Track Talk with Frank

Road to Daytona Digest 3: Influences and Experiences on Nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champion
Frank Kimmel, Driver of the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry

February 7, 2012

Red Bank, N.J. – Frank Kimmel, nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champion and driver of the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry for ThorSport Racing in 2012, is a fixture around the garage.  Known to many of the rookies as "the one to ask," when it comes to learning the ropes, the veteran driver has the experience (and the win column) to back it up.  Going into Daytona for his 17th appearance on the famed superspeedway in ARCA Racing, he reflects on what made him the racer he is today.

"The biggest influence in my life on the racetrack, hands down, was my dad, Bill Kimmel, Sr.," says Kimmel.  "Years of working on his cars in his garage – through the 60s.  He was an awesome dirt and asphalt racer, and he taught my brother Bill and I both everything we know."

"He won three races in 1978– and he always had the determination to never give up. The best lesson he taught us was that you just have to finish the race.  Prepare the race car the way it should be, get to the track, make the right decisions throughout the event.  After all, a guy can have a perfect race and with 20 [miles?] to go, make a stupid mistake.  He was a money racer and had to race every lap.  Even to this day, that sits with me.  We’ll have breakfast somewhere before Daytona every year, and he’ll tell me the same thing. ‘You know what we’ve got to do down there…finish the race.  Make sure you finish that race, Frank.’"

Kimmel’s racing career may have been shaped primarily by his dad, but these days, he’ll stick to the local tracks to cheer him on in person.  "My Dad won’t come to Daytona normally, but he’ll be in Salem and Winchester, plus all the dirt tracks He’s a racer at heart, so we get to hear a lot of feedback!  When we don’t run well, he wants to know why, where, who and how.  In his mind, we’re the smartest things in the race car.  Sometimes I just have to laugh and tell him that we may still have things to learn!  He’s super competitive, and I guess I get that from him."

His own career was shaped by others that first year racing in the ARCA Racing Series.  "My very first race was Toledo in 1990 for Jack Wallace – he still does all of our lettering for the internal race cars.  We made it by the skin of our teeth - and that was awesome.  Bob Dotter, Sr. was a great influence – very smart, understood as a money racer that you’ve got to make the main show.  Bob Keselowski, Sr. – a heck of a racer and fought until the end every race. These guys all taught me that you have to understand the purse and the way to make your money.  They showed me the ropes of not getting knocked out of the race by stupid mistakes.  Benny Parsons was my hero, along with Iggy Katona – they could be in the back of the pack and still get to the top three or four by the end of the day."

During the 2012 season, Kimmel knows the rookies will find him on pit road to ask questions.  "A lot of guys come to me and ask questions throughout the season; what we’re doing, how we’re doing it.  This generation of racers grew up focused on the racing side of the business, so it’s always helpful to teach new aspects to them about sponsors and the marketing.  I’m super grateful for where I’ve come from, and it’s nice to know I’m respected in the garage.  The feeling is mutual – I respect all the racers who set foot on the track next to the No. 44.  We’re all blessed."

ABOUT ANSELL:
Ansell Limited is a global leader in protection solutions, with operations in North America, LAC, EMEA and Asia-Pacific.  Ansell designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of surgical, examination, industrial and household gloves, protective clothing and condoms. People in over 100 countries around the world put their trust in Ansell’s innovative, high-quality solutions to offer superior protection, combined with high levels of comfort and performance. 

Ansell holds its operational headquarters in Red Bank, NJ, USA and its registered office in Melbourne, Australia. Worldwide, the group employs over 10,000 people in 33 countries. In its Fiscal Year 2011, Ansell achieved sales of USD 1.2 bn. For more information visit www.ansell.com, www.safetypro.com, www.activarmr.com and www.ansellconstruction.com.

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING
ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team.   NASCAR's only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, will run in 2012 the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records Toyota  Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter;  the No. 98 Ferrell Gas/Agrisure Toyota Tundra driven by Dakoda Armstrong; and the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.  ThorSport Racing operates in a state-of-the-art, world-class 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky.  For more information, visit us on Facebook: Facebook/ThorSportRacing or Twitter: Twitter.com/ThorSportRacing.

ABOUT TOYOTA: TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)
Powering all of Toyota’s American racing programs is TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Salisbury, N.C.  A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., TRD serves as the North American racing arm for design, development and assembly of Toyota’s factory racing engines.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010.  Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion.   For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Demi Knight Clark
Account Director
Girl Friday PR for ThorSport Racing
demi@girlfridaypr.com/pr@thorsport.com
803.389.7153

'Oh What A Feeling'; ThorSport, Kimmel Going Toyota; Team in Hiring Mode for 9-Time Champ

December 12

ThorSport Racing, the longest-tenured NASCAR Camping World Trucks (NCWTS) team with entries since 1996, announced today their 2012 expansion plans - to include a partnership with TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). After a successful 2011 season in the NCWTS, with three wins and four poles between two veteran drivers - Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton - and debut of rookie Dakoda Armstrong; the organization is hiring in its state of the art facility in Sandusky, Ohio for the No. 44 ARCA Racing Series team of Frank Kimmel.

"We'd like to thank everyone at Chevrolet for all the support over the last 16 years," said Matt LaNeve, vice president of motorsports partnerships for ThorSport Racing. "ThorSport Racing, along with dedicated owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson, have a long-standing history and commitment to conservative, steady growth within NASCAR. Toyota's business and competitive philosophies are in line with our 2012 goals for both Frank Kimmel, as he pursues his 10th ARCA Racing Series Championship; and our NCWTS teams of the 13, 88 and 98, as we further look to increase competition. We are aggressively chasing not only wins in our two respective series, but championship trophies for our drivers and sponsors."

ThorSport Racing currently operates three NCWTS teams - the No. 13 of Johnny Sauter; the No. 88 of Matt Crafton; and the No. 98 of Dakoda Armstrong. The organization will also field the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry during the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. The No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records entry finished second in driver championship points in 2011, matching the organization's highest previous finish by the No. 88 Menards entry and Matt Crafton in 2009 - narrowly missing the championship by six points but capping the year off with a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18th; adding to driver Sauter's win list, shared with a trophy clock at Martinsville earlier in the year. The No. 88 Menards entry, piloted by Matt Crafton, finished 8th in overall driver championship points, earned two poles and wheeled into Victory Lane at Iowa Speedway during the 2011 season.

"ThorSport Racing is a first-class organization and a championship-caliber race team, as well as one of the most respected teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series," said Lee White, president and general manager of TRD, U.S.A.(Toyota Racing Development). "We look forward to working together with the entire ThorSport race team and are confident that it will raise the level of our entire Toyota Tundra racing program."

"We're always on the forefront of competition in whatever series we are competing in," said David Pepper, Director of Competition and Team Manager for ThorSport Racing. "We're looking forward to forging ahead with Toyota in the competition arena in 2012. We're actively hiring top talent to our existing crew members on our championship-caliber teams. We're encouraged, during a down economy in both the country and in racing, to be hiring and adding jobs back into our industry."

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. ThorSport Racing's first race came at the Milwaukee Mile on July 6, 1996. NASCAR's only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, will run in 2012 the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter; the No. 98 Ferrell Gas/Agrisure Toyota Tundra driven by Dakoda Armstrong; and the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

ThorSport Racing has wheeled into Victory Lane with Terry Cook, Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter since its inception and has finished a dominating eight times within the top 10 in points with both trucks. Sauter wheeled into Victory Lane twice in 2011 - Martinsville and Homestead-Miami; Crafton in Iowa. Both earned two poles, respectively. In 2011, ThorSport Racing matched its highest previous driver points finish by Matt Crafton and the No. 88 in 2009 - with the No. 13 of Johnny Sauter. In 2009 and 2010, both Crafton and Sauter finished in the top five in driver points. ThorSport Racing operates in a state-of-the-art, world-class 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky. For more information, visit us on Facebook: Facebook/ThorSportRacing or Twitter: Twitter.com/ThorSportRacing

ABOUT TOYOTA:
TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)

Powering all of Toyota's American racing programs is TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Salisbury, N.C. A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., TRD serves as the North American racing arm for design, development and assembly of Toyota's factory racing engines.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion

Frank Kimmel will pilot the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Chevrolet under the ThorSport Racing banner in 2012.

Novemeber 17

ThorSport Racing, the longest tenured team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with over 500 active entries since 1996, announced today its plans to continue its growth model by fielding a 2012 full-season ARCA Racing Series team. 9-time ARCA Racing Series Champion and All-time ARCA Purse-winning driver Frank Kimmel will pilot the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Chevrolet under the ThorSport Racing banner in 2012. Kimmel will "kick off" his partnership with ThorSport Racing by running the championship finale of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 18th. He will join new teammates Matt Crafton, Johnny Sauter and Dakoda Armstrong - all running in their respective trucks - by piloting a fourth entry, the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Chevrolet Silverado at the Ford 200.

"This is an exciting move for ThorSport Racing, and we're looking forward to growing together with the ARCA Racing Series and long-term with Frank Kimmel and his team," said Matthew LaNeve, Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships for ThorSport Racing. "Frank obviously has a pedigree of success within the series, as well as a history of setting the bar high for the rest of the field. ThorSport has had a long-standing pattern of excellence & championship caliber teams in the NCWTS with Matt Crafton, Johnny Sauter and now rookie Dakoda Armstrong. We felt this was the right move at the right time."

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is an auto racing sanctioning body in the United States, founded in 1953 by John Marcum. The ARCA Racing Series races stock cars similar to those seen in past years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and indeed most cars used in the ARCA Racing Series were previously used in NASCAR. "The level of competition in the ARCA Racing Series has impressed us, and we felt this was a great opportunity with Frank," said David Pepper, Team Manager & Competition Director for ThorSport Racing. "With our NASCAR resources and knowledge base, as well as being geographically close to many of the ARCA races, we felt it was a natural fit. This partnership not only forges a great relationship for competitive racing in our organization; it also encourages job growth in the North Coast as we continue to seek out exceptional talent in the area."

"The ARCA Racing Series prides itself on being at the cusp of growth for its fans and teams each year, which makes this partnership an exciting one for our 2012 season," said Mark Gundrum, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for ARCA. ""ThorSport Racing will provide a great opportunity for Frank to meet his goals, and should provide Ansell, Menards, and ARCA with additional business-to-business avenues and opportunities. We welcome ThorSport to ARCA with open arms. The organization is a first-class, proven contender and we're thrilled to add their competitive experience to our top series. We look forward to watching not only the relationship grow, but also the competition intensify on track for our fans and SPEED viewers."

"It has been a pleasure to have Frank Kimmel represent Ansell in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards the last three years," said Steve York, Director of Channel and Vertical Development for Ansell. "As our representative, Frank reflects the qualities of Ansell's employees worldwide - dedication, loyalty and a desire to be the best at what we do. We are thrilled to partner with Menards along with ThorSport Racing as they also exemplify these qualities as a proven winner on and off the track. Ansell looks forward to a very successful season and the presentation of Frank's 10th ARCA Racing Series Championship trophy."

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to work with ThorSport Racing in 2012," said Kimmel. "It's a great opportunity to work with the best in class - from a world-class shop and staff to resources of such a strong organization. These guys know how to run for championships, and I think I've shown a few times that I can do the same. I'm ready to get back into the seat in Daytona and charge for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards championship together! To be able to kick everything off in Homestead is just icing on the cake - Matt Crafton and I have raced together for years as fellow 'Menards teammates;' I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone on the competition side and making a great run there for the team."

Late Contact Spoils Promising Run for the Ansell-Menards Ford at Toledo

October 17

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 21st in the race at Toledo Speedway yesterday afternoon. The day would start out with wind and rain, which forced ARCA officials to move back the start time two hours.

Once the green flag waved, Frank quickly went to work on the competitors in front of him, moving the Ansell-Menards Ford inside the top fifteen and would soon be in the top ten. Unluckily, a tire would blow in turn three and the Ansell-Menards Ford would spin out but only make slight contact with the wall.

Quickly after the incident, Frank brought the Ansell-Menards Ford down pit road to the attention of his Kimmel Racing crew. The crew worked swiftly and efficiently on the Ansell-Menards Ford. When the green flag resumed, the Ansell-Menards Ford was a lap down, but a timely caution would give Frank his lap back and put the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford back into contention.

Not long after receiving the wave around, another caution would fly and the Kimmel Racing team decided to gain track position and stay out, which moved Frank to 2nd in the running order. The gamble paid off, as Frank was able to run inside the top ten for a majority of the second half of the race.  

Yet, misfortune would strike the team again late in the race, as Frank would be put three wide in one of the corners, which resulted in the Ansell-Menards Ford making contact with one of the other race cars. The contact would cut down a tire and send the Ansell-Menards Ford into the wall. Frank would have to bring the Ansell-Menards Ford to the pits for the team to make repairs. The time needed for repairs would trap the Ansell-Menards Ford several laps down and result in a 21st place finish in the season finale.

