ARCA WEST: David Smith anchors the field in another DNF-free race
by Ben Schneider / LASTCAR.info Staff Writer
Huddleston approaches Smith in Turns 3 and 4 on the final lap. (SCREENSHOT: Flo Racing)
David Smith finished last for the 2nd time in his ARCA Menards Series West career in Saturday’s NAPA Auto Parts 150 at All American Speedway when his No. 05 Shockwave Marine Suspension Seating Toyota finished 15th, completing 136 of 150 laps.
The finish came in Smith’s 25th career West Series start.
Smith’s first last-place finish came two races ago at Tri-City, a race that unfolded similarly to Saturday night’s event in Roseville. Both races featured a car count of 15, saw Smith’s No. 05 car anchor the field in qualifying, and had all 15 cars running at the finish with Smith bringing up the rear. Roseville’s race also ran caution-free - despite this, Smith was actually able to improve upon his Tri-City result by completing 136 laps Saturday night, two more than the 134 he ran in his previous LPF.
Following Smith up the running order were Jan’s Racing teammates Rip Michels and Michael Killen. Michels, a former NASCAR Southwest Series driver who made his return to the driver’s seat last week at Madera, completed 143 laps, while teammate Killen completed 147. Rounding out the Bottom Five were series regular Takuma Koga and series debutant Joey Kennealy, who both completed 148 laps. Kennealy’s debut came in place of his brother Robbie, whose No. 11 from last week at Madera was rebadged as the No. 12. The field also paid tribute to Joey and Robbie’s late father, Gary Kennealy, as polesitter Trevor Huddleston left the inside of the front row open on the pace laps.
At the front of the field, Huddleston dominated for the second week in a row, leading 150 laps en route to another victory ahead of Eric Nascimento in second. While Huddleston still has a mathematical outside chance at the championship, the battle will likely come down to Tyler Reif and Sean Hingorani, who finished third and fourth and remain separated by just six points with two races to go. Bill McAnally Racing’s Jack Wood rounded out the Top Five.
THE BOTTOM FIVE
15) #05-David Smith / 136 laps / running
14) #71-Rip Michels / 143 laps / running
13) #9-Michael Killen / 147 laps / running
12) #7-Takuma Koga / 148 laps / running
11) #12-Joey Kennealy / 148 laps / running
2024 LASTCAR ARCA MENARDS SERIES WEST OWNERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (After Race 10 of 12)
1st) Kennealy Keller Motorsports (3)
2nd) Fierce Creature Racing, Shockwave Motorsports (2)
3rd) Nascimento Motorsports, Central Coast Racing, Jerry Pitts Racing (1)
2024 LASTCAR ARCA MENARDS SERIES WEST MANUFACTURERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (After Race 10 of 12)
1st) Chevrolet, Toyota (5)
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Click HERE throughout the 2024 ARCA season to view the full drivers’ standings for both the ARCA Menards Series and its East and West divisions. You can also find the manufacturers’ and owners’ standings for all three series HERE.
2024 LASTCAR ARCA MENARDS SERIES WEST DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (After Race 10 of 12)
