Nick Sanchez piloted his Chevy N. 2 across the finish line winning the 2022 ARCA Menards Series (AMS) Championship. Sanchez came into Toledo only 2 points up on rival Daniel Dye. He started the race 8th and came home in 6th to clinch his first career championship.
The Championship did not come easy for the Gainbridge Chevrolet team, as they could not practice due to changing the motor before qualifying. The team rallied and with moments to spare were able to qualify and start in 8th position. “I remained calm,” said Nick Sanchez. “We just focused on getting the car in working order so we could go out and run whatever race we needed to win. I am proud of the guys and thankful for all their hard work. I am just happy I could bring this one home for the team and Max and Jennifer and our partners at Gainbridge and Chevrolet.”
Looking back on the 2022 season, Sanchez muscled his way throughout the season to stay consistent and ultimately capture the title. He earned 3 wins, 10 top 5s 16 top 10s.
After an unfortunate start to the season in Daytona, Sanchez quickly turned things around by having two streaks this season of finishing well in the top 10. In the second half of season, Sanchez had a 8 long race streak of top-10 finishes that stretched from Pocono to the second Kansas race. During that time he took his third win at Michigan, and followed that act with a second-place finish at Watkins Glen International.
The consistency continued even when the series went dirt racing. Sanchez captured two top 5 finishes in the dirt at Springfield and DuQuoin this year as a dirt rookie. Showing that he can race no matter the circumstances.
The moral of 2022 is, consistency wins championships. Sanchez now adds another trophy to the Rev Racing shelf. His championship win couldn’t have come at a better time for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, as they announced the 13 drivers selected to participate in the Advance Auto Parts Drive For Diversity Combine. The team also launched new partnerships with Gainbridge and Chevrolet throughout the season. Sanchez now becomes the second driver in program history to win a series championship, next to alumni driver Kyle Larson.
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