He Said, She Said- ARCA Style – 02/06/07

Race Fans:

Welcome to the first edition of He Said, She Said for the ARCA RE/MAX Series. This is a great column reintroduced to the ARCA RE/MAX Series for the 2007 season. Catchfence.com has lined up a great amount of respected individuals within the ARCA RE/MAX Series and we’re excited to have them aboard.

Next to each name, you will find their specific representation in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. We hope the fans and teams enjoy the new column, welcome aboard!

We’ll break the answers up between the guys and the girls. Feel free to email us and let us know what you think.

1) The start of the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series season begins this Saturday in Daytona, what kind of race do you think we will see?

Guys:

Chris Knight, Catchfence.com

I think the fans are going to see a great race. I really think it’s going to be more competitive than last year. The field looks stouter this year and the driver lineup is impressive. The stands will be full, and no one should turn that SPEED dial on Saturday, it’s going to be a great season opener.

Daren Havens, ARCA

I expect it to be much like Daytona 2006. Many very good race cars/teams/drivers, and not enough places for all of them in the event. I think we will see another strong performance by the Gerhart team and if Talladega in October was an indicator, we will see some very good racing.

Justin Marks, driver of the No. 65 Construct Corps Dodge for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

I think it will be one of the most competitive ARCA races at Daytona in the series’ history. Teams are operating at a very elite level. I think you’ll see a bigger group of cars in that lead “breakaway” draft but it won’t be as big as what we saw at Talladega. I think any of about 12 to 15 cars can win the race.

Eric Jones, SI Performance Motorsports and former NASCAR driver

The ’07 ARCA 200 is going to be an exciting one! I believe there will be a lot more lead changes in this race than we’ve seen in previous years. This Series is becoming much more competitive, and this particular field looks to be very deep with talent and funding. There are quite a few x-factors in this race and I can’t wait to get to Florida and check out the action.

Phillip McGilton, driver of the No. 47 SI Performance-Gould’s Electric Chevrolet Monte Carlo

I think you’re going to see a very exciting race. It’s the first race of 2007 and it’s a super speedway. A lot of teams have put more time and effort into this race than they will for any other. Meaning several cars will have the chance to finish up front, making for some close racing. In addition, you have to look at the amount of newcomers making their first super speedway start. With all those ingredients, I think everyone is in for a great show.

James Carter, Public Relations DGM Racing

When you combine the Daytona International Speedway with the ARCA RE/MAX Series season opener, fast racecars and lots of rookie drivers you are going to see an exciting race. It will be an adventure for the race teams that is loaded with highs and lows. I am just hoping it will be a safe race for everyone with lots of good racing and a very close finish that will make the highlight reels of all the major TV networks.

Joey Dennewitz, Public Relations Eddie Sharp Racing-Michael McDowell

Typical ARCA Speedway racing� You’ll see the big affiliated teams and drivers run up front all dodging pit strategy and the big one. They will all string out and ride waiting for the last couple laps before someone pulls out and takes half the field with them.

Girls:

Jennifer Belmont, car-owner of No. 62 & No. 1 in ARCA RE/MAX Series

I think very exciting. I honestly think the only two races worth watching at Daytona are the ARCA race and the truck race. The rest is just made for TV; (PG-13) may contain a lot of being politically correct.

Bethann Puderbaugh, Ingle Motorsports

I think we’ll see another breathtaking event from Daytona, and if I were to venture a guess we’ll probably see everyone chasing Bobby Gerhart for the victory. If they’re going to win at Daytona, they’ll have to get through Bobby to do it. Frank Kimmel will be strong as he always is, and ARCA veteran Billy Venturini will be vying for the win. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for David Ragan who’ll be running the event to gain valuable seat time in preparation for his Nextel Cup debut in the #6 Roush Racing Ford, Michael Waltrip’s developmental driver Josh Wise, and Evernham Racing’s Erin Crocker.

Shannon Wells, Public Relations Representative Oostlander Racing

Most definitely exciting! I think someone who hasn’t won Daytona in the past will win this year.

Sandy Sparrow, Darrell Basham Racing

I think that this years Daytona race could possibly break records. For example, different leaders, I think we will see some new names up front. Granted, Bobby Gerhart and Frank Kimmel but also names like, AJ Henriksen, David Ragan and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

Michelle Petroff, Public Relations Clements Racing

Everyone is charged up and ready to kick off the season so that energy will mean an exciting race for fans but some disappointment for teams as I’m sure we will see a few instances of being overly aggressive and trying to push the envelope a bit too far. The one thing about Daytona is you cannot watch the first half of the race and assume who they winner will be – a lot of excitement will play out in the closing 50 laps of the race.

