Cole Denton Finishes Fourth in Impressive Road Course Debut at Sonoma Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. — For most 15-year-old drivers, a first start on a road course in a full-bodied stock car is about gaining experience. For Cole Denton, it became another opportunity to prove he belongs among the ARCA Menards Series West championship contenders.
Driving the No. 71 Jan's Racing Ford in Friday's General Tire 150 at Sonoma Raceway, Denton qualified fifth, raced inside the top five throughout the 47-lap event, and crossed the finish line fourth in one of the strongest performances of his young career.
The result was even more impressive considering it marked Denton's first road course start in a stock car. Despite competing against drivers with years of road racing experience, the 15-year-old showed patience, consistency, and racecraft throughout the afternoon to finish as the highest-placing Ford driver in the field.
Preparation once again played a major role in Denton's success.
In the weeks leading up to Sonoma, Denton logged countless hours on the simulator, turning hundreds of virtual laps while studying braking zones, racing lines, and passing opportunities. He also leaned on advice from some of the sport's top road racers, combining simulator work with guidance from experienced veterans to arrive at Sonoma ready to compete.
"I knew Sonoma was going to be fun, but it ended up being the most fun I've ever had in a race car," Denton said. "I hadn't raced a road course since my Bandolero days, so to come away with a fourth-place finish against this level of competition means a lot. All the simulator time and the advice I received beforehand definitely paid off."
Denton credited several people who helped prepare him for the weekend, including David Ragan, Ford Performance, Kenny Shepherd, Will Rodgers, Connor Mosack, and Parker Retzlaff, whose simulator sessions, phone calls, and track walk helped accelerate his learning curve.
He also praised the Jan's Racing organization for providing another outstanding race car.
"I can't thank Mr. Jan, Chris Greaney, my spotters Hayden Reeves and Justin Bolten, everyone at Jan's Racing, and all of our partners enough," Denton said. "They gave me an incredible car, and I'm thankful for everyone who helped make this weekend possible."
With Sonoma now complete, Denton moves to second in the ARCA Menards Series West championship standings, just 34 points behind Trevor Huddleston. He also continues to lead the Rookie of the Year standings while adding another impressive result to a season that already includes two victories, multiple pole awards, and a track record.
At just 15 years old, Denton continues to establish himself as one of the brightest young prospects in stock car racing and a legitimate championship contender in the ARCA Menards Series West.
Up Next
The ARCA Menards Series West returns to action Saturday, August 8, at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon. The event will provide Denton with another opportunity to gain experience on a road course while continuing his pursuit of both the Rookie of the Year title and the 2026 series championship.
About Cole Denton
Cole Denton is one of the nation's top young stock car drivers, competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series West with Jan's Racing. The 15-year-old has already earned two victories during the 2026 season and currently sits second in the championship standings while leading the Rookie of the Year battle.
About Jan's Racing
Jan's Racing is a championship-caliber ARCA Menards Series West organization committed to developing young talent and competing for victories throughout the season.
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