Catchfence

CORNELIUS, N.C. (April 8, 2009) – While the Kimmel name in racing is generally synonymous with nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion Frank Kimmel, reports have begun to surface about the talents of third-generation racer Frank Kimmel II. As the son of one of the most successful drivers in the history of ARCA and the nephew of eight-time ARCA Crew Chief of the Year Bill Kimmel, it takes a lot to earn the spotlight among the family’s racing elite. Kimmel II – Frankie as he is commonly referred to by family and friends – certainly made his mark last Sunday winning the Federated Auto Parts 50 in his first career Lucas Oil Super Stock start.

“I went into this race just hoping to get some laps and bring the car home in one piece,” said Frankie. “We were happy to have the car ready in time, so the plan was to run some laps and get comfortable in this new division.”

After qualifying fourth, Frankie spent the opening laps of the event solidifying a comfortable lead over the field.

“The way they inverted the field, I had great track position,” explained Frankie. “I knew my lead would be in jeopardy when the faster cars got through traffic but even in that case, I would have been satisfied with second place.”

Towards the halfway point of the race, as predicted, the ever competitive Todd Kempf overtook the younger Kimmel paving the way for a 10-lap side by side battle for the lead. With less than 20 laps to go, to no one’s surprise except his own, Frankie reclaimed the top spot and never looked back.

“I was surprised how well the car handled,” said Frankie. “When I passed him for the lead there at the end, it was awesome and I pretty much just checked out.”

Adding to the drama of his win was the fact that Frankie had to endure extreme heat inside the racecar.

“The way the headers are positioned in a super stock basically allows the interior panel to get extremely hot,” explained Frankie. “My right leg was burning up and I was trying to reposition myself to make it bearable.”

With only 30 days to prepare the car, father and son paid less regard to driver comfort and more to speed – clearly the latter fact resulted in a great day for Frankie and the entire family.

“One thing I’ve learned is that it’s much more difficult to watch your son race than to race yourself,” said nine-time Salem ARCA winner Frank Kimmel. “I’m always amazed at how worked up I get watching him, but especially that day because for him to race in a new division, in a brand new car was really nerve wracking.”

Despite the car’s first appearance on the track, the presentation was flawless.

“It was a perfect day for him,” said Kimmel. “To take a virtually untested car and to come out and qualify well and win the race and to do it by beating a two-time champion, that’s definitely enough to make a father proud.”

Sunday’s victory was not his first at Salem as Frankie had claimed top honors in last year’s Street Stock Championship at the track. Still, the win was significant and momentous for all the family and friends in attendance and for those who have come to view Frank Kimmel II as a remarkable young driver.

With the season opener under his belt, Frankie plans to run for the Lucas Oil Super Stock Championship at Salem Speedway. The second event of the 10-race schedule is Saturday, April 25.

- Co-Pilott Motorsports Marketing Press Release