Tim Goulet #31 poses for a portrait before the Ride the ‘Dente 200 for the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway in Dayton Beach, FL on Feb. 13, 2025. (Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
(Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Tim Goulet named General Tire Spirit Award winner

www.arcaracing.com July 18, 2025

The term “spirit” can be defined as those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements in the character of a person, or the nonphysical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character.

Team owner and part-time driver Tim Goulet, who co-owns RISE Motorsports with his wife and team driver Rita, exemplifies the hardworking character that embodies the blue-collar nature of the ARCA Menards Series. Goulet’s relentless determination saw the RISE Motorsports No. 31 National Police Association Chevrolet enter all twenty ARCA Menards Series races, all eight ARCA Menards Series East races, and four ARCA Menards Series West races, including three stand-alone events at Irwindale Speedway and Tri-City Raceway.

Goulet’s efforts have resulted in him becoming the recipient of the 2024 General Tire Spirit Award. Goulet will receive a one-of-a-kind commemorative General Tire racing helmet and a check for $2,500. A second check, also for $2,500, will be presented to The Max Buchanan Foundation.

“Tim Goulet embodies the passion and dedication that makes our sport extraordinary,” said Adam Keiser, Sr. Communications & Content Specialist at General Tire. “His unwavering commitment to the series, relentless support of his peers, and tireless efforts to elevate the motorsports community set him apart. His ability to inspire those around him is truly remarkable, and the General Tire Spirit Award is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to the series. Congratulations, Tim!”

RISE Motorsports finished 16th in the 2024 ARCA Menards Series owner standings and finished 12th in the ARCA Menards Series East owner standings.

In the midst of the team’s pursuit of full schedules in the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards East, Goulet decided to add the Independence Day weekend doubleheader at Irwindale Speedway to the team’s schedule, a 70-hour round-trip of nearly 5,000 miles. After a successful weekend at Irwindale, Goulet added a second West coast trip to the schedule, and the trip to Tri-City Raceway in West Richland, Washington resulted in Rick Tackman scoring the team’s best finish of the season, 12th.

The General Tire Spirit Award is presented annually to a recipient who displays dedication to and support of ARCA, is uplifting by example, and by such actions earns the respect of the community, displays perseverance in the face of adversity, and maintains a supportive, helpful, and positive attitude even under duress.

Previous winners of the General Tire Spirit Award include Darrell Basham, Jack Bowsher, Andy Hillenburg, Kerry Scherer, Bill Kimmel, Brad Smith, Sarah Burgess, Bob Bruncati, and in 2023, Zachary Tinkle. Tinkle, who finished fourth in the ARCA Menards Series East standings driving for fellow GT Spirit Award winner Andy Hillenburg, is known for his jovial personality in the ARCA garage area and his work caring for animals off the race track.