Late-Race Incident Cuts Short Strong Portland Run for Cole Denton

PORTLAND, Ore. (August 8, 2026) — Cole Denton continued to show his versatility behind the wheel Saturday at Portland International Raceway, running inside the top five late in the ARCA Menards Series West Portland 112 before a late-race incident relegated the 16-year-old driver to a 16th-place finish.

Making just his second career ARCA Menards Series West start on a road course, Denton entered Portland looking to build on a fourth-place finish at Sonoma Raceway in June.

Driving the No. 71 Jan’s Towing Ford, Denton showed solid speed throughout Saturday’s on-track activity. He qualified eighth for the 57-lap event with a lap of 1:17.8 around the 1.967-mile Portland International Raceway road course.

Once the green flag flew, Denton settled into the race and worked his way into contention as the afternoon progressed.

The young driver put himself in position for another strong road-course result, racing inside the top five during the closing stages of the Portland 112. With the laps winding down, however, a late-race incident changed the outcome of an otherwise impressive afternoon.

The incident dropped Denton through the running order, leaving him 16th when the checkered flag flew. Despite the setback, Denton remained on the lead lap and completed all 57 laps of the race.

While the finishing position did not reflect the strength of the No. 71 Ford throughout the event, Portland provided another valuable road-course experience for Denton during an impressive rookie campaign in the ARCA Menards Series West.

Denton has quickly established himself as one of the series’ young drivers to watch in 2026. After earning his first career ARCA West victory at Tucson Speedway in just his third series start, he followed it with another victory at Tri-City Raceway in June.

Through eight races, Denton has earned two victories and continues to battle among the championship contenders. Following Portland, he sits fourth in the ARCA Menards Series West standings with 343 points.

Saturday’s result may not have been the finish Denton and the No. 71 Jan’s Towing team were working toward, but another competitive run—and time spent battling near the front on a challenging road course—provided plenty of positives to carry forward as his rookie season continues.

 

Up Next

The ARCA Menards Series West returns to action September 5th at All American Speedway in Roseville, CA..

About Cole Denton

Cole Denton is one of the nation's top young stock car drivers, competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series West with Jan's Racing. The 15-year-old has already earned two victories during the 2026 season and currently sits second in the championship standings while leading the Rookie of the Year battle.

About Jan's Racing

Jan's Racing is a championship-caliber ARCA Menards Series West organization committed to developing young talent and competing for victories throughout the season.

Media Contact
Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development
rod@racefacebd.com