COLE DENTON WINS ARCA WEST ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, ADDS CORDELE CHAMPIONSHIP

Two ARCA West Victories, a Top-Five Points Finish and a Pro Late Model Title Highlight Standout 2026 Season

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (November 1, 2026) — Cole Denton capped a breakout 2026 campaign by earning the ARCA Menards Series West Rookie of the Year award and the Pro Late Model championship at Cordele Motor Speedway. The 16-year-old from Pascagoula, Mississippi, paired those accomplishments with two ARCA West victories and a top-five finish in the series’ final championship standings.

Denton completed his rookie ARCA West season Saturday night with a seventh-place finish in the NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Driving the No. 71 Jan’s Towing Ford, he advanced from 14th on the starting grid and completed all 42 laps before persistent rain brought the scheduled 150-lap race to an early conclusion.

Two Victories Highlight Standout Rookie Season

Working with crew chief Mr. Chris Greaney and Jan’s Towing Racing, Denton finished his first full ARCA West campaign with two victories, five top-five finishes, nine top-10 results and three pole awards across 13 starts.

His first victory came April 11 at Tucson Speedway in only his third ARCA West start. Starting from the pole, Denton managed his tires and track position to earn a breakthrough win early in the season.

He returned to Victory Lane June 6 at Tri-City Raceway, again winning from the pole. That weekend also included a series qualifying record at the track, with Denton turning a lap of 18.578 seconds before holding off Trevor Huddleston for the victory.

Denton’s other top-five performances included second at Shasta Speedway, fourth on the Sonoma Raceway road course and third at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring. Those results demonstrated his ability to adapt to different track configurations and compete with experienced drivers throughout the season.

The year also brought challenges, including mechanical problems and races in which strong runs did not produce the finishes Denton and his team had hoped for. He kept gaining experience through those setbacks, returning to contention and ultimately earning Rookie of the Year honors and a top-five finish in the final standings. "Getting Rookie of the Year is amazing! Just sad the season finished with a rain out." said Denton

Cordele Pro Late Model Championship Adds to Season Success

Alongside his ARCA West schedule, Denton continued developing his late-model program and captured the 2026 Pro Late Model championship at Cordele Motor Speedway in Cordele, Georgia.

His Cordele results included a third-place finish on March 28 and runner-up finishes in both 75-lap features on July 18, giving him three podium performances at the Georgia short track.

Denton’s most recent Cordele appearance came October 24 in the Georgia Watermelon Association Pro Late Model 100 during World Crown 300 Weekend. After qualifying and starting fifth, he worked through brake problems that developed during the race and brought home a sixth-place finish.

The Cordele championship adds another milestone to Denton’s progression through the racing ranks. Balancing that program with his first full ARCA West season gave him experience in different cars, on different tracks and against a wide range of competitors—experience he converted into victories, rookie honors and championship success.

About Cole Denton

Cole Denton is a 16-year-old race car driver from Pascagoula, Mississippi, competing in the ARCA Menards Series West and select Late Model events. He began racing go-karts at age four and advanced through Bandoleros, Legend Cars, and late models, earning an INEX National Bandolero Championship along the way. Driving the No. 71 Ford for Jan’s Towing Racing, Denton earned two victories and Rookie of the Year honors during his 2026 ARCA West campaign. For more information, visit www.coledentonracing.com.

About Jan’s Towing Racing

Jan’s Towing Racing, owned by Jan Qualkenbush, competes in the ARCA Menards Series West with Ford entries for Cole Denton and Robbie Kennealy. The organization combines experienced leadership with a focus on developing young drivers and building a competitive stock-car racing program.

About Friends of Jaclyn Foundation

Friends of Jaclyn Foundation connects children facing pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers with sports teams and community groups. Through its Adopt-A-Child Program, these lifelong relationships bring children and their families love, support, friendship and an extended team, helping improve their quality of life. For more information, visit www.friendsofjaclyn.org.

Media Contact

Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development
rod@racefacebd.com