TOLEDO OH (3-4/5-09) - Since 1953, three generations of ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers have been barnstorming across America entertaining race fans far and wide.

And none more renowned arguably than the Kimmel racing family, which, via the family patriarch Bill Kimmel, Sr., has been winning races here since the 1960s.

While nine-time series champion Frank Kimmel has chalked up 74 career victories - second all-time only to Iggy Katona's 79 - the third-generation of Kimmel's are now upon us.

Enter Will Kimmel, son of Frank's brother and crew chief Bill Kimmel, who lit up the charts this year at Daytona Int'l Speedway with an impressive performance all the way through.

Although an 18th place finish was not exactly what he was wishing for, the experience left an indelible mark on the 20-year-old rising star.

"I'm just so happy that I ever got the chance to do it at all (race at Daytona)," said Will.

"I learned that I was one of just a handful of third-generation drivers to race at Daytona and one of the first to have two generations in the same race.

"I was pretty nervous. This was a really big deal for me and my family. Just to take the green flag was so huge. I know a lot of people may not understand that. Despite our bad luck in the race, we still had a really good week.

"I remember looking in the mirror on one of the restarts and seeing my Uncle Frank right behind me; it was hard to get my arms around everything that was happening, but it was really neat."

Not only did he qualify eighth among 54 teams, he also topped the speed charts in happy hour.

"We had one of the fastest Fords in the field, which was really good for Ford Motor Company.

"I didn't go as hard as I wanted to. I was being conservative hanging out in the back of the fast cars. I was bidding my time. I wasn't bump-drafting. I wasn't putting myself in a bad position or crowding anyone."

Admittedly, having never raced at Daytona, he didn't know exactly how good his car was.

"I definitely didn't know how the good the car was. I could suck up to anyone; I know that. Buescher, Lofton; they were probably the fastest cars, but, based on what I could determine, I think we had a top-four car for sure."

Unfortunately, he, like a lot of drivers, got caught up in one of the multi-car wrecks that left his no. 68 Tim Dugger-Green Oak Farms-Clarksville Schwinn Cyclery Ford fairly wrinkled up. It also cost him 18 laps in the pits while his crew made repairs.

"We had some grill tape blow off early in the race and the car got real tight. But we took care of that, and the car was unbelievable from there. Wrecking or not, we had a really good week. It wasn't as bad as it could have been."

So what's next for the third-generation racer? Talladega?

"We're throwing it around, but we're also trying to concentrate on Kimmel Racing and doing the very best job for Ansell and Menards. There's a chance I could race, but we're really focused more on Frank's program at the moment. I'm still Frank's jackman, so I have an obligation to the team.

"I'm definitely going to get back in a late model," added the 2007 Salem Speedway Late Model track champion.

Even if he doesn't climb back in his ARCA car in 2009, he's got plenty to keep him busy. For one, Will operates a fulltime lawn care service and attends Indiana University Southeast part-time and spends his share of time in the Kimmel Racing shop helping as necessary.

"I'm working hard at staying in shape. I'm playing on a basketball league on Monday nights and a volleyball league on Wednesday nights. I also try and run two miles two or three times a week and workout in the gym when I can. By Thursday, it's usually time to leave for the track (during racing season)."

Will is certainly clear on his future aspirations.

"I definitely want to drive racecars; there's no doubt about that. I like working on cars; I don't have a problem with it, but I'd much rather do what Frank's doing. I try and pattern myself on how he handles himself. Like a lot of people, I really admire him; I'm no different there. Everything he's done in this sport is something to be admired. The patience he has on the track is unbelievable. He's so good at it, and you just don't realize how hard it is until you do it. Me and Frank, we really get along. He's been a really cool uncle to me."

Will's father Bill, an accomplished race driver himself in his day, is an eight-time Cometic Crew Chief of the Year in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition.

"Me and dad, we yell, fight and carry on. We have our moments, butt heads - five minutes later, we're fine.

"We work really well together; I'm very lucky. Most kids don't get the chance to be as close with their parents as I am. We spend a lot of time together at the track, and it's great.

"Last year, I was busting my butt trying to get a big job done (lawn car business). I was trying to get done in time to go to New Jersey. My dad knew I was behind the eight-ball and he came out and helped me finish the job.

"As far as father and son go, we're really good friends. Yah, we get into it; but it's nothing we haven't been through before, and certainly nothing we can't work through."

Will Kimmel will be the featured guest on "30 at 30" at arcaracing.com Thursday, March 5 at 3:30 PM ET.