Colby Evans, a 25‑year‑old Iowa native and former ARCA Menards Series competitor, was barred from taking the green flag at Iowa Speedway this weekend after the series’ updated track‑approval criteria barred him from any circuit longer than a half‑mile.
The new standard, which came into effect for the upcoming race, stipulates that drivers must first complete a qualifying race before being reinstated for tracks exceeding 0.5 miles, a threshold that Iowa Speedway’s 0.875‑mile layout surpasses. Consequently, Evans was deemed ineligible despite having originally been slated to drive the No. 83 Ford Fusion for Clubb Racing Inc.
Faced with limited financial resources, Evans acknowledged that he could not afford the travel and entry fees required to meet the series’ other half‑mile venues such as Elko, Irwindale, or the now‑closed Flat Rock, and he ultimately accepted the decision, opting instead to attend the event as a crew member.
His seat will be filled by Brayton Laster, who is set to make his debut in the No. 83 entry for at least three ARCA dates this season, beginning with the Iowa race. Laster’s insertion underscores the series’ willingness to adapt line‑ups when budgetary constraints intersect with regulatory changes.
A Unexpected Shift in the Lineup
Evans took to social media to express disappointment but also to thank his supporters, promising to be present at the track and to continue contributing to the team’s efforts from the pit wall.
The ripple effect of the revised approval process extends beyond Evans, as several other drivers now confront similar hurdles, prompting ARCA officials to emphasize that the revised framework aims to ensure competitive readiness while maintaining a level playing field across the tour.