ANDERSON, Ind. – It has been nearly two decades since Greg Van Alst competed in a championship points event for the ARCA Menards Series.
However, that hiatus will come to an end, as officials from Greg Van Alst Motorsports have announced that Van Alst will return to the series next year beginning with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 13.
Van Alst first competed in the ARCA Menards Series on a limited schedule in 2002 driving for Locke Bros. Racing, but as the team shifted priorities, Van Alst took a path to late models, where he has steadily and successfully built a strong career, including the 2019 ARCA/CRA Super Series championship.
Winning the championship awarded Van Alst the opportunity to participate in the open ARCA Menards Series test at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in January 2020, which reignited his fire to compete in the series.
Greg Van Alst Motorsports will make its first on-track appearance during ARCA Menards Series preseason testing at the “World Center of Racing” next month.
“I’m very excited about 2021,” said Van Alst. “This is a great opportunity for myself and my Greg Van Alst Motorsports team to come to the ARCA Menards Series with some great marketing partners and pursue the best in on-track performance.
“I’m looking forward to going to Daytona in January and having a positive preseason test and returning in February and competing for the win.”
CB Fabricating, a longtime partner with Greg Van Alst Motorsports, will boost its commitment with the team and make the leap to the ARCA Menards Series as the primary marketing partner of Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet.
Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating and assembly. Their 26,000 square foot facility allows them to service the needs of many industries, including automotive, agricultural, aquatic, medical, transportation and electrical enclosures.
“Without the support of Chris Barkdull and everyone at CB Fabricating, this chance to elevate our team to the next level would not have been possible,” added Van Alst. “We have set goals for ourselves in 2021, and I believe we are aligning ourselves with the right people who can allow us to turn heads not only at Daytona but throughout the 2021 season.”
For Daytona, Van Alst has acquired equipment from Chad Bryant Racing.
“Ever since the Daytona ARCA test in January 2020, I was itching to get back to the track in an ARCA car and while there were opportunities, I didn’t want to just jump in a car to drive. Taking our time and putting the pieces and equipment together along with our patience I think will pay off in a big way.”
Additional specifics on Greg Van Alst Motorsports’ 2021 ARCA Menards Series program will be forthcoming, including crew chief and a detailed series schedule.