Catchfence » Frank Kimmel

The Road to Daytona 2012: Road to a Record-Breaking Championship? (Frank Kimmel)

Press Release — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:02:22 +0000

“Nine-time ARCA Racing Series Driving Champion Frank Kimmel Seeks to Shatter His Own Record with a 10th Driver Championship & Potential All-time Victories Record with ThorSport Racing”

Frank Kimmel

Sandusky, Oh. – (February 1, 2012) – Frank Kimmel isn’t the type to brag. One is more apt to find him out working on cars or tractors on his farm, than in press conferences or slick office meetings. It’s that humility that makes the “nine-time” reference somewhat of a surprise to most fans when it is mentioned. Kimmel is the record nine-time ARCA Racing Series Driving Champion (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007) and has led 10,177 laps in 191 races- more than any other active driver. He looks to break his own record in the 2012 season with a new team and a new make – ThorSport Racing and the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry team.

To add to the stats pile going into Daytona, Kimmel is the all-time leading superspeedway lap leader with 2,645 laps led in 80 races, and the all-time leading superspeedway pole winner with 20. Kimmel finished as the second-place driver in the ARCA Racing Series in 1994, 1997, and 1999. In 2011, Kimmel finished third in driver points.

One distinct goal Kimmel always walks around with in the back of his mind as a veteran driver: the all-time career victories holder, currently Iggy Katona, with 79. Going into Daytona in a few weeks, Kimmel sits just five victories away from eclipsing the record – at 74. Can he do it this year? He sure hopes so. In his past, 66 of those 74 victories came with a successful partnership with owner Larry Clement. This season, he looks to seasoned veterans at ThorSport Racing – new to the ARCA Racing Series but the longest-tenured team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – to hopefully conjure the same magic.

“Every year I get asked what’s important to me to achieve for the season,” said Kimmel. “Winning Daytona is first on the list for me, and it’s important for my entire family. Being the first race for ThorSport Racing, everyone’s working REALLY hard to achieve some wins- period. Daytona would be great and such an accomplishment, but we all know what can happen there. I can honestly remember racing for two years without ever winning at all, and that’s why it means a lot to have 74 wins under my belt now. The first time at Toledo was such a big thing for us. I have a lot to prove this year to win again, since it has been three years since I’ve been to Victory Lane. Iggy Katona is a huge hero of mine; he raced against my dad for years. He’s the man. It’s a privilege to be in the same class of driver as such an ARCA Racing legend as Iggy.”

No stranger to accepting pole awards, Kimmel is excited to see his sponsor, Ansell, as a partnership with Menards; present the pole trophies once again this year. His 42 career Menards Pole Awards comprises just one fewer than again, Iggy Katona – at 43; and he has finished in the top 10 in points in the ARCA Racing Series for an unprecedented 20 consecutive seasons. With 233 top-five finishes and 300 top-10 finishes, he is no slouch to records – those statistics both standing as the records for active drivers.

“Getting the first win is the most amazing achievement. I raced many years with Terry Shirley in the 02 car, and we only won one. When Terry left to be a crew chief, I didn’t have a team to drive for at all. I thought I’d be driving late models. Then I was picked up by Dan Faldorf and got with Larry Clement. We ended up putting a hodge-podge of races together
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by the skin of our teeth, and with blood, sweat and tears; we ended up 5th in drivers points and didn’t even go to every race. When we came back the next year and ran full-time for Larry, being manager, driver and everything, we were second in the points, so we kept climbing. Then the following year, in 1998, we won our first championship. It just goes to show that the competition is always so fierce, it takes a lot to get there and it means so much. Every one of my nine championship trophies have people and a great story behind them. In my tenure of ARCA Racing Series driving, every year is a great battle. It’s going to be a lot of fun competition in 2012.”

In a historic 60th season of ARCA Racing, nothing could be more special for Kimmel than driving through the tunnel to Daytona International Speedway as one of the most recognized faces in ARCA Racing Series history. In a year of “star power,” he hopes to not only give the fans a great show, but have some record-breaking moments as he does it. Yet the “star” himself would love to say, he would do it, then enjoy just going home to the farm to work in the barn and be around his wife Donna.

ABOUT ANSELL:

Ansell is a global 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.

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. NASCAR’s only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, will run in 2012 the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto / Curb Records Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter; the No. 98 Ferrell Gas / Agrisure Toyota Tundra driven by Dakoda Armstrong; and the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. ThorSport Racing operates in a state-of-the-art, world-class 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky. For more information, visit us on Facebook: Facebook/ThorSportRacing or Twitter: Twitter.com/ThorSportRacing.

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

Ansell Celebrates Long History of “Protecting” Toyota Plants and Employees through Racing Partnership

Press Release — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:24:08 +0000

“Sponsors the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Toyota Camry in the ARCA Racing Series in 2011, Supporting Toyota and TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)”

Ansell Protective Products Inc.

Red Bank, N.J. (January 23, 2012) – Ansell Protective Products Inc., a leading global manufacturer of industrial protective solutions, is proud to celebrate a long-standing history of providing protective gloves and safety products to Toyota plants across North America. Recently, through a partnership with ThorSport Racing, the longest-tenured NASCAR Camping World Trucks (NCWTS) team, they announced a partnership with TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). The partnership supports the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Toyota Camry, driven by nine-time ARCA Racing Series Champion Frank Kimmel.

“Since Toyota opened their first plant in North America, Ansell was there, protecting their employees with Ansell gloves. As a company, we’re proud to have such a strong relationship of protection and safety with such an esteemed organization both inside and outside of motorsports,” said Steve York, Director of Channel and Vertical Development at Ansell. “We’re encouraged that while Toyota keeps Frank Kimmel safe while driving upwards of 190mph on the racetrack, we’re also keeping Toyota’s associates safe as they enter the workplace to provide for their families.”

ThorSport Racing

“I couldn’t be happier with the change to Toyota Camrys for my No. 44 Ansell/Menards team,” said Frank Kimmel. “With the pre-existing relationship between Ansell and Toyota, it seems to marry the sport and the manufacturing world perfectly. Ansell has such a proud tradition of safety and messaging in safety awareness – and we’re hoping to build on that success this year, both on and off the racetrack. We’re also hoping to visit several Toyota locations to help celebrate that strong partnership of protection onsite – by meeting the employees and staff on the front lines.”

“ThorSport Racing is a first-class organization and a championship-caliber race team, as well as one of the most respected teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said Lee White, president and general manager of TRD, U.S.A.(Toyota Racing Development). “We look forward to working together with the entire ThorSport race team and are confident that it will raise the level of our entire Toyota racing program.”

“We’re always on the forefront of competition in whatever series we are competing in,” said Matt LaNeve, Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships for ThorSport Racing. “We’re looking forward to forging ahead with Toyota in the competition arena in 2012. Toyota and Ansell have a strong industry bond in the industrial solutions arena, and we hope to celebrate that through Frank Kimmel, the No. 44 team, and awareness campaigns throughout the motorsports community on how Ansell engages a reputation of protecting workers in many different arenas – from first responders to the military to auto workers.”

ABOUT ANSELL:

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. NASCAR’s only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, will run in 2012 the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter; the No. 98 Ferrell Gas/Agrisure Toyota Tundra driven by Dakoda Armstrong; and the No. 44 Ansell/Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. ThorSport Racing operates in a state-of-the-art, world-class 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky. For more information, visit us on Facebook: Facebook/ThorSportRacing or Twitter: Twitter.com/ThorSportRacing.

