DEARBRON, Mich. - After a one-race departure, nine-time and defending ARCA RE/MAX Series champion Frank Kimmel is back with the manufacturer with which he won seven consecutive titles from 2001-2007.
Kimmel, who this year formed Kimmel Racing with his brother and crew chief, Bill, will drive the No. 44 Ford Fusion for the rest of the season, starting with this weekend's Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 by Federated Auto Parts at Salem Speedway. Kimmel started the 2008 season off in a Dodge at Daytona.
"It's really great to be back in a Ford," said Kimmel, who also won series championships in 1998 and 2000. "It's been our home for a number of years, and we've had so much success with Ford all the way back to the Taurus - and now the Fusion. Now that we're back, we're real happy."
Kimmel has made 350 career starts dating back to 1990 in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, and is second on the all-time wins list with 71 victories. In addition to 208 top-five finishes and 259 top-10s, Kimmel has led 9,625 laps in 177 races. He also has 40 SIM Factory Pole Awards.
"We're pleased to be back with the Kimmels, and very happy that we were able to put together this deal that keeps them on the race track, where they belong," said Doug Hervey, manager, North American Racing Operations for Ford. "They've been committed to us for a long time and we are committed to that loyalty, and we look forward to another successful season with them."
Kimmel has eight career victories at Salem Speedway including five consecutive.
Practice for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts at Salem is scheduled from 12:30 to 2:00 pm local central time Saturday afternoon, April 12th with SIM Factory Pole Award Qualifying following at 3:30 pm. The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts is scheduled to roll off at 2:15 pm Sunday afternoon, April 13th.
