NASCAR Regional Power Rankings: Carson Brown makes early statement; Paulie Hartwig III arrives

The NASCAR Regional platform features the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the drivers who compete in those series are, in many cases, the future of NASCAR's national series. As selected by the NASCAR Regional editorial team, here are the top 10 NASCAR Regional drivers from ARCA, Mods and the Local Racing Series as of March 10, 2026.

10. Tyler Rypkema

Back for his second full season in the Ole Blue No. 3 for Boehler Racing Enterprises, Tyler Rypkema launched his 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour campaign with a convincing runner-up finish in the opener at Florida's New Smyrna Speedway in February. 

9. Ronnie Williams

Veteran Ronnie Williams was impressive throughout the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. He scored three top fives in Modified competition and won the Richie Evans Memorial on his way to his first World Series title in the Modified class.

8. Jake Bollman

Jake Bollman has been the most consistent driver through two ARCA Menards Series races in 2026. He finished second at Daytona and sixth at Phoenix and currently sits on top of the ARCA Menards Series standings.

7. Spencer Davis

Across five Super Late Model events during the World Series of Asphalt last month at New Smyrna Speedway, Spencer Davis never finished worse fourth and won the final two races on his way to the World Series Super Late Model title.

6. Gio Ruggiero

A regular competitor in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Gio Ruggiero grabbed his first ARCA Menards Series win in February at Daytona driving the No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

5. Paulie Hartwig III

Perhaps the most impressive driver during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway was young Paulie Hartwig III. Just 14 at the time, Hartwig won a Modified race, two 602 Modified races and the World Series 602 Modified title. He'll make his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debut at Martinsville Speedway this month.

4. Austin Beers

The reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion continues to be incredibly consistent. He opened the season in February at New Smyrna Speedway with a third-place effort, which continues a string of 31 consecutive top-10 finishes for the driver from Northampton, Pennsylvania.

3. Mason Massey

Mason Massey began his pursuit of the ARCA Menards Series West title in ideal fashion with a win at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway. He backed it up with a fifth-place finish at Phoenix Raceway in the ARCA-West Series combo event.

2. Justin Bonsignore

Four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore launched his pursuit of another title with a win at New Smyrna Speedway in February. He's won the last two series events dating back to the finale last year at Martinsville Speedway, which just happens to be the next track on the schedule later this month.

1. Carson Brown

Racing against a 40-car field, Carson Brown dominated the ARCA Menards Series event at Phoenix Raceway. He led every lap to earn his first series win in his first start. He also was successful at New Smyrna Speedway, where he won the ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial.