Pocono: Frank Kimmel qualifying report

Kimmel Ready to Put a Glove on the Competition at Pocono Raceway

Lines up Second for Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200

LONG POND, Penn. (June 4, 2010)- Frank Kimmel knows how to get around Pocono Raceway, and he proved that during Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell on Friday afternoon. Coming off a top-five finish at Toledo Speedway, Kimmel rolled into Pocono Raceway poised to compete for a record 10th ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Championship this season.

Kimmel knew the Ansell/Menards Ford Fusion would be stout after Friday morning's lone practice session for the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200. While most teams worked on both qualifying and race runs, the Ansell/Menards team focused solely on race runs for Saturday's 200-mile event. Kimmel posted the seventh-fastest time of the morning, circling the "tricky triangle" in 55.258 seconds (162.872 mph).

"Practice went really well today," said Kimmel. "We were trying a few different things and trying to make the car better. It seems like we have a really good car, just a little too tight. We didn't get to do a practice qualifying run, so our overall speed wasn't as good. I think we are going to qualify well and have a great race tomorrow.

After a short intermission, the ARCA Racing Series cars rolled back out on the grid for qualifying. The No. 44 Ford Fusion was 27th to take a turn around the 2.5-mile track. Kimmel flew around the triangle and posted a time of 54.723 seconds (164.465 mph), a time good enough for second-place.

"After practice, we didn't know that we would be in the top-three in qualifying, so we are really happy with that run," commented Kimmel. "I think we will be really good for the race tomorrow."

Frank Kimmel's No. 44 Ansell Menards Ford Fusion will lead the field to green from the outside front row Saturday afternoon, with a crowd full of Ansell guests cheering him on. Mikey Kile won the pole, with Craig Goess starting third. Chad Finley and Justin Marks rounded out the top-five.

-source: kimmel racing