Richard Childress Racing Event Preview:
Michigan International Speedway & Circuit Gilles Villenuevue
Race: Pure Michigan 400
Location: Michigan International Speedway
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Notes:
Richard Childress Racing in the Motor City … In 130 starts at Michigan International Speedway, RCR teams have earned three wins, two with Dale Earnhardt (June 1987 and June 1990) and the most recent with Kevin Harvick (August 2010). Additionally, RCR has claimed 17 top-five and 43 top-10 finishes with 10 different drivers including Richard Childress, a former driver in NASCAR’s top division, who recorded top-10 finishes at MIS in June 1978 and August 1979. The Welcome, N.C.-based organization has an 18.5 average starting position, a 16.9 average finishing position, has completed 24,320 of the 25,729 contested laps (94.5 percent) and has led 677 laps in the Irish Hills.
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,228 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 100 wins, 432 top-five finishes, 898 top-10 finishes and 42 pole awards, with an average starting position of 17.9 and an average finishing position of 15.8 among all races contested. RCR has earned six Sprint Cup Series championships with Dale Earnhardt (1986, ’87, ’90,’91, ’93, ’94), 14 total championships (five NASCAR Nationwide Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Racing Series title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.
The Collective RCR … Throughout the season’s first 22 races, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series entries have notched five top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. RCR teams have completed 18,864 out of 19,118 total laps (98.67 percent) with drivers Jeff Burton, Austin Dillon, Brendan Gaughan, Harvick, Paul Menard and Elliott Sadler. The group has led a combined 175 laps.
Goodyear Continues “Gives Back” Program to Support Our Troops … Goodyear is continuing the momentum of this special program at Michigan International Speedway this weekend. On Thursday, they are teaming up with the VFW and local volunteers, family and friends of deployed Michigan troops to pack 5,000 care packages which will be sent to troops overseas. In addition, they’ll be onsite at the track with a large display where fans can learn more about this program, get involved, or even drop a NASCAR tire on the giant Plinko board. Fundraising continues through the end of the month, with all proceeds going to Support Our Troops to help military and their families. Check out the auction featuring unique autographed Support Our Troops tires and motorsports memorabilia and learn more at www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack.
Get to the Points … Following the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen, Harvick ranks ninth in the driver championship point standings, 67 markers out of the top spot. Menard sits 16th in the point standings, while Burton is now ranked 19th.
Interactive RCR … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Sprint Cup Series team Twitter pages – @RCR27PMenard, @RCR29KHarvick and @RCR31JeffBurton. Information about the 14-time championship winning organization can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at www.RCRracing.com.
Catch the Action … ESPN’s live coverage of the Pure Michigan 400 begins Sunday, August 19 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. The race will also be broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Qualifying for the 23rd points-paying event on the Sprint Cup Series will be broadcast live on SPEED on Friday, August 17 at 4 p.m. ET.
Paul Menard
No. 27 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot Chassis No. 397 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new for 2012 competition, this No. 27 Chevrolet was utilized for the first time at MIS in June, where Menard started from the 18th position and finished 22nd.
Menard in the Irish Hills … In 12 career Sprint Cup Series starts at the two-mile oval, Menard has finished each of his contested races and completed 98.1 percent of his laps (2,363 of 2,409), leading for seven circuits. He has an average starting position of 26.4 and an average finishing position of 23.2. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data statistics, Menard ranks sixth in the category Green-Flag Passes, gaining 1,078 positions under green-flag conditions since its inception in 2006. The Eau Claire, Wis., native recorded both his best start (ninth) and his best finish (fourth) during last year’s June visit to the Brooklyn, Mich.-based facility. He also owns two top-five and six top-10 finishes coupled with one pole award in seven NASCAR Nationwide Series starts at MIS.
By the Numbers in 2012 … With 22 points-paying events of the 2012 season complete, Menard sits 16th in the Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings, 64 points out of the final Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup spot on the merit of four top-10 and 12 top-15 finishes. In his sophomore season with RCR, Menard has an average starting position of 16.9, an average finishing position of 15.5, maintains an Average Running Position of 17.77, and has completed 99.7 percent of his laps (5,816 of 5,836), the fourth-best of all drivers.
