 Press Release | Maples Motorsports | April 15, 2026 Maples Motorsports is excited to announce a multi-race agreement with Matt Kemp for the 2026 season.
The multi-race deal comes on the heels of a strong 2025 campaign for Kemp, highlighted by multiple standout performances, including a front row start and top-five finish at Flat Rock Speedway. As he continues to gain experience at the national level, Kemp remains focused on competing at a high level while building a platform that delivers value for partners.
“We are super excited to welcome Matt to our organization,” says team owner Michael Maples. “Matt has continuously impressed in his starts so far and we are thrilled to see what he does behind the wheel of our equipment.” Further details, including additional race dates and partner integrations, will be announced at a later time.
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 Press Release | Matt Kemp Racing | April 5, 2026
Matt Kemp Racing (MKR) is proud to announce the return of ELH Detailing as an official partner for the 2026 season, marking the fourth consecutive year of collaboration between the two organizations. ELH Detailing’s continued support underscores confidence in MKR’s ability to contend at a high level. This year’s partnership is rooted in a mutual expectation to compete for a win at one of the most prestigious short tracks on the ARCA Menards East Series schedule - Flat Rock Speedway on August 1st - after a front row start and near-podium finish in 2025. At the same time, the 2026 partnership will help support a mission that extends far beyond racing. ELH Detailing is leveraging their relationship with Matt Kemp Racing to drive awareness for Camp Mak-A-Dream, a nonprofit organization that provides free, medically supported camp experiences for children, teens, and adults impacted by cancer. Through collaborations at car shows & races across the country, the partnership aims to bring greater visibility to the camp’s mission and inspire involvement from the motorsports community. A centerpiece of this effort is ELH Detailing’s 6th Annual Car Show on June 13th, an event dedicated entirely to supporting Camp Mak-A-Dream. The event brings together the automotive community for a day filled with food, cars, music, raffles, and giveaways - where every vehicle entry and donation helps make a direct impact. For ELH Detailing owner Eddie Hojara, the cause is deeply personal. Hojara attended Camp Mak-A-Dream as a camper at just 10 years old. Camp Mak-A-Dream gives kids the opportunity to laugh, connect, build confidence, and experience joy outside of hospitals, treatments, and diagnoses. Eddie experienced that firsthand, and this year’s car show is about giving that same experience back to others. “Camp Mak-A-Dream gave me hope, confidence, and lifelong memories during a challenging time,” said Eddie Hojara, owner of ELH Detailing. “Being able to support that mission now, and expand its reach to a national level with Matt means everything to us. This partnership gives us an additional platform to tell that story, bring more people in, and ultimately help create those same experiences for others. If we can turn our passion for cars into something that gives even one kid that opportunity, it’s worth it.” By pairing ELH Detailing’s community-driven initiatives with the platform of Matt Kemp Racing, the partnership helps introduce their mission to a broader audience - connecting race fans, businesses, and additional communities to a cause that extends far beyond the racetrack. “Having ELH Detailing back for a fourth year is incredibly special,” said Matt Kemp, driver and owner of Matt Kemp Racing. “ELH has been a supporter of us throughout our entire journey in the regional and national ranks. There’s a belief in what we’re building competitively - and that’s been our focus the past few seasons - and it’s still a major focus, but honestly, it’s incredibly special to be able to support a cause that Eddie is personally connected to and passionate about. I’m just as excited about what we’re going to be able to do off the track in support of ELH Detailing & Camp Mak-A-Dream this season. We have a real opportunity to help support a great cause and spread awareness.” Consider supporting the ELH Detailing car show and Camp Mak-A-Dream: https://gofund.me/267eafaec About ELH Detailing ELH Detailing is dedicated to delivering high-quality automotive detailing services with a focus on precision, care, and customer satisfaction. Their passion for excellence extends beyond vehicles, as they continue to lead initiatives that create a meaningful impact in the community. About Camp Mak-A-Dream Camp Mak-A-Dream is a nonprofit organization that provides medically supervised, cost-free programs for children, young adults, and families affected by cancer. Through its programs, participants experience joy, build confidence, and form lasting connections in a supportive environment designed to help them thrive beyond their diagnosis. About Matt Kemp Racing Matt Kemp is a professional race car driver competing in NASCAR’s ladder system on a national platform, while also leading Matt Kemp Racing, LLC. MKR focuses on delivering value-driven partnerships that extend beyond traditional sponsorship through creative marketing, fan engagement, and B2B opportunities.  Zach Hiser | Michigan Area Racing Connection | March 24, 2026
