Series Iowa open test wrap-up

ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie Jesse Smith Quickest in Iowa Speedway Testing

NEWTON IA (4-1-08) - Wildwood, Missouri's Jesse Smith turned heads Tuesday at Iowa Speedway when the 18-year-old ARCA RE/MAX Series rookie unofficially posted the quickest speed in open testing.

Smith, in the no. 30 Jones Group Dodge, circled the 7/8ths-mile Newton, Iowa oval in 23.120 seconds for an average speed of 136.246 mph.

Smith led the way over 21 drivers that tested today in preparation for the upcoming third annual Prairie Meadows 250 at Iowa set for April 19th.

Roush Fenway Racing's Erik Darnell was second on the charts with a speed of 136.069 mph. Matt Carter, in Larry Clement's #46 Ford, was third overall at 135.952. Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Marc Davis posted the fourth quickest speed overall in the Venturini Motorsports #25 Chevrolet. Justin Lofton, in the #45 Cunningham Motorsports Dodge, was fifth quickest overall.

From Iowa, the ARCA RE/MAX Series heads to Kansas Speedway for more open testing Wednesday, April 3rd.

The next race event for the ARCA RE/MAX Series is the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts at Salem Speedway Sunday afternoon, April 13th.

-credit: arca