ANDERSON, Indiana (July 16, 2024) – Isaac Johnson will return to the ARCA Menards Series for three races this season.
Kicking it off, Johnson will be the second entry for Van Alst Motorsports, behind the wheel of the No. 34 George E. Booth Company/Endress+Hauser Ford Mustang at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) on July 19. Following that, he will be piloting the No. 34 Endress+Hauser Ford Mustang at Salem Speedway on July 2, and rounding out 2024 he will be in the No. 34 Vector Controls and Automation Group (CAG)/Endress+Hauser Ford Mustang at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 27.
Johnson made two starts earlier this season at Daytona International Speedway and Phoenix Raceway, accomplishing a top-ten qualifying effort at Daytona.
“It’s been a lot of fun so far. Qualifying in the top ten at Daytona was definitely something I’ll never forget, and I believe this really shows the development of the Van Alst Motorsports team, from winning last year, putting a car in the top ten in qualifying and then Greg [Van Alst, Owner/Driver] backing it up with a third place run this year,” Johnson reflected. “Phoenix was a bit of a disappointment. I got caught in a bad spot in qualifying which put me deep in the field at the start, but I had some great battles with some guys in the 17-20 range for most of the first half of the race. After the break, we were really, really good, but I made a mistake by getting under another car and I put myself in a bad spot, which caused us to finish 24th with a car I felt was at least a 20th or better.”
Instrumentation and Controls (IAC), a leader in the Arizona community for engineered solutions & industrial instrumentation, was thrilled to support Isaac at Phoenix Raceway. This sponsorship marks an exciting partnership that aligns with IAC’s commitment to support our representative partners and customers. Ritch Shank the owner & founding partner of IAC commented, “Regardless of the outcome it is delightful to see our companies working together for success on and off of the track, we wish Isaac the best in the rest of his endeavors.”
Johnson’s expectations are high going into these three races.
“Going back to a track I’ve run before [IRP] will be a great stepping stone into the other two races,” Johnson added. “Ideally, getting top-tens in all three races is my main goal. Anything beyond that would be a bonus and create a ton of momentum for 2025.”
Johnson is eyeing a full-time championship run for the 2025 ARCA Menards Series season with Van Alst Motorsports.
“I think these next three races will give me the seat time and experience I need to continue developing as a driver for next season,” Johnson said. “I want to race for the championship in 2025, and I believe the Van Alst Motorsports team is primed for a run at the title as we have seen so far this year with Greg. Next year, I think as a team, we will be even more ready to take that step. We must do everything we can to support the growth of our current partners and continue to make those new partnerships. I’m excited to see what is next and I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve gotten up to this point.”
Global company, Endress+Hauser, will return as the primary sponsor for Johnson and the No. 34. Ford Mustang. Johnson also continues his partnership with Endress+Hauser, a company he works with daily in his full-time job as a project engineer at the George E. Booth Company.
“I’m very lucky to have the partnership with Endress+Hauser and its sales and service representative partners. This all started last year at IRP with the company I work for, George E. Booth Company, as my primary sponsor,” Johnson said. “I truly never thought it would turn into this. Being supported by Endress+Hauser and its sales and service representative partners Instrumentation and Controls (IAC), George E. Booth Company, and Vector Controls and Automation Group (CAG) is certainly something I don’t take for granted. It’s a fun and unique dynamic selling their products and solutions to their customers day in and day out as a project engineer and then representing them on the weekends at the racetrack. I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity.”
Todd Lucey, General Manager at Endress+Hauser USA, commented, “First, we would not be a sponsor if it wasn’t for Isaac. Isaac’s deep understanding of our brand values and his dedication to our customers makes Isaac a great Endress+Hauser and George E. Booth, Co. ambassador. Second, supporting our team member in pursuing his dreams of racing in motorsports gives us a great feeling and shows the great impact we can all have on one another.”
The return to racing at IRP for Johnson will be a special occasion for the George E. Booth Company. “We had a great event last year; our core focus was creating an employee event. We hosted a large number of employees and their families. Everyone had a great evening at the track supporting Isaac and the team! This year we plan to invite employees and families out along with a greater number of customers,” said Scott Young, President of the George E. Booth Company.
Reflecting on the benefits of a partnership with Johnson and Van Alst Motorsports, Jared Boudreaux, President and Managing Director of Vector CAG, commented, “This will help us strengthen our relationships with customers and partners in the Kansas City area and demonstrate our commitment to the community while supporting Isaac Johnson and his team. Isaac’s story, balancing his role in our industry with his passion for racing, allows us to share in his journey, merging both fields. Moreover, increasing recognition of our company and industry will drive automation and attract more talent to companies like ours.”
Johnson will race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Speedway on July 19, Salem Speedway on July 27, and Kansas Speedway on September 27; all races will air nationally on FS1. Sponsorship opportunities are available for Johnson’s 2025 season with Van Alst Motorsports.
