Concord, NC (September 1, 2015) – Over the course of his illustrious career, 10-time Champion Frank Kimmel has etched his name into the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards record books more times than any other driver – he’s unquestionably the most identifiable driver in series history.
Kimmel, driver of the No.25 Ansell-Menards Toyota and all-time series leader with 80 victories, is set to hit another major milestone with his historic 500th ARCA career start Labor Day afternoon at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds’ “Magic Mile” in the Southern Illinois 100.
“It’s hard to believe we’re talking about this type of milestone,” said Kimmel. “My first race was in 1990 and back then I never dreamed I’d run another race let alone make a career out of this. It’s really hard to believe. Thinking about the longevity – the sponsors and car owners over this length of time is remarkable – quite a feat. I’m lucky and can’t thank everyone enough for the support which got me to this point in my career.”
Kimmel’s Career Stats…Breaking it Down!
During Kimmel’s 26-year ARCA career he’s accumulated impressive stats across the board. Since 1990, Kimmel has amassed 80 wins, 43 poles, 272 Top-5’s and 372 Top-10 finishes – he’s led over 11,000 laps in 216 races. Kimmel’s unprecedented 10-ARCA championships came in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2013. He also finished second in driver points in ‘94, ’97, ‘99 & ’12. Kimmel’s 80 wins and 43 poles are most in series history. Kimmel is also a 6-time Superspeedway Challenge Champion and a 7-time Bill France Four Crown Champ.
Kimmel takes on DuQuoin
Kimmel’s 500th start will take place on DuQuoin’s dirt mile – a track he’s run from the beginning and not surprising, a track he’s had success. This weekend’s race will mark Kimmel’s 23rd start at the Southern Illinois track – notching 5 wins, 13 top-5, 17 top-10 finishes.
The Dynamic Duo – Frank Kimmel & Brandon Jones in Championship Hunt
In 16 races, the duo of Kimmel-Jones, who are splitting the driving duties this season, have combined for nine top-5 and eleven top-10 finishes – placing the No.25 Ansell-Menards Toyota third in the ARCA Racing Series Owner Championship points’ standings – a mere 35 points out of the top spot with four races remaining. Kimmel’s remaining driving schedule includes DuQuoin and Salem Speedway. Brandon Jones will return for the final two races of the season – Kentucky and Kansas.
Raceday Schedule/Media Coverage
The 62nd running of the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Car Care is scheduled to get the green flag at approximately 1:30 p.m. local Central time. Practice is scheduled from 9:00-10:00 a.m. with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell following at 11:15 a.m. ARCAracing.com will feature live audio coverage of all on-track activities including flag-to-flag coverage of the Southern Illinois 100. Live timing and scoring of all on-track activities and live chat box will also be available throughout the afternoon at arcaracing.com.
ABOUT ANSELL:
Ansell is a global leader in protection solutions. Headquartered in Iselin, NJ, 11,000 employees across 42 countries design and manufacture innovative products relied on by millions of consumers, workers, first responders and healthcare professionals. The Ansell vision is to create a world where people enjoy optimal protection against the risks to which they are exposed by delivering safety, peace of mind and performance with unmatched quality, comfort and technology. This vision is delivered by the Ansell core brand products, from the HyFlex®, AlphaTec®, TouchNTuff®, ActivArmr®, Projex®, VersaTouch®, Trellchem® and Viking product lines.
ABOUT MENARDS:
With 287 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 VENTURINI MOTORSPORTS:
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars for over 30-years in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports. Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Brian Scott, Kevin Swindell, John Wes Townley, Erik Jones, and Justin Boston. Over the years the Venturini name has become synonymous with modern-day racing in America. In 2012, the Venturini family was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (www.NIASHF.org) and now find themselves enshrined with such sports icons as Joe DiMaggio, Mario Andretti, Vince Lombardi, Tommy Lasorda and Rocky Marciano.