Sawyer, MI - As the calendar tells us spring is in the air, so too are the aspirations of teams competing with the ARCA Menards East Series in 2026. One local driver is looking to make another lasting impression on the ARCA East Series after a thrilling multi-race campaign in 2025. Matt Kemp has quickly caught the attention of many who follow the ARCA racing scene, making the most of every opportunity he’s given behind the wheel. Matt Kemp ready for another chance to race with the East Series at Flat Rock Speedway this Saturday5/13/2025  Press Release | Fast Track Racing | May 13, 2025
FLAT ROCK, Michigan — Things came full circle for Matt Kemp, who made his second ARCA Menards Series East start at Flat Rock Speedway in 2024. After finishing a career-best sixth in the 2024 edition of the Dutch Boy 150, Kemp returns this weekend with experience and confidence. “We had a solid run last year with our Fast Track Racing Toyota, but I’m confident we can improve,” Kemp said. “With the efforts we’ve put in to prepare and how much speed this team has shown over the past few weeks, I think we’ll have a great opportunity to have a solid day if things go our way.” Kemp is intimately familiar with Flat Rock and enters the Dutch Boy 150 with six victories at the track, including five straight from 2021-2023 with the MCR Dwarf Car Series at the track known as The Level Pebble. His Fast Track Racing entry will carry sponsorship from ELH Detailing, Edgewater Automation, and Hoaks Graphics at Flat Rock Speedway, with additional sponsors to be announced later. “Last year was all about giving our best effort and learning as much as possible without expectations,” Kemp said. “I’m confident that we can improve on our efforts, so there are some expectations that will ride with us this year. Regardless, I’m just so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to be back. We hope to put on a show and hear that Flat Rock thunder, so I’ll quote Gary Lindahl… ‘Look out!’” Tickets to the Dutch Boy 150 at Flat Rock Speedway are available by visiting www.flatrockspeedway.com. Fans unable to attend the event in person can watch the race live on FloRacing at 7:30 p.m. ET.  April 22 2025 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Edgewater Automation Renews Partnership with Matt Kemp Racing for 2025 Season Matt Kemp Racing is proud to announce the continued partnership with Edgewater Automation for the 2025 racing season. After a successful collaboration in 2023, the cutting-edge automation solutions provider is returning as a key partner, ready for a season-long partnership between the MCR Dwarf Car Series and appearances in select ARCA Menards Series events. Edgewater Automation is known for their innovative engineering and custom automation solutions which span across various industries and around the globe. This partnership is a perfect fit when you consider the connection between motorsports and skilled trades, as well as both parties commitment to precision, performance, and continual growth. "I've always been a big supporter of the skilled trades, which go hand-in-hand with everything to do with racing. Ultimately, it's so special to have the opportunity to represent the great people at Edgewater. We're looking forward to a great season!" In 2023, we made some great memories with Edgewater Automation on board!
About Edgewater Automation
Edgewater Automation is an ISO 9001:2015–certified designer and builder of custom advanced automation equipment and manufactured structures and systems, including robotics, machine vision, motion control, automated test and data acquisition, and software control and management solutions for all manufacturing industries. With offices in Michigan and South Carolina, Edgewater Automation is well positioned to support its core customers in life sciences, automotive and commercial vehicles, consumer packaged goods (CPG), general manufacturing, electronics and battery manufacturing, and logistics. Find more information at edgewaterautomation.com  MAY 1 2024 | 2024 ARCA East Dutch Boy 150 Announcement | Matt Kemp Racing Things are coming full-circle for on May 18th, where we will make our second ARCA Menards Series East start with Fast Track Racing, this time in familiar territory at Flat Rock Speedway. You'll find us in the #12 machine with primary support from Green Shield Deck Builders. Entering this event, we've won in our previous 5 consecutive appearances at the level pebble, a win streak spanning back to 2021. Even with this in mind, a top-10 run would be a win at this level. Flat Rock has been a really great place for me over the years, and I’ve always wanted to compete at this level – in fact, the reason I began seriously pursuing ARCA opportunities was because of this race. Flat Rock has been one of my favorite tracks, if not my favorite track while racing regionally with the MCR Dwarf cars. It’s been a great place for me since my first visit in 2013 when I was racing mini cup cars. I’ve had this event circled since it was announced nearly two years ago. But even one year ago, I wasn’t sure if this was a possibility for me.  5-Consecutive Flat Rock Victories, 2021-2023 It's incredible the difference a year can make. I went into my debut start at Berlin last year well aware that it could be my only shot to race at this level. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunities to race, but also the opportunity to work with great people at Fast Track Racing. Andy gave me a shot that nobody else would, and I’m hopeful that the chance he took on me can pay off this year at Flat Rock, a track where Andy & Fast Track have success in the past. Support our primary partners who will be supporting us for this event!
