Cole Denton Continues Impressive ARCA West Start with Runner-Up Finish at Shasta
ANDERSON, Calif. (May 3, 2026) — Cole Denton continued his rapid rise in the ARCA Menards Series West, scoring a strong second-place finish in the Bill Schmitt Memorial at Shasta Speedway.
In just his fourth career ARCA West start, Denton qualified third and remained a fixture inside the top five throughout the entire race. Driving the No. 71 Jan’s Towing Ford for Jan’s Racing, Denton once again proved he belongs among the series’ top contenders.
Denton ran in close pursuit of race winner Trevor Huddleston for much of the event, staying within striking distance and matching his pace on multiple late-race restarts. Despite not quite having the speed to mount a winning move, Denton’s consistency and racecraft secured his second consecutive podium finish.
The performance comes just weeks after Denton’s breakthrough victory at Tucson Speedway, further establishing the young driver as one of the fastest-rising drivers in the series.
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“It means a lot to put this car on the podium two weeks in a row,” said Denton. “Huddleston was second last race, so we just swapped. I’m very happy with a podium and second place is a big deal. The whole Jan’s Racing crew did an amazing job, so to get a podium two weeks in a row is just awesome.”
Denton also noted the opportunity to learn while racing up front, studying the race-winning line and approach in an effort to close the gap as the season progresses.
With the result, Denton now sits third in the championship standings heading into the next event.
Up Next
Denton and the Jan’s Racing team head to Colorado National Speedway on May 23, looking to continue their early-season momentum in the ARCA Menards Series West title fight.
About Cole Denton
Cole Denton is an emerging talent in stock car racing from Pascagoula, Mississippi. A former champion in both Legend Cars and Bandoleros at Cordele Motor Speedway, Denton has quickly transitioned into late model and ARCA competition. Known for his adaptability and race-winning potential, he is rapidly establishing himself as a contender in the ARCA Menards Series West.
About Jan’s Racing
Jan’s Racing fields competitive entries in the ARCA Menards Series West, providing drivers with equipment capable of contending for wins and championships. The team is known for its strong preparation and commitment to driver development.
About ARCA Menards Series West
ARCA Menards Series West is a premier developmental stock car racing series on the West Coast, serving as a proving ground for NASCAR’s next generation of talent. The series competes at a variety of short tracks and speedways, helping drivers build experience on their path to NASCAR’s national divisions.
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