Becca Brock, Catchfence.com Staff Writer

I am hoping for a fast-paced intense race with very few cautions but, it is Daytona, so one never really knows what to expect!

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2) The 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule has changed from last year. Talk about the changes. Do you think the changes were good, bad? Will it have an effect on the teams?

Guys:

Chris Knight, Catchfence.com

Kudos to the ARCA RE/MAX Series staff for putting together a very solid schedule in 2007. You can’t please everyone, we all know that, but the series took some of the problems the schedule has produced in the past will become history. I especially like the season ending at Toledo Speedway; I don’t think it gets much better than that.

Daren Havens, ARCA

I like the Lakeland event in March. It will be nice to have a race between Daytona and Nashville. I like the movement of Kansas from July to April. It should provide some relief from the summer weather. I like the layoff in June. It will be nice to have the opportunity to catch our breath. I love crowning the 2007 series champion at Toledo Speedway, ARCA’s home track.

Justin Marks, driver of the No. 65 Construct Corps Dodge for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Didn’t run enough in the past to have much of an opinion on this one.

Eric Jones, SI Performance Motorsports and former NASCAR driver

There weren’t many major changes as far as the tracks that the series visits, but it looks like ARCA pushed back the busy July schedule into August and September. That particular swing in the schedule will be pretty rough on the smaller, under-funded teams, and I think that is the stretch that will decide the championship.

Phillip McGilton, driver of the No. 47 SI Performance-Gould’s Electric Chevrolet Monte Carlo

I’ve looked at the changes closer since this question was shot to me. I don’t really see anything alarming. So from the stand point of considering the changes good or bad, I’m not leaning either direction. But I do believe there are a couple months that are going to be tough on crews preparing cars. The only thing I saw that looked out of place for a series that is trying to grow its reputation is the finale at Toledo. Is this the right place to finish up the season?

James Carter, Public Relations DGM Racing

First, let me say that coming up with a schedule is a challenge for the ARCA officials that I definitely do not envy. I can only imagine how difficult it is to attempt to coordinate such a schedule with the racetracks and other series. As far as this year’s schedule goes, I really like the first 2/3rds of it, but as with the prior schedule, we still have that “killer” two week period starting with the Governor’s Cup on August 26th and ending with the Chicagoland race on September 8th. That is a really difficult run for all the full-time teams, especially those who are still “in the hunt” for the championship. It takes a tremendous amount of time and resources to be properly prepared for that challenging portion of the schedule. It could easily be the “Achilles heal” for any team vying for the championship.

Joey Dennewitz, Public Relations Eddie Sharp Racing-Michael McDowell

The first thing that comes to mind is the season finale at Toledo. A championship battle going into one of the most historic ARCA speedways would give quite a storyline for the season finale. The week off after Michigan is a big deal to the boys in the shop due to the rigorous schedule up until that point. The spacing is more equal over the entire schedule, giving the teams more time to prepare racecars.

Girls:

Jennifer Belmont, car-owner of No. 62 & No. 1 in ARCA RE/MAX Series

First, im glad there is a race in March and we won’t need winter coats to participate. Anyway the schedule is fine. The only change that I would like is to switch the April Nashville to daytime and the August Nashville to the night race. It gets really hot up in the spotter stand in August. I don’t think the teams will have a hard time with the schedule. I personally would like to see a couple more races added, maybe Rockingham or Indianapolis Raceway Park or whatever it is called. Change is good. Except that ugly COT.

Bethann Puderbaugh, Ingle Motorsports

I think the changes to the ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule will be good for the series. The addition of the race at USA Int’l Speedway in Lakeland is great. It’ll break up the long stretch between races at Daytona and Nashville, and USA Int’l Speedway is a wonderful facility. Scheduling the season finale for Toledo is going to make for an exciting finale as teams beat and bang their way to the Championship title. Having the season end in ARCA’s backyard is a great way to wrap up the season. I don’t think the change will have much of an effect on the teams, and for the most part I think they’ll enjoy it.

Shannon Wells, Public Relations Representative Oostlander Racing

I personally like and dislike the schedule. I don’t like how they took a Michigan race away, but I do like the race they added for March. We needed a race in March instead of going such a long break from Feb to April.

