Riley Herbst Scores First ARCA Victory at Pocono

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Riley Herbst on Fan4Racing Radio, Monday, June 12, 2017 at 9:30 pm ET. Photo – ARS

Riley Herbst is our guest on Fan4Racing NASCAR & Race Talk, Monday, June 12, 2017 at 9:30 pm ET. Call 929-477-1790 or tweet @Fan4RacingSite or @Sal_Sigala with any questions or comments during our LIVE broadcast.

In just his sixth ARCA Racing Series start, rookie contender Riley Herbst celebrated his first series victory after winning the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 at Pocono Raceway on Friday afternoon. But for the 18-year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada, it was a long time coming. 

“Talk about a long time coming for this team,” said Herbst. “Just a big thanks to Joe Gibbs Racing for this opportunity, my parents, grandparents…this is just awesome.”

Herbst brought Joe Gibbs Racing their first ARCA victory, while setting a new series record at Pocono. Herbst was able to finish the race in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 55 seconds, surpassing he old mark of 1:25:29 set by Scott Riggs back in 2004.

“Right when I hopped in the 18 car I knew we were fast. Pit stops were great all day…I never would have believed this.”

The young rookie had veteran support with Chris Lambert serving as his spotter throughout the race.

“Chris Lambert is Denny Hamlin’s spotter. He’s the best, said Herbst after the race. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I’m so proud of these guys. They built this team from the ground up. My guys have been working endless hours. I believe in them and I know they believe in me. They act like this ARCA team is their fourth Cup team…this is just the beginning for this 18 team.”

Earlier in the day, Brandon Jones took the pole to lead the race to the green flag. But when the race ended, Jones was disappointed with his second-place finish as Herbst’s closest competitor by nearly two seconds. Michael Self finished third, with Zane Smith and Gus Dean finishing fourth and fifth.

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series is the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway this Friday, June 16th. Coverage begins on FOX Sports 1 at 6 pm ET with live timing and scoring available at arcaracing.com.