ISABELLA ROBUSTO Expected to Land Full-Time Nitro Drive in 2026 ARCA Shakeup

September 26, 2025

by Mark Kristl // from frontstretch.com

• ISABELLA ROBUSTO is expected to secure one of Nitro Motorsports’ full-time ARCA rides for 2026 as the team completes its acquisition of Venturini Motorsports. After running full-time with VMS in 2025 following a part-time 2024 slate, she’s compiled 16 top fives and 23 top 10s in 34 platform starts, though 11 DNFs show the challenges she’s faced. Currently sitting fifth in points with eyes on third, Robusto represents the continuity between the Venturini legacy and Nitro’s ambitious four-car operation.
• The 2026 ARCA silly season is heating up with major organizational changes across the garage. Nitro will become Toyota’s flagship development program, fielding four full-time entries plus a fifth part-timer, while championship contender Brenden Queen graduates to NASCAR’s national series, leaving PRG to run a driver rotation across two cars. JGR plans to scale back from multiple drivers to just two in their No. 18, with 15-year-old Max Reaves confirmed for all eligible races.
• Youth continues to dominate ARCA’s future landscape, with teenage phenoms like Tristan McKee (series’ youngest winner at 15 years, five days) and Isaac Kitzmiller (2025 East champion) positioned for expanded roles. McKee will likely run all eligible races for PRG after his breakthrough Watkins Glen victory, while Isaac plans to defend his East title and tackle additional national division races before succeeding his father Jason in full-time competition when he turns 18 in February 2027.

arca menards series, nitro motorsports, toyota racing, venturini motorsports