Sandy Sparrow, Darrell Basham Racing

I always like picking up new tracks it adds something to the season, like a new sense of adventure a new place to conquer. The teams that are working with smaller budgets will find this season a little harder, due to the short tracks purses and long drives.

Michelle Petroff, Public Relations Clements Racing

The travel will be grueling for this year’s tour but I’m really looking forward to the diversity in the venues on this year’s schedule because this year’s champion will have to be the best all-around driver since you cannot simply be a speedway or short-track guru. I think ARCA did a great job expanding their demographic reach and will hopefully continue to seek new tracks to keep things fresh and energized. Any time there is a change, there is an effect (often financial) on teams. Besides the travel budgets needing modifications, many teams had to make changes to their equipment lineups now that we have bullrings, flat tracks, intermediates, super speedways and dirt tracks.

Becca Brock, Catchfence.com Staff Writer

I think the schedule change is good. It will force teams to be ready for some races with less prep time than before, but I think it will help hold the fans interest with not so much lag time between races.

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3) In your eyes, why is the ARCA RE/MAX Series becoming more and more popular each year?

Guys:

Chris Knight, Catchfence.com

I really think the series is becoming more popular is due to a lot of factors. The drivers and teams are better. The sponsors have begun to take notice and everyone has done everything they can to bring awareness to the development series for NASCAR.

I think everyone has done a good job in the past couple years. I can’t believe how much the series has changed since I started first covering it in 2001, now it’s awesome. I know it will only continue to get better as time progresses.

Daren Havens, ARCA

There is more visibility due to more live T.V. More activation by RE/MAX Series sponsors. More teams realizing that there are opportunities to come here and race with some of the best talent in Motorsports.

Justin Marks, driver of the No. 65 Construct Corps Dodge for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

I think there are a couple of reasons. The economy is stronger than it has been in the past which means companies are spending more money than they have on sponsorship and marketing. I think that more NEXTEL Cup teams are using ARCA to develop drivers making it a more visible series for people wanting to showcase their talents. I think the fact that David Ragan got a NEXTEL Cup ride has made it clear that true ARCA competitors have a chance at moving up to the top levels.

Eric Jones, SI Performance Motorsports and former NASCAR driver

The single, biggest reason that I can think of is the push for younger development drivers. The RE/MAX Series this season looks to be a mix of some ARCA veterans and a host of young drivers looking for the experience and results to make it to the next level. That will make for some interesting racing and several surprise winners.

Phillip McGilton, driver of the No. 47 SI Performance-Gould’s Electric Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Several reasons jump into my mind when I first read this question. The first being the increase of high budget development teams now competing in the series. The increase of TV time is also a help. These are only a few of the big ones but there are defiantly several others.

James Carter, Public Relations DGM Racing

Competition, competition, competition! It keeps getting better and better each year in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. I’ve only been actively associated with this series for the past 3 � years. In that short period time, the level of competition in this series has risen consistently. I keep thinking it will reach a plateau, but it just keeps getting better and better. Racers are first and foremost, competitors. As a result, the popularity of the series with racers is growing by leaps and bounds. Likewise, race fans love the thrill of close competition. With that in mind, as long as the series can maintain its high level of competition, its popularity will continue to rise.

Joey Dennewitz, Public Relations Eddie Sharp Racing-Michael McDowell

Its more competitive. More development teams enter the weekly show looking at ARCA as not only a learning platform, but a stage to showcase talent and racing resumes. Competition breeds popularity. With other Motorsports venues becoming a week in week out snooze fest, ARCA brings excitement no matter the stage. Everyone wants good racing with top talent. ARCA brings the good racing and the teams are bringing the top talent.

Girls:

Jennifer Belmont, car-owner of No. 62 & No. 1 in ARCA RE/MAX Series

Well, its so much more fun to race over here, you don’t have to deal with people like KH who believe that the sun should rise and set on him! Everyone is an equal. You don’t have to be so politically correct. People (fans) really want to hear the drivers and crews tell it like it is not the Dale Carnegie School of what should be said. It’s kinda like MTV’s “The Real World” for racing. It’s a series where there is only a handful of people per team and they can all do just about any job, make crush panels, put an engine in, time laps etc. We utilize all of our help; they work on a race team, not a production line as most teams do over there. At the end of the day in the ARCA series its still about racing, not about TV.