Toyota Logo

ABOUT TOYOTA:

TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) Powering all of Toyota’s American racing programs is TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Salisbury, N.C. A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., TRD serves as the North American racing arm for design, development and assembly of Toyota’s factory racing engines.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. For more information

- Girl Friday PR Press Release

The Peanut Roaster / Peanut.com Announce a Partnership with ThorSport Racing in 2012; Debuts “Hot Honeys” NASCAR Camping World Truck Vehicle at Winter Fancy Food Show

Press Release — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:50:17 +0000

“Gourmet Peanut Business to Offer Variety of Sales Opportunities and Retail Offerings to Trade Show Attendees”

ThorSport Racing

Sandusky, Oh. (January 13, 2012) – The Peanut Roaster, delivering gourmet peanuts and products since 1949, announced today that they will be an associate-level sponsor on the No. 13 Toyota Tundra of ThorSport Racing, driven by Johnny Sauter. The new partnership debuts January 15-17th in San Francisco, California at the Winter Fancy Food Show, with the “Hot Honeys truck” being debuted in the Peanut Roaster booth onsite. The “Hot Honey Team” of representatives will be passing out the signature flavored peanuts, available at www.Peanut.com. A partnership between ThorSport Racing and the Peanut Roaster is the marriage of two companies to grow specialty product sales in the coming years.

At the Winter Fancy Food Show this weekend in San Francisco (www.SpecialtyFood.com), attendees will have the opportunity to not only see the No. 13 “Hot Honeys” Toyota Tundra and take photos; they will also get a chance to find out private label, wholesale and fundraising opportunities with the Peanut Roaster company. Started in 1949 by Larry Monahan, Sr., the Peanut Roaster has a tradition of pioneering processes, offerings and opportunities in gourmet gift products both wholesale and to the public via www.Peanut.com; as well as operating three (3) retail stores with specialty gourmet peanuts, gifts and accessories.

No. 13 The Peanut Roaster / Peanut.com Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with ThorSport Racing, one of the premier teams in NASCAR,” said John Monahan, president of The Peanut Roaster. “What goes better with racing than Hot Honeys and a cold beverage? We are looking forward to being a part of a successful 2012 season.”

“We’re excited to have the Hot Honey brand, and the Peanut Roaster company, on board with us at ThorSport Racing in 2012,” said Matt LaNeve, vice president of motorsports partnerships for ThorSport Racing. “ThorSport Racing has a history of not only innovating in what they do – but also in finding the products and companies that work well with the market. We’re looking forward to the debut of the ‘Hot Honey’ line and racing component at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco.”

After a successful 2011 season in the NCWTS, with two wins and two poles under his belt – Johnny Sauter is ready to race again in 2012. “I couldn’t be happier to have the ‘Hot Honeys’ and Peanut.com on my truck this year,” he said candidly. “All kidding aside, I’m an avid peanut eater! So selfishly, now I get to eat all the gourmet peanuts I want. Seriously though, I am really looking forward to working with them, and hopefully we’ll see them in Victory Lane soon.”

ABOUT PEANUT ROASTER / HOT HONEYS PEANUTS:

The Peanut Roaster was started by Larry Monahan Sr., considered a pioneer in the development of frying water-blanched peanuts in the 1940s. In 1949, he began roasting and selling peanuts to passing tourists from his family-owned restaurant, and a beloved brand was born. Today, the peanut tradition continues with president and son, John S. Monahan – using the same recipes developed by his father in the late Forties. Our peanuts are enjoyed in all 50 states and many foreign countries, and we continue to innovate in the 21st Century with new brands, processes and partnerships to bring the best quality peanuts to our customers. For more information, visit Peanut.com, Facebook: Facebook/PeanutRoaster or YouTube: user/PeanutRoaster.

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING:

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. NASCAR’s only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, will run in 2012 the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter; the No. 98 Ferrell Gas / Agrisure Toyota Tundra driven by Dakoda Armstrong; and the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

ThorSport Racing has wheeled into Victory Lane with Terry Cook, Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter since its inception and has finished a dominating eight times within the top 10 in points with both trucks. ThorSport Racing operates in a state-of-the-art, world-class 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky. For more information, visit us on Facebook: Facebook/ThorSportRacing or Twitter: Twitter.com/ThorSportRacing

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

Venturini Motorsports Finishes Daytona Test with Top Four Spots; 79 Drivers Take Laps Over Three Days

Press Release — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:25:55 +0000

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

Buster Graham and Milka Duno each led sessions over the final day of ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards open testing at Daytona International Speedway, but Venturini Motorsports ended the weekend with the top four positions on the overall time chart.

Graham’s morning lap of 48.229 seconds (186.61 mph) in the No. 88 Ford gave him the lead in the weekend’s fifth testing session, and in turn the only top 10 time outside of Saturday afternoon’s drafting session. Duno, Jared Marks, Will Kimmel, and Alex Bowman comprised the remainder of the morning top five.

Only 30 cars participated in the last afternoon session, which Duno led with a best lap of 48.34 seconds (186.161 mph). She was followed by Joey Coulter, Brandon McReynolds, Bowman, and Josh Richards. Full speed charts for both Sunday sessions are available at ARCARacing.com.

Overall, Venturini Motorsports ended the weekend with the top positions among 79 drivers who took laps over 21 hours. Bowman’s Saturday afternoon lap of 47.787 seconds (188.336 mph) in the No. 25 Chevrolet will stand as the test’s top effort, just ahead of teammates John Stancill, Brennan Poole, and Ryan Reed. Marks, driving a Tony Marks Racing Dodge, ended the weekend fifth.

Duno’s Saturday afternoon lap in the Sheltra Motorsports Ford ended the test sixth overall, just ahead of Venturini’s Nelson Canache, DC Racing’s Drew Charlson, Graham, and Coulter Motorsports’ Matt Lofton.

The overall weekend results are listed below.

