History of ARCA races at Daytona in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 4, 2026

ARCA Menards Series races have been a part of Daytona Speedweek at Daytona International Speedway since 1964. These stock car races are an annual tradition.

1964: ARCA Menards Series at Daytona Begins

In 1964, the ARCA Menards Series began holding stock car races at Daytona International Speedway as part of Daytona Speedweek.

1970: Ramo Stott Wins

In 1970, Ramo Stott won a race at Daytona.

1976: Ramo Stott polesitter at Daytona 500

In 1976, Ramo Stott was the polesitter at Daytona 500.

1990: Accidents and Tragedy at Daytona

In 1990, the race at Daytona was marred by a series of accidents. Ramo Stott, the 1970 winner and 1976 Daytona 500 polesitter, rolled over, causing a 10-car pile-up. Paramedic Mike Staley was injured while assisting Kevin Gundaker when Bob Keselowski spun into Gundaker's car, hitting Staley. Slick Johnson was killed after hitting the turn 4 wall and being struck by another car.

2003: NASCAR Pole Winner Race Held After ARCA Race

From 2003, the NASCAR Cup pole winners' race was held after the ARCA race.

2017: NASCAR Pole Winner Race Held After ARCA Race

Until 2017, the NASCAR Cup pole winners' race was held after the ARCA race.

2018: Schedule Change to Avoid Time-Certain Finishes

In 2018, Daytona changed the schedule so the NASCAR Cup pole winners' race would be run the next day to prevent time-certain finishes in the ARCA race, which had been implemented due to numerous incidents during the ARCA race.

2020: General Tire 100 at Daytona Road Course

In 2020, due to schedule changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a one-off ARCA race named General Tire 100 was held at the Daytona road course as part of a weekend that also included the three NASCAR national series. Michael Self won the race, which was postponed to a night race due to weather, requiring the use of wet tires.