Will Kimmel Bio
Will Kimmel III, born May 11, 1988, is an American stock car racing driver known for competing part-time in the ARCA Menards Series. He drives the No. 68/69 Ford for the family-owned Kimmel Racing team. Kimmel has also raced part-time in NASCAR’s top three national series, including the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series.
Early Life and Background
Will Kimmel was born in Sellersburg, Indiana, into a family deeply rooted in motorsports. His father, Bill Kimmel Jr., and uncle, Frank Kimmel, are both established figures in racing, providing Will with a strong racing lineage. Growing up in this environment, Kimmel was exposed to stock car racing from an early age, which influenced his career path.
Kimmel began his racing career in 1998, developing his skills through local and regional competitions. His early years laid the foundation for his progression into more competitive series. Although specific details about his formal education are not publicly documented, his focus on racing from a young age shaped his professional trajectory.
Path to NASCAR
Kimmel’s early racing years included competing at Salem Speedway, where he earned the Rookie of the Year award for Super Late Model drivers in 2006. The following year, he won the track’s championship, becoming the youngest driver to do so. These accomplishments helped him gain recognition and opened doors to higher levels of competition.
In 2008, Kimmel made his debut in the ARCA Racing Series, competing in 62 races over several years with a best finish of second place at Salem in 2011. His victory in the 2010 Polar Bear 150 street-stock race at Rockingham Speedway, where he defeated NASCAR star Kurt Busch, further highlighted his potential. These performances paved the way for his entry into NASCAR’s national series.
Will Kimmel Career
Early Career (1998–2010)
Kimmel’s racing career began in 1998, with significant progress made at Salem Speedway starting in 2006. His Rookie of the Year award and subsequent championship at Salem demonstrated his talent in Super Late Model racing. His ARCA debut in 2008 marked his transition to national-level competition, where he consistently competed until 2013.
During this period, Kimmel also achieved a notable victory in the 2010 Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway, showcasing his ability to compete against established NASCAR drivers. These years were critical for gaining experience and exposure in stock car racing.
ARCA Racing Series Breakthrough (2008–2013)
Kimmel’s ARCA career spanned from 2008 to 2013, during which he participated in 62 races. His best finish was second place at Salem Speedway in 2011, underscoring his competitiveness in the series. He drove for the family-owned Kimmel Racing team, which provided a supportive environment for his development.
His consistent performances in ARCA helped solidify his reputation as a capable driver, preparing him for opportunities in NASCAR’s national series. The experience gained in ARCA was instrumental in his racing career progression.
NASCAR National Series (2010–2015)
Kimmel made his NASCAR debut in 2010 in the Camping World Truck Series, driving the No. 44 Ford at Kentucky Speedway and finishing 21st. The following year, he competed in the Nationwide Series with Go Green Racing, although his debut ended with a 35th-place finish due to an accident.
In 2014, Kimmel announced a part-time schedule in the Nationwide Series with TriStar Motorsports, driving the No. 44 Toyota in five events. The next year, he made his Sprint Cup Series debut with Go FAS Racing at the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky, finishing 38th. He also raced at Kansas, finishing 39th. These appearances marked his progression to NASCAR’s highest level, albeit on a part-time basis.
Kimmel Racing Era (Present)
Will Kimmel continues to compete part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 68/69 Ford for Kimmel Racing, the family-owned team. This arrangement allows him to maintain his presence in stock car racing while leveraging his family’s racing heritage. His participation in ARCA keeps him active in competitive racing circuits.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kimmel is known for his experience on short tracks like Salem Speedway, where he has achieved significant success. His racing style benefits from familiarity with local circuits and strategic racecraft developed over years of competition. His partnership with his family team provides a cohesive environment that supports his driving strengths.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Kimmel’s career include his 2007 Salem Speedway championship as the youngest driver to win the title, his second-place ARCA finish at Salem in 2011, and his victory over Kurt Busch in the 2010 Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway. His NASCAR debut in the Truck Series and subsequent Cup Series appearances also stand out as important career moments.
Will Kimmel Career Wins
Will Kimmel’s career includes multiple wins and strong performances primarily in regional and ARCA racing. While he has not secured wins in NASCAR’s national series, his achievements at Salem Speedway and in ARCA highlight his competitive capabilities.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Kimmel competed in 62 ARCA races between 2008 and 2013, with his best finish being second place at Salem Speedway in 2011. Although he did not capture a series win, his consistent top finishes demonstrated his competitiveness in the series.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to ARCA, Kimmel won the 2010 Polar Bear 150 street-stock race at Rockingham Speedway, a notable victory against established NASCAR drivers. His early success at Salem Speedway, including a championship and Rookie of the Year honors, further underscores his racing accomplishments.
Will Kimmel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Will Kimmel comes from a prominent racing family. His father, Bill Kimmel Jr., and uncle, Frank Kimmel, have both been influential in stock car racing, providing Will with a strong foundation and support network. This family connection has been integral to his racing career and ongoing involvement in the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Will Kimmel’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly documented. He maintains a professional focus on his racing career and family team operations.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Will Kimmel is expected to continue competing part-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Kimmel Racing. His experience and family team support position him to remain a competitive presence in the series. While not currently active full-time in NASCAR’s national series, Kimmel’s ongoing participation in ARCA allows him to maintain his racing skills and visibility within the motorsports community.
