Julian DaCosta will drive the 2026 ARCA Menards Series West season for Nitro Motorsports, the team revealed Nov. 18.
DaCosta, whose car number was not announced, debuted with the team and with Venturini Motorsports, whose assets Nitro has since purchased, in 2025.
In two main-series ARCA Menards Series starts, DaCosta finished fifth at Madison International Speedway and eighth at Toledo Speedway.
“We are thrilled to have Julian continue with us in 2026,” Nitro co-owner Nick Tucker said in a release. “He demonstrated real growth in Trans Am this season — both in terms of pace and professionalism — and we believe he’s ready for the ARCA platform. This next step will help him continue building the skills needed to compete at the highest levels of American motorsports.”
“I’m extremely excited for this next chapter,” DaCosta said. “Nitro Motorsports has given me everything I need to grow, learn, and succeed. The Trans Am season helped prepare me for the challenges ahead, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take this next step with the same team behind me. I can’t wait to get to work.”
The release did not specify if DaCosta plans to contest the full West season, the schedule for which has not yet been announced for 2026.
Leland Honeyman and Thomas Annunziata are previously confirmed drivers to Nitro’s main-series stable for the season. The team has said it plans four full-time entries for the season, the Nos. 20, 25, 55 and 70.
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