“I’m very disappointed in where we finished. We only finished outside the top-10 once before today. I know we had an Ansell-Menards Ford capable of winning this race today. We had some bad luck early but were able to get the lap back. Then we stayed out to gain track position and that worked out well. The Ansell-Menards Ford was good on old tires, and it looked as if we’d finish top ten for sure. Then we made contact with another car and hit the wall. That put us a few laps down and it was too late in the race for us to make those up,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Frank and the Ansell-Menards team finished 3rd in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series Points Standings. Frank collected 3 top five and 17 top ten finishes in 19 races in 2011. “We had a very consistent year in 2011. Obviously, we would’ve enjoyed a few victories in those stats. We had our chances in a few and ran up front in a majority of the races but circumstances didn’t sway in our favor. My guys worked really hard this year and did an excellent job. I have fantastic partners in Menards and Ansell, who are leaders in their trades, so I have to thank them for their support,” concluded Frank.

The ARCA Racing Series will wrap up the 2011 season with the Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky, near Cincinnati, on Saturday, December 10th. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Has a Score to Settle With Toledo Speedway

October 12

Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, journeys to Toledo Speedway this weekend for the race that marks the end to the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. Frank Kimmel has a score to settle with the track that he has won at nine times in his ARCA Racing Series career.  

In the spring race, Frank led 125 of the 200 laps and it appeared he was on his way to his tenth win at Toledo. However, contact late by another car would send Frank spinning into a 9th place finish, and a win that was so close managed to escape the nine time ARCA Series Champions grasp.

“Toledo is one of those race tracks I look forward to racing at and have always been competitive at. That was a good race for us and it was tough to have it slip away at the end. Hopefully the outcome will be different if we put ourselves in position to win like we did in April. I can’t put into words how special a win would be this weekend,” commented Frank Kimmel.

Activities for Frank Kimmel begin with a Menards store visit on Friday afternoon, October 13th, as he’s set to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and even offer a special promotion to store customers.  Kimmel will appear at the Toledo North store located across from the Toledo Speedway - 1415 E. Alexis Road - at 4:00 pm. The appearance will last 90 minutes.  Store visitors can take advantage of a special promotion at the location, simply by purchasing a pair of Ansell gloves inside the store. Those purchasing Ansell gloves inside the Toledo North Menards will receive a voucher for a free second pair of gloves, personally given by Kimmel outside the store.

“I have a great time visiting with the shoppers and Menards employees. I think the people who come by really enjoy getting to see a real race car and we even let the kids sit inside of it. We’ll also give you a pair of Ansell Gloves free if you purchase another pair inside the Menards store. I have two great sponsors in Ansell and Menards, so it would mean the world to me to get them in victory lane this weekend,” concluded Frank.

Kimmel will be driving the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford this weekend that Matt Crafton piloted in the spring race at Toledo. Frank is optimistic that this detail will aid in returning the Ansell-Menards Ford back to the place it deserves, Toledo Speedway’s Victory Lane.

Then finally, at 2:00 pm this Sunday, October 16th, Frank will get his shot at his tenth win in the Ansell-Menards Ford at the Federated Car Care 200 at Toledo Speedway. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

The Ansell-Menards Ford Takes the Checkered Flag in the 9th Position at Kansas

October 10

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 9th in the night race at Kansas Speedway. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 14th position Friday afternoon, as the teams prepared for the last night race of 2011 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

Track position was important for the 99 lap race and Frank would battle with maintaining it through the race. At the drop of the green flag, Frank quickly moved the Ansell-Menards up two spots to 12th and would break into the top-10 after the first pit-stop.

The Kimmel Racing team battled a loose Ansell-Menards Ford throughout the race, especially on early laps. The crew took multiple swings at adjustments to tighten the Ansell-Menards Ford on pit-stops throughout the race. On longer green flag runs, Frank was able to pick up spots and would move as high as 6th late in the race. Yet, the Ansell-Menards Ford would surrender a few spots on a late restart when a few teams behind Frank came in for fresh Hoosiers tires.

“Not a bad night. The Ansell-Menards Ford was free in early runs and I had to be easy on the throttle in the corners but on long green flag runs we could make up positions. We ran out of time to get it right and even though 9th wasn’t what we wanted we’ll take another top-10. We have Toledo next weekend and I’m excited about that,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Toledo Speedway in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on October 16th for the Toledo ARCA 200 presented by Federated Car Care in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Intends to Finish Strong in 2011, Starting at Kansas

October 6

Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, will be making his eleventh trip to the half mile track of the Midwest called Kansas Speedway. Coming off a 5th place finish at Salem Speedway, the Kimmel Racing team had two weeks to prepare for this Friday night’s race and prepare is exactly what they did.   

The Kimmel Racing team worked relentlessly over the racing break to get each Ansell-Menards Ford set-up for the two race homestretch on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. When asked, it didn't take Frank Kimmel long to answer how he would like to finish out the 2011 ARCA Racing Series season.

"On the highest note possible," Frank said instantly. “We have a chance to build our momentum heading into 2012 and I know we’re capable of winning at these last two tracks.”

Frank admitted that his team hit a streak of inconsistent races halfway through the season that saw his hopes for a 10th championship diminish. According to Frank, “we just had a few races there that were tough on us. Something either happened that was unexpected or we fought handling issues. I think we took a long look at it after our run at Lucas Oil Raceway and told ourselves that we were better than that.”

The cycle eventually turned and Frank had the Ansell-Menards Ford back up front contending. Of course, Frank will get another opportunity Friday night when the ACRA Racing Series presented by Menards competitors hit to the track for 99 laps under the lights at Kansas Speedway. Like so many on the schedule, Kansas Speedway has been kind to Frank Kimmel in the past. Frank has collected 2 wins, 2 pole awards and has an average finishing position of around 6th place in those 10 races.

"We should be good this weekend. I think we’re bringing a good Ansell-Menards Ford that’ll have a fresh Roush-Yates engine in it. We didn’t get to test, so we’ll have to rely on our notes from previous races but I expect a strong effort," concluded Frank.

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his 3rd win at Kansas Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford this Friday night for the Kansas Lottery 98.9. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Provides a Tenacious Performance to Finish 5th at Salem Speedway

September 20

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 5th in last weekend's Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care from Salem Speedway. It was special night for numerous reasons for the nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champion. First off, Salem Speedway is Frank’s home track in the ARCA Racing Series and it’s a track he’s collected nine wins at in his career, which is more than any ARCA Racing Series driver. It would also mark the first complete ARCA Racing Series start for another Kimmel. Frank’s son, Frank Kimmel II, would be competing against the very best in the ARCA Racing Series, including his father and his cousin, Will Kimmel.

During the practice session earlier that day, Frank would experience an ill-handling Ansell-Menards Ford. The Kimmel Racing team worked feverishly to make the right adjustments before Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell. The adjustments made the Ansell-Menards handle better but the qualifying lap was only quick enough for 15th on the starting grid. However, Frank was confident that the Ansell-Menards Ford would be fast during the race.

“Our Ansell-Menards Ford had speed but it was bouncing in the corners really bad. The guys made several adjustments during practice and before qualifying. The adjustments helped it turn better but it wasn’t the lap we wanted. The race was 200 laps and we had an Ansell-Menards Ford that was good enough to race to the front,” said Frank Kimmel.

Frank was spot-on, as from the drop of the green flag he would methodically work his Ansell-Menards Ford to the front and inside the top-10. After each caution, Frank would advance his position on the restarts and by the halfway point of the race would be racing inside the top-five.

As the laps diminished in the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care the race became a Kimmel family affair, as Frank would battle his son and nephew inside the top-five. Frank would get as high as 2nd in the running order before losing a few positions late in the race.

"That was fun. Our Ansell-Menards Ford was pretty good tonight. We made some key adjustments early and made our way to the front. Near the end the Ansell-Menards Ford lost grip in the tires and we lost a few spots. It was cool racing my son and Will (Kimmel). We all three had fast Ford’s and it would have been nice to race them for the win at the end. We battled through a lot today and I’m really proud of the guys on our Kimmel Racing team for their hard work,” said Frank Kimmel after the race had concluded.

Along with Frank’s 5th place finish, Will Kimmel would finish 2nd and Frank Kimmel II would take the checkered in the 7th position. With the 5th place finish Frank remains 3rd in the ARCA Racing Series Points.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Kansas Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on October 7th for the Kansas Lottery 98.9 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Race Facts: Salem Speedway – Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic

September 16

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

You race at Salem Speedway this weekend under the lights. I’ve heard this race is pretty exciting?

“It’s something about short track racing at night that brings out the competitive spirit in the drivers, especially at Salem Speedway. The beating and banging, sparks flying. It offers an awesome show for the fans.”

You tested the Ansell-Menards Ford at Salem recently. How did that test go?

It went well. We believe we learned a lot last Friday about our Ansell-Menards Ford. We tinkered around on some things with the set-up. We need to catch up to some of the guys that are running ahead of us right now, so we hope these adjustments to the set-up will help.”

You finished 3rd at Salem Speedway in May, so are you returning with that same Ansell-Menards Ford?

Actually, we’re going to race chassis 440. It’s an intermediate Ansell-Menards Ford that we last raced at Iowa. I believe it finished 6th there. We feel good about how it tested and we’re confident going into this weekend that it will run well.”

This weekend is special for another reason. You get to race against both your son (Frank Kimmel II) and your nephew (Will Kimmel) this weekend at Salem. How special is this for you and for your family?

I'm really looking forward to it. Its special being a dad and seeing your son get to do something that you both love. I’m excited for him. Paul (Andrews) and Cunningham Motorsports will take good care of him. They tested at Salem last Thursday and were fast. He’ll do well. Will (Kimmel) tested as well and they’ll have a Ford that’s good. It’s going to be a fun weekend with plenty of family and friends.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 35 starts at Salem Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel has 9 Wins, 9 Poles, 24 top-five and 29 top-ten finishes at Salem Speedway
• Frank Kimmel's last ARCA Racing Victory came at Salem Speedway on September 13, 2008
• Frank Kimmel Finished 3rd at Salem Speedway on May 1, 2011
• Frank Kimmel finished 6th in his last ARCA Racing Series Race at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
• Frank Kimmel is currently 3rd in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Points Standings
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 315 top-ten finishes in 427 starts

Race Information:

What – Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Saturday, September 17, 2011; 7:15 pm EST

Where – Salem Speedway; .555 Mile Oval; 200 laps, 110 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Salem presented by Ansell

1. Qualifying: With Salem being a short track, it’s important to try and qualify up front. Trouble can find you a lot quicker the farther back you start.

2. Patience: You can get mad here just as fast as you can drive your car. It’s important to keep calm and remember its 200 laps.

3. Survive: It’s not easy but try and take care of your fenders. There will be beating and banging. It’s those that survive it that will have a chance at victory.

4. Enjoy: Invite all your friends and family out to watch us beat and bang. In my opinion, this is one of the most exciting races on the ARCA Racing Series schedule.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Salem Speedway for Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care.  More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Prepared to Challenge Demanding Salem Speedway

September 14

Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, is prepared to challenge his home track of Salem Speedway this Saturday for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care. The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will return to Salem Speedway for more beating and banging but this time it will be under the lights.
Salem Speedway is a tough short track located only thirty minutes from Frank’s home. It’s a track that Frank has dominated in the past, winning nine races, including his last victory in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in the fall of 2008. The nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champion will be going for his 10th win at Salem Speedway. Frank came close to victory in the spring race, finishing 3rd in his Ansell-Menards Ford.

However, Franks not the only Kimmel to cut his teeth at the oval short track, as almost every Kimmel has at one point in their racing career competed at Salem and this would include the future racing generation of the family, Frank’s son Frankie Kimmel and his nephew Will Kimmel. Both young drivers are past track champions and will be in the field this weekend for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care.

“Salem Speedway is a part of our families racing heritage. We’ve all raced there and everyone you see at the track is friends. It’s cool being affiliated with such a tough track. It will test the very best. We need a solid run, so it would be fitting to get that win here at Salem. Not to mention, it’s nice being able to drive home to sleep in my own bed,” concluded Frank.

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his 10th win at Salem Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford this Saturday for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Rally’s Back to Finish 6th at DuQuoin

September 6

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 6th in the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts from the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 23rd position, but the entire morning was full of difficulties for the Kimmel Racing team to overcome.

From the very beginning of this mornings practice the Ansell-Menards Ford lacked speed, as Frank posted only the 22nd fastest speed in practice. The team would find the issue near the end of practice. Apparently the engine on the Ansell-Menards Ford had an internal issue. The Kimmel Racing team elected to bring out the backup Ansell-Menards Ford and put it through pre-qualifying technical inspection. The backup Ansell-Menards Ford was the same car that Frank finished 6th with at Madison International Speedway last weekend and prior to today had never raced on dirt.

However, it seemed that the rough luck made Frank and the Kimmel Racing team more determined to fight through the adversity and come away with a good finish. From the drop of the green flag, Frank was able to quickly move the Ansell-Menards Ford through the field. By the first pit-stop Frank had driven the Ansell-Menards Ford into the top fifteen. The team would catch another break when others had to pit under the next caution, which moved Frank up to 7th. From that point, Frank would stay inside the top ten and race as high as 5th before eventually taking the checkered flag in the 6th position. In the other Kimmel racing entry, Will Kimmel would finish 8th in the Messina Wildlife-Menards Ford.