CAR # DRIVER MFG TIME SPEED

1 25a Alex Bowman Chevy 47.787 188.336
2 55 John Stancill Toyota 47.811 188.241
3 25 Brennan Poole Chevy 47.812 188.237
4 15 Ryan Reed Toyota 47.821 188.202
5 12 Jared Marks Dodge 47.832 188.159
6 63 Milka Duno Ford 48.166 186.854
7 35 Nelson Canache Chevy 48.212 186.676
8 51 Drew Charlson Chevy 48.221 186.641
9 88 Buster Graham Ford 48.229 186.610
10 16 Matt Lofton Chevy 48.234 186.590
11 94 Steve Blackburn Chevy 48.245 186.548
12 69a Fain Skinner Ford 48.251 186.525
13 58 Chad Hackenbracht Chevy 48.340 186.181
14 61 Joey Coulter Chevy 48.363 186.093
15 4 Brandon McReynolds Chevy 48.364 186.089
16 32 Chris Windom Toyota 48.380 186.027
17 66 Josh Richards Toyota 48.438 185.805
18 68 Will Kimmel Ford 48.488 185.613
19 08 Ross Chastain Ford 48.569 185.303
20 12 Maryeve Dufault Dodge 48.573 185.288
21 75 Ginny Quinones Toyota 48.674 184.904
22 44 Frank Kimmel Toyota 48.773 184.528
23 6 Cale Gale Chevy 48.803 184.415
24 14 John Ferrier Chevy 48.839 184.279
25 05 Derrike Cope Chevy 48.846 184.253
26 00 Ed Kennedy Chevy 48.865 184.181
27 66 Mark Thompson Toyota 48.931 183.932
28 1 Alli Owens Ford 48.953 183.850
29 90 Zachary Ralston Ford 48.971 183.782
30 29c Bobby Pelland Dodge 49.076 183.389
31 29a Sam Edwards Dodge 49.092 183.329
32 5a Bobby Gerhart Chevy 49.169 183.042
33 82a Sean Corr Ford 49.190 182.964
34 61 T.J. Duke Chevy 49.193 182.953
35 11b Rick Clifton Chevy 49.340 182.408
36 75a Benny Chastain Toyota 49.392 182.216
37 17 Chris Buescher Ford 49.417 182.124
38 29b Sloan Henderson Dodge 49.461 181.962
39 5b Damon Lusk Chevy 49.469 181.932
40 14a Josh Williams Ford 49.609 181.419
41 05 Spencer Gallagher Chevy 49.625 181.360
42 1a Jeremy Petty Chevy 49.725 180.995
43 40a Michelle Therault Dodge 49.745 180.923
44 10a Dennis Strickland Ford 49.793 180.748
45 13 George Cushman Dodge 49.985 180.054
46 69 Chris Brown Ford 50.133 179.522
47 18 Michael Affarano Chevy 50.207 179.258
48 10b Ryan Glenski Chevy 50.223 179.201
49 90a Grant Enfinger Ford 50.258 179.076
50 40t Nick Tucker Dodge 50.390 178.607
51 11 Paul Harraka Chevy 50.403 178.561
52 11c Trevor Edwards Chevy 50.517 178.158
53 10 Derrick Griffin Ford 50.539 178.080
54 1b Thomas Praytor Ford 50.560 178.006
55 11a Ed Pompa Chevy 50.579 177.939
56 29 Bob Bryant Dodge 50.606 177.845
57 11e Sunny Hobbs Chevy 50.617 177.806
58 29d Andy Jones Dodge 50.626 177.774
59 18f Chris Coker Ford 50.640 177.725
60 04c Danny Esposito Dodge 50.651 177.687
61 04 Scott Edwards Dodge 50.695 177.532
62 1c Alexsander Gregory Ford 50.715 177.462
63 40b Trent Mayo Dodge 50.926 176.727
64 04a Juan Carlos Blum Dodge 51.029 176.370
65 40d Larry Barford Dodge 51.054 176.284
66 11d Bill Coffey Ford 51.162 175.912
67 40d Josh Watkins Dodge 51.162 175.912
68 06 Ricky Byers Chevy 51.173 175.874
69 11h James Hylton Ford 51.243 175.634
70 10f Brad Lloyd Chevy 51.257 175.586
71 10b Daryl Eustice Ford 51.277 175.517
72 18c Tyler Speer Chevy 51.348 175.275
73 89 Chris Lafferty Chevy 51.563 174.544
74 40c Ryan Rust Dodge 51.605 174.402
75 7 Brent Cross Chevy 51.792 173.772
76 40 Michael Bockler Dodge 51.795 173.762
77 40b Roger Carter Dodge 51.827 173.655
78 89a Korbin Forrister Chevy 52.314 172.038
79 74 Jimmy Nowell Chevy 60.220 149.452

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will return to central Florida in less than two months, as the February 18 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway will open ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season. The 80-lap, 200-mile race is scheduled as the first of 20 races in 2012 and will air live on SPEED, with additional coverage available at ARCARacing.com.

The complete 2012 event schedule is available at ARCARacing.com.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series will visit Alabama’s Mobile International Speedway and Minnesota’s Elko Speedway for the first time; ARCA’s first visit to Minnesota will give ARCA a race in a 29th state.

Founded by John Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in two professional touring series and local weekly events.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

Ty Dillon Crowned 29th ARCA Racing Series Champion at Annual Championship Awards Banquet

Press Release — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:58:44 +0000

Ty Dillon (L) and car owner and grandather Richard Childress (R) celebrate the ARCA Racing Series championship during the annual awards banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center (Photo Credit: ARCA)

(COVINGTON, Ky.) – Richard Childress Racing’s Ty Dillon finished the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season as the champion 55 days ago, but has since watched brother Austin win and celebrate a title of his own. This evening was Ty’s time to shine, with his brother, parents, grandparents, and a wealth of team members at his side.

Dillon and his No. 41 Chevrolet team were officially crowned ARCA champions at the series’ annual Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. The 19-year-old from Lewisville, N.C. was among 15 drivers from the top 20 in the final point standings to be honored on stage, and left with more than $100,000 in point fund and special award earnings, as awarded by the numerous series partners at the ceremony.

To honor Dillon’s position as the 29th ARCA Racing Series champion in 59 seasons, ARCA president Ron Drager presented the driver a letter signed by North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, as well as a series championship ring and a leather championship jacket featuring the series logo.

As is the custom, a video tribute featured photographs from the champion’s youth and ascent to championship status; special additions to this season’s video included special messages from Richard Childress Racing drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton, as well as a collection of footage showcasing Dillon’s use of the word “awesome” in Victory Lane interviews.

Joining Dillon on stage were his grandfather and team owner, Richard Childress, grandmother Judy Childress, and crew chief Scott “Flash” Naset, who was joined by his wife Stephanie.

“It doesn’t really hit you, how special it is to do something like this, until you’re up on the stage like this and all these people you’ve worked so hard against all year are staring up at you and you’re getting crowned the champion,” said Dillon, who finished the season with seven wins, 13 top-fives, and 16 top-10 finishes. “It hit me pretty hard, and I’m just proud to be with the group of guys I’m with. It’s almost just surreal, to finally take it in. This experience right here has changed me a lot.”

Among the top awards Dillon and his team received were: $10,000 for winning the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell after securing seven poles in 2011; $6,000 from Sunoco Race Fuel; $5,000 for winning the Aaron’s Lap Leader of the Year Award; $5,000 from Messina Wildlife Management; $5,000 from Hoosier for most wins by a car owner; $2,500 from the University of Northwestern Ohio; and the Fast Track High Performance Driving School Award. Jeff Abbott of Menards presented Dillon a check representing his winnings from the series points fund.

Naset also visited the stage on his own to accept the Cometic Crew Chief of the Year Award.

David Ragan, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series race winner, served as the Guest of Honor. SPEED television analyst Phil Parsons acted as the banquet host for the third consecutive year.

Chris Buescher, who drove to second place in the final standings for Roulo Brothers Racing, received the $10,000 ARCA Rookie of the Year Award, as well as $2,500 in cash and product certificates from Print Resources and $500 from JRI. Buescher also accepted the $15,000 Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge Award and the R.E. Lightning Challenge Award, among other prizes.

Buescher won three of the season’s last four races, and the team’s Russell Roulo won the Klotz Engine Mechanic of the Year Award. Gary Roulo joined Buescher on stage when he was introduced for finishing in second place.

The team left with more than $100,000 in point fund and special award earnings after a season in which Buescher drove to three wins, 14 top-fives, and 16 top-10s.

Frank Kimmel was recognized on stage for finishing third in the series standings, as well as for winning the CGS Imaging Hard Charger of the Year Award and the S&S Volvo Laps Completed Award. He was joined for a final time on stage by brother and crew chief Bill Kimmel; the two will separate for the 2012 season with Frank Kimmel moving to ThorSport Racing.

Chad McCumbee, who finished fifth in the final series standings, joined owner Jennifer Belmont on stage to accept the Bill France Four Crown Award for his combined performances at New Jersey, Michigan, Springfield, and Salem.

Fourth-place driver Grant Enfinger and owner Mike Allgaier were introduced, as were fellow pairs from the top 10 in the final standings: Tom Hessert and team owner Ken Schrader (sixth); Tim George Jr. and crew chief Gere Kennon (seventh); Chad Hackenbracht and team owner Greg Hackenbracht (eighth); Sean Corr and team owner John Corr (ninth); and Darrell Basham (10th).

