Daytona Season Opener Delivers A Stunner

ALL AMERICAN RACING Network

Sports | Sim Racing | February 1, 2026

Alley Wins Historic Opener with Last-Second Pass

Door-to-door finish caps dramatic debut for All American Racing League

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — History arrived at the stripe.

The All American Racing Network opened its inaugural 2026 season Sunday with a 100-lap showdown at Daytona International Speedway that delivered sustained pressure, shared control, and a finish that could not have been scripted better. In a race that refused to settle early, Mike Alley (#22) claimed the league’s first-ever victory by passing Clifford Allison III coming to the start/finish line in a door-to-door sprint to the checkered flag.

No Early Dominance, Only Early Signals

From the opening green flag, it was clear the season opener would not belong to a single driver. Alley led early from the pole, but the advantage was fleeting as challengers quickly established themselves.

Early restraint across the field allowed the race to develop cleanly, revealing true contenders rather than manufactured chaos. Marc Bender was among the first to seize control, leading a stretch that briefly suggested the race might revolve around his pace.

That order would not last.

Etchepare Controls the Race — Until the Race Takes Him Out

No driver asserted more control over the event than Chris Etchepare (#88).

Etchepare led a race-high 31 laps, setting the pace through the early and middle portions of the race and positioning himself as the driver everyone else had to beat. His car was the reference point — fast, stable, and decisive.

That run ended abruptly when Etchepare was caught up in an on-track incident and wrecked out, instantly removing the most statistically dominant driver from contention and reshaping the race’s final act.

A Finish for the Record Books

As the race reached its final laps, execution gave way to urgency.

Clifford Allison III, who led 17 laps, positioned himself perfectly for the finish and appeared poised to close out the league’s inaugural event. But behind him, Alley timed his run to perfection.

Coming to the start/finish line, Alley pulled alongside Allison, the two cars running door-to-door in a drag race to the stripe. In the final yards, Alley edged ahead, completing the decisive pass at the line to secure the first win in All American Racing League history.

It was not a defensive victory — it was a last-second overtake, and it defined the race.

Podium and Standout Performances

Allison’s second-place finish capped one of the cleanest and most disciplined runs in the field, marking him as an immediate championship threat.

Behind them, Michael Rovillo (#2) delivered the drive of the race, charging from 21st to 3rd with a would not be denied run that paid off as others faltered.

W. Casey Gross quietly executed to a fourth-place finish, while Brian White recorded the fastest lap of the race (0:45.695) — a reminder of the raw speed present throughout the field.

🧾 RACE NOTES

Winner: Mike Alley (#22)

Winning Pass: Alley over Allison at the start/finish line

Laps Led: Etchepare (31), Alley (23), Allison III (17)

Fastest Lap: Brian White -45.695.

Biggest Charge: Rovillo (21st → 3rd)

Race Distance: 100 laps

A Baseline Is Set

The inaugural race did more than crown a winner — it revealed identities.

Alley proved he can time a finish.

Allison showed race management and composure.

Rovillo demonstrated he could fight through adversity.

Etchepare showed front-running control that will matter again.

The All American Racing League didn’t just open a season — it delivered a finish worthy of its first headline.

One race down. A championship underway.