“Not a bad day for our backup Ansell-Menards Ford, especially considering how things started. Turn two was our weak point today but we made up great time in the other turns. I tell you I did more sliding than I’m comfortable with on this dirt track and I think that’s where the dirt racing regulars have the advantage. Overall, I’m happy with the result and extremely proud of my guys for working so hard today. I’m excited to see what we can get at Salem, Kansas and Toledo,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Salem Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on September 17th for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Auto Parts in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

The Ansell-Menards Ford Returns to Dirt at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

August 31

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards returns to grass roots dirt racing for the second time this season. The competitors will take to the one mile dirt track of the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds for the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts. Frank will try to continue his consistency of 2011, which includes 14 top-10 finishes in 15 starts, counting a 6th last weekend at Madison International Speedway.

Frank Kimmel returns to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds as a five time winner at the track. However, his success and enjoyment for racing on dirt at DuQuoin didn’t always exist, as Frank’s first few starts were rough and his attitude towards dirt racing was less than joyful.

Frank Kimmel first visited DuQuoin in 1991. It was not a celebrated beginning, as he would start 30th and finish 26th. Yet with every aspect of his racing career the nine time ARCA Racing Series Champion learned to adapt and would eventually finish 4th in his fourth start at the track. From there, Frank has become a regular in the top-10 and a common sight in victory lane. Frank’s first win at DuQuoin was in 2001 and since then he’s tasted victory on four other occasions.

“I didn’t grow up racing on dirt, so when we first started going to DuQuoin it was difficult. I remember thinking, what are we doing racing on dirt. It wasn’t a form of racing I was accustomed to and it took me a while to get the hang of it. It motivated me and it wasn’t long that I looked forward to racing at DuQuoin,” said Frank Kimmel.

Frank will try to return to victory lane for the 6th time in the Ansell-Menards Ford at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Collects Fourteenth Top-10, Finishes 6th at Madison

August 29

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 6th in last night’s Herr’s Live Life with Flavor! 200 from Madison International Speedway. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 16th position, which would require plenty of work to get his Ansell-Menards Ford through a tough field at an equally tough short track.

Frank methodically worked the Ansell-Menards Ford to the front. It wasn’t an easy task on the half mile short track, considering the preferred groove was on the very bottom of the track. This element made passing tough, in addition to providing plenty of excitement in the form of beating and banging.

Frank moved the Ansell-Menards Ford inside the top-10 before the first stretch of pit stops, but could never gain the needed track position to compete for the lead. In the end, Frank would keep the Ansell-Menards Ford out of trouble through a stint of late race yellow flags, which resulted in a solid top-10 finish.

“That was a wild race. This is a tough little track. It’s a rough surface and you bounce all over the place. Overall, I’m pleased with the finish, considering how our Ansell-Menards Ford was handling. We could never get the Ansell-Menards Ford to turn in the corner. This place is harsh on the breaks and that made it even harder to turn the car off the corners,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at the dirt track of DuQuoin State Fairgrounds driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on September 5th for the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

New Track Matches Similar Expectations for Frank Kimmel

August 25

This weekend the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards travels to the half mile paved oval of Madison International Speedway right outside of Madison, Wisconsin. The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has not competed at this speedway since 1973.  This will be the first time that Frank Kimmel has competed at Madison International Speedway, but the prospect of winning for Frank remains identical to all races.

Frank is coming off a tolerable 7th place finish at the Illinois State Fairgrounds last weekend, which moved him back up to 2nd in the Championship Points Standings. Yet, last Sunday the nine-time ARCA Series Champ feels like another win was right outside their grasp and he’s hoping the new track scenery this Friday night will prove to be the difference maker.

“We had an Ansell-Menards Ford capable of winning at Springfield but we lost the handling late. The races that you know you can win are always the hardest to the get over but I’m looking forward to this Friday and racing at Madison. Going to new race tracks is always exciting. Plus, it’s cool that my sponsor Menards is based in the same state, so I’m sure there will be plenty of Menards employees there to cheer us on,” said Frank Kimmel.  

Activities for Frank Kimmel begin with two Menards store location visits on Thursday afternoon, August 25th, which will last for an hour-and-a-half.  Frank is set to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and even offer a special promotion to store customers.  Frank will first appear at the Madison East Menards store starting at 4:00 pm CST (2102 East Springs Drive). Later that day Frank arrives at the Madison West location at 6:30 pm CST (430 Commerce Drive). Store visitors can take advantage of a special promotion at either location, simply by purchasing a pair of Ansell gloves inside the store.  Those purchasing Ansell gloves inside Menards will receive a voucher for a free second pair of gloves, personally handed over by Frank Kimmel outside the store.

“This is a really cool promotion that Ansell and Menards are offering. Menards has a style of Ansell glove for any type of job and I’m glad to be a part of offering customers an opportunity to have another pair for free,” concluded Frank.

Finally on Friday night, Frank Kimmel will try to go to victory lane for the first time at Madison International Speedway in the Herr’s Live Life with Flavor! 200. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Crosses Finish Line 7th in the Allen Crowe 100

August 22

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 7th in the Allen Crowe 100 from the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 11th position and would have no problem working his way to the front on the dirt mile track of Springfield.

As stated, it didn’t take long after the green flag flew for Frank Kimmel to work the Ansell-Menards Ford into the top ten and near the top five when the first caution came out. With as race in such a short time frame, the Kimmel Racing team was aware that keeping track position would be important. That necessity was almost given away during the first pit-stop, as the Ansell-Menards Ford would come into the pits 6th but leave in the 10th position.

The poor pit-stop provided extra motivation for Frank Kimmel to get up on the wheel and it wasn’t two laps after the restart that he had climbed the Ansell-Menards Ford back to 6th in the running order. After another caution and restart, Frank moved the Ansell-Menards Ford around his nephew, Will Kimmel and the Messina Wildlife-Menards Ford, and into 3rd position. Unfortunately, the handling on the Ansell-Menards Ford would recede late in the race, which resulted in Frank losing a few positions before the finish.

“We had a good Ansell-Menards Ford today. I’m not happy with the finish today. The right rear on the Ansell-Menards Ford was used up and it wouldn’t turn like we needed it too late in the race. We had an Ansell-Menards Ford capable of winning today and we just let it get away from us today,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

With the 7th place finish Frank Kimmel moved back up to 2nd in the ARCA Series Championship Points Standings. Will Kimmel finished 4th in the Messina Wildlife-Menards Ford.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Madison International Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on August 26th for the Herr’s Live Life for Flavor 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

 

Frank Kimmel Heads heads to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Allen Crowe 100

August 18

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards heads to the Illinois State Fairgrounds this weekend for the first of two races on dirt. How do you like racing on dirt?

“I love it now. When we first started doing it I didn’t like it because I wasn’t use to it. Now that I’m accustomed to it I circle Springfield on the schedule.”

Your record at Illinois State Fairgrounds is very impressive. Do you think your experience will give you an advantage at a track like this with a different surface?

“Maybe with some of the young drivers but most are experienced on all types of racing surfaces, so I don’t think I’ll have that great of an advantage.”

You’re hungry for a win. Out of the six remaining tracks, which do you think gives you the best chance for victory?

“Honestly, I think this weekend and at DuQuoin are great chances. Also, Salem and Toledo are good race tracks for me and we usually show up fast. Madison is a wild card for all of us. Kansas will probably be our weakest track, considering the struggles of our mile and a half program this year.”

Seems like there’s a lot to do at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to go along with watching the ARCA Racing Series compete on Sunday. What do you recommend?

“Enjoy the fair of course. It’s a great place to take family or friends for a fun time with so much going on.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 19 starts at Illinois State Fairgrounds in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Illinois State Fairgrounds in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008)
• Frank Kimmel has 7 Wins, 5 poles, 13 top-five and 15 top-ten finishes at Illinois State Fairgrounds
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 312 top-ten finishes in 424 starts

Race Information:

What – Allen Crowe 100; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Sunday, August 21, 2011; 1:00 pm CST

Where – Illinois State Fairgrounds; 1-mile clay oval; 100 laps, 100 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Springfield presented by Ansell

1. Feedback: When you first take to the track it will feel different and it’s easy to push the panic button. The car will come to you if you show patience.

2. Don’t Panic: It’s tricky getting onto pit road here and its tight once you’re on it, so be careful.

3. Get Rest: It will be a long day that starts early in the morning, so be sure to get plenty of rest.

4. Early Draw: The track surface seems to change the later qualifying goes, so it’s best to go out early.

5. Enjoy the Food: The fair has some of the best food. I usually go for the ice cream, in particular the banana split

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Winchester Speedway for Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.  More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Heads to Springfield Hungry for a Win

August 16

Frank Kimmel has been through tough stretches before in his storied racing career and the last two weeks have ranked pretty high on the frustration meter for the nine-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion. By some standards, finishing 12th and 10th wouldn’t be that disappointing for some, but when your expectations have always been victory lane then anything less is a letdown. This coming Sunday could provide that remedy for the Ansell-Menards team, as they head back to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Allen Crowe 100.  

Frank Kimmel returns to the Illinois State Fairgrounds as the all-time career leader in wins for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at that track, and he hopes his dominance in the past will translate into his first win of the season. If history is any indication, the Ansell-Menards Ford should be a force to contend with. Frank will be making his 20th start at Illinois State Fairgrounds this Sunday and the stats are pretty impressive, including seven wins and five Menards Pole Awards in those 19 previous starts.

“I love racing at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It’s something about racing on dirt. A complete change of pace that I really look forward to each year. I think we’ll have a strong Ansell-Menards Ford for the race on Sunday,” said Frank Kimmel. 

Activities for Frank Kimmel begin with a Menards store location visit on Saturday, August 20th, which will last for an hour-and-a-half.  Frank is set to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and even offer a special promotion to store customers.  Kimmel will first appear at the Springfield South Menards store starting at 11:00 am CST (3325 S Veterans Parkway). Later that day Frank arrives at the Springfield North location at 2:00 pm CST (2701 Marketplace Drive). Store visitors can take advantage of a special promotion at either location, simply by purchasing a pair of Ansell gloves inside the store.  Those purchasing Ansell gloves inside Menards will receive a voucher for a free second pair of gloves, personally handed over by Kimmel outside the store.

“We always have fun at the Menards locations. We get right in front of the store and greet people coming in to do their shopping. They really enjoy getting to see the Ansell-Menards Ford,” concluded Frank.

Finally on Sunday afternoon, Frank Kimmel will try to go to victory lane for the 8th time at Illinois State Fairgrounds in the Allen Crowe 100. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Takes On Pocono Raceway This Weekend

August 4

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

Last weekend’s race at Lucas Oil Raceway didn’t go the way you wanted it to. Does that give you extra motivation to perform better this weekend at Pocono?

“Last weekend went about as bad as it could have. Our Ansell-Menards Ford did not run well at all. I’m not sure it adds motivation. We definitely want to have a strong run at Pocono and contend for the win but we want that every weekend. The Ansell-Menards Ford should be fast this weekend.”

Pocono Raceway is an unusual track when compared to most on the ARCA Racing Series schedule. What does it take to be fast there?

““My three would be horsepower, downforce and handling. Each corner at Pocono is different, so getting your car to handle as well as you can in each is important. It’s also good to have a strong engine under the hood to get down that long straightaway.”

You’re back to second in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards points standings. Do you think it will be possible to make any ground on the points leader?

“We won’t give up that’s for sure but we’d need Ty (Dillon) to have some horrible luck. I don’t see that happening. I think we can shoot for the best and try to win a few races before the end.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 37 starts at Pocono Raceway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Pocono Raceway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st (2006, 2005, 1999)
• Frank Kimmel has 3 Wins, 3 Poles, 18 top-five and 25 top-ten finishes at Pocono Raceway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 311 top-ten finishes in 423 starts

Race Information:

What – Pennsylvania ARCA 125; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Saturday, August 6, 2011; 3:00 p.m. EST; Live on SPEED Channel

Where – Pocono Raceway; 2.5 mile paved triangle; 50 laps, 125 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Pocono presented by Ansell

1. Feedback: Since Pocono has three distinctive corners, it will be important to give your crew chief the best feedback you can on how the car is handling in each corner.

2. Speed: It’s helpful to have a strong engine at Pocono. The front straightaway is the longest on the circuit, so getting down it as quick as you can helps.

3. Handling: It’s really tough to get your car perfect in all three corners. If I had to pick one it would be turn three. If you can get your car handling well in that corner in order to get throttle down quickly it will set up well for a fast time down the straightaway.

4. Enjoy the Area: The Poconos are a pretty area in the summer. There is always plenty to do in the local towns or outside in the many local parks.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Pocono Raceway for the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The race can be seen live on SPEED Channel on August 6, 2011 at 3:00 pm EST. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Hopes to Bounce Back at Pocono Raceway

Frank Kimmel will join the rest of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and head to the Poconos this coming weekend, but that doesn’t mean they’re planning on relaxing. They’ll be competing in the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 at Pocono Raceway. If anything, the pressure will only be intensified as the season hits the home stretch and the battle for points intensifies.
 
This will be the second race in 2011 at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. In June, Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 3rd position for the Pocono ARCA 200 and ran most of the race in the top-five. Unfortunately, after a caution due to fog, one side of Frank’s window net came unfastened. He was forced to pit under green where he lost five positions on the track. Kimmel was only able to make up one position before the race was called due to fog which resulted in finishing eighth.
 
