Christian Eckes is our guest on Fan4Racing NASCAR & Race Talk, Monday, July 24, 2017, at 9 pm ET. Call 929-477-1790 or tweet @Fan4RacingSite or @Sal_Sigala with any questions or comments during our LIVE broadcast.
Last week, Venturini Motorsports and sixteen-year-old Christian Eckes announced an agreement to extend their partnership through the 2018 ARCA Racing Series season. A key driver for Venturini Motorsports this season, Eckes is a native of Middletown, NY, and will continue his career development over 15 races in the 2018 season.
“I’ve found a good home here in the ARCA Series with a great team.” says Eckes. “The level of competition in series the last couple of years has been awesome. It’s a good fit for me at this stage of my career – I really feel I’m at the right place at the right time.
“It’s especially nice knowing next year’s plan so early – it allows me to concentrate my efforts 100% on racing. The support I’ve received from my sponsors, Venturini Motorsports and everyone at Toyota Racing is just incredible – I’m so thankful. I’m really proud to be a part of all this,” added Eckes.
One of the top driver prospects in the country, Eckes is also recognized within Toyota Racing Development, as part of their talented lineup. Co-owner and competition director at Venturini Motorsports, Billy Venturini is enthusiastic about Eckes potential.
“Saying I’m proud and excited to welcome Christian back into the fold for the next season is an absolute understatement,” says Venturini.
“He’s walked into the shop last year with a fresh face and immediately went to work,” added Venturini. “In a short amount of time he’s done his part on and off the track to stand out among a crowded group of young drivers in the ARCA garage. He is a genuine kid and everyone on the team loves working with him. I see a ton of potential – Christian is one of those special drivers that comes along with a high ceiling and will continue to get better and ultimately move on to the next level.”
Competing in a limited ARCA schedule over the last two seasons, Eckes has ten starts with Venturini Motorsports and is evolving as a race contender every week.
The high school honors student is driving the No. 15 car for Venturini and has put together six straight top-ten finishes in as many races. His best finish was at Elko Speedway, finishing second. This season Eckes has three top-fives and has led an impressive 272 laps in his six starts this season.
At Lucas Oil Raceway this past weekend, Eckes came home with another tenth-place finish and with two races left on his 2017 ARCA schedule, Eckes next races are at Winchester Speedway on August 6th and at Salem Speedway on September 9th.