The top-10 honor – Basham’s first since 1976 – turned out to be the second recognition of the night for Basham. Earlier, he was honored with his second Spirit Award, following the same honor in 2003. The Spirit Award is given to a person for dedication and support of ARCA, uplifting spirit by way of example, perseverance, and positive attitude. Despite a late 2010 garage fire that destroyed nearly all his race equipment, Basham displayed all of those characteristics in driving to his best season finish in 35 years.

Nick Ramey accepted the Crane Cams Engine Builder of the Year Award on behalf of Roush Yates Engines, and Ramey himself was presented the H.G. Adcox Sportsman of the Year Award for his consistent willingness to assist any team in the garage.

In addition to stepping to the stage with Hessert, Schrader appeared to accept the Marcum Award, annually presented to an individual or entity whose positive efforts have elevated ARCA’s motorsports stature to the benefit of all associated. Schrader is a 15-time winner in the ARCA Racing Series, and continues to promote the series today as a team owner and television broadcaster.

Cathy Venturini and Nate Thiesse, the fourth and 10th-place owners, respectively, both spoke on stage.

To complete the honoring of the top 20 drivers, James Hylton (11th), Brad Smith (12th), Levi Youster (14th), Will Kimmel (15th), and Maryeve Dufault (16th) visited the stage to receive congratulations.

Jeff Kettman accepted the Manufacturer Championship on behalf of Chevrolet.

Andy O’Neal, dean of the College of Technology of the University of Northwestern Ohio – ARCA’s Official High Performance Education University – awarded a group of ARCA scholarships on behalf of the university.

Likewise, Parsons announced the winners of the Bob Loga Memorial ARCA Scholarships. Brianna Peterson – granddaughter of ARCA competitor Wayne Peterson – won $1,500. Peterson, of Hoover, Ala., holds a 4.23 grade point average as a sophomore veterinary student at Auburn University. Brittany Gaddis of Romulus, Mich. won $500. She is the daughter of ARCA Figure 8 driver Danny Gaddis, attends Romulus High School, and plans to study nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit.

The ceremony concluded just after 10 p.m. with a special video featuring an interview with Mildred Marcum, known widely as an ARCA founder. The interview led into a short mention of ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season and the surrounding celebrations that will occur throughout 2012. A press conference in the afternoon included major series and team announcements.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards featured 19 events at 16 tracks on its 2011 schedule. The series has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 28 states since its inception. In 2011, the series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course.

The 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule is currently available at ARCARacing.com. Testing for ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season will begin Friday, December 16 at Daytona International Speedway. The season’s first race is scheduled for Saturday, February 18 at Daytona.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

ThorSport Racing Celebrates Successful 2011; Pursues 2012 Series Championships with Toyota and TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) During an Active Growth Phase

Press Release — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:38:54 +0000

“Longest-tenured NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Team Announces Expansion Plans & Employment Opportunities within Two Series”

ThorSport Racing

Sandusky, Oh. (November 29, 2011) - ThorSport Racing, the longest-tenured NASCAR Camping World Trucks (NCWTS) team with entries since 1996, announced today their 2012 expansion plans – to include a partnership with TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). After a successful 2011 season in the NCWTS, with three wins and four poles between two veteran drivers – Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton – and debut of rookie Dakoda Armstrong; the organization is hiring in its state of the art facility in Sandusky, Ohio for the No. 44 ARCA Racing Series team of Frank Kimmel.

“We’d like to thank everyone at Chevrolet for all the support over the last 16 years,” said Matt LaNeve, vice president of motorsports partnerships for ThorSport Racing. “ThorSport Racing, along with dedicated owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson, have a long-standing history and commitment to conservative, steady growth within NASCAR. Toyota’s business and competitive philosophies are in line with our 2012 goals for both Frank Kimmel, as he pursues his 10th ARCA Racing Series Championship; and our NCWTS teams of the 13, 88 and 98, as we further look to increase competition. We are aggressively chasing not only wins in our two respective series, but championship trophies for our drivers and sponsors.”

ThorSport Racing currently operates three NCWTS teams – the No. 13 of Johnny Sauter; the No. 88 of Matt Crafton; and the No. 98 of Dakoda Armstrong. The organization will also field the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Toyota Camry during the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. The No. 13 Safe Auto / Curb Records entry finished second in driver championship points in 2011, matching the organization’s highest previous finish by the No. 88 Menards entry and Matt Crafton in 2009 – narrowly missing the championship by six points but capping the year off with a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18th; adding to driver Sauter’s win list, shared with a trophy clock at Martinsville earlier in the year. The No. 88 Menards entry, piloted by Matt Crafton, finished 8th in overall driver championship points, earned two poles and wheeled into Victory Lane at Iowa Speedway during the 2011 season.

“We’re always on the forefront of competition in whatever series we are competing in,” said David Pepper, Director of Competition and Team Manager for ThorSport Racing. “We’re looking forward to forging ahead with Toyota in the competition arena in 2012. We’re actively hiring top talent to our existing crew members on our championship-caliber teams. We’re encouraged, during a down economy in both the country and in racing, to be hiring and adding jobs back into our industry.”

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. ThorSport Racing’s first race came at the Milwaukee Mile on July 6, 1996. NASCAR’s only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, will run in 2012 the No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto / Curb Records Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Sauter; the No. 98 Ferrell Gas / Agrisure Toyota Tundra driven by Dakoda Armstrong; and the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

ThorSport Racing has wheeled into Victory Lane with Terry Cook, Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter since its inception and has finished a dominating eight times within the top 10 in points with both trucks. Sauter wheeled into Victory Lane twice in 2011 – Martinsville and Homestead-Miami; Crafton in Iowa. Both earned two poles, respectively. In 2011, ThorSport Racing matched its highest previous driver points finish by Matt Crafton and the No. 88 in 2009 – with the No. 13 of Johnny Sauter. In 2009 and 2010, both Crafton and Sauter finished in the top five in driver points. ThorSport Racing operates in a state-of-the-art, world-class 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky. For more information, visit us on Facebook: Facebook/ThorSportRacing or Twitter: Twitter.com/ThorSportRacing

ABOUT TOYOTA:

TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)

Powering all of Toyota’s American racing programs is TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Salisbury, N.C. A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., TRD serves as the North American racing arm for design, development and assembly of Toyota’s factory racing engines.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

Salem Speedway Hosting Two ARCA Racing Series Events in 2012

Press Release — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:37:01 +0000

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Thumbnail

(TOLEDO, Ohio) – ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season will appropriately include two races at the longest-tenured and most visited track on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule: Indiana’s Salem Speedway.

Two events are scheduled at the demanding, high-banked 0.555-mile oval between Indianapolis and Louisville, Ky. The 91st Salem race in ARCA history will take place Sunday, April 29, with the 92nd following on Saturday, September 15.

Salem Speedway first hosted ARCA in 1955, the third season of ARCA competition.

“ARCA’s history at Salem Speedway stretches back to the MARC era and our earliest decade,” said Ron Drager, president of ARCA. “The fans in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky turn out with great support year after year. We look forward to providing them with the traditional Sunday afternoon show in the spring and our classic Saturday night race in the fall.”

Indiana native Frank Kimmel is the all-time leading winner at Salem, with nine victories. Jack Bowsher is second in history with seven wins. Brennan Poole won at Salem in his first career start in May, and Chris Buescher won in September as part of his charge to the 2011 ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year Award.

“We are once again honored to have Salem Speedway represented with two dates on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton. “ARCA has played a very prominent role in the storied history of the famed high banks and we are excited to carry on that tradition in 2012.”