Last weekend, Kimmel qualified 10th for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis but had to start dead last after being involved in a practice incident.  He finished 12th and is currently 2nd in the overall points standings for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

This will also be Frank Kimmel’s 38th career start at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. In 2010, Frank won the Menards Pole and lead four laps before finishing 7th. Frank’s hoping to make the most of this by picking up his first win of the season and fourth all-time at the Tricky Triangle.

Once there, Kimmel will be behind the wheel of the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menard’s Ford. Given his recent history at the track, including four top-10 finishes in a row and a strong showing in June, Frank Kimmel should be one of the drivers picked as a contender for the win at the Pennsylvania ARCA 125.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend. We had a rough outing at Lucas Oil Raceway, so I’m ready to make up for that. We had a fast Ansell-Menards Ford at Pocono in June and I think we’ll be a little better this weekend,” said Frank Kimmel.

This Saturday Frank Kimmel will attempt to tame the Tricky Triangle in Long Pond, Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Frank Kimmel currently ranks fourth in all-time career wins at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series, and with any luck he will add one more to his name on August 6th.

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his fourth win at Pocono Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on August 6th in the Pennsylvania ARCA 125 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Frank Kimmel Finishes 12th in the Ansell Protective Gloves 200

The No. 44 Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 12th in the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 from Lucas Oil Raceway.

Before last night, Frank Kimmel was one of many who looked forward to racing at the famed Lucas Oil Raceway.  Especially when you consider that LOR is one of the only tracks that Frank has not conquered in his career of racing. In fact, he has only raced there once in his career, when in 2001 he competed in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.  

Additionally, Frank Kimmel was sporting a special paint scheme for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 promoting Ansell’s new line of gloves called ActivArmr. ActivArmr is a special jobsite glove that offers optimal balance of protection, dexterity and comfort.

Unfortunately, Frank will have to wait till next year for another shot at victory. The misfortune started early for Frank and the Kimmel Racing team, as the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford would receive damage to the left front fender in practice. Frank made unintentional contact with the No. 31 while trying to come into the pits. The damage would have the Kimmel Racing crew scrambling to get the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford ready for Menards Pole Qualifying.

“I made contact with the #31 during practice, which didn’t help our chances today. It was my fault. I was working my way back to the pits and was moving down but the #31 was there. It put us behind for sure,” said Frank.

The good news was that the Kimmel Racing crew was able to get the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford repaired in time to make a qualifying lap. A lap fast enough for 10th place. Unluckily, the lap was disallowed because the team did not go out in the time limit given by the ARCA Racing Series to qualify in the original spot drawn. The result had Frank starting last in the field of 36.

Frank would quickly move the Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford inside the top-20 by lap 50 but deal with an ill-handling race car and fight to stay on the lead lap for most of the night. The Kimmel Racing team made numerous adjustments throughout the race but they could never get the Ansell-Menards Ford to turn in the corners.

"We had our work cut out for us to night. The problem in practice had us behind early and we couldn’t rebound. Our Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford wasn't handling the way we needed it to tonight. It wouldn’t turn in the corners at all. We made every adjustment we could but it just wouldn’t turn. It’s disappointing. We’ll put this behind us and will look forward to Pocono,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Frank would drive up to 9th place late in the race but would surrender a few spots on the last restart and eventually cross the finish line in the 12th position. Even with the 12th place finish, Frank would move back up to 2nd in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards point’s standings.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Pocono Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on August 6th for the Pennsylvania ARCA 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Frank Kimmel to Feature Special Ansell ActivArmr Paint Scheme at Lucas Oil Raceway

In a weekend full of new experiences at Lucas Oil Raceway, Frank Kimmel will be featuring a special paint scheme on the No. 44 Kimmel Racing Ford promoting Ansell’s latest line of high tech protective gloves, ActivArmr, for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.  Ansell’s new line of gloves, ActivArmr, is aimed towards professionals who face challenging hand protection risks every day, including construction, military and first response personnel. Beginning the week of the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, the ActivArmr Trade Specific gloves, aimed at construction trade professionals will be available at all Indianapolis area Menards locations. There are currently gloves specifically designed for electricians, carpenters, HVAC technicians and plumbers. Ansell based the features of these gloves on the hand protection needs they learned from actual trade people on the jobsites. Gloves for additional trades are currently under development. Frank Kimmel had this to say about Ansell’s new line of protective gloves. “The ActivArmr Trade Specific gloves are so good they pretty much sell themselves. They fit better than any other protective glove. They are incredibly durable, plus they have excellent grip.”

Ansell is also introducing a new ActivArmr Cold Weather Combat glove for military, which includes some innovative technology that will keep soldiers’ hands dry and warm in cold weather conditions.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Also, be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell ActivArmr-Menards Ford at Lucas Oil Raceway for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards on July 28, 2011.  More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Prepares for Ansell Protective Gloves 200

Twenty-six years. That’s how long it has been since the ARCA Racing Series has laid down rubber at the famous Indianapolis Raceway Park, now called the Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis (“LOR”). As unbelievable as it seems, the last time the ARCA Racing Series raced at LOR was in 1985. Over half of the drivers currently competing in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards hadn’t even been born yet.
 
This two decade-long absence comes to an end on July 28th at 7:00 pm EST - that’s when the ARCA Racing Series returns to Lucas Oil Raceway for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.

It’s a stretch that needed to end. Lucas Oil Raceway has always been known for its great racing in just about any series, and it has a certain hometown track mystique that can’t really be described. Some drivers have called it “America’s track,” and rightfully so. If you’ve ever been there and had a pulled pork sandwich on a pretzel bun, then you know exactly what “America’s track” is all about.

In recent years, other racing series have been trending away from tracks like Lucas Oil Raceway for larger venues with more seats than a small town’s population. That’s why the renewed relationship between the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and Lucas Oil Raceway is so special. The two will forge ahead together, and show everyone what racing really is all about: sparks flying under the lights.

Not that any extra incentive is needed, but it’s safe to say everyone competing in the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 will be pushing a little harder for the win. That’s because there isn’t a driver in the field who has won at Lucas Oil Raceway. That’s right – not even nine-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion Frank Kimmel has won at the historic venue.

So, make your way to Clermont, Indiana on July 28th at 7:00 pm EST, because history will be made, and the 26-year separation between the ARCA Racing Series and Lucas Oil Raceway will come to an end at the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.

This will be the first ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race that Ansell has sponsored this season, and Steve York, Director of Channel and Vertical Development for Ansell, couldn’t be more excited about it.

“We're thrilled to be able to sponsor the ARCA race at Lucas Oil Raceway this year,” said York. “We’re also hoping Frank Kimmel and his Ansell-Menards Ford will end up in Victory Lane.”

Don’t forget to visit your local Menards in Central Indiana to take advantage of the in-store ticket sales promotion for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, which runs until July 27th.  In addition to the discounted, advance ticket sales promotion, the drive-to-retail contest promo will run, in stores, from July 1st through July 20th.

The Grand Prize winner gets to waive the green flag to start the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.  Winning entry also receives: two (2) Suite Passes for the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR, and two (2) Suite Passes for the August 1st NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

First Prize (3 Winners) will receive tickets to the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, and the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR.  Second Prize (10 Winners) will receive a pair of Ansell Gloves.

Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford Rallies for a 6th Place Finish at Iowa Speedway

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 6th in the Prairie Meadows 200 Saturday evening at Iowa Raceway.

Kimmel returned to Iowa Raceway with the rest of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in hopes of becoming the first two-time winner at the track. The Ansell-Menards Ford qualified 8th and raced hard throughout the 200 lap event.

The temperature was a factor throughout the race. It was sweltering hot from the drop of the green flag. At one point the heat index reached as high as 120 degrees. Despite the heat, Frank Kimmel soldiered on.

“Boy, it was a hot one today. We finished really well, despite a few hiccups. We started out loose and got to work on it. It seemed like every adjustment we made to the Ansell-Menards Ford made us tight in the middle,” said Frank Kimmel.

Frank had driven the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford up to 7th by the first pit stop. Kimmel’s Ansell-Menards pit crew assisted the march to the front by providing a seamless pit stop, which gained Frank two more spots to 5th place.

Unfortunately, Frank Kimmel was flagged for speeding on to pit road and was forced to restart at the tail-end of the longest line. Less than 8 laps later a caution put Frank in position to bring the Ansell-Menards Ford in for fresh tires and fuel in hopes of gaining some ground lost in the previous pit stop. 

However, Kimmel was flagged yet again for speeding on to pit road. After restarting 11th, Kimmel would drive his way through the field and finish 6th.

“We couldn't get the car comfortable enough to just hit the gas and go. And the two penalties hurt our track position there. Still, to finish sixth is a testament to these guys on the Ansell-Menards crew. We improved on the car during practice yesterday and got us a good point’s finish,” said Kimmel after the race.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Lucas Oil Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on July 28th for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Be sure to visit your local Menards in Central Indiana to take advantage of the in-store ticket sales promotion for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, which begins June 1st and runs through July 27th.  In addition to the discounted, advance ticket sales promotion, the drive-to-retail contest promo will run, in stores, July 1st through July 20th.

The Grand Prize winner gets to wave the green flag to start the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.  Winning entry also receives: two (2) Suite Passes for the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR, and two (2) Suite Passes for the August 1st NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

First Prize (3 Winners) receive tickets to the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, and the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR.  Second Prize (10 Winners) will receive a pair of Ansell Gloves.

No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford Race Facts Iowa Speedway – Prairie Meadows 200

July 14

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

Last weekend you had a nice run going until you got caught up in a late accident, do you feel like you had an Ansell-Menards Ford capable of winning the race?

“Well, it’s very possible we could have. I think we were the highest placed car at the time with fresh tires, and we were running the field down before that. We got put in a bad situation with the wreck and had to make the best of it.”

Including last weekend’s incident, it seems like you’ve had a string of bad breaks this year – what can you do as a driver to turn that around?

“It’s frustrating. We feel like we should be finishing higher than we have been. You can’t always anticipate bad luck. The main thing is you can’t let it get you down. You’ve just got to go out each weekend and keep doing what you’re doing, and hope for the best.”

Iowa Speedway is a relatively new fixture for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, do you enjoy racing there?

“Oh yeah, it’s one of the nicest racetracks on the schedule. The facilities there are top-of-the-line, and I think it’s one of the raciest tracks that the ARCA Racing Series goes to.”

What do you think makes Iowa Speedway unique?

“I think it’s the size. It’s not too big or too small and it gets very fast for a track less than a mile long. It’s pretty balanced overall though. You have to have good horsepower, good brakes and good handling to race well.”

It’s just over the halfway point in the ARCA Racing Series season, you’re 2nd in the point’s standings – do you think you can claim your 10th championship this year?

“Ty Dillon has been very good so far this year, and I think for us to make any ground we’re going to need him to falter a bit. In the meantime we’ve just got to go do what we can and try to win. We’ll keep plugging away and see where we end up at the end of the season.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 5 starts at Iowa Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Iowa Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st (2007)
• Frank Kimmel has 1 Win, 2 top-five and 4 top-ten finishes at Iowa Speedway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 310 top-ten finishes in 421 starts

Race Information:

What – Prairie Meadows 200; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Saturday, July 16, 2011; 5:15 p.m. EST; Live Coverage on SPEED Channel

Where – Iowa Speedway; .875-mile paved oval; 200 laps, 175 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Iowa presented by Ansell

1. Find a Groove: Iowa’s a pretty racy track with a few different grooves. You’ve got to pick one out that feels the most comfortable for your car to race on for the long haul.

2. Bring Brakes: Brakes here are pretty important. You’ve got to feather them in the corners. If you mash them you won’t have any for the end of the race.

3. Balance is Key: It’s best to have a balanced car at this track. You want to have it turning well through the center and off the turns, and you want to have good sturdy brakes, as well as good horsepower.

4. Unique Turn 2: The exit of turn 2 at Iowa is pretty odd. When you come off the turn you actually go uphill and towards the wall. That through me for a loop the first time we went there.

5. Pay Attention to Pit Road: The transition to pit road is a little abrupt. You’ve got to make sure you don’t come off the track to late and tear up your car.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Iowa Speedway for the Prairie Meadows 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.  More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com

 

Late Drama at Berlin Raceway Results in 8th Place Finish for Frank Kimmel

July 11

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 8th in the Hantz Group 200 from Berlin Raceway. Frank Kimmel headed to Berlin Raceway with a nice run of top-10 finishes during 2011, but the one thing missing from those finishes is a win.

Frank’s prospect of victory at Berlin was temporarily derailed early in Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell. The Ansell-Menards Ford got sideways coming to take the green, which hurt the rest of his qualifying effort. The result was 16th, Frank’s worst qualifying effort of 2011.

The poor qualifying effort wouldn’t stop Frank from driving the Ansell-Menards to the front during the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race. From the drop of the green flag, Frank quickly picked up a few positions and would be inside the top-10 by lap 25.

“We had a great Ansell-Menards Ford from the start of the race. It was a little snug in the center of the corners but that didn’t stop us from driving through the field,” said Frank Kimmel.

Frank had driven the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford up to 6th by the first pit stop. The Kimmel Racing pit crew assisted the march to the front by providing a flawless pit stop, which gained Frank three more spots to 3rd.

