All eyes are on Daytona International Speedway. The 2.5-mile oval will play host to NASCAR and the ARCA Menards Series in the upcoming weeks, kick-starting the stock car racing series season. For many, ‘The World Center of Racing’ represents the biggest stage of them all, as it is home to the iconic Daytona 500 and is packed to the brim with enthusiastic fans who are cheering for their favorite teams and drivers from the stands. In 2025, these fans will get to see a seasoned veteran take to the hallowed Daytona tracks, and no, it’s not Mike Wallace.
Veteran driver Ed Pompa is back for his 19th ARCA Menards season. The 62-year-old philanthropist is teaming up with Fast Track Racing to compete at the season opener and has a clear goal in mind going to Daytona this year.
Sponsors back Pompa’s Daytona adventure
Daytona International Speedway hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Ed Pompa over the years. The New Yorker has made ten appearances in the season opener over the years but has failed to finish higher than 17th at the Daytona ARCA 200. However, it’s a testament to his resilience, hard work, and noble intentions that he continues to get a chance to live life in the fast lane, despite his advancing age. This time around, the 62-year-old will be competing in one of four Fast Track Racing cars at the oval track, with Cody Dennison and Takuma Koga accompanying him as teammates.
Sharing his goal for the season-opener, Ed Pompa candidly said, “This year the Daytona ride is the ‘Double H Ranch Ford Fusion’. Normally the primary sponsor would be listed ahead of Double H, but the company that is the primary this year decided to have me put Double H Ranch on the rear fenders instead of his company logo. He wanted Double H to get more exposure. Great idea.”
Pompa has been raising money for Double H through his racing since 2009. Based in Lake Luzerne, New York, the Double H Ranch is a camp for seriously ill children, co-founded by philanthropists Charlie Wood and Paul Newman. Sharing his thoughts about giving back to the community, the veteran racer said, “Our family has been blessed, and this is a small way of giving back. Thanks to my wife Nancy for her support of my racing all these years.”
Back for his 19th ARCA Menards season, Ed Pompa has again teamed up with Fast Track Racing for the ARCA season opener at Daytona.
“Can’t wait to get back to Daytona. This will be my 11th race there, but lady luck hasn’t been easy on me over the years here. 10 races here so far,… pic.twitter.com/Q2mUbNitSV
— Fast Track Racing (@FastTrack_11) February 5, 2025
The racer has been giving 100% of sponsorship money that companies have been investing into his racing efforts and donating it to the Double H Ranch. To express his gratitude, Pompa puts the company’s name/logo on his car for free, giving them some visibility in return. This time around, Pompa will be driving the orange and white No. 10 Ford Fusion at Daytona International Speedway, with the non-profit organization’s logo neatly plastered on the hood and towards the sides, highlighting his commitment to the cause.
Ed Pompa optimistic about his chances in 2025
Veteran racer Ed Pompa is hoping to start the new ARCA Menards Season on a positive note. The New Yorker ran five races in 2024, finishing no higher than 13th at the General Tire 150 at Dover Motor Speedway. His form has left much to be desired, as Pompa has only secured three top-ten finishes since 2006, running 86 races in that time. However, the new season marks a new beginning, one that the driver will hope to capitalize on at Daytona International Speedway.
With Randy Bradshaw retiring in 2024, Jason Jarrett will be serving as crew chief atop the pit box this year. Sharing his thoughts about the season ahead, Pompa said, “Andy Hillenburg and the Fast Track team have been fantastic to work with over the years. That’s why I keep coming back. I’ve got 4 Fast Track Racing teammates for Daytona, so hopefully we can all work together, survive and bring home some great finishing positions.”
Ed Pompa has ambitious plans for this year. Apart from his race at Daytona, the 62-year-old will also be competing at Talladega Superspeedway, Lime Rock Park, Dover Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International, and Salem Speedway. The New Yorker will also be making an appearance in the ARCA Menards Series East, competing at the iconic Five Flags Speedway later this year. Fans will hope Pompa secures some good results this time around, as it will help Double H Ranch get more charity through sponsorships.
The post 62 – YO Philanthropist Driver Returns to Daytona With a Heavy Goal in Mind appeared first on EssentiallySports.