Bethann Puderbaugh, Ingle Motorsports

The involvement of the developmental drivers from the Nextel Cup Series, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series, as well as SPEED Channel’s coverage of ARCA has done alot to bring fans to the series. NASCAR’s developmental teams like the series because they run on the same tracks, they’re the same cars (ARCA teams purchase old cars from the Nextel Cup teams), and it gives their developmental drivers seat time.

For a driver who has aspirations to make it to NASCAR it’s a great series to run, and that’s why there’s been such an increase in entries for the ARCA races. Clint Bowyer was found by Richard Childress while running an ARCA event, and many of NASCAR’s most popular starts made a stop in the ARCA Series at one point in their careers. What’s not to like?

Shannon Wells, Public Relations Representative Oostlander Racing

Probably because you get to see bump and banging and real racing instead of the “he banged me, let’s fine them.” People like to see that and you get that in the ARCA series.

Sandy Sparrow, Darrell Basham Racing

The development teams coming to the series is what I feel is the biggest help. When I talk about the ARCA Series and say things like, Rick Hendrick and Ray Evernham I get more attention. Obviously our televised events on Speed has given the series a tremendous amount of popularity too.

Michelle Petroff, Public Relations Clements Racing

As I mentioned previously, the diversity in the ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule is a key factor in the series’ popularity. Name another series that goes into new venues like Iowa Speedway and follows that up with traditional NASCAR markets like Pocono and Michigan but never forgets one-mile clay ovals? We see some of NASCAR’s stoutest competitors come out of the ARCA RE/MAX Series because they have survived intensely strong competition and know how to adapt to tracks and conditions that many others are challenged by.

Becca Brock, Catchfence.com Staff Writer

I think that folks are starting to realize that the true, raw talent that NASCAR needs is in the ARCA series. It isn’t full of pretty boy racers, these are real people racing. Racing because they love it and because they have to race, it’s in their blood.

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4) How competitive will the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series season be?

Guys:

Chris Knight, Catchfence.com

I really think the 2007 season is going to be a memorable one. I expect to see more first time winners, pole winners and maybe even a new champion. We’ll see some surprises this year, much like we did in 2006. However, I still expect the old to crawl out of the hedges. All I know it’s going to be one heck of a year.

Daren Havens, ARCA

More competitive than 2006.

Justin Marks, driver of the No. 65 Construct Corps Dodge for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

I’m not too sure on this one. I don’t think you’ll see more repeat winners than last year because some of the strong efforts have moved on, changed or are not coming back. Some of the new teams however will be very strong. I think you’ll see the same number of teams capable of winning but I think there will be a few multiple win teams as well.

Eric Jones, SI Performance Motorsports and former NASCAR driver

This will be the most competitive season to date. There looks to be a lot of new talent in the Series this year and no clear favorites to start the season. Toyota’s involvement will play a role at several events this season, and it will be interesting to see if they step up their involvement and run more races. There looks to be many solid, talented teams that are committed to running the entire 23 race schedule, and hopefully they all make it to the end of the season.

Phillip McGilton, driver of the No. 47 SI Performance-Gould’s Electric Chevrolet Monte Carlo

I think you’re going to see one of the most competitive years yet. Largely contributed to the amount of teams and drivers in the lineup this year that have what it takes to win. We’re no longer guessing which one of the five drivers are going to win, we’re guessing which one of the twenty-five drivers are going to win This will make for a highly competitive season.

James Carter, Public Relations DGM Racing

Competition in the ARCA RE/MAX Series last year was absolutely incredible! I don’t think any of us could have guessed that we were going to have all those different race winners in 2006. It will be difficult to repeat that feat again in 2007, but certainly not impossible. With so many great teams returning and some new ones to add to the mix, I predict that competition will be great again!

Joey Dennewitz, Public Relations Eddie Sharp Racing-Michael McDowell

The 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series will be the most competitive season in many years. ‘King’ Kimmel’s lock on the championship is more threatened this year than any with the influx of teams looking to make a run at his crown. This year, more teams are focused on consistency than race wins, and I think the Kimmel Title Monopoly will bust in ’07� PS:�. It’s about time� Girls:

Jennifer Belmont, car-owner of No. 62 & No. 1 in ARCA RE/MAX Series

The most competitive yet! I just wish we could get more of them on TV, and please NO Bill Weber! Where did they find that guy, the Donald Trump wanna be hair school?

