MVRL ARCA SERIES S1 R5 Recap

29 April 2025
Maximum Velocity Racing League | Season 1 | Round 5
ARCA Series | USA International Speedway

On Monday, April 28th, the Maximum Velocity Racing League’s ARCA Series roared into USA International Speedway for Round 5 of Season 1, bringing with it a massive 40-car field to the tight confines of the ¾-mile oval. The night kicked off with Justin Michael on the pole after laying down a fast qualifying lap of 20.672 seconds, with Heath Smith starting alongside him on the front row.

James Lehman, who rolled off in 3rd, wasted no time taking advantage of the preferred inside line. By the time the opening laps were complete, he had slipped under Smith to grab 2nd and set his sights on Michael for the race lead.

The first half of the race was a stop-and-go affair, plagued by a series of cautions that repeatedly reset the field. While it made it difficult for drivers to find rhythm early on, it also opened up a variety of pit strategy opportunities, as many came down pit road multiple times for fresh tires and fuel, shaking up any long-run plans they may have had.

But just past halfway, the complexion of the race changed. The field finally settled in for a long green-flag stretch, allowing drivers to get into a rhythm and show their true pace. At the front, Michael and Lehman engaged in an intense battle for the lead, with Lehman throwing everything he had at Michael lap after lap. Michael stood firm, defending the top spot despite relentless pressure.

Behind them, Scott Patten quietly made his way up into 3rd and began showing strong pace. Though he couldn’t quite keep up with the top two, he smartly held a few car lengths back — a decision that would later prove pivotal.

As the run continued, lap traffic became a critical factor. With 40 cars on track, it was like navigating rush hour for the leaders. Michael and Lehman were forced to slice through slower cars while still fighting each other for the top spot. On lap 95, the intensity peaked — the two went side-by-side through traffic, refusing to give an inch.

Just a few laps later, the moment of the race arrived. Michael was forced low to avoid a slower car, just as Lehman dove back underneath him trying to reclaim the lead. The two made contact, and both were sent hard into the inside wall with 23 laps to go, bringing out a race-altering caution. Michael took the worst of it and was forced to retire early, while Lehman limped back out, trying to recover what he could.

With the front two suddenly out of the picture, Scott Patten, who had wisely stayed out of the hornet’s nest up front, inherited the race lead. On the restart, Patten showed no signs of nerves and led the remaining laps uncontested to score a smart, well-timed victory at USA International.

Next up, the MVRL ARCA Series heads west for Round 6 at Kern Raceway on Monday, May 5th — another short track sure to bring fireworks. Tune in at 9:30 PM ET, live and exclusive on the Virtual Grip Network!