the win but also vying for the prestigious 2023 ARCA Menards Series driver championship. Hingorani showcased his skill by leading a seven-lap stretch, overtaking Sawalich post-restart at Lap 26. Although Sawalich reclaimed the lead shortly after, Hingorani’s defensive prowess ensured he finished third. Entering the race with a 30-point lead, this strong finish was more than sufficient to crown him the champion—a remarkable feat for the 17-year-old.

Hingorani’s triumph marks the fourth championship for Toyota drivers in the ARCA Series within five years, echoing the successes of Derek Kraus and Jesse Love in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Interestingly, Hingorani’s foray into the truck race with Chevrolet materialized through a collaboration with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), which is set to dissolve by the year’s end, transitioning its assets to Spire Motorsports.

As Henderson Motorsports welcomes Hingorani as their fourth distinct driver since 2012, he joins the ranks of esteemed predecessors like Caleb Holman, Parker Kligerman, and Sam Mayer. Kligerman, in particular, has been the cornerstone of the part-time team since 2017, securing two wins and boasting a top finish of ninth at Talladega this year. Notably, the team has yet to make its mark at Phoenix.

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However, in spite of Hingorani’s impressive performance and the milestone championship win, it seems a wave of discontent is brewing among the fans, casting a shadow over the young driver’s celebrated achievement.

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Despite Sean Hingorani’s remarkable win in the ARCA Series, fan sentiment has been less than celebratory

One might imagine that for Sean Hingorani, clinching the series title in just his second year of professional racing would be a cause for universal acclaim, propelling him to instant fame and adoration. However, the reality has proved more complex, with his victory mired in controversy. Hingorani’s aggressive tactics on the track, particularly incidents where he collided with his own teammates, have sparked more outrage than admiration among racing aficionados.

The backlash has been palpable, with fans openly voicing their disapproval. Recollections of his contentious maneuvers at Mid-Ohio have led some to doubt his future in the sport, with comments like, “He’s not gonna be a success at all, after the sh*t he’s pulled at Mid-Ohio and other tracks.” Echoing this sentiment, others have expressed a bleak outlook on his career: “He has a very bad future ahead of him. Will not survive in any REAL series acting like he does.”

Criticism extended beyond Hingorani’s actions, casting a shadow over the ARCA Championship’s credibility. Remarks such as “Wow … what a mid-series if he can be champion lol,” “He won by default,” and “Paid championship,” reflect a broader skepticism about the legitimacy of his title.

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A contingent of fans has been particularly vocal about Hingorani’s driving style, labeling him “King of the wreck” and “The human wrecking ball.” The displeasure has reached such heights that some reactions have been succinct yet scathing, with a fan’s resounding “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” and another bluntly resorting to name-calling: “Dudes a**.”

Amidst this turbulence of public opinion, here’s something for you: As the young ARCA Menards Series Champion continues to navigate his career, do you think he can adapt his style and thrive in the competitive environment of NASCAR, or will his reputation for recklessness precede him?