Jason Kitzmiller, a seasoned contender in the ARCA Menards Series, is preparing to make a significant impact during the Daytona Weekend at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. After a remarkable third-place finish in last year’s General Tire 200, Kitzmiller enters this season opener with strong determination to build momentum early in his sophomore full-time ARCA campaign.
Known for his resilience and tactical racing style, Kitzmiller qualified 24th in the No. 97 Carter Machinery – A.L.L. Construction Chevrolet last February but demonstrated exceptional skill by navigating through early-race challenges to earn his career-best podium finish. This performance contributed to his overall third-place finish in the series standings and highlighted his potential as a championship contender.
Building Confidence Through Experience and Teamwork
Over the course of his inaugural full season, Kitzmiller secured 14 top-10 placements across 20 races held on a variety of track types, testing his adaptability and composure. His team’s persistence, along with his own patience, proved essential as they closed out the season strongly, achieving eight top-10 finishes in the last 11 events.
Returning to Daytona with this wealth of experience and improved preparations, Kitzmiller is eager to capitalize on his previous success and target what could become his first ARCA win at a venue famous for its unpredictability and opportunity.
I feel like we learned so much last year, especially in races like Daytona, to come from 24th and finish third showed what this team is capable of when we stay patient and execute. We’ve put in the work over the offseason, and I feel more prepared and more confident heading back there this time,
said Kitzmiller.
Daytona is a place where anything can happen, but if we put ourselves in position at the end, I truly believe we can contend for the win.
Expert Leadership and Strategic Support on Race Day
Kitzmiller’s efforts are bolstered by highly experienced personnel, including 10-time ARCA Menards Series champion Frank Kimmel as crew chief, and NASCAR Cup Series champion spotter Tim Fedewa monitoring track positioning. This leadership duo brings invaluable knowledge and insight critical to navigating the complexities of superspeedway racing.
I’m really fortunate to have someone like Frank calling the shots and Tim up on the spotter’s stand, Frank’s experience in this series speaks for itself, and Tim has been in the biggest moments in NASCAR. Having that kind of leadership around me gives our whole team confidence,
Kitzmiller explained.
At a place like Daytona, communication is everything. Knowing they’re in my corner makes a huge difference.
Daytona Weekend Double Duty with NASCAR Truck Series Debut
Aside from his ARCA responsibilities, Kitzmiller will attempt to qualify for his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut during the season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 on February 13, representing CR7 Motorsports. With 44 drivers competing for just 36 spots, the qualifying battle will be intense, making each practice lap at Daytona especially valuable.
This dual participation offers Kitzmiller a rare chance to refine his superspeedway skills, including drafting, situational awareness, and race strategy, as he balances the demands of both series during this critical weekend.
This is a huge opportunity for me,
Kitzmiller remarked about his Truck Series debut,
Just having the chance to compete in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Daytona is something I don’t take lightly. I’m grateful to my team and everyone at CR7 Motorsports for believing in me and giving me this shot.
He added,
At the same time, I feel ready for it. We built a lot of confidence over the past year, and I believe I’m more prepared for this moment than I would’ve been before last season.
Any extra laps at Daytona are valuable, but the focus is on doing our job, putting the truck in the show Friday night and carrying that momentum into Saturday’s ARCA race.
Strategy and Patience Crucial for Success at Daytona
Kitzmiller emphasizes the importance of patience in a race known for its unpredictability, stressing the need to maintain composure early on while preparing for a decisive final push.
You can’t win this race on the first lap, but you can certainly lose it,
he stated.
Daytona is all about putting yourself in position and being there at the end. We’ve talked a lot about staying patient, staying smart and not forcing the issue too early,
Kitzmiller pointed out.
But when the time comes, you have to be ready to make the move. That’s what separates a good day from a great one. Last year was a great one, and I’d like nothing more than to put ourselves back in that position again.
Long-Term Partnerships and Trusted Sponsors Return
For the second consecutive year, Carter Machinery joins as the primary sponsor of Kitzmiller’s No. 97 Chevrolet, continuing to promote the Caterpillar® brand at Daytona. With origins dating back to 1928, Carter Machinery has expanded its footprint throughout the Mid-Atlantic, with locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.
The company offers comprehensive sales, rental, and support services for Cat® equipment and power generation systems while maintaining a strong presence in North America. This sponsorship symbolizes a solid business relationship that extends from construction sites to the race track.
We’re stoked to welcome Carter Machinery back on board for Daytona,
said Kitzmiller.
They are a true testament to the power of business-to-business relationships, excelling from the footprint of job sites to the race track.
Their commitment to performance and reliability mirrors what we strive for as a race team, and having them alongside us at a place like Daytona means a lot. We’re proud to represent their brand on such a big stage and look forward to delivering a strong run for everyone at Carter.
Alongside Carter Machinery, associate marketing partners supporting Kitzmiller include A.L.L. Construction Inc., Grant County Mulch, A&J Excavating, Cobra Mining, Champion Power Equipment, and Volt Battery Technology as he prepares for his 48th ARCA Menards Series start.
Aiming to Maintain Momentum Across Two Competitive Series
Since his first ARCA Menards Series start in 2020, Kitzmiller has achieved two top-five and 22 top-10 finishes in 47 starts, building a consistent record of competitiveness. His best effort remains the third-place finish at Daytona in February 2025, which set the tone for his advancement as a formidable driver in the series.
Before focusing fully on the General Tire 200 on Saturday, Kitzmiller will compete in the Fresh From Florida 250 Truck Series race on Friday evening. The Truck Series event features 100 laps for 250 miles, marking the opening race of a 25-race NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season. Practice sessions commence on Thursday afternoon, qualifying takes place Friday afternoon, and the main event kicks off shortly after 7:30 p.m., broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 and supported by radio coverage from the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
On Saturday, the General Tire 200 ARCA Menards Series race will run 80 laps covering 200 miles, serving as the opening contest for the 74th ARCA season. Practice and qualifying sessions begin Thursday and Friday, respectively, with live television coverage on FOX and radio access through the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
This weekend’s dual racing commitments at Daytona offer Jason Kitzmiller a unique platform to showcase his talent, leverage the experience of key team members like Frank Kimmel and Tim Fedewa, and continue building a foundation for success in both the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Truck Series during the 2026 season.
