FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(TOLEDO, Ohio – June 11, 2014) – Defending Akona 250 presented by Federated Car Care winner Frank Kimmel can’t wait to get back to his roots…in this case…another really, really short-track classic on the .4 mile Elko Speedway bullring for a Saturday night show under the lights June 21, live on CBS Sports Network.
Despite the lesser speeds at Elko that you’d see on a 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway, Kimmel says racing at Elko is just as, and often even more intense.
“It’s driving 90-mile-an-hour in a city block.” Kimmel said. “There are usually more challenges on a short track than the bigger tracks. A lot less room…more traffic…more challenging as a driver than Talladega.
“Actually, the smaller tracks give you more of a sense of speed (than the bigger tracks). On a speedway, it’s like driving down the highway. It’s the same feeling on a short-track, but try going 90 (mph) on a city block and it gets way more intense. There’s so much horsepower in a really short space…all the traffic…everything speeds up even though you’re going slower.”
Kimmel will be driving the same No. 44 Ansell-Menards Win-Tron Racing Toyota at Elko that he’s been running on all the short-tracks in 2014.
“Same (short-track) car we’ve been running all year. We’re making progress. Jamie (Jones/Crew Chief) and I have been working on what I like out of the car…what each other needs to do their jobs as best as we all can.
“It’s a very good car…same one that Mason had a lot of success in last year.”
Kimmel, who in addition to his win last year at Elko, won four races total in 2013. The all-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards winner (80 wins), currently third in national championship standings behind leader Grant Enfinger and Mason Mitchell, is still searching for that first win in ’14.
“We’re not done thinking we can’t do that (win) yet this year.”
And he also understands that the competition up front for race victories is in the high intensity mode…just as intense as it will be negotiating the tight turns at Elko in traffic jams.
“There’s so much competition now. There are 15 cars that can win that race (at Elko). That’s a lot. Track position will be key. Anymore, if you get too far behind on a short-track, you can’t make up the difference, not in time anyway.
“On a short track, so much can happen; there are so many variables coming at you every lap. It’s intense, and it’s a blast.
“I can’t wait to race at Elko. These big heavy cars on these little tracks…what a great show.”
Raceday at Elko starts with ARCA Racing Series practice from 1:30-2:15 p.m., with final practice following from 2:45-3:30. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell follows at 5:30 with the Akona 250 set to take the green flag at 8.
Legends Cars will accompany the ARCA Racing Series for this year’s event with a feature event race at 6.
The Akona 250, along with ARCA Racing Series events at Winchester Speedway and Madison Int’l Speedway, marks the first of three events to be televised live on the CBS Sports Network in 2014.
ARCAracing.com will also feature ARCA Racing Series live timing and scoring of all on-track activities.
Akona 250 Discount Tickets on Sale at 36 Menards Stores Across Minneapolis Tickets are on sale now for the Akona 250 presented by Federated Car Care at Elko Speedway. Tickets are $20, compared to $30 on race day, and will be available at 36 Menards stores in the Minneapolis, Minn. market.
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With 280 stores in 14 Midwestern states, Menards has the tools, materials and supplies for all your home improvement needs whether just needing a light bulb or can of paint to building a deck or new home. Menards is known throughout the home improvement industry as the low price leader; it’s no wonder their famous slogan – “SAVE BIG MONEY” – is so widely known and easy to remember. Menards does things right – the company’s strength and success can be seen in the well-stocked and maintained stores, the lowest prices in town and the way guests are always treated like family in a hometown hardware store atmosphere.
ABOUT ANSELL:
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