Toledo Speedway

(TOLEDO, Ohio - May 19, 2012) - As Frank Kimmel aims for his 75th ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards victory and first since 2008, no track may be a better venue than Toledo Speedway, where he has won nine times.

Sitting sixth in the ARCA Racing Series point standings, Kimmel begins preparations at the series' home track today in search of his first win of 2012. ThorSport Racing's No. 44 Ansell/Menards Camry team has shown muscle on the short tracks so far in 2012, which has them optimistic for a strong showing in the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care.

After a solid seventh-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway two weeks ago, Kimmel looks to capitalize on the upcoming schedule. With the first four races of 2012 spread across eight weeks, the summer grind of racing back-to-back week beckons for ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards competitors. The nine-time series champion looks to capitalize on the grueling summer schedule that kicks into gear this weekend at Toledo.

Kimmel has an impressive record at the Ohio half-mile, as this weekend marks his 34th start at Toledo over an impressive span since 1990. Though he has not won since 2008, his last six wins in the series have come on tracks one mile or less - and the half-mile Toledo oval certainly fits the bill.

Kimmel answered several questions about his outlook for the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care. 

What makes Toledo Speedway stand out on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards circuit?

"It's probably the best short track that we go to. Year in and year out, it's been a good race track for us. It's a fun race track to race on. Toledo is big enough to be fast and exciting, but small enough where aerodynamics and horsepower aren't really a big deal. The race is about making the car handle good and staying out of trouble. Toledo is just a real cool place to get to race at."

Does Toledo Speedway provide your best chance so far to get a win in 2012?

"Toledo is an excellent chance for us to go out and get a win. We have so much history there and it's a great place for us to race. This stretch that we're about to go under, where all the races are back-to-back, is a real busy time for us. Looking at the schedule, I don't think there is a weak race for us. I think we can be strong at every single track that we go to. We expect to be competitive at every track we go to here on out through the entire season."

What difference has ThorSport Racing made in 2012?

"All these guys at Thorsport are hungry. (Crew chief) Jeriod Prince is very hungry. He wants to go out and win and prove himself as a full-time crew chief. We've got great guys. You're as good as the people you surround yourself with. Right now, I feel like I have as good of a team as there is in ARCA. Duke and Rhonda Thorson are giving us the right equipment and having great sponsors like Ansell and Menards has helped a tremendous amount, also. We're all pulling in the same direction to get a win and get several wins."

From Team Release