SALEM, Ind. (September 8, 2016) – With just four races left in the season, Mitchell, Indiana rookie Chase Briscoe is getting closer and closer to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards national championship. He can't mathematically wrap up the 2016 title this Saturday at Salem Speedway, but he can most assuredly secure the 2016 ARCA Short Track Challenge Championship presented by Protect Plus.
With a 155-point lead in the Short Track standings headed to Salem, all Briscoe needs to do is start the race to be ARCA's Short Track Champion for 2016.
"That'll take some pressure off...knowing that all we have to do is start the race." Briscoe said. "The overall goal is the national championship obviously, and we're on our way towards that. But if we didn't win the short track championship too, I think it would seem like there was something missing from the overall title. The short tracks are more about the driver...you have to get up on the wheel more. Winning the short track title is a huge honor and a pride point...and one I'm going to be very proud of. I'll take that everywhere I go."
Briscoe considers Salem his home track.
"It's 15 minutes from the house. I feel like we're going to have so much support from friends and family...to win it would be unreal. We'll have a lot of people from our sponsor, Big Tine, there rooting for us. I want this win in the worst way."
And of course Briscoe knows his Cunningham Motorsports team can get the job done. Briscoe went on a mid-season four-race win streak that included short track victories at Winchester, Iowa and Lucas Oil. He added his career-first superspeedway win at Pocono afterwards.
Rookie Briscoe will be a teammate to veteran Frank Kimmel at Salem. Both will be driving for Cunningham Motorsports - Briscoe in the 77 and Kimmel in the 22. Kimmel, the all-time Salem winner with nine victories, hasn't raced in ARCA since the season-opening race at Daytona.
Briscoe has a 505-point lead in the overall championship standings over Tom Hessert. Beyond the Salem race - the 100th ARCA race at the legendary southern Indiana short track - the ARCA Racing Series will wrap up its 2016 campaign with consecutive superspeedways at Chicagoland Speedway (Sept. 15), Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 23) and Kansas Speedway (Oct. 14).
Briscoe also leads in several other Special Award categories including Valvoline Lap Leader (686 laps-led), SCOTT Rookie of the Year, Menards Pole presented by Ansell, Bill France 4 Crown and the S&S Volvo Laps Completed honors.
Complete Listing Of Weekend Activities
Friday, Sept. 9
100th ARCA Race Celebration Golf Scramble
The best ball scramble, benefiting the Master’s Men Ministry (ARCA Chaplain) and the Washington County Animal Shelter, takes place at Western Hill Golf Course. Teams can choose their time of play from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no tee times needed. Enter in advance or on day of play at Salem Speedway. Call 812-883-6504 for entry blank or more information.
ARCA Hauler Parade: 3 p.m.
A parade of ARCA Racing Series haulers will make its way from I-65 at Scottsburg, east on State Road 56 to downtown Salem and out to the track. Scheduled to leave Scottsburg at 3 p.m. and should arrive in Salem at approximately 3:20 p.m.
Fan Fest At The Track: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The pre-race celebration, featuring live music by popular country/rock band Country Bourne, takes place in the concourse area directly behind the main grandstand. Also featuring a fish fry, ARCA driver autograph session, display of vintage ARCA cars and IRMA historical marker dedication. Free admission for this event.
IRMA Historical Marker Dedication: 7 p.m.
The Indiana Racing Memorial Association (IRMA) will commemorate the famed racing facility with the unveiling and dedication of a historical marker. Dignitaries scheduled to speak include Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian Donald Davidson, Salem Mayor Troy Merry and ARCA Racing Series President Ron Drager. Howdy Bell will serve as master of ceremonies.
Saturday, Sept. 10
Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200 presented by Meadow View/Salem Crossing
The historic 100th ARCA race at Salem. Before the green flag drops, race fans are invited down to the track for the First Harrison Bank autograph session. Keeping with the spirit of the 100th race, drivers from all eras will be participating in the pre-race festivities.
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