 Photo Credit: Gavin Newton / Fast Track Racing Now is the time when everyone begins to reflect on the year… and I could write a book about 2023. This time last year, I was still fairly fresh out of college with no clue about the direction I wanted to go for a career, and simultaneously, I was seeking a reason to think I would ever have a chance to pursue my racing dreams. Other than a short 2-year stint at a quick lube in high school, I had worked in the family business of lawn care, landscaping, and snow plowing for almost all of my life to this point, and I was ready for a change. I got word that the local insurance agency was hiring – so I decided to take a chance at something I never thought I would do - and with that, put my college degrees to work. By January, I had passed the state exams and received my license to solicit property and casualty insurance. It didn’t take me long, however, to realize that this was also not a career move for me – though, a great opportunity to learn. By May, I had received another opportunity to change my job – and this WAS a career move. After a 2-week notice, I started a new career at Lane Automotive - piloting a rotational development program where I have an opportunity to gain exposure and experience in different areas of the business. In the little free time I had during all of this change, I had continued with what I figured would be my last push to break into Professional Motorsports. At 24 years old, my window to break through was closing - and I could feel the pressure. On my lunch breaks at the Insurance agency and after work, I was continuously researching and creating marketing decks, reaching out and sharing the potential value of motorsports marketing for different companies, continuing my work from the years prior in hopes that someone would take a chance on me before it was too late. Less than a month after I started my new career, the opportunity to pursue my lifelong dream, which I had been pursuing for nearly a decade… finally came to fruition. I partnered with Lake Michigan College, among other amazing partners, and received an opportunity from Fast Track Racing, Inc. to compete at the professional level for the first time. In front of hundreds of thousands of viewers, I made my ARCA Menards National Series debut at Berlin Raceway on June 17th, 2023. We didn’t have great luck with some mechanical woes, but showed a lot of potential... and most importantly, made it further than I ever thought possible. With our performance at Berlin, the team worked out two additional opportunities through the rest of the year... including my opportunity to go 180 mph for the first time at Kansas Speedway in September.  Left: Debriefing with crew chief Dick Doheny after our mechanical failure at Berlin. Right: Making laps at Iowa. Did I mention that during all of this I was also running my own racing program at the local/regional level, racing for my second consecutive championship? I was on my own this year to make my racing program happen, and I wasn’t sure it would be possible... but thanks to amazing partners in ELH Detailing, PSS&C, and Edgewater Automation, we were able to make it happen. I hauled my car over 5000+ miles throughout the region - winning 7 races, setting 3 new track records, and bringing home the championship for the second consecutive year.  Celebrating my 7th win of the 2023 season with the Midwest Classic Racers Dwarf Cars. I also worked Friday Nights at my local dirt track, managing payouts and scoring, in addition to managing the Midwest Classic Racers, LLC. website, social media, and marketing initiatives...
...and just when you thought I couldn’t have been any busier… on October 15th, 2023 – I got to marry my best friend, Julie Jasper Kemp. What a way to cap off a crazy 5 month stretch.  Photo Credit: Elizabeth Berghuis Photography Now, just seven months into my new job and three months removed from my previous national series start, it’s hard to look back and believe the events that have taken place - and the rate at which they have. I learned what years of hard work and determination can do, and the importance of people. At the center of all of my accomplishments are groups of amazing people. I realize that I am blessed to have found a home at a great company and to have had the opportunities in motorsports that I've had, and ultimately, to be surrounded by great people. I've been so fortunate - but I didn't have to be. Not everything could have worked out like it did. Many days I didn't think it would. I've worked at this for years. There were tough days. Days that I wanted to give up. Days that I felt like I wasn't going to be good enough. I've known for a long time that success is never guaranteed in anything you do - in fact, it may be extremely unlikely in some cases. But this year proved to me that hard work CAN pay off... because, phew... I've certainly worked my tail off.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still far from having 'made it' as a race car driver - but I've grown more as a person this year than any other, no question - and I'm fortunate to be in a position where I have great opportunities, and a great job if the racing thing doesn't work out... and that's all someone can ask for. I'm proud that my hard work has amounted to those opportunities and the position that I'm in. So if you take one thing from my story, I hope you will be compelled to continue pushing toward your goals. Focus forward. Because you just never know when that hard work is going to pay off. All I can think now is... I can’t believe the difference a year can make. |
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