Catchfence

Salem, IN – The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 5th in last night’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care from Salem Speedway. It was special night for numerous reasons for the nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champion. First off, Salem Speedway is Frank’s home track in the ARCA Racing Series and it’s a track he’s collected nine wins at in his career, which is more than any ARCA Racing Series driver. It would also mark the first complete ARCA Racing Series start for another Kimmel. Frank’s son, Frank Kimmel II, would be competing against the very best in the ARCA Racing Series, including his father and his cousin, Will Kimmel.

During the practice session earlier that day, Frank would experience an ill-handling Ansell-Menards Ford. The Kimmel Racing team worked feverishly to make the right adjustments before Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell. The adjustments made the Ansell-Menards handle better but the qualifying lap was only quick enough for 15th on the starting grid. However, Frank was confident that the Ansell-Menards Ford would be fast during the race.

“Our Ansell-Menards Ford had speed but it was bouncing in the corners really bad. The guys made several adjustments during practice and before qualifying. The adjustments helped it turn better but it wasn’t the lap we wanted. The race was 200 laps and we had an Ansell-Menards Ford that was good enough to race to the front,” said Frank Kimmel.

Frank was spot-on, as from the drop of the green flag he would methodically work his Ansell-Menards Ford to the front and inside the top-10. After each caution, Frank would advance his position on the restarts and by the halfway point of the race would be racing inside the top-five.

As the laps diminished in the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care the race became a Kimmel family affair, as Frank would battle his son and nephew inside the top-five. Frank would get as high as 2nd in the running order before losing a few positions late in the race.

“That was fun. Our Ansell-Menards Ford was pretty good tonight. We made some key adjustments early and made our way to the front. Near the end the Ansell-Menards Ford lost grip in the tires and we lost a few spots. It was cool racing my son and Will (Kimmel). We all three had fast Ford’s and it would have been nice to race them for the win at the end. We battled through a lot today and I’m really proud of the guys on our Kimmel Racing team for their hard work,” said Frank Kimmel after the race had concluded.

Along with Frank’s 5th place finish, Will Kimmel would finish 2nd and Frank Kimmel II would take the checkered in the 7th position. With the 5th place finish Frank remains 3rd in the ARCA Racing Series Points.

Continue to watch for Frank Kimmel at Kansas Speedway driving the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford on October 7th for the Kansas Lottery 98.9 in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves.

- Sports One Press Release