Brenden Queen’s Bold Words After ARCA Triumph Over NASCAR Elite

Brenden Queen Triumphs in Thrilling ARCA Race at Michigan

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen etched his name further into ARCA Menards Series lore with a tenacious and gutsy win at the Henry Ford Health 200 held at the Michigan International Speedway.¹

Facing intense pressure from NASCAR Truck Series regulars, Queen held firm to capture his third victory in just six ARCA starts this season, a testament to his rising stock in American stock car racing.

This wasn’t merely another day at the office for the Virginia driver.

The final laps were anything but a Sunday cruise, as Queen had to fend off not just one but two aggressive challengers in the form of Corey Heim and Gio Ruggiero — both of whom are highly respected in the national racing scene.

The Duel With Corey Heim

Corey Heim, the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points leader, stepped into the ARCA race to fill in for Jake Finch, who was sidelined due to health concerns.

Heim, piloting the No. 25 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, was not there just for track time — he wanted the win.

Throughout the second half of the race, Heim loomed large in Queen’s rearview mirror. With clean air at a premium and Queen’s handling being pushed to the limit, Heim made several runs to the inside and outside lanes, but Queen used sharp corner exits and disciplined throttle control to protect his lead.

Despite Heim’s experience and tactical prowess, he simply couldn’t get by. Queen’s driving, particularly through Turns 3 and 4, was impeccable.

In post-race interviews, Queen praised Heim’s sportsmanship, saying:

“So much respect for him… racing hard but fair. That’s how it should be.”

Heim would finish second, but his presence elevated the quality and drama of the race.

Contact With Gio Ruggiero: Hard Racing or Hard Feelings?

If Heim brought the pressure, Gio Ruggiero brought the fireworks. A full-time Truck Series competitor like Heim, Ruggiero seemed to have one of the best long-run cars of the day.

He led over 30 laps — the most outside of Queen — and looked poised to snatch the victory.

The climax came with just a few laps remaining. As Queen and Ruggiero roared into Turn 3, the two made slight contact. It was enough to unsettle Ruggiero’s car, and he dropped out of the podium places, finishing fourth.

Queen was quick to address the incident, apologizing and explaining:

“I have to watch the replay, but it was my fault, sorry. Just racing for the win there.”

This moment could easily have turned into post-race tension, but both drivers took the high road, acknowledging the difficulty of racing at high speeds with inches to spare.

A Smooth Yet Strategic Race

Unlike many ARCA events that see frequent cautions, this race was clean and fast, with only two caution flags flying. The field mostly kept things tidy, which put a premium on pit strategy, tire conservation, and car control.

Queen and his team executed near-flawless pit stops and managed tire wear effectively over the 100-lap distance.

His No. 03 machine, tuned to perfection by his Rev Racing crew, showed both short-run speed and long-run endurance — exactly what you need at a 2-mile D-shaped oval like Michigan.

Brenden Queen’s Maturity Shines Through

Queen’s post-race comments were a masterclass in composure.²

While other drivers might have lashed out, made excuses, or refused accountability for late-race contact, Queen was forthright and humble.

His words to reporter Kaitlyn Vincie spoke volumes:

“Apologize (for) what happened with me and Gio… I didn’t do a good job, I missed a shift there that kinda allowed him to stay with us.”

These kinds of honest admissions and mutual respect among competitors are often the foundation of long-term success in motorsports — both on and off the track.

Meet me at the @WaffleHouse 🤘🏼🧇🏆 pic.twitter.com/gD5YKb90pa

— Brenden Queen (@03Butterbean) June 7, 2025

Points Picture and Championship Implications

With the 49 points earned in Michigan, Queen solidified his status as a title contender.

His aggressive yet controlled driving, coupled with consistent finishes, is quickly making him the man to beat.

While Queen isn’t running the full ARCA schedule, his performance raises an interesting “what if” scenario.

Had he committed to the entire series, he’d likely be leading the standings. For now, he’s become the wild card — capable of crashing the party at any race he enters.

Queen will return to select ARCA events later in the summer, with his next likely start coming at Iowa Speedway.

That track, known for its unique blend of short-track aggression and intermediate speed, could suit Queen’s style.

Meanwhile, Heim and Ruggiero will return to Truck Series duties. But don’t be surprised to see either of them back in an ARCA car before the year is out, especially if they’re looking for extra seat time or redemption from close losses like this one.

Brenden Queen Reflects on His Stellar Start to the 2025 Season

Brenden Queen is turning heads in the 2025 ARCA Menards Series with an electrifying start to his campaign.³

The Virginia native has made a seamless transition from Late Model racing to the national stage, and his results so far are not just promising — they’re dominant.

With back-to-back wins at Daytona and Kansas, followed by another emphatic performance in Michigan, Queen is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the ARCA garage.

Let’s break down the significance of his early-season success and what lies ahead for the young racer.

