Greg Van Alst ARCA return is set as he rejoins the ARCA Menards Series with Maples Motorsports for the season’s opening race at Daytona International Speedway, driving the No. 19 car. The move signals Van Alst’s come-back to the series, where he aims for another strong performance after his previous win at this legendary track.
Van Alst Returns to ARCA Action with Maples Motorsports
On January 27, Maples Motorsports confirmed that Greg Van Alst will drive its fourth entry, the No. 19, in the ARCA Menards Series season opener. This return is notable for Van Alst, who last competed in ARCA in 2024. In 2023, Van Alst claimed a memorable victory at Daytona International Speedway piloting his own No. 35 car, highlighting his expertise on the high-speed superspeedways.
Reflecting on his history at Daytona, Van Alst shared,
“Daytona will always be special to me,”
and added,
“Winning there in 2023 was a moment I’ll never forget, and having the opportunity to go back with Maples Motorsports is something I’m really excited about. The team has been working hard, and I’m motivated to put us in a position to compete for a strong result, if not a win, in the season opener.”
— Greg Van Alst, Driver
Maples Motorsports Owner Discusses the Addition
Team owner and fellow driver, Michael Maples, expressed enthusiasm for Van Alst’s involvement, saying,
“Having Greg race with our team is very special for our program,”
and noted Van Alst’s strength at superspeedway events, adding,
“He’s always been extremely strong on superspeedways, and Daytona speaks for itself. We’re excited to give him a fast car and watch him go to work.”
— Michael Maples, Owner/Driver
Van Alst’s Broader Racing Plans for 2024
Beyond his return to ARCA, Greg Van Alst has also announced participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona this year, driving his familiar No. 35 as part of a part-time campaign for the season. With successes already under his belt at Daytona, expectations are heightened for his performance across both series.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
Greg Van Alst’s ARCA return with Maples Motorsports brings added attention to the season’s kickoff at Daytona. His proven record, especially his 2023 Daytona win, positions him as a driver to watch and boosts the profile of Maples Motorsports as a contender in the ARCA Menards Series. Fans and teams alike will be watching to see if the partnership yields another memorable victory as the racing season begins.
