Tucson ARCA Menards West 150: Smaller Teams Shine in Competitive Race

Beyond the finish line, the Tucson ARCA race reveals the unseen stories of strategy, resilience, and the series' evolving landscape.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:26am

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A cubist-style painting depicting an ARCA race in a fractured, multi-perspective manner, with sharp geometric planes of vibrant colors representing the competing teams and drivers.The Tucson ARCA Menards West 150 race reveals the unseen stories of strategy, resilience, and the evolving landscape of the series.Tucson Today

The Tucson ARCA Menards West 150 at Tucson Speedway was more than just a race - it was a reflection of the sport's soul. While Cole Denton's victory in the Jan's Towing Ford was impressive, the real story lies in the invisible details behind the positions and lap times. From Trevor Huddleston's narrow miss to Eric Johnson Jr.'s surprising third-place finish, the race highlighted the growing competitiveness of the ARCA series, with smaller teams challenging the big players. The middle pack and backmarkers also had compelling narratives, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of drivers like Gavin Ray and Mia Lovell. Ultimately, this race suggests that ARCA is at a crossroads, with funding disparities and the rise of female drivers shaping the series' evolving landscape.

Why it matters

The Tucson ARCA Menards West 150 race provides a window into the broader trends and challenges facing the ARCA series. The close finishes and strong performances by smaller teams suggest that the series is becoming more competitive, but the funding gap between the top teams and the underdogs remains a concern. Additionally, the presence and success of female drivers like Hailie Deegan and Mia Lovell highlight the sport's growing inclusivity, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of motorsports.

The details

The race was won by Cole Denton in the Jan's Towing Ford, but the 1.568-second gap between him and second-place finisher Trevor Huddleston of High Point Racing hinted at a strategic masterclass, either in Denton's pit stops or Huddleston's tire management. Meanwhile, Eric Johnson Jr.'s third-place finish in the Sherwin-Williams Toyota, a lesser-known team in ARCA, suggested that smaller teams are closing the gap on the big players. In the middle pack, Gavin Ray's fifth-place finish for Jerry Pitts Racing underscored the importance of team dynamics over star power, as his Toyota outperformed Hailie Deegan's Chevrolet. At the back of the pack, stories of resilience and adaptation emerged, with Will Robinson's 22-lap deficit and Jade Avedisian's 89-lap deficit raising questions about the challenges faced by smaller teams.

  • Cole Denton won the race on April 12, 2026.
  • Trevor Huddleston finished second, 1.568 seconds behind the winner.
  • Eric Johnson Jr. finished third, 3.874 seconds behind the leader.

The players

Cole Denton

The winner of the Tucson ARCA Menards West 150 race, driving the Jan's Towing Ford.

Trevor Huddleston

The second-place finisher in the race, driving for High Point Racing.

Eric Johnson Jr.

The third-place finisher in the race, driving the Sherwin-Williams Toyota, a lesser-known team in ARCA.

Gavin Ray

The fifth-place finisher, driving for Jerry Pitts Racing, a team that consistently punches above its weight.

Hailie Deegan

The seventh-place finisher, a talented driver who had an off day.

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What they’re saying

“This race highlights the growing competitiveness of the ARCA series, with smaller teams challenging the big players. It's a sign that the series is on the cusp of something bigger.”

— The Author

“The real victory isn't crossing the finish line first; it's the journey that gets you there.”

— The Author

What’s next

The ARCA series will need to address funding disparities and support the growth of smaller teams if it wants to foster true parity and continue its momentum. The rise of female drivers like Hailie Deegan and Mia Lovell also suggests that the series should focus on promoting inclusivity and diversity in the sport.

The takeaway

The Tucson ARCA Menards West 150 race was more than just a competition on the track - it was a reflection of the evolving landscape of the ARCA series. The close finishes, the strong performances by smaller teams, and the emergence of new talents suggest that the series is at a crossroads, with both challenges and opportunities ahead. To sustain its momentum, ARCA will need to address funding disparities and continue to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse drivers and teams.