Cole Denton, driving the No. 71 Jan’s Towing Ford, clinched his first ARCA Menards West series victory at the Tucson 150, dominating the race in only his third start at age 15. Denton now ranks as the fourth-youngest winner in the series' history, behind only a few notable drivers. Trevor Huddleson secured second place while Eric Johnson, Jr. took third, marking a successful race for Jerry Pitts Racing with two drivers in the top five. Other highlights included David Smith's strong performance leading early in the race, and Mia Lovell and Julian DaCosta achieving their first career top-ten finishes.

By the Numbers
  • Cole Denton is 15 years, 8 months, and 16 days old, making him the fourth-youngest winner in ARCA Menards West history.
  • David Smith, at 76, became the oldest driver to lead laps in ARCA Menards West history.
State of Play
  • Next race is scheduled for May 2 at Shasta Speedway.
  • The Tucson 150 saw strong performances from multiple drivers not previously known for top finishes.
What's Next

The upcoming race at Shasta Speedway will be critical for teams to build momentum, especially for those who performed well in Tucson, like Jerry Pitts Racing. Drivers will also look to improve on their strategies from this race.

Bottom Line

Cole Denton's impressive debut victory sets a promising tone for his future in the ARCA Menards West series. With increasing participation from diverse drivers, the competitive landscape is evolving, suggesting an exciting season ahead.