Christian Eckes Enters Toledo Looking to Continue Short Track Success

In his last ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards start nearly four weeks ago, Christian Eckes broke through earning his first career victory in a thriller at Salem Speedway.

Eckes hoping to continue his short track success, returns to series action driving his No.15 JBL Audio Toyota on Sunday, May 20 during the Menards 200 at Toledo Speedway.

Sunday’s contest will be Eckes’ second start on Toledo’s half-mile and the 17th overall race during the 17-year old’s three years of racing in the series.

“I’m excited to get back out on the track at Toledo,” says Eckes. “We made it over the hump last time out and got us one. I’m excited. We’ve got a great car lined up for Sunday. I don’t expect any let downs.”

“Toledo is a fast half-mile. It’s really line sensitive. During last week’s test we improved on the car. We should have a good shot.”

In last year’s event Eckes led 15-laps and finished eighth after starting on the outside front row.

After the first four tour events of 2018, Venturini Motorsports’ No.15 Toyota, occupies the tops spot in the ARCA series’ owner point standings.

Running an abbreviated schedule, Eckes comments on the success of his team.

“This fifteen-team led by my crew chief, Kevin Reed, is feeling good and has a lot of confidence right now,” says Eckes, who splits time behind the wheel with teammate Michael Self.

“With my age and the way my schedule is laid out I’m only running thirteen races. Self is running the majority of the others in the No. 15 Camry. I feel both of us take a lot of pride in the overall team success. He’s done a great job. It’s cool because I think his success keeps the pressure on me to do my part.”

As reported last month after his ARCA win, Eckes, a native of Middletown, NY, will join Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and will make his NASCAR debut on June 16 at Iowa Speedway as part of a four race deal.

The Menards 200 will air live on MAVTV beginning at 2 p.m. ET Sunday afternoon. ARCAracing.com will have live timing, scoring and chat for all on-track activities throughout the weekend.

VMS PR