Steve Arpin took his maiden Red Bull Global Rallycross win at the recent Daytona double header, leading home Chip Ganassi Racing team mate Brian Deegan to give the team their first win and one-two finish in the series.
Previously a NASCAR regular, Arpin took his career best finish in the Xfinity Series at the track and stood on the podium at last year’s Red Bull GRC double header there making his win at the central Florida venue – his first in 35 starts – rather appropriate.
His victory was also a landmark for Chip Ganassi Racing, who became the first organisation to win sports car, stock car, and rallycross events at Daytona since the facility opened in 1959.
“Having the opportunity to race at Daytona is something special on its own,” Arpin told The Checkered Flag. “Having the opportunity to win in Daytona, giving Loenbro and Jacob Companies their first win there and adding to Chip Ganassi’s winning legacy there, is simply incredible!”
“I still can’t believe it! Now we just need to stay focused and back it up as we move further into the season,” he added.
Arpin’s maiden win at Daytona was also Ganassi’s first Red Bull GRC triumph – Credit: Louis Yio/Red Bull Global Rallycross
Next up for Arpin and the rest of the Red Bull GRC field is another double header event, this time at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Taking place as a double header for the first time, Red Bull GRC MCAS New River is the only motorsport event in the world to take place on an active military base, and Aprin believes it’s an important round, not just for the fans, but the drivers too.
“Heading to MCAS New River on 4th of July weekend is really special for us. It gives us the opportunity to give something back to the men and women who give so much to ensure our freedoms and fight for our safety,” he said. “With everything going on in the world these days, it is so nice to provide a positive experience for our military and it is truly an honour to be invited back again this year!”
Last year the Canadian took a fifth place finish and this year he will be looking to continue his strong run of form that has seen him vault to second place in the standings just before the halfway point in the season.
Arpin (left) claimed a top five finish at last year’s ‘Race the Base’ event – Credit: Larry Chen/Red Bull Global Rallycross