Sadly, Frank’s drive through the field would be derailed on a late race restart when another car got into the side of the Ansell-Menards Ford, sending Frank into the wall. Frank would bring the Ansell-Menards Ford in for two fresh left side tires in hopes of proving some late race heroics. A late charge would be spoiled by another caution on the white flag lap and Frank would be credited with an 8th place finish.

“This is disappointing. We had a really good Ansell-Menards Ford tonight. I was able to drive through the field and my crew gave me awesome pit stops. It seems that we can never catch a break though,” said Kimmel after the race.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Iowa Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on July 15th for the Prairie Meadows 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford Race Facts Berlin Raceway – Hantz Group 200

July 7

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

What did you end up doing over the Fourth of July holiday weekend?

“We raced up at Salem in the 22nd Annual Papa John’s Firecracker 200. We got about 50 laps in before it got delayed because of rain. I was running 6th at the time but we got caught up in a big wreck going into turn one that sent everyone sliding. Hopefully, we’ll get to finish that race this Sunday.”

You had a right front tire issue at Winchester a few weeks back, had that not happened do you think you could have contended for the win?

“Yeah, our car was really good. We were running down the 2nd and 3rd place car easily. We had a shot at the win, but of course, we had issues that were out of our control. I was pretty happy with the finish though considering.”

You have a very impressive record at Berlin Raceway, would it be safe to say you’re looking forward to racing there this weekend?

“Yeah, I like Berlin a lot. It’s a momentum type of race track. Aero and horsepower don’t really have a whole lot of say in whether you run well there or not. It’s real old school racing and I like it like that.”

Everyone calls Berlin Raceway a quirky or unusual track, why is that?

“Well, it’s got a weird shape to it. There’s no real straightaway. You’re constantly turning to the left. There’s no forward grip at all. And there’s not really a bottom groove. It’s sort of in the middle. Plus, there’s no guard rail on the backstretch.”

What do you think we can expect this Saturday night for the Hantz Group 200 at Berlin Raceway?

“I would say expect the unexpected. There should be a tremendous amount of excitement. Some of the best racing happens there every year.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 12 starts at Berlin Raceway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Berlin Raceway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st (1999, 2003, 2004)
• Frank Kimmel has 3 Wins, 1 pole, 10 top-five and 11 top-ten finishes at Berlin Raceway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 309 top-ten finishes in 420 starts

Race Information:

What – Hantz Group 200; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Saturday, July 9, 2011; 8:30 p.m. EST

Where – Berlin Raceway; .438-mile paved oval; 200 laps, 100 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Berlin presented by Ansell

1. Be Aware of the Backstretch: The backstretch has no guard rail. I’ve seen guys fly off there and be fine, but I’ve also seen guys fly off and hit trees before. It’s pretty dangerous.

2. Pay Attention to Pit Road: It’s a very unusual pit road. It’s laid out double file with some pit stalls outside and some inside. The entrance is in the middle of the track and the exit is off of turn 4.

3. Keep Your Nose Clean: It’s a pretty long race. If you can avoid getting wrecked or wrecking someone else you should end up with a nice finish.

4. Take in the Atmosphere: The turnout there is always great. Easily one of the most fan orientated race tracks I’ve been too. The fans understand what’s going on and are very knowledgeable.

5. Grab Some Chicken Fries: They have these chicken strips like french fries. They are great. Make sure you stop and get some if you’re out there.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Berlin Raceway for the Hantz Group 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.  More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Kimmel Racing Ready to Tackle Berlin Raceway in the Ansell-Menards Ford

July 6

At first glance, Berlin Raceway appears to be just another short track, but if you ask anyone who has ever raced at Berlin they will tell you it’s one of the most unique venues on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule.  Even for short track standards it’s considered small - less than a half mile long.  Not to mention it lacks a wall on the back-stretch. 

Berlin Raceway is indeed an enigma.  Today most of the new tracks are mile-and-a-half cookie cutter ovals. However, Berlin serves as a blast from the past, and Frank Kimmel is one driver who likes it that way. “I always enjoy coming to Berlin,” Kimmel said. “It reminds me of how racing used to be when I was coming up through the ranks.”   

Along with the other ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards competitors, Frank Kimmel returns to Berlin Raceway for the Hantz Group 200 this weekend. As with many of the tracks on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule, Frank is the all-time leader in wins at Berlin.  Frank’s nickname, “King Kimmel” holds true for the unusual little track located in Marne, Michigan.  In 12 starts there, Kimmel has never failed to complete a race and has average finishing position of fourth.       

Two weekends ago, Frank Kimmel soldiered his way to an 8th place finish under the lights at Winchester Speedway for the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts.  Kimmel was forced to pit under green due to an untimely cut on his right front tire, which put him two laps down with only 20 laps to go. 

Currently, Frank Kimmel ranks 2nd in the overall points standings for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, and trails the current leader, Ty Dillon, by 245 points.      
Frank Kimmel will be piloting the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford for the Hantz Group 200 at Berlin Raceway. 

This coming Saturday night, just outside of Grand Rapids, Frank Kimmel will be at the track “Where Speed Belongs!,” Berlin Raceway for the Hantz Group 200.  Kimmel will look to continue his record-setting streak of completing every lap at the famed track, and with any luck he will make a stop in Victory Lane.  

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his first win of the season, and fourth of his career at Berlin Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on July 9th for the Hantz Group 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Be sure to visit your local Menards in Central Indiana to take advantage of the in-store ticket sales promotion for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, which begins June 1st and runs through July 27th.  In addition to the discounted, advance ticket sales promotion, the drive-to-retail contest promo will run, in stores, July 1st through July 20th.

The Grand Prize winner gets to wave the green flag to start the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.  Winning entry also receives: two (2) Suite Passes for the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR, and two (2) Suite Passes for the August 1st NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

First Prize (3 Winners) receive tickets to the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, and the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR.  Second Prize (10 Winners) will receive a pair of Ansell Gloves.

 

Frank Endures Wild Winchester 200; Finishes 8th

June 26

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 8th in the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts from Winchester Speedway.

Frank Kimmel returned to Winchester Speedway as the ARCA Racing Series driver with the most wins in the track’s storied history. The Ansell-Menards Ford would qualify 6th and would race hard throughout the 200 lap event.  

At the end of the day, Kimmel would still maintain that title but he would be unable to add to his victory total due to an untimely cut in his right front tire.  Having to pit under green on lap 80 for the unexpected tire issue put the Ansell-Menards team two laps down.  

The veteran and his experienced Kimmel Racing crew would work throughout the remaining laps but could never catch the right caution to gain their lap back and challenge for the win.  In the end, Kimmel and the Ansell-Menards Ford would be credited with an 8th place finish.  

“Our Ansell-Menards Ford was fast. (Ryan) Blaney had the fastest car but I think we had a chance at this win if we could have gotten those laps back.  The tire just went down so unexpectedly. I’m disappointed with the end result but I am proud of our team for continuing to fight. We had a real good Ansell-Menards Ford tonight,” said Kimmel.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Berlin Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on July 9th for the Hantz Group 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Frank Kimmel Eager to Visit Winchester Speedway Once Again

June 22

It’s been four years since the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has laid rubber down on “The World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile” at Winchester Speedway.  This coming Saturday night the reunion between the two will be renewed with the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts.  
 
Frank Kimmel returns to Winchester Speedway as the all-time career leader in wins for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at that track, and he hopes his dominance in the past will translate into his first win of the season.  “I really can’t explain it, but for whatever reason I have always run well at Winchester. I guess racing in my home state gives me a little extra boost,” said Frank Kimmel. 
 
Last weekend, Kimmel raced his way to a 9th place finish at Michigan International Speedway for the RainEater Wiper Blades 200 after starting 11th.  He struggled with a tight Ansell-Menards Ford for a majority of the race but soldiered through these issues for another top-10 finish at MIS.  As of today, Frank Kimmel ranks 2nd in the overall points standings in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, trailing the current leader, Ty Dillon, by 210 points.
   
Frank Kimmel will be behind the wheel of the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford for the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts this Saturday at Winchester Speedway.  Statistically speaking, there may not be a better driver in field this weekend.  Kimmel has won nearly half of the races he has competed in at Winchester Speedway.  In fact, he has led exactly 734 laps there, which is more than the rest of the field combined. 

Activities for Frank Kimmel begin with a Menards store location visit on Friday, June 24, which will last for an hour-and-a-half.  Frank is set to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and even offer a special promotion to store customers.  Kimmel will appear at the Richmond Menards store on Highway 40 - 3800 National Road East - at 6:00 p.m.  Store visitors can take advantage of a special promotion at either location, simply by purchasing a pair of Ansell gloves inside the store.  Those purchasing Ansell gloves inside Menards will receive a voucher for a free second pair of gloves, personally handed over by Kimmel outside the store.

“I enjoy visiting the Menards locations. The people shopping really enjoy getting to see the Ansell-Menards Ford. It would be cool to win at Winchester for them,” concluded Frank.

Finally, on Saturday night, Frank Kimmel will try to regain his winning form under the lights and on the high banks of the “The World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile” for the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts.

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his first win of the season, and sixth of his career at Winchester Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 25th for the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Also, be sure to visit your local Menards in Central Indiana to take advantage of the in-store ticket sales promotion for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, which begins June 1 and runs thru July 27.  In addition to the discounted, advance ticket sales promotion, the drive-to-retail contest promo will run, in stores, July 1 thru July 20.

The Grand Prize winner gets to wave the green flag to start the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.  Winning entry also receives: two (2) Suite Passes for the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR, and two (2) Suite Passes for the August 1st NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

First Prize (3 Winners) receive tickets to the July 28th ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, July 29th NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, and the July 30th NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR.  Second Prize (10 Winners) will receive a pair of Ansell Gloves.

Another Top-10 for the Ansell-Menards Ford at Michigan

June 20

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 9th in the RainEater Wiper Blades 200 from Michigan International Speedway. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 11th position for the 100 lap race and would race almost the entire stretch inside the top-10.

The race had its share of excitement. From the drop of the green flag Frank was able to quickly maneuver the Ansell-Menards Ford up to the 6th position but a tight condition would force Frank to surrender a few spots before the first pit stop. Several teams had tire issues during the 200 mile race, which would lead to a majority of the seven caution flags.

During one of these cautions, Frank would bring the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford into his Kimmel Racing pit crew for four tires, fuel and an adjustment to correct the tight condition. The Kimmel Racing crew provided flawless pit stops throughout the race, including helping Frank move up to 3rd halfway through the race.

Regrettably, unfortunate circumstances would strike the team yet again. At some point a piece of debris would hit the front of the Ansell-Menards Ford. The result was an opening in the grill and an Ansell-Menards Ford that would not turn in the center of the corners. Still, Frank persevered and brought the Ansell-Menards Ford across the line in the 9th position.

“I’m not sure what happened. Whatever put a hole in the front really hurt the down force of our Ansell-Menards Ford. Before that happened I really thought we had a chance to compete for the win. I’m proud of my crew guys though. They had awesome pit stops all day. We’ll just move on to next weekend,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Winchester Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 25th for the Winchester ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Michigan International Raceway – RainEater Wiper Blades 200

June 16

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

You had a strong Ansell-Menards Ford at Pocono. Do you know what happened to the window net that forced a lengthy pit-stop?

“Yeah, our Ansell-Menards Ford was really strong and there’s no doubt we would’ve finished better than 8th. It was just one of those random deals. On the first caution for fog we lowered the window net to talk and I guess we didn’t latch it back up correctly. Honestly, we got lucky that it only cost us a few spots.”

You have two wins at Michigan International Speedway. What are your thoughts on racing at MIS?

“Michigan International Speedway is a fun race track. It has fast straightaways, long sweeping turns and is in great shape. It’s also one of those races that can come down to fuel mileage.”

It’s getting close to halfway through the 2011 ARCA Racing Series schedule. How would you grade your team’s effort so far?

“I would give us a solid B. We’re much better than we were at this point last year. We show up with speed and have run consistently almost every weekend. We know where we need to improve.”

Father’s Day is Sunday. How is your father special to you?

“My father’s always been a big part of my life. Bill (Kimmel) and I have breakfast with him almost every morning. I’m not sure what I’ll get him…all though a win at Michigan would be perfect.”

What about your daughter and son…have they ever given you a crazy gift?

“My daughter was born on Father’s Day, so it makes the day extra special to me. Not sure about any crazy gifts but I do have two awesome kids. Both of them being respectful and well-behaved human beings is good enough for me.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 22 starts at Michigan International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Michigan International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st (1998 & 2005)
• Frank Kimmel has 2 Wins, 7 top-five and 9 top-ten finishes at Michigan International Speedway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 307 top-ten finishes in 418 starts

Race Information:

What – The RainEater Wiper Blades 200; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – June 17, 2011; 5:00 p.m. EST; Live on SPEED Channel

Where – Michigan International Speedway; 2 mile D-shaped oval; 100 laps, 200 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Michigan presented by Ansell

1. Horsepower: Michigan has long straightaways and sweepings turns, so it’s good to have that Roush-Yates Horsepower under the hood.

2. Be Organized: We have to park our haulers at a distance, and it’s best to show up to the track ready to unload everything you need, so that it eliminates multiple trips which can cost time.

