NASCAR Regional drivers to watch: Nick Joanides impresses at Irwindale, Keith Helton continues to win

As temperatures around the United States get warmer, the action at NASCAR Regional affiliated tracks continue to get more intense.

Several competitors have already made a significant claim for their respective track or touring title, but a grueling, hectic summer is providing others with opportunities to showcase their talent behind the wheel. Below are a list of drivers to keep an eye for the rest of July and through the remaining summer months.

Nick Joanides

Irwindale Speedway has long been one of Nick Joanides' best tracks, as the veteran racer has amassed three titles at the facility during his career.

Joanides showed off his Irwindale expertise during the ARCA Menards Series West doubleheader on Independence Day weekend. After finishing seventh on the first night, Joanides earned the pole for night two and settled for fourth after charging from the rear of the field following an unapproved post-qualifying adjustment. 

Chase Dowling

The Mohegan Sun 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 22, 2024 was Chase Dowling's first start of any kind in a race car this season.

A successful Northeastern competitor whose lone NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory came in 2018, Dowling immediately put himself in contention for another win. He survived a chaotic morning at New Hampshire to come home third in the No. 44 Modified for team owner Lawney Tinio. 

Keith Helton

The Late Model Stock division at Kingsport Speedway has been dominated by Keith Helton since the season-opener on March 30.

Driving a No. 29 that is reminiscent of Rusty Wallace's No. 2 Miller Genuine Draft car from the 1990s, Helton has placed first in seven of 15 Kingsport Late Model Stock features this year. Helton's efficiency has allowed him to maintain a 54-point advantage in the track standings.

Case James

Case James is quietly developing a reputation as one of the most promising competitors in the NASCAR Youth Series.

A fourth-generation driver, the 2023 season saw James take home titles in the Light 160 Division and Senior Animal Division with a combined 18 victories across five classes. James is enjoying another successful year and is positioning himself to advance into NASCAR's top ranks.

Jeff Strunk

Grandview Speedway has representation inside the top 20 of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series standings with veteran Jeff Struck (right).

Having claimed several Grandview track championships during his career, Strunk currently finds himself in the middle of another solid campaign. While he has yet to visit Victory Lane, Strunk holds a 205-point advantage at Grandview ahead of Craig Von Dohren heading into the back half of 2024.