WATCH: Joey Lest Clinches Maiden ARCA Series Win After an Intense Battle

During the weekend, the 2021 ARCA Series crowned a brand new race winner in the form of Joey Iest. The rookie driver was competing in the NAPA Auto Parts Colorado 150. For a while, the Bill McNally Racing (BMR) team dominated the race, but the Naake-Klauer Motorsports driver pulled one out of the bag.

It is worth mentioning that BMR duo Jesse Love and Cole Moore led a combined 126 of 150 laps. However, the #54 of Iest took over the lead in the final 18 laps. From there, he controlled the race and stormed to his first race win on the ARCA Menards platform.

How about @IestJoey???

The 18-year-old gets is FIRST ARCA Menards win in tonight’s West Series race at @cnsracing pic.twitter.com/rTQcbqBTdY

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) August 1, 2021

Who is Joey Iest, the newest ARCA race winner?

The 18-year-old hails from California and competes in the ARCA Menards Series East and Series West. The teenager races for Mike Naake, in partnership with David Gilliland Racing. During the race, Joey Iest kept a cool head and made short work of Love on Lap 132. All this was before he cruised to Victory Lane in just his 14th ARCA Menards start.

To make matters even better, the win vaults him up the championship standings to sixth in the West Series. Additionally, he also finds himself in the Top 5 in the East Series standings. While Iest rested on his laurels, Love was forced to settle for second place at Colorado National.

Nov 7, 2020; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR ARCA Series driver Jesse Love celebrates with a burnout after clinching the 2020 ARCA West Series Championship following the Arizona Lottery 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Although there is some disappointment, he can take comfort in the fact that rival, Todd Souza could only muster seventh place. That means that Love has taken over the championship points lead in the West Series. However, he cannot afford to let up, because teammate Moore is just two points adrift.

Coming back to the race results, Jake Drew finished third Saturday night ahead of Moore. Finally, 20-year-old Eric Nascimento rounded out the Top 5 in just his second ARCA Menards start. Behind him were P.J. Pedroncelli, Souza, Jolynn “JoJo” Wilkinson, Bridget Burgess, and Trevor Huddleston completing the top 10.

READ MORE: Who Are the Upcoming Rookies to Watch Out for in the NASCAR 2021 Season and Beyond?

The post WATCH: Joey Lest Clinches Maiden ARCA Series Win After an Intense Battle appeared first on EssentiallySports.