NEWTON, N.C. — The ARCA Menards Series East season officially roars to life this weekend at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway, and for reigning series champion Isaac Kitzmiller, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Not only does Kitzmiller enter the new campaign with the target of defending his championship, but he also faces a pivotal year to elevate his profile and prove he belongs among the sport’s rising stars.
When the teenage sensation burst onto the development tour in 2025, expectations were modest. But through steady consistency and continuous improvement, Kitzmiller turned heads all season long.
By the time the series finale concluded at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway last September, Kitzmiller had done far more than deliver another strong finish — he had won the ARCA Menards Series East championship.
Returning to the seat of his A.L.L. Construction Racing – CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet, Isaac Kitzmiller eyes the highly anticipated Cook Out 200 as more than just the start of his title defense.
Instead, the season opener presents an opportunity to begin another championship run while also chasing a milestone — his first ARCA-sanctioned victory.
“Coming into this season, there’s definitely a different level of confidence after what we were able to accomplish last year,” said Kitzmiller.
“But at the same time, we know we have to keep working just as hard, if not harder. Hickory is a special place to start the year, and for us, it’s about putting ourselves in position early, staying consistent, and hopefully contending for that first win. That’s a big goal for our team.”
Much like his inaugural ARCA Menards Series East campaign a year ago, Kitzmiller continues to be surrounded by experience, knowledge, and championship-caliber guidance.
His father, Jason Kitzmiller, the current ARCA Menards Series championship contender, will be on the hallowed grounds of Hickory Motor Speedway this weekend in support of his teenage son. Additionally, NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday Jr. continues to take a keen interest in Kitzmiller’s rising trajectory.
That support system is further strengthened by 10-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel’s guidance, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected short-track competitors in ARCA history.
“I’m really fortunate to have people like my dad, Ron, and Frank in my corner,” added Kitzmiller. “They’ve all been through this at a high level, and just being able to learn from their experiences has meant a lot to me. I’m still learning every time I get in the car, but having that kind of support gives me a lot of confidence heading into this season.”
The first stop in an eight-race campaign at the legendary half-mile short track brings plenty of anticipation — and a fair share of unknowns — not just for Isaac Kitzmiller, but for the ARCA Menards Series East field as a whole.
With a scheduled two-and-a-half-hour test session on Friday, March 27, the Maysville, Va. native is focused on establishing a strong baseline that will position his No. 79 A.L.L. Construction Racing – CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet for success.
“With it being the first race of the year, there are definitely a lot of unknowns for everyone,” said Isaac Kitzmiller. “You don’t really know where you stack up until you get on track, so that test session is going to be really important for us to find a good balance in the car.
“I think it’s the same for everybody in the field — everyone’s worked hard in the offseason, but now it’s about putting it all together. For our team, the goal is to unload with speed, keep improving throughout the weekend, and put ourselves in a position to be there at the end.”
As for his goals for Saturday evening’s Cook Out 200, the objective is straightforward for Isaac Kitzmiller — put himself in contention when it matters most.
“At the end of the day, you want to give yourself a shot,” explained Kitzmiller. “If we can keep ourselves up front, stay out of trouble, and be in contention in the closing laps, that’s all you can ask for. From there, it’s about executing and taking advantage of the opportunity when it comes.”
