The anticipation around the Corey Heim ARCA racing season is growing as an unexpected addition stirs excitement ahead of the 2026 schedule. NASCAR icon Mark Martin and talents from both the Performance Racing Group and Toyota Racing Development are eagerly looking forward to what promises to be a standout year for ARCA, with new personalities entering the scene.
Excitement Builds as Taylor Reim Joins the ARCA Story
Momentum has recently shifted in the ARCA Menards Series with the announcement that Taylor Reim, known for her dynamic racing background, is joining the Performance Racing Group program. Reim, who is also Corey Heim’s girlfriend, drives the No. 77 Chevrolet for Pinnacle Racing Group on a part-time schedule and is recognized as the first woman to win the Xtreme Outlaw National Midgets. Her gratitude for joining the program was noted as she shared her perspective:
“Grateful for the opportunity! Ready to go chase more wins in 2026!”
— Taylor Reim, Driver
The Performance Racing Group operates under Toyota Racing Development and continues to cultivate and support new drivers, including both Heim and Reim, as they make their way through the competitive ARCA series. As Reim steps into this new opportunity, anticipation among fans and figures from the sport grows even further.
Reactions from Motorsports Figures and Industry Leaders
NASCAR legend Mark Martin, whose endorsement carries significant weight, publicly voiced his enthusiasm for the coming ARCA season. He emphasized the potential the field has, affirming the compelling personalities that could rise to stardom this year:
“This is going to be fun to watch. I’m really looking forward to watching the @ARCA_Racing this year. Lots of personalities to cover, and I predict some will become big stars.”
— Mark Martin, NASCAR Legend
Martin’s comments underscored a sentiment that extends across grassroots events and the national racing circuit: that ARCA remains a proving ground for future champions and memorable sports figures.
Major Changes and Highlights for the 2026 ARCA Menards Series
The upcoming 2026 ARCA Menards Series will bring competitors and fans to a revamped schedule featuring well-known venues and the return to some classic tracks. The season opens at Daytona International Speedway, and for the first time since 2021, the championship event will move back to Kansas Speedway. Races are also scheduled at storied circuits such as Pocono Raceway in June and Chicagoland Speedway in July.
Series president Ron Drager highlighted what sets the new season apart:
“The 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule will see long-term relationships with NASCAR national series tracks like Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Kansas Speedway and Michigan International Speedway continue,”
said ARCA president Ron Drager.
“We’ll also return to traditional short-track venues like Toledo Speedway, Elko Speedway, Berlin Raceway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.”
— Ron Drager, ARCA President
Additional returns to fan-favorite tracks include Lime Rock Park and Watkins Glen International, along with significant events on dirt surfaces at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. High interest in the series is supported by expanded television coverage: the season opener at Daytona (Daytona ARCA 200) will be broadcast on FOX, thirteen races will air on Fox Sports 1, and six events will be shown on Fox Sports 2.
Mark Martin Looks Back on His Career and ARCA’s Role
Reflecting on his own racing journey, Mark Martin remains passionate about the energy and camaraderie in the sport. He competed alongside legends like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and Dale Earnhardt but—despite collecting 96 NASCAR wins with 40 in the Cup Series—never clinched a Cup Series championship title. Martin, now retired since 2013, shared in 2020 what he misses most:
“The thing I guess I really miss about racing is the people,”
Mark Martin said back in 2020.
“Working with a team was like a family, the energy of the fans and whatnot. So I kind of miss that.”
— Mark Martin
“But 40 years of competing at the highest level, and digging as hard as I could possibly dig with every ounce of focus I had, I’m done with that,”
Mark Martin added.
“I’m not interested in competing in anything. I don’t even like to play cards or games or anything that requires competing.”
— Mark Martin
Beyond the racetrack, Martin’s continued connection to the sport is clear, as he remains an influential voice, attends local events, and supports the evolving culture within NASCAR and ARCA.
What This Season Means for ARCA’s Legacy and New Contenders
The Corey Heim ARCA racing season showcases a convergence of established racers, rising stars, and historic venues poised to deliver an intensely competitive experience. With major event broadcasts, increased participation from celebrated figures, and emerging talents like Reim eager for victory, the 2026 schedule highlights ARCA’s tradition as a launching pad for ambitious drivers. The spotlight on both past icons and those striving for future championships ensures that the passion and energy invested in ARCA will resonate strongly throughout the motorsports world this year.
