While much of the country is dealing with the cold snap of winter, things in Daytona Beach, Florida are heating up. Over the weekend, the ARCA Menards Series took to the track for their annual pre-Daytona practice.
Opening Day
Unfortunately, the kick-off to the 2024 season was delayed due to rainy weather. When the green flag finally dropped, Marco Andretti would be found at the top of the charts with his McGowan Motorsports with Cook Racing Technologies prepared No. 17 Chevrolet. The grandson of 1967 Daytona 500 winner Mario Andretti, posted a quick time of 49.350 seconds at 182.371 mph.
However, with 30 minutes remaining in practice, Jake Finch took over. The Venturini Motorsports driver led the way with a time of 48.878 at 184.132mph. Additionally, his three teammates ran directly behind him on the leaderboard. The Lynn Haven, Florida native is the son of two time Daytona-winning car owner James Finch.Â
Day Two
Defending ARCA Menards Series East champion William Sawalich set the pace on the final day of on-track activity in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Sawalich posted a time of 49.318 seconds and 182.489 mph.
Unfortunately, he will only be 17 and not be old enough to run the 61st annual Daytona ARCA 200 next month
Behind Sawalich sat a familiar name in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour – Patrick Emerling. Emerling posted 49.332 seconds and 182.437 mph in his No. 53 Ford for Emerling-Gase Motorsports.
It is worth noting, several teams chose not to participate in the Saturday practice.
61st Daytona ARCA 200
Officially, the ARCA Menards Series will return to Daytona International Speedway in February to kick off the 2024 season with the 61st annual Daytona ARCA 200. Practice takes place on Thursday, February 15 and General Tire Pole Qualifying follows on Friday, February 16. Finally, the 80-lap, 200-mile race is set to take place 1:30 pm ET on Saturday, February 17.
For complete results from Friday, click here. For combined results from both days, visit ARCA Racing.