Bethann Puderbaugh, Ingle Motorsports

I think we’re going to see another season much like we saw last year. In 2006 we saw 17 different winners, 12 of those being first time winners. The trend will continue this season, and with the Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck teams sending their developmental drivers to the ARCA Series, it should be another exciting season.

Shannon Wells, Public Relations Representative Oostlander Racing

Very competitive! It has every year. You are getting the cup teams coming down to ARCA to help their rookies and those kids are hungry. Some times too hungry.

Sandy Sparrow, Darrell Basham Racing

Again, just like the Daytona Race I think we will see some new names up front. I know with the situation that we have we will have to be more competitive or stay home. The smaller teams are going to have there own races going on, the race to survive.

Michelle Petroff, Public Relations Clements Racing

Competition is becoming increasingly competitive in all facets of Motorsports from dirt to NASCAR so you find teams searching for every advantage both on and off the track to help boost performance. We are seeing NASCAR backing or aligning with various ARCA RE/MAX Series teams just as they are sending many development and current NASCAR drivers to dirt racing schools to help with car control. The 2007 will probably be the most hotly contested season we’ve seen in recent years. There’s a lot of talent, resources and power behind these teams so every win out there will be hard-fought.

Becca Brock, Catchfence.com Staff Writer

Competition will be stiff. I think it will be a season like no other, I feel an air of change.

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5) Picks: Who will win the championship? Who will take home Rookie-of-the-Year? Who will be the first winner of the 2007 season?

Guys:

Chris Knight, Catchfence.com

ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion: Boy, that’s hard to say. Obviously the veterans of Frank Kimmel and Bobby Gerhart will be strong. However, you can’t count out the newcomers. Dexter Bean and Michael McDowell looked strong at the end of the 2006 season. Really, it’s anyone’s game. Man the best team win!

ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie-of-the-Year: The proposed rookies are Michael McDowell, Josh Clemons, Roger Carter, II, Tim Russell, and Bryan Silas. I really think all of them will shine at one point or another this season. I like have to take Clemons or Russell for the big trophy though. Maybe I’m wrong, I expect a lot from McDowell or Silas. It’s going to be a fun year.

ARCA 200 at Daytona: When the green flag waives, 41 drivers have a shot at winning Daytona. Obviously the favorite is Bobby Gerhart. I take Dexter Bean, Michael Faulk and Tim Russell as sleepers. Anyone of them have a great chance of winning. I am so looking forward to this race.

Daren Havens, ARCA

I am declining to answer this.

Justin Marks, driver of the No. 65 Construct Corps Dodge for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

Obviously Frank is the man to beat once again but you can’t win forever and there are a few teams that will challenge him. The key is who will be strong from the end of the summer on. I think McDowell will win the Rookie of the Year award but I see Justin South having some strong runs as well. I’d like to think the #65 Construct Corps Dodge will be right there in the mix.

Eric Jones, SI Performance Motorsports and former NASCAR driver

I don’t have an outright pick, but I believe this will be one of the most hotly contested championships that we’ve seen in quite some time. I think Frank and the boys will definitely have their hands full this season, and I’m sure they will welcome the challenge. They are very deserving champions, but I don’t see it coming as easy as they’ve had it the last few years.

As far as the ROY goes, I’m going with a surprise pick, my driver, Phillip McGilton. You’ll see some exciting news concerning this driver and his plans for 2007 following the Daytona event. Stay tuned�

The winner of the ARCA 200 this year will be a first-time winner! I’m going out on a limb there, but I really think one of these young up-and-comers will pull off the big one at Daytona.

Phillip McGilton, driver of the No. 47 SI Performance-Gould’s Electric Chevrolet Monte Carlo

I don’t know for sure, but probably the 47 car.

James Carter, Public Relations DGM Racing

The Championship – The championship chase could be very tight this year. It’s awful hard to bet against Frank Kimmel and his eight-time championship team, but I think this could be Bobby Gerhart’s year. Meanwhile, I expect Billy Venturini will also give them both a run for the money again this year.

Rookie of the Year – This could also be a tight race as there are several very talented young drivers who could be contenders for ROTY. At this point it is tough to make a call since it is not yet clear who all may compete for this honor. If I have to guess today, my money is on Tim Russell from Florida.

