Grant Enfinger notched his third career ARCA Racing Series victory on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway after holding off Frank Kimmel and Clay Campbell in the late stages. Enfinger explained exclusively to me after the victory what the win meant and how big it was to help him advance his career.
“Definitely the biggest win for my career.” Enfinger told me after his memorable victory. “This win obviously ranks up there (among my greatest wins), but I don’t know if it has sank in yet. Speedway racing is much more of a team involvement and being at the right place at the right time compared to short track racing.”
During the early stages of the Lucas Oil 200 there was a multitude of cars involved in the ‘big one’ on the front stretch. Luckily, Enfinger was ahead of the incident, but he described to me what he could see.
“I saw the wreck happen in my mirror early in the race.” Enfinger explained to me. “That’s why track position and qualifying is important at Daytona, it just cuts away your chances of getting caught up in the big one”
Enfinger was challenged the entire event by Dylan Kwasniewski and Chase Elliott – both rising stars in NASCAR. He explained to me what it was like to contend with Elliott and Kwasniewski.
“No different then racing with any of the other top ARCA drivers, they just have the best equipment out there.” Enfinger expressed to me about racing with Elliott and Kwasniewski. “Luckily, Team BCR game me a car that could beat them.”
Despite battling with Elliott and Kwasniewski for the majority of the event, Enfinger was forced to fend off Frank Kimmel in the final laps to capture the huge win.
“I knew Frank (Kimmel) would try to make something happen, if he could, but at the same time he (Kimmel) is a clean driver, and we’ve never had issues before.” Enfinger told me. “It just all worked out.”
Enfinger and BCR are attempting to run the entire ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards 2014 season, but funds are keeping them from reaching that goal.
“BCR team owner Howard Bixman is trying to get us to every race (this season).” Enfinger explained to me. “Great partners like Casite/Motor Honey, Advance Auto Parts, WURTH USA, and Stanley Industries are helping greatly”
Enfinger will return to track at Mobile Speedway, his home track and the site of his first ARCA Racing Series victory next month.
“I already felt good about Mobile, but this (win) gives confidence to everyone on our team (heading to Mobile).” Enfinger told me about his chances heading back to his home track.
Congrats to Enfinger on the remarkable Daytona International Speedway victory, and a HUGE thanks to him for doing the interview.
