Treyten Lapcevich secures dominant first ARCA Menards Collection victory at Berlin Raceway on Saturday night within the Berlin ARCA 200.
MARNE, Mich. — When the 2025 season started for Treyten Lapcevich, he knew it was necessary to capitalize on each accessible alternative.
Treyten Lapcevich Victory at Berlin
A 3rd-place exhibiting for the Canadian driver at Phoenix Raceway earlier this yr bolstered his perception that he may excel in the US. The experience with Venturini Motorsports that night was just for one race. Lapcevich was left ready for the subsequent second to showcase his expertise within the ARCA Menards Collection.
Nitro Motorsports gave Lapcevich an opportunity in Saturday’s Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Raceway, one he didn’t let go to waste. Main each lap from the pole, Lapcevich confronted minimal opposition from the sector and simply cruised to Victory Lane in his second ARCA Menards Collection look.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Lapcevich stated. “An enormous due to Nitro Motorsports. [My crew chief] Shannon [Rusch] and the fellows had this factor attached. I haven’t been within the seat a complete lot this yr, and these guys got here collectively and made this attainable for me. An enormous due to Nitro for actually giving me a rocket ship.”
Lapcevich isn’t any stranger to success in his dwelling nation of Canada. He has 9 victories within the NASCAR Canada Collection, seven of which got here throughout his championship marketing campaign in 2023.
Desperate to show himself throughout the border, Lapcevich launched into a busy season of brief observe competitors primarily within the southeastern U.S. one season in the past. The effectivity Lapcevich displayed in Canada carried over into his new environment, as he earned Late Mannequin Inventory victories at North Wilkesboro Speedway and within the prestigious South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway.
Lack of Funding is No Impediment for Lapcevich
Regardless of the rhythm he was having fun with, funding didn’t materialize for Lapcevich to take part in one other full yr of U.S. brief observe racing. Lapcevich refused to let the circumstances deter his optimism and took any experience accessible within the U.S. and Canada to maintain himself recent behind the wheel.
Saturday’s Berlin ARCA 200 was one other chapter in Lapcevich’s journey in direction of securing his American dream. He beforehand competed at Berlin twice in a Tremendous Late Mannequin, however placing collectively a robust run with the ARCA Menards Collection would require Lapcevich to acclimate himself to the heavier chassis.
Lapcevich Takes the Pole Place to Begin the Berlin ARCA 200
Incomes the pole gave Lapcevich the clear air he wanted, however holding the highest spot was a relentless problem on restarts. Max Reaves, who was piloting the identical No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota that dominated at Berlin final yr, almost took the lead a number of occasions. Nonetheless, Lapcevich relied on his automobile’s velocity to fend the younger driver off.
“I used to be actually making an attempt to get [comfortable] with the automobile on restarts to grasp how arduous I may push it into flip one,” Lapcevich stated. “That second half of the race, it actually began coming to life on the restarts. [so] I used to be in a position to defend so much higher and retain the lead.”
Lapcevich’s victory makes him the primary Canadian to win an ARCA Menards Collection occasion since Andrew Ranger earned all 4 of his victories at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Lapcevich is proud to characterize Canada within the ARCA Menards Collection and would like to make one other look on the platform in 2025. Having efficiently turned a one-race take care of Nitro Motorsports right into a victory, Lapcevich believes he can replicate Saturday’s efficiency every time that subsequent alternative comes alongside.
“I had a ton of enjoyable in the present day,” Lapcevich stated. “Driving quick race vehicles is all the time enjoyable, particularly with Nitro Motorsports. Hopefully, we will do extra of them and get again to Victory Lane in some unspecified time in the future this season.”
Lawless Alan positioned third behind Reaves, with Brenden Queen and Lavar Scott finishing the highest 5. Finishing the highest ten have been Isabella Robusto, Mason Mitchell, Jason Kitzmiller, Matt Kemp, and Willie Mullins.
Together with his top-five end, Brenden Queen nonetheless leads the sequence level standings. Lawless Alan has the second-place benefit over Lavar Scott, with each simply seven factors behind the chief. Jason Kitzmiller and Andy Jankowiak are in fourth and fifth place.
Subsequent Up
One other brief observe is up subsequent for the ARCA Menards Collection. Minnesota’s Elko Speedway hosts the Shore Lunch 250 offered by Dutch Boy subsequent Saturday, June 21. The inexperienced flag will wave at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET, with stay protection airing on FS2.
