WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Fifteen-year-old Tristan McKee earned his first ARCA Menards Series victory in his series debut Friday afternoon at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Int’l.
McKee became the 38th driver to win in his series debut since 1979. McKee, who turned 15 on Aug. 3, also became the series’ second-youngest winner ever, behind only Todd Gilliland who won at Toledo Speedway two days after his 15th birthday in 2015.
McKee leads the standing in the Trans Am TA2 Series.
Brent Crews (No. 18 JBL Audio Toyota) dominated the race, leading until the last caution flag of the day with less than five laps remaining.
As the field was reassembling for the restart, Crews slowed to a stop with an alternator issue. Crews came to the pits for a battery change and rejoined the field; he finished ninth.
Tyler Reif (No. 23 Vegas Fastener / Sigma Performance Services Chevrolet) finished second, his best career ARCA Menards Series finish since he won at Phoenix Raceway in March 2023.
Kris Wright finished third, his best ARCA Menards Series finish since he finished third in the 2024 season finale at Toledo Speedway.
Glen Reen and Dale Quarterley completed the top five.
The finish:
Tristan McKee, Tyler Reif, Kris Wright, Glen Reen, Dale Quarterley, Ryan Gemmell, Andy Jankowiak, Isabella Robusto, Brent Crews, Lavar Scott, Alon Day, Lawless Alan, Trent Curtis, Casey Carden, Thad Moffitt, Alex Clubb, Jason Kitzmiller, Michael Maples, Chris Werth, Matt Wilson, Brenden Queen, Ed Pompa, Brayton Laster, Shane Backes, Trevor Ward, Corey Aiken, Brad Smith.
