Kimmel Brings Fun Back to BMS

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Frank Kimmel’s eyes began to widen as he described the historic scene to reporters Thursday afternoon.

Kimmel spoke of around 60 Street Stock cars starting three-wide for a 150-lap Saturday afternoon race at high-banked Bristol Motor Speedway.

"Racers from around the country have been talking about this for weeks," Kimmel said. "It’s going to be quite an event."

Kimmel, the nine-time champion of the ARCA series, unveiled his grassroots racing vision last May at Kentucky Speedway.

"We had 69 cars take the green flag and 32 finished the race," Kimmel said.

The cost-efficient concept has taken hold since then. Saturday’s event at BMS headlines a diverse "Saturday Spectacular" program including Modified 4-cylinder (Mod 4) racing, a trailer race and a demonstration by the Bristol-based War Wizard Monster Truck.

The Street Stock class has long been a staple of the weekly racing programs at short tracks nationally. The cars, often Chevelles and Camaros, have all-steel bodies and run on Hoosier tires.

"We tested here a couple weeks ago and ran like 19 [seconds] flat, which is a little over 100 miles per hour," Kimmel said.

According to Kimmel, over 50 cars have pre-entered for Saturday. Drivers from Michigan, Texas, Florida and Ohio are expected to compete, along with veteran Mountain Empire racers Duke Bare (Meadowview), Jamie Whitt and dirt Late Model regular Anthony White.

"We’d love to start 60 to 70 cars," Kimmel said. "I’m actually shocked that we don’t have more cars, but I think it’s almost a deal where these guys can’t believe they are going to get the opportunity to run at Bristol."

All cars will stop at the halfway point in the race for fuel.

Saturday’s racing program is phase one of an effort by BMS officials to offer fans more affordable, family-friendly events which have a "county fair" vibe.

"After Frank ran his event at Kentucky last year, he called us. And this race is right in the wheelhouse of what we wanted to do," BMS vice-president of events Wayne Estes said. "It’s not just racing, it’s an entertaining motorsports event."

Kimmel said his Street Stock Spectacular will stress affordability and fun compared to the high costs and stress of more high profile forms of motorsports.

"Absolutely. It’s expensive to come racing, so we’re trying to steer things in the other direction," Kimmel said. "A lot of people can afford a $20,000 car that can win versus spending $60,000 on a motor where you are just one of the boys.

"And to run on a track like Bristol, and have a $25,00 purse, is something phenomenal for these guys. I can guarantee that in the first few laps, drivers will be in places on the track that no one has even been to before."

The origin of Kimmel’s creation was rather simple.

"I was just driving down the road and thinking what a wonderful opportunity it would be for a local guy that runs every Saturday night on a quarter-mile to come to a place like Bristol for a race," Kimmel said

"I get goose pimples just coming into this place."

The Street Stock cars are scheduled to have events at Kentucky and Rockingham later this season.

Randy Moore, who drives the War Wizard Monster Truck, shares Kimmel’s excitement.

"We’ve raced all over the country at big cities and stadiums, and done a lot of events internationally, so it will be great to be in front of the folks here in Bristol," said Moore, son of BMS co-founder Carl Moore. "I’ve done shows at [Bristol Dragway], but never at the racetrack."

Moore recently concluded a successful season in the nationally-televised Monster Jam Monster Truck Series, where he won several free style and racing events.

"It’s been to watch how this sport has evolved from a bunch of good ol’ boys with big trucks and big tires to this deal," Moore said. "I’ve got as much invested in my Monster truck as I’ve ever had in my Pro Modified car in drag racing."

After launching his 1,700 horsepower War Wizard over a car, van and three buses, Moore will then return to crush the buses for the conclusion of the BMS program.

"People have asked me all the time when they are going to see me in this area. This will be their chance," Moore said. "There will be some fun and crazy stuff at BMS Saturday. I’m glad to see the folks here do this sort of program, and I think it will catch on."

Gates open at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, with the first act involving a 30-lap Pro Mod race at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $15, with kids 12-and-under admitted free.

Kimmel feels the track itself will be a selling point among fans and racers of all backgrounds.

"This is Bristol. My goodness, you are dead if you can’t get excited about coming here."

| (276) 645-2544