Race Rewind … Menard started the Duracell/Menards Chevrolet from the 11th position in the 2011 Pure Michigan 400; however, changing track conditions and handling issues plagued the No. 27 team throughout the 203-lap event, relegating them to a 26th-place finish at Michigan International Speedway
In the Rearview Mirror: Watkins Glen International … Menard started the No. 27 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet from the 22nd position in the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen, driving to a 12th-place finish at the seven-turn upstate New York-based road course.
About Pittsburgh Paints … PPG Pittsburgh® Paints is a nationally recognized brand trusted by painting contractors, building owners, architects, designers, and homeowners for over 100 years. Products include interior/exterior pains and interior/exterior stains. For additional information, please visit www.ppgpittsburghpaints.com.
PAUL MENARD QUOTES:
You finished 22nd at Michigan International Speedway in June. Tell us about your afternoon.
“We ran out of fuel on the last lap and that cost us seven positions. We ran between the 10th and 15th position all day. We felt really good about the car after testing and practice and then Goodyear changed the left-side tires. We had a hard time figuring out the balance of the car with the new tires, so that put us behind for the race. We did not have a good final practice on those left-side tires. When the race started we made some good adjustments and the car was competitive. I felt like at the worst we were going to finish 14th, but I think we could have gotten a top-10 finish.”
What was it like to qualify at Michigan International Speedway at over 200 mph? You were one of maybe 20 people to do that in June.
“I thought it would be a lot scarier than it was. The cars are really solid. A lot of times when you go to a newly paved track, you can’t move the car around when it gets loose or tight, when it snaps you can’t catch it. You can catch it there (Michigan International Speedway), which was pretty cool. It gave you the confidence to drive it little bit harder. Breaking the 200 mph threshold in a stock car is something that not many people have done and a lot want to do and now we have that.”
How was the race on the new pavement at Michigan International Speedway?
“I think the new left-side tires made it easier to pass. People were messing up and losing control which allowed you to capitalize on that. The problem was that you were one of those guys at some point, so others were capitalizing on you. If they would have kept the left-side tires the same, who knows what the race might have been. There may have been less passing, but it would have been racier. The only way you could pass someone was if they made a mistake and you could get a run on them.”
Kevin Harvick
No. 29 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Jimmy John’s Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Kevin Harvick will pilot Chassis No. 381 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in this weekend’s Pure Michigan 400. Harvick drove this Chevrolet to an 11th-place finish at Kentucky Speedway in July and a 13th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April of 2011. It was also driven earlier this season by Brendan Gaughan at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March as a No. 33 RCR Sprint Cup Series entry.
Freaky Fast! Freaky Good! at Michigan … Jimmy John’s will don the hood and quarter panels of the No. 29 Chevrolet for their fifth of six scheduled races during the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season. The 36-year-old driver made his first NASCAR appearance at Michigan International Speedway in 2001. Harvick has completed a total of 4,459 laps of the 4,500 of the total laps contested at the two-mile tri-oval track. Harvick has collected one win (2010), three top-five and eight top-10 finishes and has led 149 laps at the Brooklyn, Mich.-based facility.
Getting Loopy in the Irish Hills … Since the inception of NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics in 2006, Harvick has completed 15 Sprint Cup Series events at the two-mile tri-oval and holds a 20.7 average starting position and a 13.7 average finishing position. The RCR driver ranks second amongst all competitors in the category of Green Flag Passes with 1,232.
Points Racing … With 22 point-paying events in the books, Harvick remains ninth in the Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings, 67 markers behind the leader. Harvick has collected three top-five and nine top-10 finishes thus far this season, completing 99.69 percent (5,663 of 5,646) of the laps contested.
Find a Jimmy John’s Near You … Jimmy John’s, known for fresh, quality products and freaky fast service have 1,200 stores nationwide. Visit http://www.jimmyjohns.com to view the Jimmy John’s Freaky Good menu and find your nearest location. You can order online or download the Jimmy John’s mobile application for Freaky Fast delivery.