3. Handling: Like most mile and a half tracks, make sure you get your car handling in the corners.

4. Enjoy the Area: There’s a lot to do in the Irish Hills, so enjoy the festivities. For example, you can hang out with me at the Menards store in Jackson, MI or visit the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Race Fest, both Thursday night.

5. What to Do: BPerfect time to bring your father out to Michigan International Speedway and enjoy the race weekend.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Michigan International Speedway for the RainEater Wiper Blades 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Frank Kimmel Finishes 8th in Weather Shortened Pocono ARCA 200

June 13

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 8th in the Pocono ARCA 200 from Pocono Raceway. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 3rd position for the 200 mile race and would run the first portion of the race in the top-five.

Due to fog, the caution flag would fly almost halfway through the race, with the nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champ sitting 4th. The fog would temporarily lift and the race would resume. Frank yet again showed that his Ansell-Menards Ford could be a contender, as he managed to remain in the 4th position.

Unluckily, one side of the window net on the Ansell-Menards Ford came unfastened during the next sequence of laps. On the bright side, Frank was able to bring the Ansell-Menards Ford in during a pit-stop and reconnect the window net but the extended stop cost the Ansell-Menards Ford five positions. Soon after pit-stops the fog would return and the red flag would once again fly. Frank would pick up only one spot over the final few laps before the final red flag and the race was called due to fog, with the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 8th position.

“It’s just a case of bad luck with the fog and it continued with our problem on the Ansell-Menards Ford. I’m not sure what happened to the window net but I’m proud of the guys for getting it fixed quickly. We had a good Ansell-Menards Ford today. It was really tight in turn three but I know we could have made adjustments to correct that,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Michigan International Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 17th for The RainEater  Wiper Blades 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Pocono ARCA 200

June 9

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

Last weekend’s Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 at Chicagoland Speedway got under way late into the evening. Did that affect the way your car drove?

“Not really. The track cooled down quite a bit, which ended up giving our No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford a ton of grip. Speeds were up pretty high all across the board, but that was expected. Everyone was in the same situation. I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

You’ve won at Pocono on three occasions, would you say it’s one of your better tracks?

“Sometimes I think so. We’ve run well there in the past, but we’ve also struggled. I’ve always enjoyed it though. It’s definitely a track where you want to be comfortable. If you’re not comfortable getting through the turns you’ll end up paying the price.”

Aside from its triangular shape, what do you think makes Pocono different from the other tracks on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule?

“The atmosphere is great. It is very family oriented. It’s a little old fashioned and I like that. It has a way of taking you back a few years. Also, the Mattiolis (owners) are great people. They have always been good to the ARCA Racing Series.”

You’re currently 2nd in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards point standings. What will it take to move up one more spot?

“Well, we’ve got to get a few wins (laughs). Actually though, I think we’ve run well throughout the entire year. It’s just a matter of keeping up with RCR and Ty Dillon. As good as we’ve been, they’ve been a little bit better.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 36 starts at Pocono Raceway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Pocono Raceway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st (2006, 2005, 1999)
• Frank Kimmel has 3 Wins, 3 Poles, 18 top-five and 24 top-ten finishes at Pocono Raceway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 306 top-ten finishes in 417 starts

Race Information:

What – Pocono ARCA 200; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Saturday, June11, 2011; 1:30 p.m. EST; Broadcasted on SPEED Channel at 8:00 p.m. EST

Where – Pocono Raceway; 2.5-mile paved triangle; 80 laps, 200 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Pocono presented by Ansell

1. Focus on Driving: We used to shift gears all day long at Pocono. Now, there’s no shifting, which is great, but you have to focus on hitting your marks.

2. Be Comfortable: This will make or break you, especially through the tunnel turn. You have to be comfortable in order to carry speed through the center of it.

3. Turn 3 is Key: Turn 3 is the most important turn at Pocono. There is no shifting and your rpms are low. If you slip up there you’re going to suffer down the long straightaway.

4. Avoid Bottoming Out: There are bumps going into turn 1, and now with coil binding, cars are getting down real low. If you don’t watch what you’re doing you’ll bottom out.

5. Visit Bella Mia: Bella Mia is a pizza joint we always like to visit when we go out to Pocono. If you’re going to be around the area, do yourself a favor and stop in there.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Pocono Raceway for the Pocono ARCA 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The race can be seen live on SPEED Channel on June 11th, 2011 at 1:30 pm EST. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Frank Kimmel Racing Gears Up For the Tricky Triangle

June 7

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards heads to Pocono Raceway for the first time this season for the Pocono ARCA 200.  Pocono is easily considered to be one of the more difficult tracks on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule.  It has been referred to as “The Tricky Triangle” over the years, and with just cause.  Each turn at the famed track is designed to be distinctively different from one another, which produces some challenging qualities for race teams.
 
Frank Kimmel knows all too well how tricky Pocono Raceway can be.  He has won there on three occasions in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since 1997, but he suffered a horrendous crash in 2008 that left him battered, bruised and in the hospital.  Most men would have been rattled after such an event but not the nine time ARCA Racing Series Champion Frank Kimmel.  His confidence never wavered.  Since the crash he has collected three top 10 and two top 5 finishes in four starts.
 
“Pocono’s a hard track to get around, yet very fast.  As a driver, you’ve almost got to anticipate getting a little frustrated there, because of each corner being different.  If you can run smooth through two out of the three turns you’ll probably end up with a nice finish,” commented Kimmel.

Frank Kimmel will be behind the wheel of the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford this coming Saturday.  Last weekend Kimmel drove his Ford to a solid 7th place finish at Chicagoland Speedway after a lengthy rain-delay postponed the race late into the night.  As it currently stands, Frank sits 2nd in the overall ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards point standings.  Kimmel only trails the current leader, Ty Dillon, by 125 points.

“There will be several folks from Ansell at the track watching the race this weekend.  It would be awesome if we could win on Saturday and have them in victory lane to celebrate afterwards”, said Frank.  “I feel very fortunate to have two fantastic partners in Menards and Ansell that continue to support me every race weekend”.

Currently, Frank Kimmel ranks fourth on the all-time career wins list at Pocono Raceway for the ARCA Racing Series.  On Saturday June 11th, he returns to the two-and-a-half mile triangle, where he looks to climb that list with his fourth win.  It won’t be an easy task, but Frank will be up to the challenge. 

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his fourth win at Pocono Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 11th for the Pocono ARCA 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Menards in-store ticket sales promotion and contest
Additionally, be sure to visit your local Menards in Central Indiana to take advantage of the in-store ticket sales promotion for the Ansell Protective Gloves 200, which begins June 1 and runs through July 27.  In addition to the discounted, advance ticket sales promotion, the drive-to-retail contest promo will run, in stores, July 1 thru July 20.

The Grand Prize winner gets to waive the green flag to start the Ansell Protective Gloves 200.  Winning entry also receives: two (2) Suite Passes for the July 28 ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 29 NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, two (2) Suite Passes for the July 30 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR, and two (2) Suite Passes for the August 1 NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
First Prize (3 Winners) receive tickets to the July 28 ARCA/USAC double-header at LOR, July 29 NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series race at LOR, and the July 30 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at LOR.  Second Prize (10 Winners) will receive a pair of Ansell Gloves.

Frank Kimmel Completes the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 in 7th

June 6

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 7th in the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 from Chicagoland Speedway. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in the 10th position for what was scheduled as an afternoon race. However, rain forced a lengthy delay and moved the race into an under the lights affair.

Consistency was the central theme for Frank Kimmel and the Kimmel Racing team throughout the 100 lap race. The Ansell-Menards Ford ran in the top-10 the duration of the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150, including restarting in 5th with a handful of laps remaining. Unfortunately, the Kimmel Racing team couldn’t get their hands completely around the handling of the Ansell-Menards Ford, as Frank would take the checkered flag in the 7th position.

“I lost a few positions on that last restart but we had a top five Ansell-Menards Ford tonight. The team worked really hard tonight but we battled with the handling. We’re right there each race and I’m confident that if we keep putting ourselves in position that one of the races will go our way,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Pocono Raceway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 11th for the Pocono ARCA 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

The Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150

June 1

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

You ran well at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the ModSpace 150, finishing 6th, do you feel like you’ve gained momentum as the season has progressed?

“Yeah, actually, things are going really well. We’ve been running very consistent so far this year, and we’re very encouraged with our finishes. We hope to stay just as consistent this coming weekend.”

You’ve had success at Chicagoland in the past. How do you feel about running there?

“It’s a good track. We expect to be very competitive this weekend in our Ansell-Menards Ford. There isn’t a huge learning curve though. You’ve got to have speed and Nick (Ramey) has given us a lot of power under the Ansell-Menards Ford’s hood. We’re definitely looking forward to getting out there.”

There’s never been a repeat winner at Chicagoland in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Do you feel like that will change this year, and will you be the guy to do it?

“I hope so (laughs). That’s what we’ll be trying to do at least. We have a lot of friends and family from around that area. It would be great to get a win in front of them.”

Would it be special for you to win the race because one of your sponsors, Messina Wildlife, is sponsoring the race?

“Yeah, it would. We ran well at Toledo earlier this year with Menards sponsoring that race. Coming to Chicago we know we need to run well. When one of your sponsors is the primary sponsor for a race it gives you a little extra incentive to go out and get a good finish.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 10 starts at Chicagoland Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Chicagoland Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st in 2003
• Frank Kimmel has 1 Win, 1 Pole, 5 top-five and 8 top-ten finishes at Chicagoland Speedway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 305 top-ten finishes in 416 starts

Race Information:

What – Wildlife Animal Stopper 150; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Saturday, June 4, 2011; 6:00 p.m. EST

Where – Chicagoland Speedway; 1.5 Mile D-shaped Oval; 100 laps, 150 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Chicagoland presented by Ansell

1. Be Prepared: There’s a short amount of track and practice time. Do your homework and know what you’re up against.

2. Know the Track: Chicagoland has arched straightaways. Most mile and a half tracks do not. It can be tricky to get around there.

3. Corners Are Key: There’s a ton of speed in the corners and in the turns. Have your car set up properly to roll through the turns, otherwise you’ll struggle.

4. Have Speed: Chicagoland is a fast racetrack and in order to run well there you have to have a good engine with a lot of horsepower.

5. Be Careful: The transition off of turn 4, coming onto pit road is pretty abrupt. Make sure you slow down to avoid wrecking yourself.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Chicagoland Speedway for the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The race can be seen live on SPEED Channel on June 4th, 2011 at 6:00 pm EST. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Kimmel Racing Prepares for Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150

May 31

There has never been a two-time winner for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in the 11 years that the series has competed at Chicagoland Speedway.  On Saturday, June 4th during the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150, Frank Kimmel will look to change that history.  It’s been eight years since Frank Kimmel stood in Victory Lane at Chicagoland Speedway, but if his recent finishes are any indication of what is to come, then the future looks bright. 

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards returns to Chicagoland Speedway this Sunday for the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150.  This mile-and-a -half concrete oval with wide sweeping turns has been one of Kimmel’s best tracks.  He has an average finishing position of eighth and he has finished in fifth and fourth place the past two years, respectively.

Kimmel will be driving the Roush-Yates powered No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford next weekend.   He recently had a strong sixth-place finish on May 22nd at New Jersey Motorsports Park.  Frank Kimmel will also try to make up ground in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards overall standings.  He trails the current leader, Ty Dillon, by only 90 points.  

Activities for Frank Kimmel begin with two Menards store location visits on Thursday, June 2, as the driver is set to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and even offer a special promotion to store customers.  Kimmel will appear at the Crest Hills Menards store near I-55 - 17441 Weber Road - at 4:00 p.m. He will then visit the Joliet location off of Highway 7 - 2524 W. Jefferson Street - at 6:30 p.m. Each appearance will last 90 minutes.  Store visitors can take advantage of a special promotion at either location, simply by purchasing a pair of Ansell gloves inside the store. Those purchasing Ansell gloves inside Menards will receive a voucher for a free second pair of gloves, personally handed over by Kimmel outside the store.

“We have fun at the Menards locations and fans get excited to take photos by the #44 Ansell-Menards Ford. I always encourage everyone to come and hang out with me while they’re doing some shopping at Menards,” said Frank.

Finally, on Saturday night, Kimmel looks to make history by becoming the first two-time winner in the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 under the lights at Chicagoland Speedway.  Frank Kimmel will try to change history by harnessing his skills of blue-collar work ethic, veteran experience, and unwavering tenacity.  

“We put in a lot of hours over the off-season working on our mile and a half program, so I’m looking forward to seeing how our Ansell-Menards runs in that first practice session. We’re always in the hunt at Chicagoland and it would be nice to put the Ansell-Menards Ford back in victory lane for Messina Wildlife, Ansell and Menards,” concluded Frank Kimmel.

Watch for Frank Kimmel as he goes for his second win at Chicagoland Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 4th for the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

Frank Kimmel Finishes 6th at New Jersey Motorsports Park

May 23

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 6th in the ModSpace 150 from New Jersey Motorsports Park. It was time for Frank Kimmel and the rest of the regulars in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards to turn left and right, as they competed at the first road course of 2011. Frank Kimmel qualified the Ansell-Menards Ford in 7th and would start the 67 lap road course contest from the 5th position, after the Menards Pole award winner had to move to the rear of the field.

