Carson Brown closed out the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season with a thrilling victory Friday night at Kansas Speedway, making a last lap pass on Giovanni Ruggiero to capture the Menards 150.
The driver of the No. 28 Chevrolet battled Ruggiero throughout the 100 lap race before making his move when it mattered most. Brown charged around the outside on the final lap, completing the pass to secure his fourth ARCA Menards Series victory of the 2026 season.
Brown Makes His Move on the Final Lap
Ruggiero started from the pole and immediately found himself in a fight with Brown, who lined up alongside him on the front row. The two drivers traded positions early, with Ruggiero initially taking control before Brown found his way to the lead on the outside lane.
The race featured several cautions and multiple changes in momentum. Ruggiero continued to run near the front, setting up a late showdown with Brown as the laps wound down.
With two laps remaining, Brown was right on Ruggiero’s bumper. The pair battled for position, and Brown used the outside lane to build momentum. On the final lap, the two made contact while fighting for space, but Brown powered ahead and crossed the finish line first.
Ruggiero settled for second, while Gavan Boschele finished third. Lanie Buice and Thomas Annunziata rounded out the top five.
Brown’s victory capped a strong season for the young driver, who has continued to establish himself as one of ARCA’s rising talents. He also earned a win at Bristol last week, where he led every lap from the pole.
Friday night’s win at Kansas gave Brown another memorable moment, this time with a last-lap pass to close out the season in Victory Lane.
The 2026 ARCA Menards Series season ends with Brown taking the checkered flag and Annunziata claiming the championship after a dramatic night at Kansas Speedway.