Kevin’s Krew … Harvick will host a group of children from the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, Mich. for the fifth of sixth scheduled Kevin’s Krew at-track events Saturday at Michigan International Speedway during the NASCAR Truck Series event. Kevin’s Krew is an at-track outreach program for youth supported by the Kevin Harvick Foundation intended to expose kids to the fast world of racing. These children see by example that hard work, following your dreams and leading a drug-free lifestyle can be very rewarding. The kids in attendance will get a behind the scenes look at different professions in motorsports, ranging from pit crew jobs to merchandising careers. By attending a Kevin’s Krew event, the students are given hope that helps them to stay focused and work hard, despite any social and/or economical misfortunes.
Where to See Harvick … Harvick is scheduled to visit the Team Chevy stage located in the Fan Plaza at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, August 18 at 9:40 a.m. Eastern Time for a fan question-and-answer session. Following his visit to the Team Chevy Stage, Harvick will join fans at the Budweiser Acceleration Club at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets for the Budweiser Acceleration Club include a pre-race pit pass, food and drinks, a souvenir program, complimentary scanner rental, parking pass, souvenir gift and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.mispeedway.com or by calling 517-592-1161.
The Last Time By … Harvick and the No. 29 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet team finished 22nd in 2011 Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway after experiencing troubles on pit road throughout the race.
In the Rearview Mirror: Finger Lakes 355 … Harvick and the No. 29 team brought home a 15th-place finish in the Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen International last Sunday afternoon after battling a tight-handling condition and lack of grip around the seven-turn road course.
KEVIN HARVICK QUOTES: Talk about your race on the newly repaved Michigan International Speedway back in June?
“We didn’t have the best race. We practiced really well during the weekend and were able to figure things out on the first tire, but when they changed the (left-side) tires and we weren’t quite as good. We had a few problems at the beginning of the race and had to make up ground all day. Our car was fast enough to make up ground and do the things we needed to do to get back into the top 10, but we still need to be better.”
There was a lot of talk about 200 plus mph speeds. What was your take on how fast the race cars were and did you feel how fast they were?
“Obviously the speeds were high, but from where we sit after you run two or three laps you become accustomed to how fast you are going. It probably looked faster from the outside, but to us it was just another day in the office.”
Talk about how many grooves you were able to find during the race in June on the newly repaved Michigan International Speedway and how was passing that day?
“There was virtually no passing, and there was only one groove.”
Jeff Burton
No. 31 Wheaties Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Weekend’s No. 31 Wheaties Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Jeff Burton will race chassis No. 367 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable this weekend. This No. 31 Chevrolet, built new for the 2012 season, has been utilized twice this year at Kansas Speedway in April (started-12th, finished-22nd) and Pocono Raceway in June (started-20th, finished-15th).
Career Michigan Stats … This weekend’s 400-mile event marks Burton’s 38th start at the two-mile facility and 642nd-career Sprint Cup Series entry. Burton has garnered four top-five and nine top-10 finishes at the track along with two pole awards in 1996 and 2006. He has also led 76 laps at the Brooklyn, Mich.-based race track.
Getting Loopy in the Irish Hills … Burton has accrued impressive NASCAR Loop Data Statistics at Michigan International Speedway since its inception in 2006. Of all drivers entering the event, he has the third-most Green Flag Passes (1,168) with 401 coming while running in the top 15. Burton has also spent 1,061 laps running in the top 15.
Breakfast of Champions … The iconic Wheaties franchise returns to Sprint Cup Series action this weekend. This is the fifth of six scheduled races during the 2012 season that Wheaties will be the primary partner of the No. 31 Chevrolet team. Wheaties also serves as an associate partner of the No. 31 team for the remainder of the races during the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season. For more information, please visit www.wheaties.com or follow Wheaties on Twitter @Wheaties_FUEL and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Wheaties.
