CONCORD, N.C. — Despite being in contention for the ARCA Menards Series championship lead, veteran driver Jason Kitzmiller will skip Friday night’s General Tire 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway to attend his daughter’s high school graduation.
Addison Kitzmiller will graduate on May 23, 2025, from Petersburg High School, earning the school’s highest academic honor as valedictorian.
Kitzmiller’s No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Racing team will still be represented in the fifth ARCA Menards Series race of the season, with NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series veteran Grant Enfinger set to pilot the No. 97 Chevrolet SS.
“Racing means a lot to me, but nothing comes before family,” said Kitzmiller. “Watching Addison graduate as valedictorian is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
“I’m incredibly proud of her and grateful to have Grant stepping in so the No. 97 team can still compete at Charlotte.”
Charlotte, however, won’t be a complete loss for Kitzmiller. He will participate in practice, driving a second A.L.L. Construction Racing Chevrolet, which will allow him to log an official attempt and remain eligible for series points bonuses, keeping his championship hopes alive.
“We’ve worked too hard this season to let one weekend set us back,” added Kitzmiller. “Getting on track for practice keeps us in the hunt, and with Grant behind the wheel, I know the team’s in good hands. It’s the best of both worlds—I get to be a proud dad and still support our championship effort.”
Enfinger, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series champion, will make just his second series start at the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Two years ago, he drove Kitzmiller’s No. 97 Chevrolet to a fourth-place finish in the General Tire 150 after starting from the same position.
This weekend, Enfinger has his sights set on capturing his 17th career ARCA Menards Series victory while making his 100th career start, aiming to keep the A.L.L. Construction Racing team firmly in the spotlight.
“Grant’s a proven winner and someone I trust completely with our program,” said Kitzmiller.
“He’s already shown what he can do in our car at Charlotte, and I have no doubt he’ll give us a shot at another strong finish. It means a lot to have someone of his caliber step in and represent A.L.L. Construction Racing and our partners.”
For Charlotte, the team welcomes Carter Machinery, promoting the Caterpillar (Cat®) brand as the primary partner aboard his No. 97 Chevrolet SS.
