3/31/2026
Track Times
Through the lens: The ARCA Menards Series East at Hickory
PHOTOS: Nate Light
WORDS: Dan Hodgdon
On the last Saturday in March, the 2026 ARCA Menards Series East opener made history at Hickory Motor Speedway. The nearly sold-out event was the first-ever race for the ARCA platform at the legendary track.
Max Reaves dominated much of the Cook Out 200 at the 0.363-mile North Carolina oval, but Tristan McKee prevailed in a full-contact conclusion that also featured a hard-charging Landon S. Huffman. Ultimately, Reaves settled for second and defending series champion Isaac Kitzmiller took third.
But the draw of ARCA is not just in the development of young drivers who are climbing the NASCAR ladder. Its appeal is in the families who have raced in the series together for generations. In the successful businesspeople who simply want a turn behind the wheel. In drivers who are finally getting to live out a dream, and in the folks turning wrenches in the shadows because they love to make a race car just a little bit faster. It’s a series of opportunities and last chances, bright stars and underdogs, and a snapshot of all the way it’s possible to be a racer.
Versatile and talented motorsports photographer Nate Light tells many of those stories through a beautifully artistic series of photos below and in the accompanying gallery.
Spire Motorsports development driver Tristan McKee put his Pinnacle Racing Group team in victory lane.
Joe Gibbs Racing's Max Reaves sat on the pole and dominated much of the Cook Out 200 but finished in the runner-up spot.
Nitro Motorsports owner Nick Tucker raced at Hickory Motor Speedway as a teenager. His start in the ARCA East event was a fun celebration with his team as he reminisced about what he learned at the track. He finished fifth.
Dystany Spurlock raced with MBM Motorsports and Garage 66, becoming the first Black woman to start an ARCA race. The champion motorcycle drag racer came home in the seventh position.
Kyle Busch's Cup Series spotter Derek Kneeland, an accomplished Late Model driver, made his first ARCA start at Hickory. He finished fourth with Pinnacle Racing Group.
George Siciliano, better known as "Squirrel McNutt" from the Cleetus McFarland YouTube Channel, made his ARCA debut at Hickory Motor Speedway. He signed autographs for a massive crowd before the race and brought his Rette Jones Racing ride home in 13th place.
Article Credit: Nate Light photos
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