Kemp Looking for a Return to ARCA East; Potential Championship Bid

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. 

Last year, Kemp found funding to tackle the full Dutch Boy 150 in the ARCA Menards East Series at Flat Rock Speedway. The two-time MCR Dwarf Car Champion turned in an effort during General Tire Qualifying that nearly broke the previous track record (12.724) when Kemp stopped the clock with a 12.757. The lap was good enough to put his Fast Track Racing Ford on the front row, second, alongside Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Max Reaves.

The race was a historic one for Kemp, who posted his best career finish in the Series, finishing fourth. The day was memorable for Fast Track Racing as well, with Kemp helping the team earn their first front row start in recent memory, and, along with teammate Takuma Koga, putting two Fast Track Racing cars in the top five at the finish. Later in the week, Kemp was also awarded the Reese’s Sweet Move of the Race for his quick reaction to a spinning car in turn four, which rolled back down the track in front of Kemp.

Kemp’s efforts at Flat Rock Speedway in 2025 are evidence of what can be accomplished with the appropriate funding supporting the 27-year-old. A fully funded race, Kemp had the best that Fast Track Racing had to offer, and proved it with his on-track performance. As the new ARCA Menards East season approaches this weekend at Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, North Carolina, Kemp is looking to finalize some last-minute pieces of the puzzle for another impressive weekend of racing.

In fact, Kemp is looking to showcase his talents for the entire ARCA East schedule. A 30-time feature winner, Kemp hopes to fund a campaign that could keep him battling for wins all season and fighting for an ARCA Menards East Championship. However, talent only takes a driver so far, so the window is open for additional marketing partners to join Kemp on the circuit.

“The ARCA East Championship has been one of my favorite to follow for many years,” Kemp said. “I was a huge fan when it was the K&N East Series years ago, and it’s always been a dream of mine to run the full championship. We’ve got a great opportunity to find the partners to make it happen, and getting the opportunity for the season opener at Hickory this weekend is a step in the right direction.”

Matt Kemp has built his career through persistence, performance, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity — on and off the track. Built around meaningful business partnerships that create real marketing value, an incredible support system, and many supporters who want to personally support him, Kemp has marketing plans available for businesses looking for a clear return on investment and individuals who just want to offer some financial support. 

Find out how you can get involved by clicking here. The ARCA Menards East season begins on Saturday, March 28th, from Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, North Carolina. The Cook Out 200 features 200 laps around the historic NASCAR facility. Fans who can’t make the trip can watch all the action LIVE on FloRacing.