ASA Southern Super Series Rookie of the Year Dustin Smith made his Daytona Debut as part of the ARCA Menards Series Road to Daytona program on Thursday at the World Center of Speed in Daytona Beach Florida.
Prior to the test at the 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway, the biggest track Smith had turned a lap on was half a mile. Add in the 31 degree banking at Daytona, which is almost double the average short track and Smith had a lot to work on.
Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing has been part of the ARCA Road to Daytona program for over 20 years and the former ARCA Champ was the perfect instructor for Smiths first visit to Daytona.
“Dustin did a great job, he adapted very quickly to the ARCA car and the track,” said Hillenburg. “He should be good to go for Superspeedway races and we would like to have an opportunity to work with him down the road.”
Smith put down some fast laps very quickly posting a time that put him solidly in the top 10 of the 65 drivers taking times in the morning session and the fastest Fast Track Driver.
“Mr. Andy (Hillenburg) really has a great group of people working for him. Having him coach me around the track really got me up and going really quick,” offered Smith. “I had a blast, I really appreciate everyone that helped make this happen. Hopefully we can find some sponsorship when we get home so this might lead to another opportunity.”
The 2025 ARCA Menards Series season will kick off with the 62nd Annual Daytona ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15.
The race will be televised live on FOX starting at 12 p.m. ET; the race will also be broadcast nationwide on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network.
Source: Inside Alabama Racing
