PIT BOX: Three-way ARCA Menards Series title fight continues into Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend

The annual visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend is one of the most significant for ARCA Menards Series competitors.

Just like the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, the ARCA Menards Series this weekend will join all three of NASCAR’s top divisions for a busy docket of racing. The increased notoriety, combined with many programs being based around Charlotte, makes Friday’s General Tire 150 one of the most sought-after victories on the schedule.

Friday’s General Tire 150 marks the fifth consecutive year Charlotte has hosted an ARCA Menards Series event. Charlotte was previously a staple of the ARCA Menards Series calendar during the late 1990s and early 2000s, as the sanctioning body initially visited the complex three times a year, with Tim Steele completing the three-peat in 1996.

Since then, drivers like Frank Kimmel, Adam Petty, Ryan Newman, Ty Gibbs and Jesse Love have visited Charlotte’s Victory Lane in an ARCA Menards Series car. A fresh group of drivers are heading to Charlotte this weekend, all of whom are looking for a statement victory in NASCAR’s backyard.

Tickets to the General Tire 150 can be purchased here. Below is everything to know ahead of the fifth race of the 2025 ARCA Menards Series season.

General Tire 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Entering Charlotte Motor Speedway, the top three in the ARCA Menards Series standings are separated by just one point.

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen’s victory at Kansas Speedway two weeks ago was crucial for his slight advantage. Charlotte presents a perfect opportunity for Queen to take control of the points; his team Pinnacle Racing Group nearly prevailed at the track last year with Carson Kvapil, who led 61 laps.

One of two drivers trailing Queen is Lawless Alan, who is only a few weeks removed from his maiden ARCA Menards Series checkered flag at Talladega Superspeedway. With three top fives over the last three races, Alan looks to continue his momentum by delivering Venturini Motorsports another Charlotte victory in the team’s final race at the track.

The other driver one point behind Queen is Lavar Scott, who has not recorded a finish worse than sixth in the four ARCA Menards Series events this year. Last year’s General Tire 150 saw Scott finish in fifth, a performance he seeks to improve upon as he searches for his first ARCA Menards Series checkered flag.

All three championship contenders will have to deal with Joe Gibbs Racing on Friday, as the team emerged victorious last year with Tanner Gray behind the wheel. Piloting the No. 18 this weekend is defending ARCA Menards Series East champion William Sawalich, who is eager to obtain his first win on an intermediate track.

Other drivers heading to Charlotte this weekend include Austin Green, Lanie Buice, Andy Jankowiak, Patrick Staropoli, Spencer Gallagher and Will Kimmel.

The complete entry list for the General Tire 150 will be released later this week.

RACING REFERENCE:

• Previous ARCA Menards Series races at Charlotte
• ARCA Menards Series drivers at Charlotte

RACE FACTS:

CREW CHIEF HANDOUT: Field limited to 30 starters plus provisionals. This event will be run under the 2025 ARCA Menards Series rules, procedures, regulations and specifications.

QUALIFYING: Starting position will be set by each car’s fastest recorded lap per the Timed Session qualifying procedure, plus provisionals.

RACE PIT STOP: Modified live pit stop procedure. There will be a Scheduled Caution at or near Lap 50. No adding or moving tires to or from pit box once race has started.

TIRE ALLOTMENT: Per ARCA Rulebook, maximum number of tires (purchased at track and from home) allowed for use in race is 16 (EIRI).