Cole Denton Scores Top-10 Finish in ARCA West Debut at Kevin Harvick’s Kern County Raceway Park
Rising young standout Cole Denton delivered a composed and disciplined performance in his ARCA Menards Series West debut, earning a 10th-place finish at Kevin Harvick's Kern County Raceway Park.
Driving the No. 71 Ford for Jan’s Towing, Denton qualified 14th and entered the race weekend with clear objectives: run every lap, finish on the lead lap, and bring the car home in one piece. He accomplished all three.
Throughout the event, Denton focused on tire management and gaining experience in the heavier ARCA platform, methodically working his way forward while learning the nuances of the car.
“We qualified 14th and our goal was to run all the laps and bring it home clean,” Denton said. “I was saving my tires and just trying to learn as much as I could about the car every lap. It was a great race for us, and I’m really looking forward to heading to Phoenix.”
Competing against seasoned ARCA West veterans on the demanding half-mile oval, Denton demonstrated patience and race awareness well beyond his years. The Top-10 result marked an impressive first outing at this level and reinforced the steady progression of his development.
Making an ARCA West debut is a significant milestone for any young driver. Denton didn’t just participate — he executed.
Next Stop: Phoenix
Denton now turns his focus to Phoenix Raceway, where he will compete in the General Tire 150 on Thursday, the 5th. The race will air live on FS1 with a scheduled start time of 6:00 PM ET, providing another high-profile opportunity to continue building momentum.
About Cole Denton
Cole Denton is a rising American stock car driver from Pascagoula, Mississippi. A former INEX East National Champion with multiple Bandolero and Legends Car titles, Denton has steadily progressed through the developmental ranks of motorsports. Known for his discipline, race intelligence, and competitive drive, he continues advancing toward NASCAR’s national touring series ladder.
About the ARCA Menards Series West
The ARCA Menards Series West is one of the most historic developmental stock car series in the United States and serves as a key stepping stone toward NASCAR’s national divisions. Featuring competition across short tracks, road courses, and marquee venues throughout the western United States, the series provides emerging drivers with critical experience in full-bodied stock cars while competing against seasoned veterans and rising prospects alike.