It was a solid race for Frank and the Ansell-Menards team; something they needed after the disappointment of Toledo. From the drop of the green flag, Frank quickly moved the Ansell-Menards Ford up to 4th but would surrender a few spots to the road course ringers before the first caution flew. However, Frank showed patience and would race around 8th for a majority of the contest.

“I made a miscue on our gas-and-go there at the end. I left before we got the tank full in the Ansell-Menards Ford. I was going to run out of gas, so it was good catching that last caution. To salvage a sixth out of this day with our Ansell-Menards Ford was pretty good, because it could have been a bad day for us if that mistake came back to bight me,” said Frank Kimmel after the race

The Kimmel Racing team worked feverishly throughout the race to get the Ansell-Menards Ford better in the turns. The hard work was obvious, as Frank and the Ansell-Menards Ford would not fall out of the top-10 the entire contest, eventually taking the checkered flag in 6th. The 6th place finish moved Frank back to 2nd in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Championship Points.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Chicagoland Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on June 4th for the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

New Jersey Motorsports Park – ModSpace 150

May 18

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

You had a win in the crosshairs last Sunday at Toledo Speedway before contact from another car knocked you out of contention. Is that still in the back of your mind as you head to New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend?

“I’ve said my piece on the matter. We’re in the hunt for the ARCA Racing Series Championship, so if we get to a point where we’re looking back on missed opportunities, this one will definitely stick out. We finished fourth at New Jersey last year, so we feel we can go this weekend and have another chance at a win. We’re focused on that.”

Moving on to New Jersey Motorsports Park, are you ready for some ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards road course racing?

“I think I’m ready. There’s a few more right turns than what we’re used to, but like I said, our road course program is competitive.
“This race last year put us at the top of the standings and I’d love it if the same thing could happen this weekend.”

Do you enjoy road course racing?

“Any track can be fun and that’s what is great about the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Ron (Drager) and the boys aren’t afraid to throw a different track at us, whether it’s a superspeedway, a short track, a road course, or a dirt track. This race adds a lot to the ARCA Racing Series and I expect it to be one of these that tightens up the points race.”

What are your goals for this weekend?

"Realistically, we want to come out of this with a solid finish. For us, consistency is going to keep us in championship contention, so we have to be smart with how we approach this race. We want the win, obviously. And I think we will have a chance at one, but a clean race with a good finish in the Ansell-Menards Ford is the main goal.”

Your sponsor Ansell is based in Red Bank, New Jersey. How much would a win in their home state mean to you?

“It would mean a lot. It’s something I would love to get for them. The folks at Ansell have been nothing but great to me and I am thankful for their support of our racing program. We certainly use their gloves in the shop and in our homes. Hopefully we can put their car in victory lane for them on Sunday.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has three previous starts at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the ARCA Series presented by Menards.
• In those three starts, Kimmel has finishes of 10th (2008), ninth (’09), and fourth (’10).
• Kimmel is a nine-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion (1998, 2000, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, and ‘07).
• In his career, Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five finishes, and 304 top-10 finishes in 414 starts.

Race Information:

What – ModSpace 150; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Sunday, May 22, 2011; 1 p.m. EDT

Where – New Jersey Motorsports Park; 2.25-mile road course; 67 laps, 150 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to New Jersey presented by Ansell

1. Stay on the Track: Staying on the racing surface will help improve your track position. The left and right-hand turns become daunting and the racing is tough. Remaining on the track is half the battle.

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Getting a feel for a road course track is crucial just for the fact that we don’t compete on these regularly

3. Track Position: Qualify well and stay up front. Just like at Salem, you put yourself in tougher positions the more cars you have to past.

4. Game Plan Accordingly: Road course racing always brings out different pit strategies. Map out your plan before the race begins and stick with it. It might help you sneak away with a win.

 

Frank Kimmel Salvages 9th Place after Late Contact Spoils Prospect of Victory

May 16

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 9th in this afternoon’s Menards 200 from Toledo Speedway. Due to weather, qualifying for today’s Menards 200 was canceled on Saturday, setting the field by points from 2010. That positioned Frank inside the top-five for the start; couple that with the pole sitter and 2nd place drivers moving to rear of the field and the Ansell-Menards Ford would start the race from the front row.

The Ansell-Menards Ford was strong from the drop of the green flag and would eventually inherit the lead after the No. 25 spun coming off turn two. From that point Frank would not surrender the lead often over the final 100 laps.

“The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford was good today. I’m proud of my team – they gave me another strong Ford and the pit crew had flawless stops all day long,” said Frank Kimmel.

With only a handful of laps to go, Frank appeared destined to win his 10th ARCA Racing Series Race at Toledo Speedway, but a late race caution would alter that prospect. The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford would pull out on the restart, with the No. 41 giving chase. It was clear that Frank was going to run the bottom groove, right on the white line, as he had the entire day. Unfortunately, the No. 41 was running a similar line and coming off turn two would make contact with the back left corner panel of the Ansell-Menards Ford, sending Frank into a spin and consequently out of contention for the win.

“I wasn’t blocking or doing anything that would’ve prevented him from trying to pass me clean for the win. I was just running my line, as I had been and he just ran over me. It’s frustrating. You run that hard the entire race and then you have it decided like that. It should’ve been him racing me for the win, not running into me,” said a frustrated Frank Kimmel after the race.

After the spin, Frank would restart 13th and maneuver his way back inside the top-10, eventually finishing the Menards 200 in 9th. Frank and the Ansell-Menards Ford would pace the field three times and was credited with leading the most laps (125). The late race setback would drop Frank Kimmel to 3rd in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Championship Points.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at New Jersey Motorsports Park driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on May 22nd for the ModSpace 150 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Toledo Race Facts

May 12

Driver: Frank Kimmel
Crew Chief: Bill Kimmel Jr.
Car Chief: Eric Beyl                                                                                                       
Sponsor: Ansell; Menards
Team: Kimmel Racing

What a race at Salem! Did you expect to finish 3rd after all that happened during that race?

“Truthfully, after the first incident in turn three, I thought our day was done but it actually made the Ansell-Menards Ford handle better in the turns. Those first few laps of the race we were so loose and after the contact with the #17 the Ansell-Menards Ford handled better. Bill and everyone on the Kimmel Racing team worked really hard throughout the race. They helped put me and the Ansell-Menards Ford in a position to fight for the win and that’s all I can ask for.”

You now sit 2nd in points. What will it take to move up one more spot in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards points?

“We need to keep working hard to make our Ansell-Menards Ford’s go fast and keep having solid top-five finishes. There is top level talent competing for the ARCA Racing Series Championship this year and it’s going to be a fight to beat some of them. Look at the #41 - a talented driver, great equipment and a legendary team, so we understand that we have to be on top of our game.”

You won your first race at Toledo Speedway in 1994. Can you relive that moment for us?

“Early in my racing career, I thought quite often that I may never win an ARCA Racing Series race. That was a really special night. I was driving for a guy named Terry Shirley. I remember the team didn’t have any sponsors and everyone who worked on the team was volunteers, so it was run on a shoe string budget. Terry and his family were really good people and they worked really hard to give me the opportunity to compete and win that race.”

You’ve visited victory lane nine times at Toledo Speedway. What will it take to win number 10 this weekend?

“I think we need to do the same thing we did at Salem. We’re bringing the same Ansell-Menards Ford that we raced at Salem. We really improved it throughout the race, so I think we have a strong chance of finishing well at Toledo this weekend.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 31 starts at Toledo Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel has 9 Wins, 3 Poles, 22 top-five and 24 top-ten finishes at Toledo Speedway
• Frank Kimmel’s last victory at Toledo Speedway was in September of 2005
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• Frank Kimmel is currently 2nd in ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Points
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 234 top-five and 303 top-ten finishes in 413 starts

Race Information:

What – Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

When – Sunday, May 15, 2011; 2:00 p.m. EST

Where – Toledo Speedway; .5 Mile Oval; 200 laps, 100 miles

Frank Kimmel's Handy Tips to Toledo presented by Ansell

1. Be Prepared: We don’t get as much practice time before qualifying, so it’s important to take advantage of the time given.

2. Good Horsepower: You’ll need to have a strong motor at Toledo that produces good horsepower to get you off the turns quickly.

3. Track Position: Qualify well and stay up front. Just like at Salem, you put yourself in tougher positions the more cars you have to past.

4. Bottom Groove: The best groove to pass at Toledo is the bottom, so you’ll be in trouble if your car want handle in the corners.

5. Enjoy the Weekend: Toledo’s a great race weekend, so get there on Friday and enjoy all of the racing, plus go get an incredible cheeseburger at the track’s bar and grill.

 

Gritty Performance at Salem Speedway

May 1

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 3rd in this afternoon’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 from Salem Speedway. After a strong qualifying effort on Saturday, Frank Kimmel started the grueling 200 lap contest from Salem in the 7th position. Salem Speedway is one of the toughest stops on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards circuit – a track that produces plenty of excitement and where keeping the fenders intact is almost impossible.

The action started early for Frank, as the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford made contact with the No. 17 while battling for position, which forced Frank to make numerous pit stops to work on the fenders.

From that point, the Ansell-Menards team fought an uphill battle to get back on the lead lap and to the front. Moreover, Frank dealt with an ill-handling Ansell-Menards Ford throughout the afternoon, something that the team feverishly worked on throughout the race. The team’s determination paid off, as the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford was able to get around the leader on a restart, and a timely caution put Frank back on the lead lap.

Frank continued to battle his way back through the field, only to be spun out by the No. 31 while battling in the top five. Luckily for the Kimmel Racing team, only seven teams remained on the lead lap at the time of the spin and Frank didn’t receive any significant damage. On the last restart, Frank was able to maneuver around a few other cars – eventually taking the checkered flag in 3rd. With the 3rd place finish, Frank and the Ansell-Menards team moved to 2nd in the ARCA Racing Series championship points standing.

"What a crazy up and down day. We battled through a lot today and I’m really proud of every one on our Kimmel Racing team for their hard work. The Ansell-Menards Ford was good at times and bad on some runs. We fought with the handling throughout the day but overall I’m happy with the finish. It’s another good point’s day for us”, said Frank Kimmel after the race had concluded.

Watch for Frank Kimmel at Toledo Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on May 15th for the Menards 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

US Troops get VIP treatment at Talledega

April 20

Frank, Ansell and ARCA showed their support for the US troops by hosting them for a VIP day at Talledega. Eight members of the Army National Guard were given a personal tour of the track by Frank, the opportunity to meet all the ARCA drivers and prime seats for the race. The Ansell Hawkeye division produces a full line of gloves for military personnel.

Strong Showing by Frank Kimmel at Talladega – Finishing 2nd

April 18

Talladega, AL –The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 2nd in this morning’s 3 Amigo’s 250 from Talladega Superspeedway. Kimmel started 23rd but quickly moved his way to the front, eventually taking the lead by mid-point of the ARCA Racing Series race. The Ansell-Menards Ford was extremely strong, leading three times throughout the race for a total of 32 laps. Unfortunately, the last lap was not one of them. Frank came off turn four with the checkered flag in site but was edged at the finish line by a mere foot.

- Kimmel started 23rd and finished 2nd

- Took the lead on lap 52

- Led three times (52-65; 71-81; 87-93) for a total of 32 laps

- Moved to 4th in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Points

“So close. It’s so tough to explain being happy but disappointed at the same time. Knowing that I was literally a glove away from pulling the Ansell-Menards Ford into victory lane is hard to swallow, but running that strong and leading a bunch of laps makes me pleased as well.

The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford was stout the entire day and I knew that going into that last lap that those behind me would be gunning for me. All I could do is stick to the bottom and try to hold them off but the No. 41 drove to my outside right at the end. Overall, it was a great point’s day for Kimmel Racing, plus it was really nice to be out front for Ansell and Menards.”

Frank Kimmel to Start 23rd at Talladega

April 15

Talladega, AL – Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford Fusion, qualified 23rd for this afternoon’s 3 Amigo’s 250 race at Talladega Superspeedway.

Frank Kimmel spent the most time of all the teams on the track yesterday during the first practice session, logging a total of 48 laps. The Kimmel Racing team hopes that their hard work during practice will pay off this afternoon during the race.

“It’s Talladega, so on your qualifying lap you really just hold it wide open and let the engine do the rest. The Ansell-Menards Ford is fine and we didn’t expect to be blazing fast during qualifying but we’ll be good in the draft.

We worked really hard on getting our Ansell-Menards Ford ready to race. Don’t get me wrong, we wanted to contend for the Pole and we’ve worked to improve our restrictor plate qualifying efforts but we understand that the big picture is to win. We’ll have a good Ansell-Menards Ford for the race,” said Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Talladega Superspeedway in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford this afternoon for the 3 Amigo’s 250 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The event can be seen live on SPEED Channel starting at 4:00 pm CST. Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com, www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

 

Practice #1

April 14

The first practice session for the 3 Amigos 250 at Talladega Superspeedway has concluded. Frank Kimmel was 14th fastest in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at a speed of 182.515, out of 39 cars that took at least one lap.

How was your No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford during that practice session?
"The Ansell-Menards Ford was pretty good. If we can improve on that during our qualifying lap then we'll have a good starting spot for tomorrow afternoon's race."

