HOUSTON — RAFA Racing Team has added rising talent Kyle Steckly to its lineup, with the Canadian set for a three-race program in the ARCA Menards Series as both driver and team continue their climb in stock car racing.
Steckly, 21, is set to compete aboard an APC Auto Parts Center-backed Toyota Camry at Watkins Glen International on May 8, Michigan International Speedway on June 5, and Chicagoland Speedway on July 3.
The trio of races offers a diverse challenge, combining two high-speed intermediate ovals with one of North America’s premier road courses.
For Steckly, the opportunity represents more than just three starts – it is a chance to continue building momentum in the United States while aligning with a team that brings a unique background to the ARCA paddock.
“I’m super excited for it,” Steckly said. “I got in touch with Kevin and the RAFA Racing Team through Toyota, and it just seems like they’ve got a really strong program. Everything they do from the road racing side of things to coming into the ARCA Menards Series is really special, and it’s cool to be a part of.
“The support I’ve had from the Canadian racing community has been huge; it’s something I don’t take for granted. And APC Auto Parts Centres have been there with me every step of the way – they’re like family to me, and they’re a big reason I’m able to keep pushing forward.”
The connection between Steckly and RAFA Racing Team came through Toyota Racing Development, which has played an increasingly important role in identifying and supporting emerging talent across North America.
For Steckly, who joined the Toyota program at the start of 2026, the relationship has already begun to pay dividends.
The collaboration also highlights RAFA Racing Team’s ongoing evolution. Known for its strong presence in road racing categories, the team now steps further into the stock car world with a driver whose background bridges both disciplines.
That balance becomes especially relevant with a schedule that includes Watkins Glen, a circuit that could play to both Steckly’s experience and the team’s technical strengths.
“We’re racing at Watkins Glen, Michigan, and Chicagoland,” Steckly explained. “So two intermediate tracks and a road course. It’ll be cool to have a road course in a stock car with a team that comes from a road racing background. I’ve done some road racing back home in Canada, so that’s something I’m looking forward to.”
While the road course may offer a degree of familiarity, the intermediate ovals will provide a different type of challenge.
“The intermediate tracks will be a learning curve for all of us,” he said. “But I think we’ve got a good group of people around to make it successful.”