(JOLIET, Ill. - July 19, 2012) - Since 2001, Chicagoland Speedway has been a staple of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards circuit as one of the premier tracks and event hosts.

Likewise, Ansell has been a staple in the ARCA Racing Series since 2009, supporting nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel's entry. A critical driver championship event this summer, the 2012 edition of the Ansell ActivArmr® 150 is setting up to be a formidable battle for Kimmel - currently fourth in points, just 105 points off the series lead.

Thus far in 2012, Ansell ActivArmr gloves have helped Kimmel and his ThorSport Racing team to four top-five finishes and eight top-10s heading to Chicagoland. Kimmel's Toyota will have a different look for the Ansell ActivArmr® 150, with Ansell's flagship line featured on the hood of the No. 44 car. The ActivArmr® brand will be showcased on a black hood of the ThorSport Camry, complimenting Kimmel's familiar neon yellow paint scheme.

ActivArmr® Light Duty gloves are ideal for light duty tasks such as light maintenance, laying insulation, and handling sheetrock. Focus group participants liked the comfort, fit, and feel of the gloves, as well as the tactility, dexterity, and grip.

Medium Duty gloves add reinforced ridges for palm protection, an adjustable wrist closure with pull tab and ID nameplate, and extra protection and durability across stress areas with DuPont(TM) Kevlar® fibers. These gloves stand up to harsh abrasions and cuts while delivering dexterity and precision. They are ideal for landscaping, flooring, roofing, sanding, piping, and general maintenance.

Demolition work, woodwork, cutting, digging, and handling sheet metal require gloves that deliver serious protection and durability. ActivArmr® Heavy Duty gloves add additional reinforced ridges for additional palm and knuckle defense and patented Intercept Technology® with Stainless Steel and DuPont Kevlar for maximum cut protection.

The Ansell ActivArmr® marketing program in ARCA is anchored by a business-to-business relationship between Ansell, the world's largest manufacturer of protective gloves and clothing, and Menards, the nation's third largest home improvement retailer. The sponsorship launched the Ansell line of hand protection products and is available for purchase in 268 Menards stores.

Kimmel's ThorSport team has taken advantage of the partnership by using Ansell's ActivArmr® technology at the race shop and on race weekends. From changing tires to adjusting front end geometry, Ansell has provided the team protection from cuts and hot temperatures to which race teams are susceptible. All the while, the team has maintained a high level of performance fighting for an unprecedented 10th championship for their driver.

"Ansell gloves have been one of the factors in our performance this year," said No. 44 crew chief Jeriod Prince. "When you run so many races in a row, it's important the team has the right equipment, and Ansell gives us the hand protection we need. The guys are exposed to high temperatures, sharp sheet metal, and all sort of odd jobs. Ansell's ActivArmr® gloves give us the protection we need to put the best race car on track as we can for Frank."

Kimmel is one of only two drivers to have started all 11 races at Chicagoland and is one of the 11 different winners. In addition to a threat on race day, Kimmel is projected to be a player for the pole in Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell after winning a pole at Chicago in 2003.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet Kimmel tonight at the Joilet, Ill. Menards location from 6-7:30 p.m. CT. Fans purchasing a pair of Ansell gloves at the Joliet location will receive an additional pair of Ansell gloves for free.

From Release