Nitro Motorsports opened its 2026 Trans Am campaign with a powerful multi-series showing, fielding seven cars in the season opener at Sebring International Raceway while simultaneously competing in the ARCA Menards Series West at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.
Nitro Motorsports brought an impressive seven-car lineup to Sebring. Competing in the TA2 class were Sam Corry in the #70, Gian Buffomante in the #95, Seamus McKendree in the #20, Vinnie Meskelis in the #90, Jackson Tovo in the #30, and Ethan Tovo in the #10. Cale Phillips represented the team in the Pro Am class in the #99 entry.
Following multiple productive test sessions and a practice run, the team was prepared for qualifying on Saturday afternoon. However, rain washed out the session, setting Sunday’s starting grid based on final practice results.
When the green flag waved, Nitro Motorsports quickly established itself at the front of the field. After a hard-fought and strategic race on the demanding 3.74-mile circuit, Vinnie Meskelis powered his way to a second-place overall finish in the National class.
Ethan Tovo secured fifth, followed closely by Sam Corry in sixth, while Gian Buffomante crossed the line in tenth, putting four Nitro Motorsports drivers inside the top-ten. Jackson Tovo was just outside the top-ten in the 11th position, and Seamus McKendree rounded out the Pro class effort in 19th.
In the Pro Am category, Cale Phillips delivered a podium performance, capturing third place result and adding to the team’s trophy haul for the weekend.
“Sebring is one of the physically toughest tracks we go to all year, and to come away with multiple podiums and strong top-ten finishes says a lot about the depth of this program,” expressed Nitro Motorsports Co-Owner Nick Tucker. “We had speed across the board in both Pro and Pro Am. The rain changed our qualifying plans, but the drivers stayed focused and executed when it counted.”
On the opposite side of the country, Nitro Motorsports fielded a three-car lineup in the ARCA Menards Series West event at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.
Jade Avedisian showcased outright speed by capturing the pole position for the race. After leading the field to green, she battled throughout the event and ultimately secured an eighth-place finish. Teammate Mia Lovell delivered a steady performance to finish 12th, while Julian DaCosta completed the team’s effort with a 19th-place result.
“We were proud of the speed our ARCA West group showed,” continued Tucker. “Jade earning the pole was a major highlight and proves we have the pace to contend. While the final results did not fully reflect our potential, there were a lot of positives to take away as we continue building this program.”
Nitro Motorsports will quickly regroup and head to Phoenix Raceway for the next round of the ARCA Menards Series on March 5. With podium momentum in Trans Am and strong qualifying pace in ARCA West, Nitro Motorsports continues to demonstrate its strength as a multi-series contender across the national stage.
Photo Credit: RTD Media