TEMPERANCE, Mich. (January 4, 2026) — The ARCA Menards Series has announced its 2026 “Road to Daytona” participants, with several grassroots champions and rookies of the year set to make their first laps at Daytona International Speedway during the annual pre-race practice on January 9–10.
Drivers from the ARCA Menards Series East and West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Weekly Series, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, and ASA Southern Super Series will take part in the program. Cars will be prepared by 1995 ARCA Menards Series national champion Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track High Performance Racing Team, with technical support from Ilmor, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco, Eibach Springs, and JRI Shocks.
2026 Road to Daytona participants include:
- Isaac Kitzmiller (16, Maysville, WV): 2025 ARCA Menards Series East champion with three top-five and eight top-10 finishes in eight starts.
- Robbie Kennealy (19, Madera, CA): 2025 ARCA Menards Series West Bounty Rookie of the Year; scored first career win at All American Speedway and finished third in West standings.
- Craig Lutz (31, Miller Place, NY): Third in 2025 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings; six career NWMT wins including North Wilkesboro and Richmond in 2025.
- Kody King (18, Cedar Lake, IA): 2025 ASA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year; fifth in ASAMWT standings with one top-five finish.
- Brad May (48, Orlando, FL): Multiple-time Super Late Model champion at New Smyrna Speedway; seven feature wins in nine starts during 2025.
- Albert Francis (24, Painesville, OH): Sixth in 2025 ASA CRA Super Series standings; ASA JEGS All-Star Tour winner at Winchester Speedway.
- Hudson Bulger (18, Perry, GA): ASA Southern Super Series representative; 2024 New Smyrna Speedway rookie of the year.
The Road to Daytona program has previously featured notable drivers including 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ty Majeski, former ARCA Menards Series winner Travis Braden, Truck Series contender Layne Riggs, Daytona ARCA 200 winner Greg Van Alst, and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore…