Photo courtesy of Getty Images
One for the underdogs.
41-year-old Greg Van Alst took home his first career win in the ARCA Menards Series as he took the checkered flag Saturday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway.
He was able to fend off the likes of big names and big teams, outdueling the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Connor Mosack and the Rev Racing Chevrolet of Lavar Scott.
“Holy cow! Guys like me aren’t supposed to do that,” Van Alst exclaimed climbing out of his car. “This is for all the short-track racers out there that don’t think you can get to this level. I worked my ass off to get here and we did it.”
"This is for all the short-track racers out there that don't think you can get to this level … WE DID IT."- @GregVanAlst35 @Reporterjamie | @DAYTONA pic.twitter.com/AQslG5IAMx
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 18, 2023
Mosack led the majority of the first half of the race before a wild spin halted a dominant performance with 34 to go.
Yard work. pic.twitter.com/3Uo1JAFr8O
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 18, 2023
While there were a handful of squirrely moments that teased the dreaded “Big One” most of the 39-car field kept their cars straight and made the 80-lap distance without issue. The biggest incidents of the days came with Scott Melton and Tim Richmond as both had single-car crashes that ended their days.
ARCA debutant and former actor Frankie Muniz had an impressive showing as he ran in the lead pack for most of the race.
He had a dicey moment late in the race as he slid up the track off Turn 4 and got into the rear bumper of Andy Jankowiak. Muniz suffered right-front damage but was able to keep his car competitive and recovered to an 11th-place finish.
Mosack, Sean Corr, Scott and Mandy Chick made up the top five with Amber Balcaen, Jesse Love, Jack Wood, Jason White and Dale Quarterly rounding out the top 10.
The ARCA Menards Series will return out west on March 10 (8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1) at Phoenix Raceway.
