Colby Evans will not race at Iowa Speedway this weekend after ARCA ruled that he is no longer approved to compete at the track. The decision means the Iowa native will miss the ARCA Menards Series race at his home circuit, where he made his series debut last year. Evans had intended to race the No. 83 Ford Fusion for Clubb Racing Inc., but the approval revision canceled those plans.
The 25-year-old shared his disappointment on social media and later explained the situation in a YouTube video. Although the decision prevents him from racing at Iowa, Evans said he understands ARCA’s process and plans to attend the event as a crew member. The decision highlights how ARCA’s approval system can affect drivers even after they have previously competed at the same track.
Colby Evans Misses Iowa Speedway After ARCA Approval Change
Colby Evans confirmed that ARCA de-approved him for Iowa Speedway and now allows him to race only at tracks measuring half a mile or less, with Bristol Motor Speedway being the only exception. Since Iowa Speedway is a 0.875-mile track, he is not eligible to compete there this weekend.
Sharing the news on social media, Evans wrote, “This was supposed to be my ride for this weekends race at Iowa, however I was De-approved by ARCA for this track and only allowed at Tracks 1/2 mile and smaller (except Bristol). Disappointed is an understatement, I was so excited to run my home track for the 2nd year in a row!!!”
The seat will now go to Brayton Laster, who will drive the No. 83 Ford Fusion for Clubb Racing in at least three ARCA races this season, beginning with Iowa Speedway.
ARCA Approval Process Changed Before Iowa Speedway Race
In a YouTube video, Evans explained that the decision came about two months ago after ARCA reviewed its approval process for several drivers.
“It was not going to be a full race. I didn’t really have the sponsorship, but we were probably going to run a good chunk of the race and then pull off for the day. That was the plan from the start,” Evans said while describing his original plan for the Iowa Speedway event.
“About two months ago, I got a call from Alex explaining that ARCA had reworked some of its approval processes for several drivers, not just me. Apparently, several drivers had their approvals changed from tracks one mile and smaller to tracks half a mile and smaller.”
Evans said ARCA official Bobby later explained that he needed to complete another race before receiving approval to race at Iowa Speedway again.
“They kindly explained that they wanted to see another race from me before approving me for Iowa again. That meant I would have to run Elko, IRP or Flat Rock before they would let me race at Iowa again.”
Colby Evans Accepts Decision and Looks Ahead
Evans said his limited budget made it impossible to race at one of the required tracks before Iowa Speedway.
“As you guys know, I’m already on a fixed budget. Most of my money comes out of my own pocket, and I don’t have a whole lot of sponsorship behind me. If I spent the money to run a track like Elko, Flat Rock or IRP, I wouldn’t have anything left over to run Iowa.”
Evans stated that he holds no resentment towards ARCA or Clubb Racing despite missing the race.
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