Austin Green emerged as the Daytona practice leader for the ARCA Menards Series, setting the fastest lap on the second day of pre-race sessions at Daytona International Speedway. With the season opener scheduled for February 14 at the Daytona ARCA 200, drivers and teams aim to build momentum from these final practice runs.
Green Sets the Pace in Competitive Practice
Austin Green topped the practice charts by completing a lap in 49.202 seconds, reaching a speed of 182.919 mph. He narrowly outpaced Cole Butcher, who finished just 0.002 seconds behind, highlighting the intense competition among the front runners in the session. The Kitzmiller family, represented by Isaac and Jason Kitzmiller, followed closely with lap times of 49.217 and 49.230 seconds, respectively, maintaining a tight lead group. The weekend also featured some on-track incidents, though the session continued smoothly with only minor interruptions.
Notable Performances and Track Incidents
Gus Dean recorded the fastest lap of the weekend with a time of 48.744 seconds at 184.638 mph, adding further excitement to the pre-season build-up. Green’s strong lap represents a key step in his and his team’s preparations for the upcoming racing calendar. However, the session was marked by minor accidents and ongoing track inspections, indicating that teams will need to remain alert for the inherent risks of racing at Daytona International Speedway.
Anticipation for the ARCA Menards Series Season Start
The 2026 ARCA Menards Series will officially commence with the Daytona ARCA 200, promising fans and participants a season full of high-speed drama and closely contested races. Teams, including those featuring Austin Green and the Kitzmiller duo, are expected to translate their practice speed into strong performances once the green flag drops. With the competitive pace set in practice, the opening race is anticipated to feature fierce battles and dramatic moments as drivers look to capitalize on their early momentum.
Austin Green’s standout performance as the Daytona practice leader has established him as a key contender for the opening race. Teams and drivers are now focused on converting impressive lap times into race-day success while staying vigilant to avoid incidents during the high-intensity start of the season at Daytona.
