Zane Smith’s lead engineer wins NASCAR ARCA Menards Series West race on debut

Dylan Cappello secured a remarkable victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Bullring in the ARCA Menards Series race. Cappello, an experienced racer who serves as the lead engineer for Zane Smith at Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, clinched his first win in the ARCA Menards Series West.

He thrillingly accomplished this feat while driving the No. 88 Ford Mustang owned by Mike Naake. In his debut in the ARCA Menards Series West, Cappello faced tough competition but managed to maintain his position and claim the checkered flag after an intense battle for the lead.

Trevor Huddleston and Tanner Reif finished in the second and third positions. The race featured several dramatic moments, including cautions and a fiery incident involving the race leader's car. Overall, it was an exhilarating race with excellent performances from the drivers.

This event marked a special night in the Las Vegas desert as Dylan Cappello celebrated his first career victory in the Star Nursey 150 at the Bullring, only his second career start.

This is more of a special occasion, a chance to enjoy some quality time with family and friends, says Dylan Cappello

Cappello's win was partly attributed to the misfortune of Sean Hingorani, who had dominated the race for the majority of its 150 laps but encountered a fiery mishap on the right front during the sixth caution, resulting in a red flag.

Unfortunately, Hingorani's night took a downturn as he had to pit for a new right front tire and later stopped on the track, ultimately finishing in 16th place in the ARCA Menards Series race.

Kaden Honeycutt, on the other hand, faced a challenging night, starting at the rear due to an engine change. Despite working his way up to fifth place, the native of Woodlands, Texas, fell back to ninth by the end of the race.

Following the race, Dylan Cappello said via (Arcaracing):

"Man it’s just crazy. This is just kind of a one-off deal, just come out to have fun with family and friends, who has raced countless times at The Bullring in both a Late Model and a Modified."

It turned into a win. It’s out of control. It’s crazy. I don’t even know what’s happening right now. This car is so fast. Mike Naake has a great piece.”

He continued:

"These guys are animals on restarts and I was kind of struggling to get through all night, Man, just got through the gears just good enough and I got a good entry into (Turn) 1. It all came together. I felt like I made 30 mistakes on the last two laps, but it all came together.”

With just two races left in the 2023 ARCA Menards Series West season, the upcoming event on the calendar is the series' long-awaited return to California's Madera Speedway.

This race marks the first time Madera Speedway will be hosting the 51FIFTY Jr. Homecoming ARCA 150, presented by the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame, since 2009. The race is scheduled for Saturday, October 21.