You ran more laps than anyone during that practice, 48 to be exact; was that planned?
“Yea, we didn't get much time on the track during the open test session here last month, so we needed to take advantage of that first practice and I think we accomplished that.”

Any expectations going into qualifying this afternoon?

"We really put an emphasis on trying to qualify after Daytona, so we hope our practice speed is an indication of good things."

Pole Qualifying is this afternoon at 5:05 pm. Frank rolls off 31st in the Ansell-Menards Ford. 

 

Talladega Race Facts

April 13

Driver: Frank Kimmel
Crew Chief: Bill Kimmel Jr.
Car Chief: Eric Beyl
Sponsor: Ansell; Menards
Team: Kimmel Racing
Chassis: 367

*This Chassis competed at Talladega on April 23, 2010 and finished 11th and at Daytona this past February finishing 10th

Frank Kimmel Quotes:

You won at Talladega in 2006. Can you relive that race and tell us how you pulled off your first restrictor plate victory?
“It was nice to get that first restrictor plate victory. We had a really great car that entire weekend. We were fast in all the practices, so we knew going into the race that we had an opportunity to win. We raced up front all day, and I remember close to the end receiving a push from Mike Wallace to the lead. Right after taking the lead the caution flew, and the race was called due to darkness.”

There has been a lengthy layoff since Daytona. How eager are you to get back to racing?
“I’m very eager to get back on the track. We usually have a race in between Daytona and Talladega, but this year they changed the schedule a bit. However, we’ve kept really busy getting our Ansell-Menards Ford’s ready for other races that are just around the corner.”

You had problem during the Talladega test session earlier this month. Have those issues been rectified?
“Yea, we resolved the issue. I guess if anything came from a horrible day then finding the cause of the problem was it. Basically, we had a valve that was installed before the test that was not allowing the engines to cool properly. It was an unfortunate mistake on our part but we’ve fixed it and we’re now ready to race.”

What kind of racing do you expect to see at Talladega?
“I think it’s going to be similar to Daytona, though I do believe you’ll see larger packs running together, probably three deep at some points. Talladega is easier to get a grip on, compared to Daytona. It’s so smooth and there’s a ton of room to maneuver around.”

Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 18 starts at Talladega Superspeedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel’s best career finish at Talladega Superspeedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is 1st in 2006
• Frank Kimmel has 1 Win, 1 Pole, 8 top-five and 10 top-ten finishes at Talladega Superspeedway
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 232 top-five and 301 top-ten finishes in 411 starts

Race Information:

What – The 3 Amigos 250; ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
When – Friday, April 15, 2011; 4:00 p.m. CDT
Where – Talladega Superspeedway; 2.66 Mile Tri-Oval; 94 laps, 250 miles
Broadcast – SPEED Channel

 

Frank Kimmel’s Handy Tips to Talladega
presented by Ansell

1. Remain Patient: Talladega is a long race, and the only way to win is to be around at the end.
2. Be Smooth:  Use your head and make the right moves at the appropriate times. Jumping from lane to lane usually doesn’t get you to the front any quicker.
3. Show Respect: Respect the other drivers on the track. Getting in a disagreement at Talladega could cost half the field.
4. Follow the Rules: Remember to stay below the blend line coming on and off the track.
5. Know Your Car: Be sure to pump your brakes when coming off the track to pit.

Ansell Gloves can be purchased at any Menards location. Be sure to watch Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Talladega Superspeedway for the 3 Amigos 250 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The race can be seen live on SPEED Channel on April 15, 2011 at 5:00 pm EDT. More information can be found at www.frankkimmel.com, www.ansellracingus.com,  www.menardsracing.com, and www.arcaracing.com.

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Frank recaps his Daytona race weekend

March 7

What was the history of the Ansell-Menards Ford that you drove at Daytona? “The Ansell-Menards Ford that I drove at Daytona is an old David Ragan Ford Fusion out of the Roush Fenway stable. I don’t know its exact history at Roush but we did race it at Talladega in 2010 and ran in the top-10 for almost the entire race…unfortunately I got shuffled out at the end and finished 11th.” What was the strategy in dropping to the rear at the start of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 and do you now think it was the right decision? “Yea, I was really happy with how it turned out. I moved to the back with a few other guys that I trusted and we worked really well together throughout the race. The thought was to stay out of trouble for those first few laps and I think we accomplished that, considering many of the guys who went to the back with me finished well.” What are your thoughts on the new pavement at Daytona? “They did a really nice job. The track was so smooth, which made it very easy to move around.” Do you think the racing will be different next February? “I’m sure it will gain a certain amount of character throughout the year but I don’t think it will be noticeable the first few years.”

Did you have a chance to watch any of the other races at Daytona and what did you think about the racing?
“I watched most of the other races. The two car drafting was interesting and produced some exciting finishes, but I’m not sure I would like it. I also had a chance to watch the last 10 laps of the Phoenix race and it was nice to see Jeff Gordon get the win. Like me, he really wanted to win and seeing him break through gives me a boost of confidence that a victory for us is coming soon.”

What do you think is the key detail that you and the Kimmel Racing crew need to work on between Daytona and Talladega?
“We really need to get our Ansell-Menards Ford stronger for qualifying…that’s been a real inconsistent part of our restrictor plate program.”

How was the trip to Disney World with your Family?
“It was great…we rode plenty of rides. I get to see my family at the race track but it’s not the same as going somewhere with them and just enjoying their company with zero distractions. However, I’ll have to admit, I was completely worn out afterwards…all that running around had me grateful to see the bed each night.”

Frank Kimmel Talladega Quotes:

Will you test at Talladega later this month?
“Yea, we’ll go down for the test. There’ve been a few rule changes, so we need to get those tested out, as well as getting our Ansell-Menards Ford better in a few other areas.”

Will you run the same Ansell-Menards Ford at Talladega as you did at Daytona?
“We’ll take the same Ansell-Menards Ford that we ran at Daytona. I think it raced pretty well and drafted really good.”

What’s the major difference between Daytona and Talladega?
“Talladega has so much more room to maneuver. It’s more forgiving…even with the new surface. Running three wide at Daytona can get a little hairy and you really have to pay attention but at Talladega it’s much easier.”

You’ve won at Talladega, so what would it take to win there again? “Absolutely, we can win again…if we’re in the right position at the right time. Talladega, like Daytona, is like playing a big game of chess. The right move means everything.”

Do you expect a different outcome at Talladega than at Daytona, or do you think your team’s better days are yet to come at some of the other tracks on the ARCA Racing Series Schedule?
“I’m confident that we can finish in the top-five at Talladega in our Ansell-Menards Ford and if we put ourselves in position a win is realistic.”

Overall, I’m very optimistic about this year. We’re getting our cars ready…working on the bodies, chassis and I feel like we learned a great deal from last year, so the heart of this year’s schedule should play to our advantage.”

How have you been putting your Ansell Gloves to work during the break between Daytona and Talladega?
“We’ve had plenty of storms come through this winter, so my wife has kept me and my Ansell gloves busy cleaning up the yard….picking up limbs and branches. Not to mention, I use them every day in the shop to work on our Ansell-Menards Ford Fusions.”

What features do you like to speak about when you’re recommending a pair of Ansell gloves to someone?
“It’s really an amazing glove that can be used in practically any profession. We use them in the shop everyday…from moving sheet metal, to welding, or even moving the cars around the shop. The thoughts that come to mind immediately are they’re really reliable and extremely durable, together with the fact that they fit your hand flawlessly. With Ansell gloves you can reach down and easily grip any small item, like a nail…..with other gloves that’s impossible, you’d end up taking them off and that slows down all your progress.”

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Frank Kimmel Finishes 10th at Daytona in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford

February 12th – Daytona International Speedway

Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, finished 10th this afternoon in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 from Daytona International Speedway. It was a tale of two gambles with opposite results this afternoon, both taken by Frank in pursuit of his first victory at Daytona International Speedway in an impressive 20th start.

The action started early for Frank, as a few teams, including the Ansell-Menards Ford, elected to bring their cars down pit road before the green flag dropped, which resulted in them having to start in the back. The plan was to be patient in the early portion of the race and let the action play itself out in the front of the field.

“We decided to move to the rear early. I’ve been around long enough to see that it can get chaotic at Daytona instantly, especially with so many rookies in the race,” said nine time ARCA Racing Series Champ, Frank Kimmel.

The initial gamble paid off, as Frank was able to stay out under an early caution, when a majority of the other teams had to pit for fuel. The result was a restarting position of 3rd by lap 23. Unfortunately, Frank’s second risk was not as successful. Frank quickly moved the Ansell-Menards Ford out of line on the restart in hopes of taking second place. However, the top lane wasn’t the preferred groove throughout the race and the other drivers elected to stay on the bottom, which left Frank without a drafting partner. The outcome temporarily dropped the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford back to 16th.

“I wanted to get behind Bobby (Gerhart). I thought with it being early that someone would go with me but I was wrong. I only lacked a few feet to make the pass but I needed that help,” said Frank.

From that point on the Ansell-Menards team fought a battle to get back to the front - one position at a time. In the end, the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford took the checkered flag in the 10th position. “It was difficult…the only way you could pick up a spot was when a driver decided to try and pass up top. We were able to race our No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford back to 10th there at the end. Overall, it’s a top ten finish and that’s encouraging heading into Talladega,” concluded Frank Kimmel.

Watch for Frank Kimmel in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford at Talladega Superspeedway for the Talladega ARCA 250 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The race can be seen live on SPEED Channel on April 25, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST.

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Frank Kimmel and the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford Qualify 26th for the Lucas Slick Mist 200

February 11th – Daytona International Speedway

Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford Fusion, qualified 26th this afternoon for Saturday’s Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 Race at Daytona International Speedway.

The No. 44 Kimmel Racing team worked extremely hard this morning to get the car ready before today’s Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell. The team’s difficult task did not hinder their persistence in getting the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford prepared, through the ARCA Racing Series inspection line and pushed out to their qualifying spot right on time. Unfortunately, Frank’s qualifying lap was not at the top of the charts, but Frank Kimmel and the Kimmel Racing crew are confident that they’ll be able to quickly work their way to the front in tomorrow’s race.

“I wasn’t too thrilled with that lap. I could see that the guys worked really hard to get the car ready, and I know that the qualifying lap doesn’t represent how well the car will race tomorrow. We just lack the single lap speed to put down that fast lap on our own but I believe we’ll be able to work the draft pretty well and move our way to the front,” said Frank Kimmel, driver of the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford.”

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel, as he makes his 20th start at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford tomorrow for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The event can be seen live on SPEED Channel starting at 4:30 pm EST.

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First practice session at Daytona International Speedway

February 10th – Daytona International Speedway

The first practice session of the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has ended at Daytona International Speedway. Frank Kimmel and the #44 Ansell-Menards Ford was 21st  fastest (out of 47 cars) this afternoon, with a speed of 183.284 MPH.

How did your practice session go?
“We didn’t practice as well as I had hoped…..we just didn’t find all the speed we need. In the draft we’re fine but on one lap runs were not as good.”

Is there anything you can pinpoint that could provide that needed speed?
“It’s a bunch of small things.  There’s nothing wrong with our Ford, however we do need to make a few adjustments before qualifying tomorrow. The Ansell-Menards crew is working hard and I’m confident that we’ll have a great car for the race.”

How was the repaved Daytona International Speedway?
“Unbelievably smooth and it makes the car feel really good.  You can move around and run any groove with little resistance. Should provide a great race on Saturday.”

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Q&A with Frank on the start of the 2011 ARCA Series

February 9th – Daytona International Speedway

 Can you believe it’s your 20th Daytona International Speedway start?
“I really didn’t consider it until I started getting asked about it leading up to this weekend. Any accomplishment at Daytona is special, so I’m blessed to have been able to race at this track that many times in my career.”

You’ve had some good finishes at Daytona but have never been able to get over that hump and win. What will it take to get in victory lane here for you?
“Honestly, we’ve never completely focused on Daytona like some other teams. Don’t get me wrong we want to win their badly, but our team understands that there are 18 other races that lead to a championship.”

How is your No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford for this weekend?
“I think we have a good Ansell-Menards Ford Fusion for this Saturday. It’s the same car we ran at Talladega last year and until we were shuffled out with a lap to go, we ran around fourth or fifth the entire race.”

Did you do anything interesting during your off-season?
“Not really. I just worked at the shop, getting ready for this race season and spent time with my family. I was able to put my Ansell gloves to work and help my son on his race cars, plus it gave me a little time to tinker on a few things in my personal shop. Usually, we take a vacation but I think my family is going to visit Disney World after this Saturday’s race.”

What would it mean to put Ansell and Menards in victory lane for the first time in 2011?
“Both Ansell and Menards have been with us for a few years now and they’re both tremendous partners, so to say the least, it would mean a great deal for our program. Truthfully, it’s the number one priority.”

Ansell-Menards Racing Quick Facts:

• Frank Kimmel has 19 starts at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
• Frank Kimmel best career finish at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards was 2nd in 2004 & 2005
• Frank Kimmel is a 9 time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• In his career, Frank Kimmel has collected 74 wins, 42 poles, 232 top-five and 300 top-ten finishes in 411 starts
• Frank Kimmel had one pole (Pocono), seven top-five and fourteen top-ten finishes in 2010