KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? Every racing season, something seems to change around Frank Kimmel.

But, like a clock, the longtime ARCA RE/MAX driver maintains an amazing level of consistent success.

In October, the 42-year-old Kimmel secured his fifth Automobile Racing Club of America championship in the last six seasons — including an unprecedented fourth in a row.

“We pride ourselves in going to the different places, different venues, having to go up against the different obstacles you go up against, yet still be able to perform at a high level,” said Kimmel, the current season’s points leader whose 51 career victories rank third-best in ARCA’s 52-year history.

“I just think it shows the strength of our team, to be able to adapt and get better. A lot of these young kids are coming in with a lot of good equipment right now, so we have to keep going strong.”

Today, Kimmel faces a field of talented young drivers in the Kansas Lottery $200 Grand at Kansas Speedway.

In past seasons, Friday was reserved for qualifying. The 40 drivers in the 134-lap race will qualify at 10:30 a.m. today and race at 3 p.m.

Kimmel said the change was no sweat.

“I really like it. It eliminates doing all the stuff you have to do for qualifying,” said Kimmel, who had the fastest car in Friday’s practice session when he turned a 164.54 mph lap in 32.8 seconds.

“With our budgets, the majority of people in the ARCA series can’t really afford to change it around like that, so it probably levels the playing field a little bit better. I like it better.”

ARCA Re/Max driver Frank Kimmel (46) returns to the garage area after completing practice laps. Kimmel drove Friday at Kansas Speedway in preparation for today's Kansas Lottery 00 Grand race in Kansas City, Kan.

The change has support from other drivers, too.

“I like it better, because a lot of people know how to do trick stuff for the two-day setup,” said Jason Jarrett, who won 2001’s inaugural ARCA race at the Speedway over Kimmel.

“A one-day format makes people pretty much use a consistent setup on their cars, and I think it definitely levels the playing field.”

Kimmel usually has had the fastest car at the Speedway, but that hasn’t always guaranteed him victory. When Jarret won in 2001, Kimmel led until he broke down with four laps to go. After winning the event in 2002, young Shelby Howard overtook Kimmel on a late pit stop to thwart a repeat victory.

Jarrett, sixth Friday, and Kimmel could be challenged by rookie Ryan Hemphill. The 22-year-old has won two of the past three events, each of which was run on a 1.5-mile track similar to the Speedway’s.

“It’s very important for my momentum, and my team’s momentum, to have won last week,” said Hemphill of his victory at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. “I’m really looking forward to going to Kansas Speedway, especially coming fresh off a win, and am looking to continue the streak that we’re on.”

ARCA Re/Max series points leader Frank Kimmel sits in his car during a maintenance check during practice for the Kansas Lottery 00 Grand at Kansas Speedway. Kimmel turned the fastest lap Friday in Kansas City, Kan.

The Kansas Lottery will give $200,000 to a fan who picks the top-three finishing order in day’s race.

Also, several skateboarding and bicycling stars will perform. Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, Kansas City native Dennis McCoy and BMX star Dave Mirra will headline an hour-and-a-half trick show on the Speedway’s infield.

“Those guys are nuts,” Kimmel said, laughing. “But I want to watch.”

Even if the fans go against him?

“I guess if everyone’s booing me we’re doing something right,” he said.

Overland Park's Jennifer Jo Cobb waits to hit the track during Friday's practice session at Kansas Speedway.