Vote for Burton … In the spirit of the campaign season, the four-time New Hampshire Motor Speedway winner Burton will be making pit stops in Massachusetts and New Hampshire on Wednesday, August 15. He’ll be campaigning in the Bay and Granite states in hopes of championing the support of NASCAR fans in his quest to get back to Victory Lane at “The Magic Mile” on September 23 in the SYLVANIA 300. The only driver in history to lead a race from start to finish at NHMS and dubbed the “Mayor of NASCAR,” Burton is urging all his fans to follow him in his “Turn Left with Jeff” campaign as he drives for a fifth-career victory at the Loudon, N.H.-based facility. Pit stops will include Faneuil Hall in Boston, Mass. at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, City Hall in Manchester, N.H. at 12:30 p.m. ET. and a stop in downtown Portsmouth N.H. at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Like Father, Like Son … Burton’s son Harrison has shown he is quite the race car driver. Competing in USAC’s .25 “Generation Next” National Touring Series, the younger Burton, driving three different divisions (Light 160, Senior Animal, & Light World Formula), has raced in 36 events during the 2012 season, accumulating 15 wins, nine runner-up, six third-place and two fourth-place finishes. The 10th race of the 12-state, 15-race schedule is slated to take place this weekend in Kalamazoo, Mich. The 11-year-old driver is the 2011 National Series Champion in the Light 160 division and was runner up in the 2011 Senior Animal division. For additional information on the USAC Touring Series, please visit http://www.usacracing.com/.
Race Rewind: Watkins Glen International … After climbing into the top 20 just past the halfway point of the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen, Burton’s No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team experienced a fuel pump issue, forcing the Richard Childress Racing driver to the garage area for a short time, relegating him to a 30th-place finish.
Points Racing … Burton sits 19th in the Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings. After 22 points-paying events of the 36-race Sprint Cup Series season, Burton has two top-five and four top-10 finishes. The veteran RCR driver has spent 1,868 laps running in the top 15 and has made 2,144 green-flag passes.
JEFF BURTON QUOTES:
What was it like running those high speeds at Michigan International Speedway after the surface was repaved?
“It was a lot of fun. The speed was really cool. It felt like a brand new track with the new pavement. After going to certain race tracks for so long, it is cool when they change them because it brings something new. The speed was fast, but until you looked at the speed charts, you didn’t know you were going that fast because the pavement allows you to run that speed.”
How much did the tire situation alter your game plan for the first race at Michigan International Speedway?
“It was pretty big. It affected some teams more than others. It affected us quite a bit. We had a game plan in place and our Thursday test went really well. By the time we got a new tire, the changes just got away from us. We were struggling a little bit and I think when changes like that are made last-minute, the teams that aren’t quite on top of their game struggle a little bit.”
Do you think Goodyear has come up with a good tire combination for Michigan International Speedway?
“I really do. I think what we saw when we tested at Michigan (International Speedway) a few weeks ago had a lot of speed, but also a lot of durability. No one saw any tire issues up there. No blisters or anything on the tires. I feel pretty confident going back.”
What do you expect the second time around at Michigan International Speedway and for the rest of the season?
“I think we’ve started to move in the right direction. We went to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and didn’t get the finish we deserved because we had a mechanical failure. We ran much better at Pocono Raceway earlier this month also, but still didn’t get the finish we deserved. We made a lot of changes in the way we are doing stuff and things certainly seem to be picking up.”
Race: Napa Auto Parts 200
Location: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Nationwide Series Notes
RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series History at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve … In six previous Nationwide Series appearances at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Richard Childress Racing has acquired one win with driver Kevin Harvick in 2007, along with one top-five and four top-10 finishes.
The Season So Far … In the 21 races contested this season, RCR has earned five wins in the Nationwide Series, with Elliott Sadler at Phoenix International Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and Iowa Speedway, and Austin Dillon at Kentucky Speedway. RCR has earned eight pole awards in 2012, with Sadler at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and both Iowa Speedway events, Paul Menard at Texas Motor Speedway, Harvick at Richmond International Raceway, and Dillon at Michigan International Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. The organization has 27 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes and has led 1,069 laps in 2012.
RCR in the NNS … In 829 Nationwide Series starts over the course of the last 15 years, RCR has earned 61 wins, 277 top-five finishes, 458 top-10 finishes and 40 pole awards, with an average starting position of 12.4 and an average finishing position of 12.7 among all races contested. RCR earned the Nationwide Series driver points championships in 2001 and 2006 with Harvick and in 2008 with Clint Bowyer. The Welcome, N.C.-based team earned the owner’s title in 2003 with Johnny Sauter and Harvick, and again in 2007 with Jeff Burton and Scott Wimmer.
