The ARCA Menards Series West will undergo a change moving forward. Former track owner Steve York will take over as series director while taking on a new role in racing.
Announced Friday before the ARCA West event at Sonoma Raceway, this change will see York working out of Twin Falls, Idaho, where he previously built and operated Magic Valley Speedway.
He will report to ARCA President Ron Drager while guiding the series through its 12-race season, which takes teams from Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in California to Phoenix Raceway in Arizona.
"Steve brings with him an abundance of experience, and a deep passion for motorsports," Drager said, per ARCA. "We're confident that under his leadership, the series will continue to grow and thrive, delivering the best possible racing to our fans across the region where he is based.
"We look forward to the energy and vision Steve will bring to this role as we continue building a strong future for the ARCA Menards Series West."
York, who was named RPM Promoter of the Year in 2005, sold Magic Valley Speedway in 2007 after turning it into a NASCAR-sanctioned facility. However, he didn't stay away from racing. He took on a new role that has made him a household name for racing fans.
York joined the Independent Appeals Panel in 2015, which put him in front of team owners, drivers, and NASCAR numerous times after penalties and disqualifications. He and his fellow panelists had to decide several times whether to uphold penalties issued by NASCAR or overturn them. Sometimes, the Appeals Panel altered the penalties.
One prominent example was the disqualification of Xfinity Series driver Jesse Love after a win at Rockingham Speedway. The No. 2 Chevrolet failed post-race inspection, which led to the DQ. Richard Childress Racing appealed, but the Appeals Panel upheld NASCAR's ruling.
York will now leave this role behind while focusing on one of NASCAR's grassroots series.
"I'm honored to return and contribute to the racing industry in any way I can," York said. "This opportunity is an exciting one for me, and I'm looking forward to collaborating closely with the series, competitors, promoters, and officials to deliver great racing in the West region.
"I'm especially eager to work with the car owners to support their continued growth and development within the sport."