Daytona Beach, FL – The pre-season testing at Daytona International Speedway for the ARCA Menards Series concluded Saturday after a two-day event that included inclement weather and on-track incidents. Of the nearly 80 drivers who took part in the test through various opportunities, eight drivers were there thanks to their efforts in other racing disciplines [Read More] including Lapeer, MI native, Chase Burda.
The 2023 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance champion earned his Road to Daytona seat thanks in part to his championship, but also his runner-up finish with the ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS. Series Champion, Gio Ruggiero already had a seat secured for the ARCA Season, therefore passing the baton down to Burda.
The 19-year-old’s on-track time was delayed until Saturday due to heavy rain that passed through Daytona Beach on Friday, delaying the start of Friday’s test until 5:00 PM that evening. On Saturday, however, Burda made the most of his time with Fast Track Racing turning in his best lap of the day at 50.324 seconds averaging 178.841 MPH. The time was good enough to set 17th on the Saturday charts which led all RTD drivers and all Fast Track Racing entries.
That time set by Burda wasn’t just the best in his class on Saturday, but overall Burda’s time set 27th fast for the two-day session, and even in combined results was the best time turned by an RTD driver or Fast Track Racing driver.
“It was an awesome experience,” Burda said. [It’s] something I will definitely never forget. It was cool to be able to draft a little and see how the air moves the cars and just be able to go that fast around a track like Daytona,” Burda remarked.
So, after a successful test in Daytona, what lies ahead for the Burda Motorsports frontman? Right now, it’s a continued but reimagined focus on their short track racing program.
“[I’m] more motivated to get to that next step where I can race at Daytona one day,” Burda explained. “I would love to come back for a race,” he finished.
Find the full ARCA Test Results here.
