DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 15: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Kroger/Irish Spring Chevrolet, walks the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
(Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

ARCA Graduate of the Week: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. turns in impressive run at the Monster Mile

www.arcaracing.com May 4, 2022

Most remember how Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s one season in the ARCA Menards Series came to a close. Even if they weren’t there to witness it or see it on television live, they’ve seen the clip.

It wasn’t pretty.

But what most don’t remember is that Stenhouse, in his first and only season in the ARCA Menards Series, came ever so close to the series championship.

In one of the most hotly-contested seasons in series history, Stenhouse won twice in 21 starts with victories at Kentucky Speedway and Pocono Raceway. He racked up 10 top-five finishes, a total of 14 finishes in the top-10, and three pole awards.

He also was one of a handful of drivers who had a shot at the 2008 series championship heading into the finale at Toledo Speedway.

Unfortunately, a scrape with fellow contender Scott Speed reignited frustrations that had built up between the two all season. Speed’s retaliation was swift and final: both drivers ended their day against the outside wall in turn one.

Stenhouse did not let that disappointment bog him down. Not in the slightest.

He jumped into the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the Roush Fenway Racing team and although the first two partial seasons had their ups and downs, by the third season, his first full-time effort, he was not only a winner, but a champion as well.

His two victories in 2011 were bettered by a six-win season in 2012, capped again by the series championship.

Stenhouse was then promoted to the NASCAR Cup Series. He collected a pair of victories, at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, and has become known as one of the series’ best superspeedway racers.

He departed the Roush Fenway organization at the end of 2019 and took a ride with owners Tad and Jodi Geshickter, who along with former NBA star Brad Daughterty own JTG Daughterty Racing. The combination has shown promise with Stenhouse knocking on the door to victory lane on more than one occasion, including last weekend at Dover Motor Speedway.

The No. 47 Chevrolet was among the lead group throughout the final stages of the race and was at times the fastest car on the track. Stenhouse brought it home second, his first top-five finish of the season and the fifth time in his career he has finished in the runner-up position.