Concord, NC (February 5, 2015) – Over his storied career Frank Kimmel has re-written the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (ARCA Racing) record book amassing 80 series victories and an unprecedented 10 driver championships.
But with all the success Kimmel continues to seek the most cherished prize of all, a trip to Daytona International Speedway’s victory lane, a feat seemingly unobtainable over the course of his 24-year ARCA racing driving career. Next week, Kimmel will try to end his Daytona drought with a win at the World Center of Racing as the ARCA Racing Series ascends on Daytona Beach, Fla. for the Lucas Oil 200 presented by AutoZone. And, Kimmel will be behind the wheel of the No. 25 Ansell-Menards Toyota for Venturini Motorsports.
“Winning Daytona is the only thing missing at this point in my career. I’ve always been a point’s racer and concentrated on getting a solid finish at Daytona, but it’s now time to win,” says Frank Kimmel.
In a highly publicized off-season move, Kimmel grabbed headlines after announcing his merger with perennial ARCA racing powerhouse, Venturini Motorsports, to co-drive the team’s flagship No.25 with Ansell and Menards shifting their sponsorship support to the new team.
“After last month’s test in the 25 car I’ve never felt more comfortable or confident as I do now. Venturini has given me a great equipment and compiled a solid team to help get the Ansell-Menards car to victory lane,” added Kimmel.
Kimmel plans to split the 2015 season with Venturini newcomer Brandon Jones, already a two-time winner in the series. But, for Daytona, Kimmel has the wheel. He tested at Daytona last month and was among the fastest cars most of the day.
This noteworthy transition and new supporting cast may just be the recipe Kimmel needs to find that illusive first Daytona victory.
Venturini Motorsports, based in Concord, N.C., has more than 30 years of ARCA Racing experience with 38 wins in the ARCA Racing Series including a 2013 Daytona win with driver John Wes Townley.
Kimmel has been sponsored by Ansell and Menards since 2009, including a championship season in 2013. He’s finished among the top 10 in driver points for 23 consecutive seasons, dating back to 1992. In 490 career starts since 1990, Kimmel has 268 top-5 finishes and 368 top-10s, more than any other active driver in both categories.
In addition to Daytona, Kimmel will compete at Toledo Speedway; both Pocono events; Michigan International Speedway; Chicagoland Speedway; Berlin Raceway; the mile dirt tracks at both Springfield and DuQuoin, and the fall Salem event.
Jones, who will turn 18 on February 18, 2015, will kick off his 2015 ARCA schedule at Mobile International Speedway on March 14. His ARCA schedule will include the April Salem race event; Nashville; Talladega; New Jersey; Winchester; Iowa; Lucas Oil Raceway; Kentucky and Kansas.
Practice for ARCA’s season kick-off will begin Thursday, February 12 from 4:00-6:00 PM EST, with final practice scheduled for Friday 9:30-10:30 AM.
Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will follow at 3:30 PM. The group qualifying session will mark the second time that the ARCA drivers have used that method of qualifying with the first time last season at Talladega.
The green flag will drop Saturday, February 14th at 4:15 PM EST with live coverage of the 80-lap Lucas Oil 200 presented by AutoZone on Fox Sports 1.
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.
Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com | Twitter: @VenturiniMotor | Facebook: Venturini Motorsports
