The ARCA Menards Series season has ended. Congratulations to champion Andres Perez.
Thus far, only two drivers have graduated from the series to the NASCAR national ranks: Connor Zilisch to JR Motorsports’ Xfinity Series team and William Sawalich to Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity team. Christian Rose is expected to become the third, as he confirmed to Frontstretch that he will not return to AM Racing full-time in the series in 2025. He reportedly will compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. It would also not be surprising if Perez moved to the Truck Series as well. Rev Racing has an opening with Nick Sanchez moving into the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Furthermore, none of the series regulars went to victory lane this season. Perez became only the second winless champion in series history.
As a result, while ARCA silly season is underway, albeit without much concrete news at this time, here are some drivers whom Mark Kristl would like to see participate in ARCA in 2025. Full disclosure: all are on his wish list. None have confirmed ARCA starts next year.
Gio Ruggiero
Gio Ruggiero competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2024. He accrued one win in the season opener at Five Flags Speedway, plus five top fives, six top 10s and 116 laps led en route to a third-place points finish.
Ruggiero also made 10 starts in the national division this year, scoring a 13th-place points finish. In those starts, he logged seven top fives, nine top 10s, one pole and 105 laps led.
A person with knowledge of the situation stated that Ruggiero was in consideration for a full-time ride with Venturini Motorsports in 2024. Alas, that did not happen.
Ruggiero is almost 20 years old, Venturini only captured three trophies in the national division and the futures of the three VMS full-time drivers is unknown.
Furthermore, Ruggiero has run well driving for VMS across the ARCA platform. In 22 starts, he has one win, 15 top fives, 18 top 10s and 270 laps led.
Of the top 20 in points, Ruggiero ranked third in average finish and the seventh-most laps led overall. He led more laps than the organization’s full timers, and full time in the ARCA national division seems like the next logical step in his career.
Corey Day
Like Ruggiero, Corey Day made some ARCA starts in 2025. He totaled one top five, three top 10s and one upset Andy Jankowiak.
Day has shown immense talent; Kyle Larson said so.