As we look at the 2024 ARCA Menard’s Series season, it’s hard to ignore what appears to be a glaring competitive imbalance. With William Sawalich racking up an astounding seven wins and Connor Zilisch following closely with four victories, one has to wonder: Is this level of dominance healthy for the series?

In my view, this two-driver show, while impressive, raises serious concerns about the state of competition in ARCA. The fact that Sawalich and Zilisch have combined for eleven wins, leaving only a handful of victories for the rest of the field, suggests a disparity that goes beyond mere talent.

It’s worth considering whether the current structure of the series inadvertently favors well-funded teams to such an extent that it stifles competition. While Sawalich and Zilisch deserve credit for their performances, their dominance might be symptomatic of deeper issues within the series.

I believe it’s time for ARCA officials to take a hard look at potential changes that could level the playing field. Ideas like cost caps, increased use of spec parts, or limits on testing could help close the gap between the front-runners and the so-called “back markers.”

Critics might argue that such changes could stifle innovation or punish success. However, in my opinion, the long-term health of the series depends on fostering a more competitive environment. A series where only two drivers have a realistic shot at victory each week risks losing fan interest and sponsor support.

Moreover, ARCA’s role as a developmental series is compromised if only a select few have the resources to truly compete. How can we expect to nurture the next generation of NASCAR talent if most of the field is effectively out of contention before the green flag drops?

The dominance of Sawalich and Zilisch in 2024 should be a wake-up call. While their achievements are commendable, I firmly believe that for the good of the sport, ARCA needs to find ways to spread the competition more evenly across the field.

It’s a delicate balance, but one that’s crucial to strike. The future of ARCA may well depend on how it addresses this issue. As fans and stakeholders in the sport, we should be pushing for changes that ensure exciting, competitive racing for years to come.

This is just my take on the situation, of course. What do you think? Is the dominance of two drivers a problem, or simply the nature of competitive racing?

Photo by Tyler Summerfield/Full Throttle Media