Port City Raceway

This week, we’re proud to introduce one of the hardworking individuals who helps keep the show running smoothly at Port City Raceway, Tim Kimbrel.

Tim’s racing roots run deep. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, he grew up around racing thanks to his father’s involvement in stock car racing before transitioning into the micro racing scene. When Tim was in eighth grade, his family moved to Tulsa, where he later graduated from East Central High School in 1972.

After high school, Tim worked a variety of jobs, including dirt contracting, hotshot trucking, cross-country hauling, and driving for Graves Truck Lines. But racing was always a part of his life. As soon as he was old enough, Tim got behind the wheel himself, purchasing his first race car for just $350. He spent several years traveling back and forth to Coffeyville to race, where he met the Sawyer family—Bob, Bobby, and Mike—who would become lifelong friends and racing companions. Alongside his brothers, Steve and Kevin, Tim traveled across the country competing at tracks in places like Amarillo, Texas, and Carlsbad, New Mexico, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime.

While working for John Pickle during the construction of RUJO Speedway—now known as Port City Raceway—Tim had the unique opportunity to be one of the very first drivers to race on the newly built track. Over the decades, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of micro racing and remained involved in the sport through various chapters of his life. In the early 1990s, he expanded his racing experience by competing in Dwarf Cars.

Away from the racetrack, Tim has enjoyed traveling extensively on Gold Wing motorcycles with friends and his wife, Jean, exploring destinations across the United States and Canada. What started with a small camping trailer eventually grew into traveling by motorhome, creating countless adventures along the way.

In 1988, Tim met his wife, Jean, through mutual friends Mike and Nita Sawyer. Although he initially swore he wasn’t going to marry her, he changed his mind quickly. Just three months later, they were married. Together they built a life centered around family, raising three children and eventually becoming proud grandparents to seven grandchildren, whom Tim jokingly refers to as his reward for sticking around.

Tim began his career with Phillips 66/ConocoPhillips in 1989 and retired in 2009. Today, he and Jean reside in Owasso after previous stops in Dewey and Bartlesville.

Even after stepping away from racing competition, Tim found another way to stay involved. He transitioned into operating push trucks and eventually built his current side-by-side recovery vehicle, which has become a familiar sight at Port City Raceway since its reopening. He has also lent his talents to major events including the Tulsa Shootout and the Chili Bowl Nationals.

Tim is quick to credit his success and experiences to the support of his wife, family, friends, and especially his brothers. As he proudly puts it, they were—and always will be—the Kimbrel Brothers Racing Team.

Port City Raceway: June 5 Weekly Racing Recap: http://www.portcityraceway.net/press/2026/article/190793