LAKELAND, Fla. – City Garage Motorsports (CGM) announces that esteemed veteran crew chief David Ifft will lead the No. 85 team, with driver Becca Monopoli, in the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona.
Ifft, a seasoned professional in the racing industry, began his illustrious career at the age of 20 with Bud Moore Engineering in Spartanburg, S.C. In 1975, he transitioned to DiGard Racing Company as the crew chief for Darrell Waltrip, where he celebrated a significant milestone with Waltrip’s first superspeedway victory at the 1976 Rebel 500 at Darlington Raceway.
Over the years, Ifft has amassed 10 wins in NASCAR’s premier division, working with renowned drivers such as Buddy Baker, Cale Yarborough, and Benny Parsons. His expertise extends across various series, including Xfinity, ARCA, K&N East, and Hooter’s Pro Cup Series.
At 77, the Youngstown, Ohio native is dedicated to mentoring emerging talent.
“Guiding young drivers has become my focus,” Ifft stated. “While they hone their skills on short tracks nationwide, superspeedways present a unique challenge. Mastering the draft and maintaining patience in this high-speed chess game is crucial. But Becca is up to the task. We have a solid strategy, and I’m eager to see our performance. At Daytona, qualifying and avoiding trouble are key. She’ll do great.”
Driver Becca Monopoli, a seasoned competitor with 14 years of experience, is enthusiastic about the collaboration.
A regular in the PRO Truck Series, Monopoli boasts 20 championships and 96 victories at speedways all over the State of Florida. Last year, she participated in a limited ARCA Menards Series schedule, achieving a season-best 11th place finish in Toledo, Ohio.
“This is a fresh start, and I’m thrilled,” Monopoli expressed. “We’ve discussed various strategies for Daytona, learning valuable lessons from last year and our recent test.”
Car owner Stuart Weiss expressed his excitement.
“We have a fantastic opportunity to work with a veteran like David Ifft and his son Gary, who will join our team in Daytona,” Weiss remarked. A lifelong racing enthusiast and former racer, Weiss added. “We’re eager to hit the track and express our gratitude to our official healthcare provider and primary sponsor, Orlando Health, and the many other supporters joining us. This is another step in our commitment to excellence as we bring David Ifft and his extensive experience to help orchestrate our efforts for Daytona.”
The team is poised for a promising performance at Daytona, driven by a blend of experience and fresh talent.