To the Point … RCR’s two full-time Nationwide Series entries rank first (Sadler) and fourth (Dillon) in the Nationwide Series driver championship point standings heading into this weekend’s race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The No. 2 team sits second in the owner point standings while the No. 3 team ranks fifth. The No. 33 team sits seventh in the owner championship point standings.
Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and information and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing, RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series team Twitter pages – @RCR2ESadler, @RCR3ADillon and @RCR33NNS, RCR’s Nationwide Series driver Twitter pages – @Elliott_Sadler, @AustinDillon3 and @Brendan62, the official Facebook fan pages – facebook.com/RCRracing, facebook.com/ElliottSadlerOfficial and facebook.com/austindillon3.
Live on ESPN … Flag-to-flag coverage of the Napa Auto Parts 200 is scheduled to be televised on ESPN beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, August 18 and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Elliott Sadler No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s OneMain Financial Chevrolet at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve … Elliott Sadler and the No. 2 OneMain Financial team will unload Chassis No. 502 from Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series stable this weekend. The OneMain Financial team utilized this road course-specific chassis earlier this season at Road America where the team scored a 15th-place finish.
Road Racing … The event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve serves as the third and final road course race of the Nationwide Series season. In June, Sadler finished 15th at Road America after a late-race incident damaged the car in the first road course event of the season. Last weekend, Sadler earned a 12th-place finish at Watkins Glen International in the Series’ second road course appearance of the season.
Last Time By … In Sadler’s debut at the 14-turn Montreal road course last season, he battled back from a mid-race incident to bring home a top-10 finish.
Just The Stats … According to NASCAR’s 2012 Loop Data Season-to-Date statistics, Sadler leads the Nationwide Series in Average Mid-Race Position (6.7), Average Finishing Position (7.6), Average Running Position (7.2), Quality Passes (900), Laps in the Top 15 (3512) and Percentage of laps in the Top 15 (96.2).After 21 events in the Nationwide Series season, Sadler has earned four wins, three pole awards, eight top-five and 15 top-10 finishes with 234 laps led.
To the Point … Sadler remains atop the Nationwide Series driver championship point standings, leading Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by 13 points.
Gone Fishin’ … Prior to heading north to Montreal, Sadler will participate in a different type of competition. Sadler set sail off the coast of the Outer Banks, N.C., for the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. Last year, Sadler walked away with victory in the Yellowfin Tuna division, catching a 61.6 lb tuna.
Race Rewind: Watkins Glen … In the second of three road courses events this season, Sadler battled a loose-handling condition for much of the 200-mile event at Watkins Glen International last week. The Emporia, Va., driver competed in the top 15 for most of the race, ultimately finishing in the 12th position.
Lizard Lickin’ … Sadler will appear on the truTV hit show Lizard Lick Towing on Monday, August 20 at 10 p.m. ET. With the help of Ron, Bobby and Amy of Lizard Lick Towing, Sadler helps to play a prank on RCR teammate and Nationwide Series rookie Austin Dillon with younger brother Ty Dillon. For more information, please visit www.news.turner.com.
Seeing Pink … For the remainder of the season, Sadler will have a little more color to his outfit on race days. The Emporia, Va., native will sport pink driving shoes, showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness. Sadler’s mother, Bell, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and is now a survivor. Fans have the opportunity to bid on his race-worn pink shoes throughout the season with benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information, visit www.sadlerfoundation.org.
ELLIOTT SADLER QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve?
“Last season was the first time I ever competed at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The first thing that struck me was how amazing the fans are in Canada. They welcomed the NASCAR teams and drivers, and I was excited to see how pumped they were to come out to the track. This is the last road course on the Nationwide Series schedule, and the OneMain Financial team is really looking forward to going out there to compete up front. We haven’t had much luck at road courses this season, so we all want to end strong, especially in front of all the great Canadian fans.”
Austin Dillon
No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s AdvoCare Chevrolet at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 098 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable. This is the same Chevrolet that Dillon drove to a 23rd-place finish at Watkins Glen International last weekend. The Danny Stockman-led team worked at RCR on Sunday and throughout the week to prepare the car for this weekend’s event.