More detailed schedule information for the season will be available shortly. The following race dates for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule have been announced:

February 18 – Daytona International Speedway

March 10 – Mobile International Speedway

April 29 – Salem Speedway

May 4 – Talladega Superspeedway

June 9 – Pocono Raceway

June 15 – Michigan International Speedway

June 24 – Winchester Speedway

July 1 – New Jersey Motorsports Park

July 13 – Iowa Speedway

July 21 – Chicagoland Speedway

August 4 – Pocono Raceway

August 11 – Berlin Raceway

August 19 – Illinois State Fairgrounds

August 26 – Madison International Speedway

September 3 – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

September 15 – Salem Speedway

October 19 – Kansas Speedway

The ARCA Racing Series will wrap up the 2011 season with the Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati, on Saturday, December 10.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

ARCA Releases Four Summer Short Track Dates for 2012 Season

Press Release — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:44:03 +0000

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Thumbnail

(TOLEDO, Ohio) – Thrilling short track action will dot the summer schedule for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in 2012, the series’ 60th year of competition.

Adding to 11 races previously announced for next year’s schedule, ARCA officials released four more event dates as the unveiling of 2012′s entire race slate approaches.

The series will return to Winchester Speedway, the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” on Sunday, June 24. The race will be the 22nd for ARCA at the track 75 miles northeast of Indianapolis; the first ARCA race at Winchester took place in 1957, just the fifth season of ARCA competition. Dakoda Armstrong lifted Cunningham Motorsports to victory at Winchester in June.

“Winchester is exactly the type of Midwestern facility where the ARCA brand is well-known and has the chance to be successful,” said ARCA president Ron Drager. “Winchester is big enough and fast enough to play to the very nature of our cars.”

ARCA will make its seventh visit to the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway on Friday, July 13 – one day before a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at the track. Ty Dillon and Richard Childress Racing earned a dominating win at Iowa in July on his way to the 2011 series championship.

“Racing at Iowa Speedway is important from a market and venue perspective, as we reach a number of fans from several major areas there,” Drager said. “Being as recently built as it is, Iowa Speedway is one of those tracks that has the luxury of incorporating so many amenities – sightlines and facilities among them – to be fan-friendly and competitor-friendly. Iowa Speedway fans have strongly supported ARCA.”

The 25th appearance for the ARCA Racing Series at Berlin Raceway will occur on Saturday, August 11. The 0.4375-mile oval near Grand Rapids, Mich. hosted ARCA for the first time in 1958, and Matt Merrell won this July to take his first victory with Win-Tron Racing.

“Berlin Raceway is unlike any of the short tracks we go to in terms of its unique layout and pit road,” said Drager. “It’s been a staple of the tour for a number of years, and it seems that everyone from local guys like 2002 winner Fred Campbell to multi-time champions like three-time winner Frank Kimmel has a chance to be successful.”

Madison International Speedway will host ARCA for the second consecutive year and the fifth time since 1970 on Sunday, August 26. Alex Bowman drove Venturini Motorsports to the winner’s circle on the half-mile this season. The race is the year’s only event in Wisconsin, home to series presenting sponsor Menards. After taking place as a one-day Friday event in 2011, on-track activities will spread over two days – a Saturday and Sunday combination.

“The state of Wisconsin is renowned for the quality of its racing – teams and facilities – so it’s an important state from that perspective,” said Drager. “In addition, Wisconsin race fans are well-educated about the sport, and Terry Kunes and his staff at Madison provide a great venue at which our series can perform and compete.

“We consider every one of these race tracks important challenges to our racers, and there is a true advantage to racing within the Menards footprint. As Menards continues as our highest-profile marketing partner, racing in these Midwestern and Central states takes on added significance.”

More detailed schedule information for the season will be available shortly. The following race dates for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule have been announced:

February 18 – Daytona International Speedway

March 10 – Mobile International Speedway

May 4 – Talladega Superspeedway

June 9 – Pocono Raceway

June 15 – Michigan International Speedway

June 24 – Winchester Speedway

July 1 – New Jersey Motorsports Park

July 13 – Iowa Speedway

July 21 – Chicagoland Speedway

August 4 – Pocono Raceway

August 11 – Berlin Raceway

August 19 – Illinois State Fairgrounds

August 26 – Madison International Speedway

September 3 – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

October 19 – Kansas Speedway

The ARCA Racing Series will wrap up the 2011 season with the Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati, on Saturday, December 10.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

A First in the Last Event for Dakoda Armstrong

Press Release — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:28:21 +0000

No. 98 Ferrellgas / Agrisure Viptera / Drive for Savings Chevrolet Silverado

A First for Armstrong at Season’s Last Event: This season has been full of firsts for Dakoda Armstrong, but the Ford 200 will mark his first career start in any racing vehicle at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In his previous six starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), Armstrong and his No. 98 ThorSport Racing team chose tracks that the 20-year-old had visited in his ARCA Racing Series career or in a USAC midget. However, Armstrong’s best run of the season thus far came at Kentucky Speedway, similar to the 1.5-mile oval at Homestead.

“Even though I haven’t raced at Homestead before I’m not too worried. All tracks we go to have their differences but a lot of tracks have similarities, so I can apply some of what I have learned before. The thing I will work on the most is just the track’s differences and the line to run, which can be different from year to year anyway because of the way tracks age or just by how your truck is handling,” Armstrong noted.

New Partner in EverFi: The No. 98 will have a new sponsor donning the rear quarter panels this weekend at Homestead as EverFi joins ThorSport Racing. EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company to teach, assess, and certify students in critical skills. EverFi teams with major corporations and foundations to provide programs to schools at no cost and is spreading into new facilities in its national movement across the 50 states. EverFi enables students to learn using the latest technology, including rich media, high-definition video, diagrams and avatars.EverFi’s education learning platforms include Financial Literacy, Student Loan Management, Digital Literacy, Cyberbullying, Alcohol Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness, and additional product areas to be announced in early 2012.

Drive For Savings and UMDF: Dakoda Armstrong will honor a foundation special to his family this weekend at Homestead with the help of Drive For Savings. The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) logo will ride on the No. 98 to raise awareness for this debilitating disease. Mitochondrial diseases result from the failure of the mitochondria, which are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed to support growth and sustain life and are located in the cells of our bodies. When mitochondria fail, less energy is produced causing cell injury or cell death. There is no cure for mitochondrial disease. Armstrong’s cousins, Erikka and Seth, were both diagnosed with mitochondrial disorders.

“We are very delighted that Dakoda is helping us raise awareness for mitochondrial disease. This disease affects his family, and we are honored that he is supporting us in so many ways, including putting the logo on his truck,” said CEO/Executive Director of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Charles A. Mohan, Jr.

Prepped for 2012: With six starts prior to Homestead in the NCWTS, Armstrong and his No. 98 team lead by veteran crew chief Dan Stillman head into next season with some notes, ideas and real racing experience on their side. Armstrong feels his seat time this season, along with watching from his teammates’ pit boxes when he’s not competing, has helped prepare him for a solid run at the 2012 Rookie of the Year.

“It’s been hard sitting on the sidelines in between my races, but I’ve learned a lot from watching Johnny and Matt. I’ve learned that being very consistent is what’s going to win races and championships, and the more you can minimize your mistakes, the better your year is going to be. We really plan on using that strategy next year and just want to keep improving,” Armstrong said.

Gifts For The Holiday Season? ThorSport Has You Covered: Even though the season is coming to a close, you can still find that ThorSport Racing merchandise for the race fan in your family in our online store. We encourage everyone to check out our special deals at http://store.thorsport.com. If you can’t make it out to the new shop in Sandusky, you can now purchase merchandise online.

ThorSport Online Store Now Open: Long awaited by all, the ThorSport Racing online store is now open! We encourage everyone to check out our newest addition at http://store.thorsport.com. If you can’t make it out to the new shop in Sandusky, you can now purchase merchandise online.

