It’s been nearly two years since Frank Kimmel visited victory lane and collected his record setting 80th ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards career win at Kansas Speedway in the 2013 series’ finale.
Kimmel, the 10-Time ARCA Series champion, hopes to change that stat and add to his legacy this weekend when he makes his 37th career start at Toledo Speedway in Sunday’s Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care.
Toledo Speedway, already a special place for Kimmel, sets the table for another memorable race for the Clarksville, Indiana native. Kimmel, who earned his first ARCA Racing victory at Toledo in 1994, has gone on to win at his favorite tracks nine-times during his storied career.
“I’m excited to go back to Toledo driving the Ansell-Menards Toyota. The Venturini short track program is excellent and I’m anxious to drive one of their cars on a track that’s been so good to me over the years,” said Kimmel. In 36 ARCA career starts at Toledo, Kimmel has amassed 9 wins, 24 Top-5’s and 27 top-10 finishes.
Making the switch to Venturini Motorsports during the off-season, Kimmel will make his second start of the season behind the wheel of his No.25 Ansell-Menards Toyota and his third season start overall.
In a new role for the series veteran Kimmel is splitting time behind the wheel of the No.25 Ansell-Menards Toyota with VMS teammate Brandon Jones. Both driver will participate in 10-races each in the No. 25 during the course of the 2015 season.
“After a strong test last week at Motor Mile Speedway I feel we have the car dialed-in and ready for Sunday’s race. Our Ansell-Menards team has worked really hard all season long providing me and Brandon with great cars. I’m confident everyone’s hard work will pay big dividends this weekend,” said Kimmel.
The combination of Kimmel and Jones has proven be strong. In the first five races of the season the duo have combined to earn four top-5’s and five top-10 finishes – placing the No.25 Ansell-Menards team second in ARCA owner championship point standings.
Kimmel, who was dominant during the early stages of his season opening performance at Daytona International Speedway, settled for a fifth place finish in his quest for his first ever win at Daytona.
In a previously unscheduled start two weeks ago at Talladega Kimmel secured late sponsorship from Menards, Richmond Water Heaters and 101 Ranch Records which allowed him to join teammates Brandon Jones and Cody Coughlin as part of a three-car VMS team effort. Kimmel finished 14th driving the No.15 car.
Weekend Schedule of Events
The Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care will spread out over two days, Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. Practice for the Menards 200 will include two sessions from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST and final practice from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday afternoon, with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell at 3:30 p.m. Menards 200 race day festivities get underway Sunday with pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions at 1:30 p.m., with the green flag to follow at 2:00 p.m. The Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care will air live on the CBS Sports Network.
Frank Kimmel Appearances at Menards
In advance of Sunday’s race Frank Kimmel will be appearing with his No.25 Ansell Menards race car at the Sandusky, Ohio Menards store on Friday, May 15th from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and the same day at the Toledo North Menards location from 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
Discounted Tickets on Sale Now at Menards
Discounted tickets for the May 17 Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway are now on sale at six Menards stores in northwest Ohio. The tickets are available for the special price of $15 between now and race day if purchased at Menards. The Menards stores selling the discounted tickets include Defiance, Findlay, Holland, Oregon, Sandusky and Toledo. Children under six are free.
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