The ARCA Menards Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway has been anything but smooth sailing. Torrential rain washed out Thursday’s practice session, forcing officials to scrap Friday’s qualifying and replace it with a last-minute practice. With no qualifying laps to set the order, the starting grid was determined by last year’s owner points, adding an unexpected twist to the drama. As drivers prepare to tackle the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway under stormy skies, the stage is set for a chaotic and unpredictable race. Here’s everything you need to know about the starting lineup and how the weather has reshaped the event.
Rain Rules the ARCA Daytona: How the starting grid was decided
Mother Nature has thrown a wrench into ARCA Daytona's plans, leaving teams and fans scrambling. With Thursday’s practice canceled due to relentless rain, Friday’s scheduled qualifying session was converted into a practice to ensure drivers—especially newcomers—had enough track time. Without qualifying laps, officials turned to last year’s owner points to determine the starting order, a decision that has sparked both intrigue and debate.
William Sawalich, piloting the No. 18 car, will lead the field to the green flag, followed by Lawless Alan in the No. 20 and Lavar Scott in the No. 6. The top five is rounded out by Isabella Robusto (No. 55) and Brenden Queen (No. 28), setting the stage for a thrilling battle among the series’ rising stars.
Notable names and storylines
The 40-car field is packed with talent and compelling narratives. Katherine Legge, a seasoned road racer making her ARCA Daytona debut, starts ninth in the No. 23 car, while IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves, driving the No. 82, will roll off 19th. Castroneves’ presence adds a layer of star power to the event, as the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner continues to explore new challenges in his storied career.
Meanwhile, Amber Balcaen (No. 70) and Becca Monopoli (No. 86) represent a growing wave of female talent in the series, aiming to make their mark on one of ARCA’s biggest stages.
Weather Woes and Race-Day Uncertainty
As the green flag approaches, all eyes are on the skies. Forecasts predict lingering showers, raising the possibility of further delays or even a rain-shortened event. For drivers, navigating Daytona’s high banks in wet conditions will require precision and patience, while teams must adapt their strategies on the fly.
“It’s going to be a wild one,” said one crew chief. “The rain has already shaken things up, and now we’re just hoping to get the race in without more interruptions.”
The ARCA Daytona race promises to be a spectacle of speed, strategy, and survival. With the starting grid set by owner points and rain threatening to play spoiler, the drama is already at fever pitch. Whether the skies clear or the downpour continues, one thing is certain: this is a race you won’t want to miss.