SALEM, Ind. − Steve Arpin was 913 miles from his hometown of Ft. Frances, Ontario on Sunday morning before the race at Salem Speedway; but he was only 111 miles from his first career ARCA Racing Series victory.
Steve Arpin, driver of the no. 55 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet, went on to prove and showcase himself as a driver earARCA,ning his first career ARCA Racing Series victory on Sunday afternoon.
"This car was awesome from the drop of the green flag. These guys work ridiculous hours days in and days out and they do an awesome job preparing these racecars. It's not just the 55 team that won this race; it's the 15, 25 and 55. All the guys at Venturini, everyone, did an awesome job," said Arpin after getting out of the car in Victory Lane. "Venturini Motorsports gives their drivers great equipment and presents us with great opportunities. That is how this team got this win!"
Arpin entered the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 presented by Appliancezone.com tied for second in championship points. When the race was over, he left Salem tied for the lead. Mission accomplished.
Before the green flag dropped, Arpin told the entire Venturini Motorsports team, "I'll see you in Victory Lane." And he did. Arpin went on to lead twice for 138 laps during the 200-lap race.
Starting on the outside pole, Arpin quickly took the lead from pole sitter Max Gresham. Arpin continued to lead laps 1-80 before pitting under caution at lap 81. The no. 55 Venturini Motorsports crew had perfect pit stops and spot-on pit strategy all day long, allowing Arpin to maintain good track position and race his way to the front. Throughout most of the race, Arpin was battling for lead against strong competitors' Joey Coulter and Patrick Sheltra.
The half-mile, high-banked speedway is known for being tough on drivers and equipment. But this was no concern to the driver that originated from dirt racing. After the race, Arpin talked about battling for the lead at the end of the race with Sheltra, who is a dirt racer alike.
"Patrick and I are both dirt racers and at the end of the race, this is kind of the only race on the whole series that's more like a dirt track. The two dirt track drivers were out front. I just love racing Patrick, it was a blast. We got together and little bit down the backstretch and it was just awesome."
It was an emotional victory for both Arpin and owner Billy Venturini. Venturini scored his first and only career ARCA win at Salem Speedway in 2006 and returned to Salem Speedway with Arpin and won his first ARCA race as a car owner.
"This is where I got my first win, and it was so special," said Billy Venturini. "Steve is like a brother. I just love him. He has been an awesome addition to this team. I thank God every day that he is a part of this program and to give him his first win was almost as emotional as my first win here."
As Arpin pulled into victory lane, the entire Venturini Motorsports team awaited him to celebrate. Ecstatic about win, the team drenched Arpin in water and Gatorade as he climbed out of his car.
"I tell you what, this the most incredible feeling in the world," said Arpin with the biggest smile. "This race track is incredible. It was just a blast to drive around this place. This is the place I wanted to win the most. It's just wild; the fans are right on top of you. It's just a rush driving around this place! Billy won here, and now I've won here!"
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