CONCORD, N.C. — After setting the fastest lap in preseason ARCA Menards Series practice at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway last weekend, Nitro Motorsports confirmed that three-time ARCA race winner Gus Dean will join the organization for the season-opening General Tire 200 on February 14.
Dean, a Bluffton, S.C., native, will return to the ARCA Menards Series for the first time since Michigan International Speedway in 2024 and will look to extend his streak of Daytona International Speedway victories after capturing an emotional win in February 2024.
The versatile motorsports competitor will join the team for a minimum of two ARCA Menards Series races this season, beginning with Daytona and followed by Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 25.
Dean’s return to the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway will mark the 10-year anniversary of his first ARCA Menards Series triumph, a nail-biting event in which the South Carolinian edged Josh Williams for the victory in just his second national-series start driving for Mason Mitchell Motorsports.
“I’m thrilled about this opportunity to return to the ARCA Menards Series and drive for Nitro Motorsports this year,” said Dean. “It is a new era for the organization and I’m proud to be a part of it.
“I’m looking forward to not only continuing to compete for wins in the ARCA Series but also providing feedback and assistance to help Nitro Motorsports grow their program on-track and with their strengthening driver development program.”
To jumpstart his relationship with the Concord, N.C.-based organization, Dean wheeled the No. 25 Toyota Camry during a two-day ARCA Menards Series practice session at the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway from January 9–10.
During the test, Dean focused on single-car and drafting runs, allowing him to reacquaint himself with the track where he scored his most recent victory while also spending time with veteran crew chief Shane Wilson, who will lead Dean’s efforts for the Daytona ARCA 200 on Valentine’s Day.
“We had a great preseason practice,” offered Dean. “Nick (Tucker), Shane (Wilson) and the entire Nitro Motorsports team were able to bring a fleet of race cars down and they were all very fast.
“I was extremely happy with the handling of my race car and I believe we will have a real shot to deliver Nitro Motorsports their first ARCA Menards Series victory at Daytona next month.”