First Winner of 2007- Bobby Gerhart should be the favorite to repeat at Daytona, but there are several very strong contenders who could break his streak of wins at the famed facility. Among my favorites are Frank Kimmel, David Ragan, Tim Russell or Mario Gosselin.

Joey Dennewitz, Public Relations Eddie Sharp Racing-Michael McDowell

Championship: Michael McDowell

Rookie of the Year: Michael McDowell

First Win: Josh Wise�.. Yes. For real.

Girls:

Jennifer Belmont, car-owner of No. 62 & No. 1 in ARCA RE/MAX Series

The championship is a tough question. Depends on who is running all season, ask me after Daytona so I can see who’s got the mojo. If Silas is running for Rookie of the year, then him. First winner, hmmm I would hope Andy or my other car #62 Chad McCumbee, the usual would have to be Gerhart.

Bethann Puderbaugh, Ingle Motorsports

The obvious pick would be Frank Kimmel, but I think this will be the year that Frank gets pushed out of the top spot. I’m going with Bobby Gerhart. Gerhart is better prepared than he was last season, he has Lucas Oil coming back as primary sponsor and he’s just signed deals with Eagle Warranty and John Hay Cigars. The additional support along with better preparation will help Bobby Gerhart capture the title.

Rookie of the year is a tough one, there’s quite a few strong rookies this season, but I’m going to go with Eddie Sharp Racing’s Michael McDowell. In just 5 races last year, McDowell finished with 2 top 5’s and 3 top 10’s. Hagan Racing’s Tim Russell would be my next choice

The first winner of the season will be Bobby Gerhart. The ARCA restrictor plate master will strike again and capture his 5th ARCA 200 trophy.

Shannon Wells, Public Relations Representative Oostlander Racing

I hope it is someone new for the championship. I don’t know who is all on the rookie list. The first winner I hope is Billy Venturini.

Sandy Sparrow, Darrell Basham Racing

I think that both Frank and Bobby have a chance again this year for the points, but I do feel that they will get some heavy pressure. I hate to predict so I will say that this years Daytona Race will go to someone that has never won it before. That leaves my prediction with a good chance of being right.

Michelle Petroff, Public Relations Clements Racing

Championship: I have to go with a veteran like Frank Kimmel or Bobby Gerhart who not only has the full package on the track but also has the experience to be patient and race with a big picture outlook.

Rookie of the Year: It’s a tough call with the rookie title only because the driver who adapts most quickly to diverse tracks, stays out of trouble and picks their battles on the track and isn’t overly aggressive will find great success both short-term and long-term. If I had to make one selection of “who to watch,” Josh Clemons stands out – he has the pedigree and has shown a lot of potential but just needs to work on consistency.

First Winner: If I was just biased I would have to hope it would be Jeremy Clements or Bill Baird in the Ken Schrader Racing #52! Based on recent history, Bobby Gerhart and the teams who have ties to NASCAR will be the ones to beat.

Becca Brock, Catchfence.com Staff Writer

First winner and champion: Todd Bowsher

Rookie-of-the-Year: Josh Clemons

Contact The Guys:

You can reach Chris Knight at: CKnight@Catchfence.com

You can reach Daren Havens at: DHavens@Catchfence.com

You can reach Justin Marks at: JMarks@Catchfence.com

You can reach Eric Jones at: EJones@Catchfence.com

You can reach Phillip McGilton at: PMcGilton@Catchfence.com

You can reach Joey Dennewitz at: JDennewitz@Catchfence.com

Contact The Girls:

You can reach Jennifer Belmont at: JBelmont@Catchfence.com

You can reach Bethann Puderbaugh at: BPuderbaugh@Catchfence.com

You can reach Shannon Wells at: SWells@Catchfence.com

You can reach Sandy Sparrow at: SSparrow@Catchfence.com

You can reach Michelle Petroff at: MPetroff@Catchfence.com

You can reach Becca Brock at: BBrock@Catchfence.com

Author: Chris Knight

Chris Knight (@Knighter01) has served as a senior staff writer and news editor for CATCHFENCE.com since 2001. In his 20-plus years with CATCHFENCE.com, Knight has covered NASCAR's top-three national series, often breaking news and providing exclusive at-track content, including in-depth race weekend coverage. He also offers insider coverage of the ARCA Menards Series. In 2022, Knight became co-owner of CATCHFENCE.com. In addition to his active duties at CATCHFENCE.com and other Motorsports endeavors, he is also a frequent contributor to SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.