ARCA: Kimmel goes back to front (almost)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Frank Kimmel, the New Albany, Indiana driver of the Advance Auto Parts Ford Taurus sponsored by Pork. The Other White Meat®, raced from the rear of the field and finished second in Saturday's Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

Between Kimmel’s exceptional driving and Tri-State Motorsports’ thorough car preparation, the race was an outstanding achievement for the team, overtaking every car in the field except one to place second in the series’ opener.

"I can't remember a more exciting final last ten laps ever, and this was the best chance we had to win at Daytona," explained a very happy Kimmel. "The Tri-State Motorsports Team did a great job preparing a very fast race car. We were able to quickly move the Advance Auto Parts-Pork Ford to the front group of leaders and stay in front of all the accidents. The best place to see a wreck is in your mirror."

Kimmel who posted the fastest speed in final practice at 185.280 mph Thursday and was disqualified for failing to successfully complete technical inspection by the established deadline in Pork Pole award qualifying and was forced to start from 41st position.

"We are very happy and excited with Frank's finish today in the Advance Discount Auto Parts 200," stated Sam Hampton, Director of Marketing for Advance Discount Auto Parts. "It takes a great team to accomplish what they did today and it's a great start to another Championship season."

Kimmel www.frankkimmel.com, is the six-time ARCA RE/MAX Series driving champion, and the only driver in series history to win an unprecedented five consecutive titles, along with 56 posted series wins.
"We are extremely proud of what the team accomplished this week," said Dallas Hockman, Vice President Demand Enhancement for the National Pork Board. "Driving from the back to a second place finish demonstrated that the #46 team has got what it takes to win alot of races this season."

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is a leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the United States. The Company has over 2,600 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Advance Auto Parts has also been involved with all six of Kimmel's championships.

Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for “Pork Checkoff” funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 800.456.PORK. The National Pork Board have sponsored Tri-State Motorsports for five of its consecutive series championships.

With its Midwestern roots dating back to 1953, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) has grown into one of the country's premier oval track racing series, and for 2005, the ARCA RE/MAX Series will run 23 events on a variety of tracks including some of America’s top super speedways and short tracks throughout the eastern half of the United States.

For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@nas.net