Chassis History: The Ferrellgas/EverFi/Drive For Savings team has prepared “The Workhorse” chassis No. 23 for competition once again for the final event of the season. Armstrong has piloted this particular machine in three starts, including his best finish of the year (9th) at Kentucky Speedway in October.

Dakoda Armstrong

Dakoda Armstrong on Homestead-Miami Superspeedway

What kind of preparations have you made before heading to Homestead-Miami for the first time?

“I’ve played some NASCAR 2011 to see what Homestead is like, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to anyone who has experience there about it much yet. I plan on doing that once we get there and it’s fresher in everyone’s mind.”

You scored your best finish of the year at another 1.5-mile oval at Kentucky. Do you think there will be any similarities?

“We had a really great truck at Kentucky and I think some things will transfer. We’ve had a long break since that race at Kentucky and that might challenge us a little, but we’ll just have to continue to work on it and get more speed out of the truck right away during practice and adapt quicker.”

What do you think about having another teammate in Frank Kimmel?

“Obviously the more teammates you have, the more information you have available to you, and that’s helpful no matter where you go. But having someone like Frank Kimmel who has been racing longer than I have been alive means there is a lot of experience there and I’m looking forward to picking his brain on some things this weekend.”

About ThorSport Racing:

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. ThorSport Racing’s first came at the Milwaukee Mile on July 6, 1996. NASCAR’s only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, currently runs the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado driven by Matt Crafton, and the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records Chevrolet driven by Johnny Sauter.

ThorSport Racing has wheeled into Victory Lane with Terry Cook, Matt Crafton, and Johnny Sauter since its inception and has finished a dominating seven times within the top 10 in points with both trucks. In April 2011, Sauter wheeled into Victory Lane at Martinsville Speedway. In 2009 and 2010, both Crafton and Sauter finished in the top five in driver points. In 2011, ThorSport Racing has moved into a state-of-the-art, world-class, 100,000 square foot racing facility in Sandusky, and has also expanded its operations with the addition of a third NCWTS team, the No. 98. The team is set to run select races in 2011, and full-time in 2012 with Rookie of the Year contender Dakoda Armstrong.

Ferrellgas

Ferrellgas originated as a family-owned propane company, founded in 1939 in Atchison, Kansas. Now headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Ferrellgas has grown through acquisitions and an unwavering dedication to customer service and safety, and is now the premier propane provider in the United States. It is also the largest provider of propane by branded propane tank exchange through its Blue Rhino brand and serves approximately 1 million Customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.Ferrellgas.com.

EverFi

EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company to teach, assess, and certify students in critical skills. EverFi’s education learning platforms include Financial Literacy, Student Loan Management, Digital Literacy, Cyberbullying, Alcohol Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness, and additional product areas to be announced in early 2012. The company is powering a national movement in 50 states that enables adults and students to learn using the latest technology, including adaptive pathing, rich media, high-definition video, simulations, and avatars. To date, over 4 million students have been certified in EverFi’s online learning platforms, which not only track knowledge gains but also measure student attitudes on these important topics. Learn more at www.everfi.com

Drive For Savings

Drive For Savings, based in Middletown, Indiana, was founded as a fundraising company, providing solutions to the lack of funding issue that most organizations face on a daily basis. Honored to be a member of a network that has been built over the past 27 years and has served over 15 million members, Drive For Savings creates innovative fundraising programs that are designed to meet the specific needs of any organization through the sale of discount cards. The Drive For Savings (DFS) cards are linked to a nationwide discount program that offers discounts at over 260,000 locations and are sold for $25 each. Each card sale earns money for the specific organization that sells it. The goal of DFS is to help organizations succeed by earning necessary funds and will increase revenue without adding labor. Each program is 100% designed, managed and tracked by the DFS staff. Drive For Savings is proud to sponsor NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Dakoda Armstrong and the No. 98 ThorSport Racing team. For more information, please visit www.DriveForSavings.com.

ABOUT THE UMDF

Founded in 1996, the UMDF works to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial diseases and to provide support for affected individuals and families. Since its inception, the UMDF has funded nearly $8 million in research, making it the leading non-governmental contributor of grants focused solely on mitochondrial disease. The UMDF, based in Pittsburgh, PA., is a national organization, represented by 65 chapters, groups and ambassadors around the United States and thousands of members who participate in groups and as ambassadors around the world. For more information about mitochondrial disease or the UMDF, visit www.umdf.org.

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

ThorSport Racing Expands into ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards; Fields Team Piloted by Nine-Time Champion Frank Kimmel

Press Release — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:18:27 +0000

“Championship-driven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Team Adds the No. 44 Ansell/Menards ARCA Racing Series Entry; Debuting Partnership Via Finale Entry at Homestead NCWTS with Kimmel”

ThorSport Racing

Sandusky, Oh. (November 11, 2011) - ThorSport Racing, the longest tenured team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with over 500 active entries since 1996, announced today its plans to continue its growth model by fielding a 2012 full-season ARCA Racing Series team. 9-time ARCA Racing Series Champion and All-time ARCA Purse-winning driver Frank Kimmel will pilot the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Chevrolet under the ThorSport Racing banner in 2012. Kimmel will “kick off” his partnership with ThorSport Racing by running the championship finale of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 18th. He will join new teammates Matt Crafton, Johnny Sauter and Dakoda Armstrong – all running in their respective trucks – by piloting a fourth entry, the No. 44 Ansell / Menards Chevrolet Silverado at the Ford 200.

“This is an exciting move for ThorSport Racing, and we’re looking forward to growing together with the ARCA Racing Series and long-term with Frank Kimmel and his team,” said Matthew LaNeve, Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships for ThorSport Racing. “Frank obviously has a pedigree of success within the series, as well as a history of setting the bar high for the rest of the field. ThorSport has had a long-standing pattern of excellence & championship caliber teams in the NCWTS with Matt Crafton, Johnny Sauter and now rookie Dakoda Armstrong. We felt this was the right move at the right time.”

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is an auto racing sanctioning body in the United States, founded in 1953 by John Marcum. The ARCA Racing Series races stock cars similar to those seen in past years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and indeed most cars used in the ARCA Racing Series were previously used in NASCAR. “The level of competition in the ARCA Racing Series has impressed us, and we felt this was a great opportunity with Frank,” said David Pepper, Team Manager & Competition Director for ThorSport Racing. “With our NASCAR resources and knowledge base, as well as being geographically close to many of the ARCA races, we felt it was a natural fit. This partnership not only forges a great relationship for competitive racing in our organization; it also encourages job growth in the North Coast as we continue to seek out exceptional talent in the area.”

“The ARCA Racing Series prides itself on being at the cusp of growth for its fans and teams each year, which makes this partnership an exciting one for our 2012 season,” said Mark Gundrum, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for ARCA. “”ThorSport Racing will provide a great opportunity for Frank to meet his goals, and should provide Ansell, Menards, and ARCA with additional business-to-business avenues and opportunities. We welcome ThorSport to ARCA with open arms. The organization is a first-class, proven contender and we’re thrilled to add their competitive experience to our top series. We look forward to watching not only the relationship grow, but also the competition intensify on track for our fans and SPEED viewers.”

“It has been a pleasure to have Frank Kimmel represent Ansell in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards the last three years,” said Steve York, Director of Channel and Vertical Development for Ansell. “As our representative, Frank reflects the qualities of Ansell’s employees worldwide – dedication, loyalty and a desire to be the best at what we do. We are thrilled to partner with Menards along with ThorSport Racing as they also exemplify these qualities as a proven winner on and off the track. Ansell looks forward to a very successful season and the presentation of Frank’s 10th ARCA Racing Series Championship trophy.”

