Fifteen year-old Christian Eckes is set to make his third career ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards start in this weekend’s ARCA 150 presented by Casey’s General Store at Iowa Speedway on July 9.
“This weekend will be a big step in my career,” said Eckes, who noted he’s never raced on any track larger than a half-mile.
Iowa Speedway is a state-of-the-art racing facility featuring a 7/8-mile paved oval. Saturday’s ARCA 150 is scheduled for 132 laps.
“Iowa will be fast and challenging. Outside the time I’ve spent on IRacing preparing for this start I’ve never turned a single lap there (Iowa). The biggest learning curve for me this weekend will be the braking in the corners and when to get back to the gas. I basically have to learn how to adapt and learn how to drive all over again.”
Eckes, driving for Venturini Motorsports, has turned in two solid performances with a season best eighth place finish coming in his series debut at Nashville early in the season.
On Saturday, Eckes will once again saddle up and get behind the wheel of his No.15 New York Bus Sales Toyota Camry for another chance to showcase his talent. Veteran crew chief, Jeff McClure, will continue to work with the young New York state native.
“The ARCA Series give me a great opportunity to gain experience in these heavier stock cars,” added Eckes. “Everyone here at Venturini has been really helpful getting me up to speed, the crew, my teammates – the entire group has been fun to work with.
Focused on gaining experience, Eckes hopes his early on-track performance shines some attention and respect from his fellow competitors.
“I’m young and only here for a handful of races so it’s important I learn as much as I can. Hopefully along the way I can prove myself and gain some respect from some of the series veterans. They’ve raced me hard and clean – hopefully they walk away saying the same about me.”
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