ARCA Racing: Differences from NASCAR, Driver Pay, and More

That moment you spot a familiar-looking stock car driver at a track, but the car looks a generation behind, you’re likely watching an ARCA race, not a NASCAR event. This guide breaks down how ARCA differs from NASCAR, what it costs to race, and who’s making the leap.

Founded: 1953 –
Owned by: NASCAR (since 2018) –
Premier series: ARCA Menards Series –
Car type: Stock cars (often older NASCAR models)

How is ARCA different from NASCAR?

The short answer: ARCA is the minor league to NASCAR’s major leagues — same sport, different budget and rules. ARCA stands for Automobile Racing Club of America (Wikipedia article on ARCA), and while it shares the same stock car DNA as NASCAR, the differences are substantial.

Here’s the quick comparison across the critical dimensions:

The implication: ARCA offers a wider variety of track types than NASCAR Cup — from dirt to superspeedways — making it a more rounded training ground. But the cars are older and less advanced, which means drivers learn fundamentals without relying on high-tech aids.

Is ARCA owned by NASCAR?

Yes. NASCAR announced it was purchasing ARCA on April 27, 2018 (Motorsport.com report), and by 2020 the two organizations had become one entity. Since then, ARCA has served as the official developmental series under the NASCAR umbrella.

Is ARCA still NASCAR?

ARCA remains a separate series brand, but functionally it’s now a NASCAR-owned property. Think of it as the college level of a sport where the Cup Series is the pros. ARCA races still use their own rules, points system, and schedule — just under NASCAR’s governance.

What does ARCA stand for in racing?

ARCA is an acronym that’s been around stock car racing for over seven decades. It stands for Automobile Racing Club of America (Wikipedia article on ARCA), founded in 1953 by John Marcum (Motorsport.com report). While the name suggests a broad club, in practice ARCA is a touring stock car series with a specific focus on developing talent.

What is the ARCA Menards Series?

The ARCA Menards Series is the premier division of ARCA (Wikipedia article on ARCA) — essentially the “varsity” level within the organization. It’s sponsored by Menards, the home improvement retailer, and features the longest races, the biggest fields, and the most attention from NASCAR scouts. The series also includes the ARCA East Series and ARCA West Series as regional feeder tiers.

Do ARCA drivers get paid?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most ARCA drivers do not get paid to race. In fact, many of them pay the team for the opportunity to drive. This is standard practice in developmental motorsports worldwide.

According to industry sources, the financial model works like this:

• Pay-to-drive: Drivers or their sponsors pay the team a fee per race
• Sponsorship offsets: Some drivers bring corporate sponsorship that covers or reduces costs
• Occasional salary: A handful of proven winners may receive small payments, but this is rare

How much do ARCA drivers get paid?

Exact figures are difficult to pin down because contracts are private. But the pattern across developmental racing is consistent: drivers at the ARCA level typically do not earn a salary. Even accomplished ARCA drivers often race for free while hoping a NASCAR team owner takes notice.

How much does it cost to run an ARCA race car?

Running a competitive ARCA team is expensive. While costs vary based on team quality and track type, estimates from racing industry sources put the numbers at:

• Per-race cost: $25,000 to $50,000 for a single weekend
• Full season budget: $300,000 to $1,000,000
• Major cost drivers: Engine rebuilds, tires, travel, crew salaries, crash damage

Is Cleetus McFarland in the Arca race?

Yes. Cleetus McFarland — real name Garrett Mitchell — is a popular YouTuber and amateur racer who has competed in ARCA races. His participation brought significant attention to the series, introducing millions of viewers to ARCA racing through his content.

McFarland’s ARCA forays highlight a broader trend: the series has become a destination for content creators and part-time racers who want the experience of driving a stock car on a real track without committing to a full NASCAR schedule.

Are ARCA cars old NASCARs?

Sort of, but not exactly. ARCA cars often use older-generation NASCAR chassis (Engine Builder Magazine report), but they aren’t simply hand-me-down Cup cars. Many are purpose-built for ARCA specifications, which differ from current NASCAR Cup rules.

The engines are another differentiator: ARCA historically used 358-cubic-inch V8 architecture with carburetors and rev-limited electronics (Engine Builder Magazine report), while NASCAR Cup cars have moved to fuel injection and more sophisticated engine management. The result is that ARCA cars are simpler, cheaper, and more forgiving to drive — exactly what you want in a developmental series.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

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Frequently asked questions

For the aspiring stock car racer, the path is clear: ARCA offers the cheapest ticket to a NASCAR ride, but only for those who can fund the journey themselves. Without a checkbook or a sponsor, a talented driver will find the road closed.