In a move that has left fans and competitors alike scratching their heads, Bill McAnally Racing has abruptly withdrawn from the remaining 2025 ARCA Menards Series West races, starting with tonight’s event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a strategic masterstroke or a missed opportunity for the team? Let’s dive in.
While short track racing enthusiasts gear up for tonight’s ARCA West action in Las Vegas, Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) has quietly removed its name from the entry list. The reason? A full-throttle shift in focus to their NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program, where they’ve made history as the only team with two drivers in the ‘Round of 8’ playoffs. With just eight drivers remaining, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Tyler Ankrum (No. 18) and Daniel Hemric (No. 19), both vying for the championship under the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing banner.
But here’s the part most people miss: By stepping away from the ARCA West series now, BMR is essentially forgoing the final two races of the season—Las Vegas and Phoenix—to concentrate on the NASCAR Truck Series playoffs. In a statement released Friday, the team emphasized, ‘As the only organization to advance two trucks into the ‘Round of 8’, we want to ensure our people and all resources are 100% directed to the final three NCTS races.’ It’s a bold gamble, but one that could pay off if they secure a championship.
However, this decision isn’t without its critics. Is BMR sacrificing long-term ARCA West development for short-term NASCAR success? Some argue that maintaining a presence in both series could strengthen the team’s overall racing ecosystem. Others applaud the laser-focused approach, citing the rarity of having two drivers in contention for a NASCAR title. The team, however, remains optimistic about the future, concluding their statement with, ‘We’re looking forward to continuing our ARCA Menards Series West program in 2026!’
As the NASCAR Truck Series championship narrows down to the final four drivers after the October 24th race at Martinsville Speedway, and the 2026 season wraps up the following week at Phoenix Raceway, one thing is clear: BMR’s decision will be scrutinized and debated for months to come. What do you think? Is BMR’s all-in bet on the NASCAR playoffs a smart move, or are they leaving ARCA West opportunities on the table? Let us know in the comments below!
For more updates, visit:
- Bill McAnally Racing: https://bmrnaparacing.com/
- NASCAR: https://www.nascar.com/
- ARCA: https://www.arcaracing.com/
