Photo – David Graham/Associated Press
The ARCA Racing Series heads to the Mobile International Speedway for the third straight year. The trophy has stayed in the state, as Alabama drivers Cale Gale and Grant Enfinger won the first two events.
Heading into this weekend, Enfinger appears as the hands down favorite. He is coming off a win in the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona and is looking to make it two-for-two on the season. Enfinger can become the first driver since Jimmy Horton in 1990 to win the first two ARCA events to start the year.
In last year’s race at Mobile, 15-year-old Kyle Benjamin made his ARCA début for Venturini Motorsports and wheeled the No. 15 car to a runner-up finish. This year, Benjamin will look to better his 2013 finish, as he is expected to run for Roulo Brothers Racing in selected events this season, starting with Mobile.
Cunningham Motorsports is bringing three cars to Mobile. Austin Wayne Self will be in the No. 22, veteran Tom Hessert in the No. 72, and Anderson Bowen in the No. 77. Bowen was also 15 years old in last year’s race and recorded a third-place finish in the No. 22.
Another driver to keep an eye on is sophomore Justin Boston. He came close a few times to victory lane last year, but this could be the weekend Boston finally gets the monkey off his back.
“Heading into Mobile this weekend has me pumped, especially considering how strongly we performed last week when we tested. I honestly believe that we have a shot to win wherever we go this year. Mobile International Speedway is no different than any other opportunity. Kevin (Reed) and everyone at Venturini Motorsports have been doing a great job putting together our new short-track ZLOOP – JACO Toyota Camry. This race has a big red circle highlighting it in our calendars.
“Our goal for the next few races is to really put an emphasis on qualifying high and making the effort to get as many points possible. We are down right now, but certainly not out, considering how strong we will be throughout the rest of the season.”
In addition to their driver Justin Boston, Venturini Motorsports will have two drivers making their ARCA débuts this weekend. Cody Coughlin will pilot the No. 55 JEGS Toyota and former K&N Pro Series West driver Michael Self will be in the No. 66. Coughlin signed a driver development deal with Joe Gibbs Racing and will run up to 12 ARCA races for the Venturinis. Self tested with the team at Daytona last December and recently at Mobile.
“I’m really excited for this weekend,” said Coughlin. “Venturini Motorsports has a really strong team and with the support of Joe Gibbs Racing, I’ve been blessed with some of the best people behind me I could ask for. That makes me confident that when I get behind the wheel, I’ve got the best car I can possibly have to go out there and compete. I don’t expect anything less than a good performance for myself and my team.”
“The teammate thing is pretty new to me because that’s something I’ve never had in my Late Model days, but it’s been a really cool experience. It was a cool being a part of seeing everyone work together and gel at the Mobile test last week. It was a very positive experience. I look forward to bouncing ideas off of my teammates John Wes Townley, Justin Boston and Michael Self this weekend,” said Coughlin.
Another Alabama native and a member of the NASCAR Next for 2013-14, Michael Self is the only driver in the Mobile event from the program. NASCAR Next, an evolution of the Next9 initiative that began in 2011, is an overarching industry initiative to help spotlight NASCAR’s rising stars. In addition to competing on various NASCAR series across the country, drivers in the program participate in several media and promotional activities throughout the year.
Self will carry a logo of “Grandmother Self” on the rear deck lid of his No. 66 Toyota in memory of his grandmother, a native of Pell City.
Never count out ten-time and defending ARCA Series champion Frank Kimmel. He is coming off a runner-up finish in the season opener at Daytona. Kimmel is always fast at the short tracks and not be overlooked.
Other drivers scheduled to run Mobile will John Wes Townley, running a full ARCA and NASCAR Camping World Truck Schedule, Matt Tifft, who is splitting the #52 Ken Schrader Racing car with Clay Campbell and owner Ken Schrader, and Mason Mitchell, running under his own banner this season.
Mobile International Speedway is owned by former Camping World Truck Series driver Rick Crawford.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron will serve as grand marshal for the race.
There will be an ARCA Racing Series Driver Autograph Session from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at the Aircraft Pavilion USS Alabama. On Thursday starting at 8:00 p.m., Home Mortgage of America will host their Green Flag Party located in Downtown Mobile at Grand Central, featuring two-time “American Idol” competitor Megan Miller and her band.
Race coverage for the ARCA-Mobile 200 will be aired live Saturday, March 22 starting at 2:00 p.m. CDT, with timing and scoring and radio broadcast at arcaracing.com.
The track has been a staple of short-track racing in the south and Saturday’s race should once again not disappoint