Mason Massey claimed a remarkable first career win in the ARCA Menards Series West on Saturday, dominating the Oil Workers 150 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Racing the No. 19 Brunt Boots/Mongoose Power Solutions Chevrolet, Massey surged ahead on a late restart with 14 laps remaining, holding off competitors through multiple overtime restarts to secure the victory.
This triumph marked the 101st win for the Bill McAnally Racing organization in series history, underscoring their continued dominance in the ARCA Menards Series West.
Key Contenders and Race Dynamics at Kern Raceway
Eric Nascimento Jr., driving the No. 4 Impact Transportation/RJ’s Paintshop Toyota, used aggressive moves during several overtime restarts to advance from outside the top five to finish second. This result matched his best ARCA Menards Series West finish at All-American Speedway this season.
Taylor Mayhew also impressed in his debut series appearance, piloting the No. 17 MMI Services Chevrolet to a solid third place. Mayhew showed strong pace throughout the race, running as high as second and securing a front-row position for the crucial final restarts before narrowly missing the runner-up spot.
Former series champion Trevor Huddleston, in the No. 50 High Point Racing/Racecar Factory Ford, finished fourth. Huddleston had won the previous two ARCA Menards Series West races held at Kern Raceway, making his fourth-place result a respectable effort against a competitive field.
Late-Race Lead Changes and Overtime Drama
Sean Hingorani, a two-time series champion driving the No. 13 Central Coast Cabinets Toyota, led the race for a dominant 136 laps. However, on the lap 136 restart, Massey pushed Hingorani further up the racetrack, which combined with intense pressure from other drivers led to Hingorani finishing fifth after a challenging final 10 laps.
Hailie Deegan, participating in her first standalone ARCA Menards Series West race since 2019, finished sixth in the No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts/Monster Energy Chevrolet.
Joey Iest and Jade Avedisian rounded out the top eight, with Iest fading late after running as high as third, and Avedisian securing eighth after earning her first Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Award earlier in the day in the No. 70 Mobil 1 Toyota.
Other Noteworthy Performances and Challenges
Gavin Ray and Cole Denton finished ninth and tenth respectively, with Denton making his series debut in the No. 71 Jan’s Towing Ford. Meanwhile, Robbie Kennealy, the reigning ARCA Menards Series West Bounty Rookie of the Year, encountered transmission issues that forced him out of the race at the midpoint, resulting in a 20th place finish driving the No. 1 Jan’s Towing Ford.
The race was marked by eight caution periods, including one that extended the contest into a second overtime attempt, adding uncertainty and intensity to the closing stages.
While Hingorani led the majority of the race, 136 laps, it was Massey who controlled the final 31 laps, including 17 during overtime, ultimately taking the checkered flag.
Upcoming Race and Series Outlook
The ARCA Menards Series West will continue its 2024 season with the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway on Thursday, March 5, starting at 6 pm ET / 4 pm MT. This event will be a combination race with the broader ARCA Menards Series and will be broadcast live on FS1 as well as select MRN Racing affiliates nationwide. Fans can also listen via MRN.com and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, while live timing and scoring will be available on ARCARacing.com.
With an exciting win from a first-time competitor like Mason Massey, the series is set for a thrilling season that promises intense battles and emerging talent across several established and new racetracks.
The Importance of ARCA and Its Role in Stock Car Racing
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), established in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, remains a vital grassroots stock car racing organization in the U.S. Now part of NASCAR since April 2018, ARCA bridges the gap between NASCAR’s national touring series and the grassroots racing scene. The organization sanctions over 100 races annually across its ARCA Menards Series, including the East and West divisions, as well as various regional tours such as the ASA STARS National Tour and ASA CRA Super Series.
Serving as a critical development platform, ARCA offers valuable exposure for drivers, teams, and sponsors aiming for higher levels of competition within NASCAR’s hierarchy.
Menards: Supporting the ARCA Racing Community
Menards, a family-operated home improvement retailer founded in 1958, plays an important role as a series sponsor and community supporter. Known as the Midwest’s leading retail home center with 236 stores across 15 states, Menards offers a comprehensive range of products from lumber and building materials to gardening supplies and seasonal décor.
Its wide variety of tools, equipment, and everyday essentials serves both amateur and professional builders, mirroring the dedication seen in stock car racing. Menards’ commitment to customer service and affordable pricing ensures it remains a trusted resource both within ARCA racing circles and the communities it serves.
