Tyler Reif has added his name to the full-time ARCA Menards Series East competitors in 2023, he tells Frontstretch.
The 15-year-old from Henderson, Nev. will drive the No. 41 Ford for Lowden Jackson Motorsports in both the East series and ARCA Menards Series West. Reif previously announced he would drive full time in the West.
“It’s to gain more seat time and experience for the higher ranks because I want to move up,” Reif tells Frontstretch. “The more we run 1-mile tracks, and the East is mostly miles. It’s more exposure too because the East gets more attention.”
Ron Norman will serve as Reif’s crew chief for all his ARCA events in 2023. Tony Jackson, who was Reif’s crew chief in his West events in 2022, has moved into a general manager role within the team for 2023.
Power Gen Components, Vegas Fastener Manufacturing and Stoney’s Roadhouse will sponsor Reif’s No. 41.
The team purchased Ford racecars from TRICON Garage, the same cars previously driven by Taylor Gray.
The teenager’s goals for the two series differ due to his experience at the West circuits but inexperience at the East racetracks.
“The goal is obviously to win the championship,” Reif said about his West goals. “I know it’s high standards for my first season but I definitely think we have the capabilities and equipment to do it.”
“Just try to do the best I can. I would like for us to possibly get a win, but we’ll set our goals from Phoenix Raceway [a combination race for the main series with the West]. I’m looking for podiums and top fives. I’m really excited for Bristol [Motor Speedway] because I love high-banked tracks like that.”
Reif competed in two West events in 2022 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix. He earned a best finish of 12th at Phoenix.
In West competition, Reif will have RJ Smotherman as a full-time teammate and team owner Chris Lowden will run part time as well.
Smotherman participated in four West events in 2022, earning one top 10 with a seventh-place showing at All American Speedway.
In the East, Smotherman will likely compete in one or two races, Reif confirmed.
Reif becomes the second driver running full time in both the East and West series, joining Sean Hingorani.
Reif will begin his West campaign at Phoenix on Friday, March 10. He’ll make his East debut at Five Flags Speedway on Saturday, March 25.
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