High Stakes On The High Banks: Previewing The 2024 Daytona 200 For The ARCA Menards Series

Racing season is officially upon us. After an off-season that saw a lot of changes and some new faces, the ARCA Menards Series is prepping for its 2024 season opener at the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, and this year, there are some big stakes on the line for some drivers.

The official entry list for this year’s Daytona 200 features a total of 50 drivers. The first time since 2018 that the series has seen over 40 entries total.

Looking At The Lineup

Headlining the list are some big names from fellow racing series. Four-time Australian V8 Supercar champ Shane Van Gisbergen, and IndyCar winner and SRX Champion Marco Andretti join the field with their respective teams. Daytona kicks off a season of ARCA Menards Series racing for Marco Andretti and Cook Racing Technologies.

Last year’s Cinderella story of a winner, Greg Van Alst returns to the field looking to try again and repeat the magic. This year he brings fellow Indiana short-track racer Isaac Johnson as part of Van Alst Motorsports.

After having won five of the last six season openers at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, Venturini Motorsports brings a newer lineup with three drivers going full-time. Kris Wright, Amber Balcaen, and Toni Breidinger will be looking to start their full-time seasons on a high note with a win. Joining those three also in the VMS stables are Jake Finch in the No. 20 and Gus Dean in the No. 55.

Fellow full-time competitors for the 2024 season include the Rev Racing teammates of Andres Perez and Lavar Scott, Christian Rose for AM Racing, and newcomers to the full-time racing ARCA Menards Series of Caleb Costner and Costner Weaver Motorsports, and Michael Maples of Fast Track Racing.

Tanner Gray is taking over driving duties of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 for part of the season, splitting the ride with ARCA Menards Series East Champ William Sawalich.

Another notable entry from abroad includes Gil Linster from the Euro Series, as he is set to drive the No. 68 for the legendary Kimmel Racing team.

Other drivers looking to take home the trophy at the world center of racing include NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champ Justin Bonsignore, last year’s fifth-place finisher Mandy Chick, Air Force Pilot Ryan Roulette, SMART Modified Tour winner and pizza delivery driver Andy Jankowiak, ARCA Menards Series West regular Takuma Koga, Willie Mullins of Mullins Racing, Armani Williams in a partnership with MBM Motorsports, and fan favorite Brayton Laster in a deal now between he, TC Motorsports, and now MAN Motorsports.

You can catch these drivers and more at Daytona International Speedway live on February 17th at 1:30 PM ET on FS1.

Official Entry List for the ARCA Menards Series Daytona 200.