We’ll preview the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and the ARCA West Series race at Irwindale Speedway. We’ll also offer updates for the ARCA Menards and East Series with some Short Track news!Â
It all started with a tweet. After coming off an 18th place finish at the season-opening race at Daytona, Ryan Vargas and JD Motorsports with Gary Keller found themselves without a primary partner for the second race of the season at the Daytona Road Course. Vargas took to social media to try and attract potential partners, and the answer came flying in from the end zone.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Ryan Vargas, second from left, helps push his car during the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine at New Smyrna Speedway on October 23, 2019, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Photo by Brian Cleary/Getty Images
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Nicholas Sanchez walked to the Rev Racing transporters in the New Smyrna Speedway infield looking for a bottle of water and a chance to take a deep breath. A huge smile on his face and maybe a little swagger in his step, Sanchez said he was just told he was quickest of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity candidates in their first on-track test session Wednesday morning.
Ryan Vargas backstage before Driver Introductions for the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Photo – Jay Husmann/Getty Images
The list of young and up-coming stars in NASCAR Xfinity 11th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway is long, with six of the nine 2018 NASCAR Next class being entered, highlighted by Ryan Vargas making his series debut. From La Mirada, California, the 18-year-old is driving the No. 15 JD Motorsports Cranio Care Bears Chevrolet. Also an alumni member of the Drive for Diversity program, Vargas is thankful, looking to make the most of all opportunities he is given.