AMBER BALCAEN Bounces Back From Tire Failure to Grab P9 at ARCA Testing

January 11, 2026

• AMBER BALCAEN turned a disaster into a statement at Daytona ARCA testing, bouncing back from a tire failure that sent her primary car into the Turn 3 wall to post the ninth-fastest lap in a backup ride. In a field of over 50 drivers, she clocked 49.258 seconds—proving that when life hands you a backup car, you make it count.
• The Canadian trailblazer remains diplomatically tight-lipped about her 2026 season plans, with no official driver deals confirmed despite SPS Racing’s enthusiastic support and potential select races with Nitro Motorsports. Her careful words about “working on things” reveal the harsh reality of ARCA racing—talent gets you in the car, but sponsorship dollars keep you there.
• BALCAEN’s genuine enthusiasm about working with SPS Racing shines through the uncertainty, describing “instant chemistry” with the crew that delivered immediate results. While Austin Green topped day two practice at 182.919 mph, her quick turnaround from wall contact to competitive lap times shows exactly why teams want her behind the wheel—she delivers when it matters.

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