The Nation’s Fastest ½-Mile Trioval will roar back to life this weekend as the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series West returns to Tri-City Raceway for the NAPA Auto Care 150 on Saturday, August 9th. With veteran Greg Biffle making a milestone return, and rising talents Tanner Reif, Eric Johnson Jr., and Tyler Brown looking to make their mark, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated races of the season.
Greg Biffle’s 30-Year Homecoming
For Greg Biffle, this year’s race is more than just another start — it’s a celebration of his 30-year anniversary since winning the Tri-City Raceway track championship. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series champion — named among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers — electrified the crowd with his 2024 return and is back for “unfinished business.”
“I feel like I have some unfinished business from last year,” said Biffle. “Sigma puts a great car on the track, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel again. I really enjoyed racing with the drivers last year and I’m looking forward to battling both familiar faces and some new competition.”
Race promoter Laci Tolar, whose family’s connection to the track spans three generations, knows how special it is to have Biffle back.
“When we asked Greg if he wanted to race again, he said, ‘Find me a car and I’ll be there.’ He’s ready for Round 2 and to win at one of his hometown tracks,” Tolar said.
Reif Brothers Aim for History
Last year, Tyler Reif etched his name into Tri-City Raceway lore with a dramatic late-race pass to win the inaugural NAPA Auto Care 150. This year, his older brother Tanner Reif is behind the wheel, eyeing both the checkered flag and a place in ARCA Menards Series West history. A victory would make the Reifs the first brothers to win the same race in back-to-back years with the same team and crew chief.
Tanner admits the family stakes add pressure — and motivation.
“If I don’t win it, I’m definitely going to get a phone call from my brother,” he laughed. “Same car, same crew chief — hopefully we can do a little déjà vu.”
Reif says having a brother in the sport pushes him to be better.
“There’s always that brotherly push. It’s why we’re both good drivers — we’ve been competing our whole lives. I even called Tyler this week to ask for tips about Tri-City. He told me where to push, where to pass — but I’m keeping a few secrets for myself.”
Second in the series standings with three career wins, including one this year, Reif knows this race could be pivotal for his championship hopes.
“You can’t win a title without consistency. Being up front gives you opportunities — and hopefully with a little luck, you can seal the deal.”
Eric Johnson Jr.: From Fan to Contender
For Eric Johnson Jr., the NAPA Auto Care 150 is a personal homecoming. The La Center, WA native didn’t climb into his first race car until 2019, making his rapid rise to ARCA contender remarkable. This season, he’s posted multiple top-five finishes and came within one spot of victory earlier this year at Tucson.
“As someone who grew up going to races as a fan, to now be representing Washington in a NASCAR event is surreal,” Johnson said. “When we finished second, I thought I’d be thrilled — but I was already looking at the winner thinking, ‘That’s where I want to be.’”
Johnson’s late start means he’s still catching up on seat time.
“This will be my 54th oval race. Some guys in this series have over a thousand. I’ve had to study the sport, be a student of it, and get as many different race experiences as possible.”
He says Tri-City Raceway’s unique layout makes it unlike anywhere else.
“It’s almost always turning, with high speeds and high banking. You don’t just drive it — you have to figure it out. That’s what makes it fun.”
The summer heat adds another layer of challenge.
“It’ll be 130 to 140 degrees in the car. Hydration, fitness, mental focus — if you’re not ready, it shows by the end of the race.”
Tyler Brown: Hometown Heart and First ARCA Start
Tyler Brown of Nampa, Idaho will make his ARCA Menards Series West debut at Tri-City Raceway, and for him, this homecoming is as much about pride as performance.
“Racing at Tri-City Raceway is indescribable because I can’t compare the track to anywhere I have ever ran before, and it takes so much concentration throughout the race that you have to be ready for anything at any moment.”
Brown’s passion started young, watching his father race. The moment he first drove a go-kart, he was hooked.
“From that moment, I knew racing wasn’t just something I liked — it was something I needed to be a part of.”
For Brown, the best part of race day is the instant connection when the green flag drops.
“Everything else fades away — it’s just you, the car, and the competition.”
He thanks his family and sponsors Flav R Pac, Blue Mountain Fire Protection, Bluewater Farms, Double Farms, and Ewing Outdoor Supply for making his dream possible.
Tri-City Raceway’s Remarkable Revival
The return of NASCAR to West Richland wouldn’t be possible without the track’s own comeback story. Dormant for nearly two decades, Tri-City Raceway was revived in 2021 through the volunteer efforts of a dedicated team — no taxpayer money involved.
Mayor Brent Gerry says the track’s rebirth has been a boon for the city.
“Since the resurrection of Tri-City Raceway in 2021, the Red Mountain Event Center team has brought national recognition to West Richland. TCR is the only racetrack in the state that hosts a NASCAR touring series. We’re proud to welcome Greg Biffle — a NASCAR Champion from right here in the Northwest — back to what I call the ‘Treacherous Tri-oval.’”
Event Schedule
Friday, August 8 – Free Practice
7:00–9:30 PM | Open to the public
Saturday, August 9 – Race Day
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Gates Open: 4:00 PM
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Racing Starts: 6:00 PM
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Fan Fest on the Front Stretch: 6:35 PM
Meet drivers, get autographs, and the first 200 fans receive a signed hero card from Greg Biffle.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets are selling quickly and may sell out. Purchase online at:
👉 www.tricityraceway.com/online-tickets.html