Robbie Kennealy scores an emotional first ARCA West Series victory at All American Speedway on Saturday night in the NAPA Auto Parts 150.

ROSEVILLE, Calif. – The ARCA Menards Series West’s visit to All American Speedway was always going to be emotional for Robbie Kennealy.

Kennealy Scores an Emotional Victory

Every race on the calendar inches closer to the one-year anniversary of when Kennealy’s father Gary suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. Gary’s death was a devastating loss for the entire Kennealy family, but both of his sons, Robbie and Joey, have done everything possible to continue competing in honor of their father.

On Saturday evening, Gary’s eldest son Robbie put together the best race of his young career by earning the General Tire Pole Award and fending off West Series points leader Trevor Huddleston to score his maiden West Series victory. Kennealy could not help but be tearful as he climbed out of his No. 1 Jan’s Towing Ford, knowing his dad was with him in spirit through all 150 laps.

“[It was] one year ago during this exact race [at All American] when my dad suddenly passed away,” Kennealy said. “One year later, we win one of the biggest races ever. That’s for you dad.”

Family has always been rooted in Kennealy’s identity as a competitor, as he initially entered the West Series in 2023 with his family-owned operation.

A partnership with fellow competitor Kyle Keller enabled Kennealy and his family to tackle an expanded West Series schedule last year. The part-time campaign featured plenty of growing pains for Kennealy, all of which served as valuable insight towards building a solid foundation on the platform.

Kennealy would have to embark on that journey without his father and with a different team, as he and Keller joined Jan Qualkenbush’s operation for 2025. The two immediately started putting together solid results in Qualkenbush’s equipment, with Kennealy not recording a finish outside the top ten until Sonoma Raceway.

Keller broke through for his first victory at Tri-City Raceway in August. With the consistency he displayed all season long, it was only a matter of time before Kennealy obtained his.

The NAPA Auto Parts 150 Results

For Kennealy to find Victory Lane, he had to hold off Huddleston, who applied relentless pressure to Kennealy throughout Saturday’s race, but it was not enough for him to overtake Kennealy in the closing laps.

Despite coming up short of his third West Series victory of 2025, Huddleston still found plenty to cherish after his strong run at All American.

“We gained a couple points,” Huddleston said. “Congrats to Robbie. I gave it all I had, and he was the dominant car. The only way I was going to get by him is if I completely dumped him. I know he wouldn’t race me like that, so I’ll take the wins when I can.”

With Kennealy’s triumph at All-American, Qualkenbush’s team has now won two of the last three West Series events.

The past year has been one of the most difficult of Kennealy’s life, but his father Gary, remains a source of motivation and inspiration. Through adversity and dedication, Kennealy found himself in Victory Lane Saturday, continuing a passion instilled into him by his father.

“This is all thanks to my Jan’s Towing Racing crew,” Kennealy said. “Without Jan Qualkenbush giving me and Kyle Keller this opportunity, we wouldn’t even be standing here right now. I drove all 150 laps the hardest I have in my life. I’ve been dreaming of something like this since I was a little kid.

“I know my dad is watching from above right now.”

Huddleston’s teammate, Andrew Chapman, came home third. Rounding out the top five were Joey Iest and Eric Johnson Jr.

The ARCA West Series Point Standings

Trevor Huddleston is still the series points leader, up by 12 points over second-place driver Kyle Keller. Tyler Reif is -26 points in third place. Robbie Kenneally moves into fourth place, -34 points. And Eric Johnson Jr. is fifth, -37 points.

Next Up

The next race up for the ARCA Menards Series West will take place at Madera Speedway on Sept. 27. The green flag is set to wave at 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. ET, with FloRacing providing coverage of all the on-track action.