No. 44 Ansell/ Menards Toyota Camry
ARCA RACING SERIES – RACE 6 OF 19 – Elko Speedway
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[/media-credit]IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO? Despite leading laps at Toledo Speedway two weeks ago, Frank Kimmel once again narrowly missed his long-awaited 75th ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards win – his second podium finish in the second spot at the last two short tracks (Toledo and Salem). However, if history proves correct, Kimmel’s “two for two” going into this weekend at Elko Speedway bode well for the veteran driver – one who is known for winning inaugural races at short tracks. Elko Speedway, a 3/8th-mile asphalt oval, is right up the veteran’s driving alley – and in the backyard of his major sponsor, Menards.
A MENARDS WEEKEND: This week, as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rolls into Minnesota for the first time ever, nine-time champ Kimmel will be front and center. He will appear at two Menards stores just south of Minneapolis and St. Paul to launch the ARCA race weekend at Elko New Market. Friday, he will also take part in the Dudas, Minnesota Menards Grand Opening celebration with the No. 44 hauler and other ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards drivers. The 74-time ARCA race winner will meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures next to his No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry show car.
GLOVE FOR A GLOVE: Guests who purchase a pair of Ansell gloves inside the store during any of Frank’s appearances will receive a voucher for a free second pair of gloves, presented by Kimmel outside the store. In addition, Menards stores in and around the area will give race fans and store customers the chance to “Save Big Money” on tickets to see the action live for the first time. Through Friday, race fans can buy tickets to the ARCA race at $15 – a 40% discount off the advertised at-track price – at 32 Menards stores across Minnesota.
CHASSIS INFORMATION: The No. 44 team will utilize chassis No. A-6 this weekend at Elko Speedway. A new chassis for the team for the 2012 season, it makes its debut in Elko. The chassis has tested at Sandusky Speedway in Sandusky, Ohio.
THOUGHTS FROM THE DRIVER: Frank Kimmel
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SO DO YOU FEEL LIKE A “ROOKIE” AT ELKO, BEING THE FIRST TIME HERE? It’s the first time here in Elko, absolutely, but no, I don’t feel like a rookie. It’s a small track, and I get excited about that – it’s so cool to see so many new short tracks appearing on different circuit schedules these days. The short track program has proven itself to be very strong this year at ThorSport Racing with great finishes, so I’m pretty confident going in that we’re ready to take on a new track.
DO YOU THINK THIS MIGHT BE THE WEEKEND FOR WIN NUMBER 75? I’d like to hope so! You never know what can happen, and we’ve got some really fierce competition this year. The guys on the 32 team – this is their backyard, and I know Joey Miller is coming back to race. A few years ago, we really battled there for the championship. Plus you’ve got super strong contenders this year like Buescher, Bowman and others – so it’s always a level playing field no matter where we go. In the past, I’ve been decent at winning inaugural races, but we haven’t tested here and some of the other drivers might be a little more familiar. We’ll just get out there and race.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE NEW CHASSIS? I had a chance to shake it down at Sandusky Speedway earlier this season, and it’s a fast little racecar. My crew chief, Jeriod Prince, is really holding his own on this short track program, and I’ve got to give him a lot of credit on getting up to speed fast in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. After the last few short track appearances, and even a top ten in Talladega, we’re building momentum going into the summer stretch. The boys have really dialed it in this weekend, so I’m looking forward to doing the easy part – driving!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN THE BACKYARD OF “HOMETOWN MENARDS?” I’m hoping for a special weekend for them – I know we have a ton of special guests at the track this weekend, and that means so much from a support standpoint. This is not only an inaugural race for the series, but it’s a big weekend of appearances for me and our sponsor. There is so much pride in this relationship, and I’m very proud to carry the Ansell/Menards banner going into Minnesota this weekend. We’re going to try our very best to get them into Victory Lane in their hometown backyard with so many fans at the track! |
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Race Info: June 2nd, 2012 Elko Speedway 3/8th-Mile Paved Oval Akona 200 Presented by Federated Car Care 200 Laps/75 Miles
Broadcast Info: Live Timing & Scoring at ARCARacing.com Saturday, June 2nd: 2:00-2:45pmCT Practice; 3:15-4pmCT Final Practice Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell: 5:00pmCT RACE: 8pm
Team Facts: Current Driver Point Standings: 5th Chassis: A-6 – first appearance Engine: TRD (Toyota Racing Development) & TRIAD
Frank Kimmel ARCA RACING SERIES results at Elko Speedway: INAUGURAL RACE
ABOUT MENARDS: With 263 stores in 13 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:
Ansell is aglobal 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 parent, Ansell Limited, is registered 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.
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