Frank Kimmel

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work with ThorSport Racing in 2012,” said Kimmel. “It’s a great opportunity to work with the best in class – from a world-class shop and staff to resources of such a strong organization. These guys know how to run for championships, and I think I’ve shown a few times that I can do the same. I’m ready to get back into the seat in Daytona and charge for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards championship together! To be able to kick everything off in Homestead is just icing on the cake – Matt Crafton and I have raced together for years as fellow ‘Menards teammates;’ I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on the competition side and making a great run there for the team.”

ABOUT THORSPORT RACING:

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest tenured active NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. ThorSport Racing’s first race came at the Milwaukee Mile on July 6, 1996. NASCAR’s only Ohio-based team, which has run full season schedules annually beginning in 1998, currently runs the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet driven by Matt Crafton; the No. 13 Safe Auto/Curb Records Chevrolet driven by Johnny Sauter; and the No. 98 Ferrell Gas / Agrisure Chevrolet driven by Dakoda Armstrong.

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

ARCA Racing Series Releases 2012 Daytona, Talladega Dates

Press Release — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:44:22 +0000

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Thumbnail

(TOLEDO, Ohio) - The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will continue a long tradition of opening its season at the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway.

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 will set the tone for 2012 from the historic 2.5-mile superspeedway oval at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 18. The race will air live on SPEED.

The race will be the 49th for ARCA at Daytona, which has hosted the series’ season opener every year since ARCA’s first visit in 1964. The race will also open ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season, and will precede Saturday night’s feature race, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout. Those events will lead into pole qualifying for the Daytona 500 the next day.

Bobby Gerhart has won a record seven times at Daytona, including a victory over 2011 Rookie of the Year Chris Buescher this February.

“We race on the same day, at the same track, just a couple of hours before the Bud Shootout, and a week in advance of the season-opening Daytona 500,” said Ron Drager, president of ARCA. “It’s a great opportunity for us, and a great platform at a track where so much of our history has been written.”

On-track activity will begin with practice Thursday, February 16 and continue with Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell on Friday, February 17. Start times will be announced shortly.

ARCA officials also announced today that the season’s second superspeedway event will take place Friday, May 4 at Talladega Superspeedway, leading off a weekend of NASCAR Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series action.

“These race tracks are great facilities in important racing markets, and speak to the long-standing relationship between ARCA and the International Speedway Corporation tracks, which dates back to ARCA’s first race at Daytona in 1964,” Drager said. “This is a real opportunity for our teams and drivers to be on track during the high-visibility ISC race weekends.”

The 2012 race at Talladega will be the 50th since 1969. Grant Adcox is ARCA’s all-time leading winner on the 2.66-mile superspeedway oval with five wins, but 2011 series champion Ty Dillon is the most recent ARCA winner at Talladega. Dillon passed nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel just before the checkered flag to win this April.

More detailed schedule information for the season will be available shortly. The following race dates for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series schedule have been announced:

February 18 – Daytona International Speedway

March 10 – Mobile International Speedway

May 4 – Talladega Superspeedway

July 1 – New Jersey Motorsports Park

The ARCA Racing Series will wrap up the 2011 season with the Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati, on Saturday, December 10.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

Break Up at Kimmel Racing

Caught in the Catchfence™ — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:03:41 +0000

After months of speculation the break up at Kimmel Racing is on the fast track. Yes, this is the team that has won a ton of ARCA Championships. Driver Frank- has won nine titles and a majority came while his brother, Bill- has been crew chief. It has been a team tough to beat until the past few years. What happened? For starters, NASCAR teams have developed drivers in the ARCA series, but lately with more dollars and more passion. Take this year-Ty Dillion winning the ARCA crown. His grandfather is the great Richard Childress. It costs less money compared to trucks and Nationwide-so ARCA makes sense.

The big change may have happened a few years ago when Frank and Bill Kimmell ran Kimmel Racing but drove that familiar #46 Pork car for Larry Clement who resides in Iowa. The economy hadn’t tanked yet-so the Southern Indiana brothers moved on to try and do their own thing. With little sponsorship-they almost won another title. Then came Menard’s and Ansell -big names, big sponsors, and big dollars. Frank went winless this season-the first time since the mid-nineties. That should not have happened. As a matter of fact-he should have had 5-6 wins and easily by now could have been the all time driver with the most wins in ARCA. Didn’t happen. So, what went wrong. - Louisville Courier-Journal

Rookie Charles Evans Jr. Shines In ARCA Season Finale At Toledo Speedway

Press Release — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:44:28 +0000

Team BCR Racing

TOLEDO, Ohio (October 18, 2011) – - When the curtain was closed on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season and the Federated Car Care 200 at Toledo Speedway complete, there were a few surprises. Charles Evans Jr. and his Team BCR Racing rightfully earned a moment in the spotlight by capturing a solid top-10 finish this past Sunday.

The effort by the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team was also a strong recovery after debris sliced a tire on the team’s No. 99 Elevator Transportation Services Ford Fusion sent Evans Jr. into a spin a week before at Kansas Speedway in practice and ultimately forced the team to withdraw from the Kansas Lottery 98.9 to focus on the third short track race together.

Leadership from Motorsports veteran Howard Bixman at the controls as crew chief, rookie Charles Evans Jr. returned to the Northern Ohio short track on the heels of a solid private testing session just several weeks prior.

With the United States Auto Club (USAC) sharing Saturday with the ARCA Racing Series at Toledo Speedway, practice which was normally run as one session would now be combined into two forty minute-efforts. Mounting the 18th quickest times in each practice respectively, Team BCR team was optimistic about qualifying.

Charles Evans Jr.

“Strides we made in practice,” offered Evans Jr., who made two ARCA Racing Series starts previously at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway and Madison (Wisc.) International Speedway before tackling Toledo Speedway. “Howard and the guys kept making adjustments and we found ourselves in a comfortable position at the end of final practice.”

In qualifying, the Friendswood, Texas native knocked off the 16th fastest qualifying lap, ahead of some of ARCA’s most notables including nine-time champion Frank Kimmel, Tim George Jr. and Bobby Gerhart. Stoked about their fast run in time trials, the team aimed at moving forward during the race the next day.

Unfortunately, teams returned to the ARCA-owned racetrack on Sunday under gloomy skies and consistent rain showers. Ultimately, the start of the contest would be pushed-back nearly two hours before the command to fire engines was given. ARCA would choose to utilize the 35-car starting field to finish the track drying process throwing both the green and yellow flags simultaneously for the first 40 circuits of the contest. With the yellow flag retracted and the green “officially” given to the field, Evans Jr., quickly tried to filter his way through traffic and mix himself into a comfortable position.

Heavy racing would soon settle in around Evans Jr., forcing the rookie driver to hover between 16th and 20th over the first 50 green flag circuits. Informing Bixman of a loose-handling No. 99 Elevator Transportation Services Ford Fusion, the leader informed his driver that they would make a chassis adjustment on their first stop of the day which ultimately occurred shortly after lap 118. Four tires, fuel and a chassis change was the call from atop of the pit box sending their driver back into battle 19th and on the lead lap.

Shortly after the restart on lap 124, Evans Jr. remained 19th on the half-mile oval for the first 15 laps of the run before finding himself in the groove to climb into 13th by lap 144.

Cheerleading and coaching from his team would continue to boost their driver’s confidence behind the wheel as he moved into the 12th position on a lap 161 restart.

Using the “give and take” method paid off for the upcoming driver as he plugged his way into the top-10 by 175. Evans Jr. was able to lift himself into ninth by lap 183 where he took the checkered flag which included a one-lap dash in overtime competition.

