History

The ARS Series was considered the "Road to Indy", and was the creation of U.. (Pat) Patrick. Pat was a very successful Indy Car owner and a co-founder of CART. This series was designed to test and give experience to young talented drivers to help them transition into Indy Car racing Many of the mostly young drivers who raced in the ARS Series went on to become household names in Indy car racing.

This particular racecar was owned and campaigned by the late Frank Arciero who made Paso Robles his second home, i.e., Arciero Winery & Vineyards among other local projects. Frank was also a long time and very successful Indv Car owner.

With young driver, Fabrizio Barbazza of Italy, Frank's team won five races during the 1986 season and captured the ARS championship. Fabrizio followed that up by utilizing the skills honed in the ARS to be named both the 1987 CART Rookie of the Year and the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the year.