CONCORD NC (11-3-09) - It's a long way - 1,492 miles to be exact - from Steve Arpin's hometown of Fort Frances, Ontario Canada to Rockingham Speedway, the site of the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series season finale where Arpin wrapped up his rookie season. In truth, it was a long season overall for Arpin, full of wild roller coaster rides complete with all the highs and lows, ups and downs and everything in between.

"The 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series season started as a roller-coaster of emotions," said Arpin.

"I went into this (2009 season) with the same determination and grit that has helped me amass my dirt victories. I was not going to accept anything less than 110% from myself."

Arpin's ARCA journey started with Eddie Sharp Racing in the 20 car, where he was slated to only run the Superspeedway Challenge races. Plans quickly deviated however, and Arpin realigned his schedule to accommodate all the races during the first half of the season. The quirky Canadian had his mind set. He wanted to earn the respect of his peers on the circuit, take home the Rookie of the Year title, win races and let the racing world know that he was not going to give up until he reached the top.

"Steve (Arpin) came to us at the beginning of the year and immediately I realized his true potential," said Eddie Sharp Racing owner Eddie Sharp at the beginning of the 2009 season. "His determination, grit and raw talent were well known, and he was more than willing to tackle any obstacle placed in front of him. Steve had already shown his natural skill in the dirt ranks across the country and we knew he'd succeed in the ARCA ranks."

Unfortunately for Arpin, the race results weren't matching up with his expectations. Nonetheless, his resolve to conquer was unwavering. His challenges only made him more determined than ever as he evolved through the learning process of being a rookie in one of the most challenging stock car tours in America.

Despite disappointing results over the first dozen races, Arpin had made his mind up that he was going to finish what he set out to do and attain his goals.

"The first half results showed nowhere near where I wanted them to," commented Arpin. "We ran into some problems and adversity but I was not about to give up. I decided to forge on and reach my goals."

Arpin found himself faced with yet one more dilemma leading into the second half of the season, to stay with his No. 20 Eddie Sharp Racing team or pursue opportunities elsewhere. Through the help of family, friends and his wife, he quickly decided to take a different avenue for the final nine races. He would begin racing with Venturini Motorsports as part of their Driver Development Program under the direction of veteran Crew Chief Billy Venturini. Ecstatic about this new opportunity, both Arpin and the team headed to Pocono Raceway in early August for their first race together.

After a hard fought battle, Arpin, who raced in the top-five all day, brought the Venturini Motorsports No. 25 home in fourth, scoring his first top five with the team in their first attempt.

"Steve (Arpin) is one of the most talented racecar drivers I have worked with," said an ecstatic Billy Venturini after the race. "We were honored when he decided to come race for our organization, and I knew we would start seeing results almost instantly. The kid (Arpin) has proven himself in everything he has ever done, and ARCA will be no different."

Throughout the remainder of the 2009 season, Arpin and the team gelled immensely. When it was all said and done, Arpin and the Venturini Motorsports team scored three top-fives and six top-10s. Considering the driver/team combo came together at mid-season, the effort was admirable to say the least.

"Steve came to our team wanting consistency and the results he was capable of," added Venturini. "Right out of the box he proved he was a racer, and I am truly proud of the way he raced the second half of 2009. He is a talented young driver who has a bright future ahead of him, and I am proud to say he is associated with Venturini Motorsports."

Arpin added, "I can't thank the entire Venturini Motorsports team enough for everything they have done for me this year. To go out and run the way we did right away, is truly a testament to the way they (Venturini Motorsports) run their program. It's a first class organization and I am more than happy with our results throughout the later part of 2009."

Steve wishes to thank all of his sponsors/supporters for 2009 as well as his family, friends and fans; without them none of this would be possible. A special thanks to: Jeff Taylor Chassis, Pinewood Sports, Lo-N-Bro Enterprises, the Speedshop, Clyde Ditmars Enterprises, MundyRanch.com, New Vision Graphics and the Nelson Family.

Be sure to check http://www.stevearpin.net/ for continued updates on Steve's 2010 racing plans.

Also be sure to visit http://www.venturinimotorsports.com/ to learn more about their Driver Development Program 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nic Moncher
Venturini Motorsports
Nic@venturinimotorsports.com