“It was such a great day for Team BCR, ETS, Casite, RoushYates Parts.com and everyone involved with this organization,” said the 21-year old. “We knew we were bringing a good piece to the track and we kept making adjustments and I raced smart to stay on the lead lap all day and be where we wanted to be when it counted. We can only build off this for 2012 and I’m excited about that.”

For Bixman, who also serves as car owner of the No. 99 entry, he showered praise about his driver’s Toledo Speedway debut. “I had little doubt if we didn’t get involved in a wreck, and we just road the first 150 laps or so that we would finish inside the top-10,” the Michigan native said. “CJ did what he needed to behind the wheel all weekend long and I’m extremely proud of him. For only three ARCA Racing Series starts and to already have a top-10 finish to his credit, I think it just shows what kind of talent and ability he really has.”

He added, “I want to thank everyone who supports our race team. We’re lucky to have some great companies aboard our racecar and to be affiliated with an organization like ETS, RoushYates Parts.com. Also, Greg White from Casite attended the race, so that just added icing on the cake. We’ll be back in 2012 and look forward to it.”

Next up for the ARCA Racing Series is the 2011 championship banquet which is set for Saturday, December 10th at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati. The top-20 drivers and top-10 owners and drivers will be recognized for their participation in the series this year.

For more information on Team BCR Racing and Charles Evans Jr., please log onto teambcr.com.

Connect with RoushYates Performance Products and RoushYates Engines through their official web site at roushyatesparts.com.

To check out the latest products available from The Casite Company, please click on casite.com.

- Team BCR Racing Press Release

Late Contact Spoils Promising Run for Frank Kimmel and the Ansell-Menards Ford Fusion at Toledo Speedway

Press Release — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:23:59 +0000

No. 44 Ansell / Menards Ford Fusion

Toledo, OH – The No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford, driven by Frank Kimmel, finished 21st in the race at Toledo Speedway yesterday afternoon. The day would start out with wind and rain, which forced ARCA officials to move back the start time two hours.

Once the green flag waved, Frank quickly went to work on the competitors in front of him, moving the Ansell-Menards Ford inside the top fifteen and would soon be in the top ten. Unluckily, a tire would blow in turn three and the Ansell-Menards Ford would spin out but only make slight contact with the wall.

Quickly after the incident, Frank brought the Ansell-Menards Ford down pit road to the attention of his Kimmel Racing crew. The crew worked swiftly and efficiently on the Ansell-Menards Ford. When the green flag resumed, the Ansell-Menards Ford was a lap down, but a timely caution would give Frank his lap back and put the No. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford back into contention.

Not long after receiving the wave around, another caution would fly and the Kimmel Racing team decided to gain track position and stay out, which moved Frank to 2nd in the running order. The gamble paid off, as Frank was able to run inside the top ten for a majority of the second half of the race.

Yet, misfortune would strike the team again late in the race, as Frank would be put three wide in one of the corners, which resulted in the Ansell-Menards Ford making contact with one of the other race cars. The contact would cut down a tire and send the Ansell-Menards Ford into the wall. Frank would have to bring the Ansell-Menards Ford to the pits for the team to make repairs. The time needed for repairs would trap the Ansell-Menards Ford several laps down and result in a 21st place finish in the season finale.

Frank Kimmel

“I’m very disappointed in where we finished. We only finished outside the top-10 once before today. I know we had an Ansell-Menards Ford capable of winning this race today. We had some bad luck early but were able to get the lap back. Then we stayed out to gain track position and that worked out well. The Ansell-Menards Ford was good on old tires, and it looked as if we’d finish top ten for sure. Then we made contact with another car and hit the wall. That put us a few laps down and it was too late in the race for us to make those up,” said Frank Kimmel after the race.

Frank and the Ansell-Menards team finished 3rd in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series Points Standings. Frank collected 3 top five and 17 top ten finishes in 19 races in 2011. “We had a very consistent year in 2011. Obviously, we would’ve enjoyed a few victories in those stats. We had our chances in a few and ran up front in a majority of the races but circumstances didn’t sway in our favor. My guys worked really hard this year and did an excellent job. I have fantastic partners in Menards and Ansell, who are leaders in their trades, so I have to thank them for their support,” concluded Frank.

The ARCA Racing Series will wrap up the 2011 season with the Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky, near Cincinnati, on Saturday, December 10th. Also, be sure to visit a Menards location to purchase your next pair of Ansell Gloves.

- Sports One Press Release

Ty Dillon Earns 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Championship

Press Release — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:35:21 +0000

Richard Childress (L) celebrates the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards championship with grandson and driver Ty Dillon (R).

TOLEDO, OHIO (October 16, 2011) — Richard Childress Racing’s rookie driver Ty Dillon and the No. 41 Bass Pro Shops / Hemelgarn Enterprises Chevrolet team claimed the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Championship at the drop of the green flag in Sunday afternoon’s 200-lap season finale race at Toledo Speedway.

The start of the Federated Car Care 200 was pushed back by two and a half hours due to rain. When track officials displayed the green flag just after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Sunday, they also displayed the yellow flag, indicating to the starting field to maintain a cautious pace as the track was still wet. Green-flag only racing commenced on lap 42 and Dillon drove to the inside of the race leader to take the point position. He remained in the lead until lap 63, when the inside line was slowed by a lapped car, allowing several competitors to slip by on the outside. The High Point University freshman attempted to regain the race lead on lap 196 of 200, but the race leader got loose in the middle of turns one and two and spun in the process, prompting ARCA officials to display the yellow flag. The caution extended the race past its advertised distance and set the stage for a two-lap shootout to the checkered flag. Dillon restarted the race second on lap 199 but was unable to gain any additional positions, finishing second in the No. 41 Bass Pro Shops/Hemelgarn Enterprises Chevrolet. The young driver is the first rookie to win the ARCA championship since 1995.

“I am so proud of the entire team and how hard everyone worked this season to claim this championship,” said Dillon. “Over the course of the season, we’ve become a family and we’re all sharing in this moment right now. I can’t thank my family and grandfather enough for this unbelievable opportunity. It is such an honor to bring home a championship for RCR. This is a moment I will never forget.”

Dillon and Co. stormed into their rookie season earning seven wins, seven poles, 13 top-five and 16 top-10 finishes in 19 starts. The Lexington, N.C., native claimed his first Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell at the season opener at Daytona International Speedway and in the following race, made his first trip of the season to Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway.

“It’s been a great season. I’m really proud of Ty and all of these guys,” said Scott Naset, crew chief on the No. 41 team. “As a rookie driver, crew chief and team, we came together and worked really hard to accomplish everything that we have this season.”

Richard Childress Racing has won 12 NASCAR championships but Dillon’s accomplishment marks the first non-NASCAR championship for the Welcome, N.C.-based organization. The last championship RCR earned was the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series with driver Clint Bowyer.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “I’m so happy for him and this whole racing team. To win the championship is just huge.”

At 19 years old, Dillon is the 29th champion and the youngest champion in the history of the ARCA Racing Series. The RCR driver joins a long list of competitors who have earned the title of ARCA Champion since the series’ inception in 1953, including Frank Kimmel, Benny Parsons and Iggy Katona, to name a few.

The 2011 ARCA Racing Series Championship Awards Banquet is scheduled for December 10 in Covington, Ky.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2011 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Its Camping World Truck Series program includes 2010 Rookie of the Year Austin Dillon (No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) and Joey Coulter, Jr. (No. 22 RCR Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. (No 31 Applebee’s / Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet) and Ty Dillon (No. 41 RCR Chevrolet) will compete in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

- Richard Childress Racing Press Release