Catchfence

CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (November 10, 2009) – A sure sign of a solid race team is one that remains busy even in the aftermath of a long, hard fought season. Employees of Kimmel Racing, led by brothers Frank and Bill Kimmel, have shown their dedication to continued success by using this down time to prepare for what they hope will be a championship season in 2010.

“I think it’s very important for us to stay on top of our game in the early months of the off season,” said Frank Kimmel. “In 2009, we got a later start on the season and felt like we were playing catch up in the beginning of the year.”

Unlike teams who begin the off season with a round of layoffs, Kimmel Racing keeps all of their employees throughout the winter months.

“It’s important for everyone to stay involved, even during the months we’re not racing,” said Bill Kimmel Jr. “We like to keep every aspect of our program fresh and ready for the season ahead so even if it’s setting up race cars or even just cleaning out the pit boxes, it says a lot about this team that we’re together all year long working towards a common goal.”

In the last month since the 2009 season came to a close, Kimmel Racing has been improving all aspects of their program.

The team’s transporter is getting an overhaul with even the fuel tank having work done on it at Bare Metal in nearby New Albany, Indiana. In addition, the team has the Daytona car nearly complete and ready for the ARCA open test in December.

“We’ve got a motor in the Daytona car and we are welding the intrusion plates on as we speak,” added Kimmel Jr. “Basically it’s pretty close to being ready to go and that’s a project a lot of the guys have really focused on these past few weeks.”

Beyond the superspeedway car preparation, the team has a new intermediate track car ready to test. It’s a brand new car and the Kimmel brothers are looking forward to seeing how it performs at the first open test in 2010.

Work on cars from last year continues as Ira Small, who does the team’s sheet metal work from his shop of Lancaster, South Carolina, is currently in possession of two of the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Ford Fusions repairing some damage from the 2009 race season.

While the team has been busy on all aspects of the racing program, Frank Kimmel’s focus is directed towards Daytona and the 2010 season opener.

“Our absolute goal is to go to Daytona and win the race,” said Kimmel. “Obviously, we want to make a bid for the championship and be there week in and week out at the front of the field, but it all starts in Daytona. Having not won a race in 2009, priority number one for me is going to Daytona to win.”

The ARCA open test session at Daytona International Speedway begins Friday December 18 at 9 a.m. Eastern.

- Co-Pilott Motorsports Marketing Press Release