A Dream Start at Daytona

For any driver, winning at Daytona International Speedway is a milestone achievement. For Brenden Queen, it marked a major breakthrough.

The 2025 season opener, Ride the ‘Dente 200, was Queen’s coming-out party on a national level. Daytona has always been a proving ground for talent, and Queen didn’t just show up — he conquered it.

“I’ve been Late Model racing since 2013 and making this next step was a dream of mine,” Queen said, reflecting on his journey. “Being able to go out and perform is another childhood dream.”

Queen’s mastery of the superspeedway — known for its tight packs, high speeds, and razor-thin margins — demonstrated his ability to stay composed under pressure.

He avoided the “Big One,” made strategic moves in the draft, and timed his run perfectly to take the checkered flag.

That win not only gave him momentum but also validated his decision to take the leap into ARCA full-time.

Brenden Queen: Momentum Continues in Kansas

Just a week after his Daytona triumph, Queen traveled to Kansas Speedway and put on another clinic.

Kansas, a 1.5-mile tri-oval, presents a different kind of challenge — one that tests a driver’s skill in managing tires, handling in dirty air, and executing long-run strategy.

Queen adapted flawlessly.

Winning in Kansas proved that his Daytona victory wasn’t a fluke. It showed his versatility and ability to compete on different track types. “We all dream of doing it, but actually going out and winning… that’s something else,” Queen said after the race.

The back-to-back victories placed him firmly atop the ARCA standings and forced fans and analysts alike to start taking his championship hopes seriously.

Michigan Mastery: Three for Three

With wins at a superspeedway and a mile-and-a-half under his belt, Queen entered Michigan with confidence.

The 2-mile D-shaped oval at Michigan International Speedway is known for its high speeds and sweeping corners — a track where patience and timing often pay off.

Queen didn’t just survive Michigan — he thrived. His car showed top-tier speed in practice, and his team made the right adjustments heading into race day. Queen once again executed a near-flawless race, capitalizing on restarts and pit strategy to remain in contention.

In the final laps, Queen displayed maturity well beyond his years, managing his equipment and fending off late-race challengers to seal another victory. Three wins in as many starts — the momentum was undeniable.

 

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A Statement from a Rising Star

Reflecting on the season so far, Queen remarked:
“Everything is just so different from what I’ve ever known… but actually going out and winning, knowing no matter what happens the rest of my career, I’ve won Daytona and a mile-and-a-half now. They can’t take it away.”

That line speaks volumes about his mindset. Queen is aware of how hard it is to succeed in racing — let alone dominate — and he’s clearly relishing every moment. For him, these wins aren’t just stats; they’re the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dreams.

His success also highlights the strength of his team, which has given him a competitive car every week and the support needed to shine in high-pressure situations.

Berlin Raceway Beckons

• While the start of the season has been phenomenal, Queen’s journey is far from over. The ARCA Menards Series remains in Michigan for the next race — this time at the short and tricky Berlin Raceway on June 14.
• Berlin is a .438-mile paved oval that is as challenging as it is unique. With its lack of banking and tight corners, it’s a track that puts a premium on driver skill and car setup.
• Queen has proven himself on bigger tracks, but Berlin will be a new kind of test — a chance to show his short-track prowess against an aggressive field.
• The race will be broadcast live on FS1 starting at 7 PM ET, with updates available on ARCARacing.com and the Fox Sports app.
• While Queen and the main ARCA field tackle Berlin, the ARCA Menards Series West will host its own race on June 14 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California.
• Though unrelated to Queen’s current campaign, the simultaneous event adds to the intensity and spotlight of ARCA’s racing weekend.
• The start time for the West race hasn’t been confirmed yet, but fans of the series can expect fireworks on a track known for tight competition and enthusiastic local support.

Brenden Queen: Elko Speedway and Beyond

After Berlin, Queen and the rest of the ARCA field will turn their attention to Elko Speedway in Minnesota for the June 21 race.

Elko is another short track — just 3/8ths of a mile — that provides tight racing and minimal margin for error. The bullring-style layout will again test Queen’s adaptability.

Every race from here on out matters — not just for points, but for keeping momentum. Queen’s red-hot start gives him some breathing room in the standings, but in racing, comfort is fleeting. One mechanical failure or on-track incident can change everything.

That’s why his approach to each race will be crucial. Focus, consistency, and humility will be key if he wants to keep this magical run alive.

A Potential Championship Contender

It’s still early in the 2025 ARCA season, but Brenden Queen has already positioned himself as a top title contender.

His ability to win on different types of tracks — from superspeedways to intermediates — and his calm demeanor behind the wheel are strong indicators that he’s here to stay.

With each race, Queen gains valuable experience, builds team chemistry, and earns respect from competitors. That’s the foundation of any championship campaign.

If he can continue adapting to the diverse ARCA schedule, there’s no reason why Queen can’t carry this momentum through to the final race of the season.