Dillon at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve … Dillon has two Nationwide Series road course races to his credit, finishing in the 23rd position at Watkins Glen International last weekend and in the 18th position at Road America in June. He has competed in two road course races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Division, finishing 12th at Watkins Glen and 21st at Lime Rock Motorsports Park, both in 2008. The 22-year-old Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender has been training with road course racing veteran Max Papis this season.
Getting Seat Time … Prior to competing in the No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series this weekend, Dillon plans to race the No. 4 Chevrolet for John Fitzpatrick in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday morning.
The Season So Far … According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Season-to-Date Statistics, Dillon has completed 88.9 percent of his Laps in the Top 15, ranking him second and has an Average Running Position of 9.901 in the season’s 21 contested Nationwide Series races, also ranking him second among all drivers. The Nationwide Series rookie is ranked second in the Fastest Laps Run category with 279 laps so far this season and has completed 95.59 percent of Laps on the Lead Lap, ranking him third among all competitors. He maintains a Driver Rating of 103.3, ranking him fourth, has the fifth-fastest Speed in Traffic and is the fifth-Fastest Driver Late in a Run. He has 283 Laps Led this season, ranking him fifth, has the sixth-fastest Green Flag Speed, is sixth-Fastest on Restarts, is the seventh-fastest Driver Early in a Run and ranks seventh in Quality Passes with 779.
Get to the Points … Dillon is fourth in the 2012 Nationwide Series driver championship point standings, trailing RCR teammate and current point leader Elliott Sadler by 29 points. The Welcome, N.C., driver currently leads the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings over Cole Whitt.
Spark your Engines … Dillon and the RCR team will sport the colors of award-winning premier health and wellness company AdvoCare on the No. 3 Chevrolet at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. AdvoCare offers nutrition, weight loss, energy and sports performance products of the highest quality developed through comprehensive research and backed by a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. Dillon trains with AdvoCare products throughout the week and is a distributor as well. For more information about Dillon’s favorite products, including Spark, Rehydrate, meal replacement bars and Post-Workout Recovery, visit .
Feed the Children … Several RCR pit crew members, including members of the No. 3 AdvoCare team, participated in a Feed the Children food distribution in conjunction with the Salvation Army in Lexington, N.C. on Tuesday. Feed the Children sponsored this year’s Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway and because the Dillon brothers finished in the top 10 in the race, they were each able to send a food truck containing $10,000 worth of food to the cities of their choice. Austin chose Joplin, Mo., and Ty chose Lexington.
Lizard Lickin’ … Dillon will appear on the truTV show Lizard Lick Towing on Monday, August 20 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. In the episode, Ty Dillon and Elliott Sadler join Ron, Bobby and Amy of Lizard Lick Towing to play a prank on Austin. For more information, please visit www.news.turner.com.
Watkins Glen International Recap … Making his career first Nationwide Series start at Watkins Glen International, Dillon finished in the 23rd position after a fender rub caused him to cut a right-front tire in the closing laps of the race.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
What have you thought about road course racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series so far this year?
“The two road course races we’ve had so far this year have been quite challenging for me. It’s been a definite learning experience and the results have not been the best. I’ve never been to Montreal, but I have a great coach in Max Papis and I’m going to try my hardest to get a top 10 finish.”
Brendan Gaughan
No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s South Point Chevrolet at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve … Brendan Gaughan will pilot Chassis No. 095 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable. This Chevrolet was acquired by RCR during the merger with Kevin Harvick Inc., was refurbished by the team during the off season and will run its first competitive laps of the 2012 season this weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Gaughan in the Driver Seat … As the Nationwide Series travels north of the border to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Gaughan will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 33 RCR Chevrolet for his sixth of 10 scheduled Nationwide Series appearances this season. In his first five NNS races with RCR in 2012, the Las Vegas native has earned one top-five and three top-10 finishes.
Running the Road Course … Saturday’s 74-lap event marks Gaughan’s third Nationwide Series appearance at the Montreal, Canada-based facility and 77th-career Nationwide Series start. During his two previous series starts at the 2.709-mile road course, Gaughan completed 138 of 153 (90.2 percent) of the laps contested. He holds an average starting and finishing position of 18th.
In the Loop … According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Data Loop Statistics, Gaughan maintains an average starting position of 9.5 and an average finishing position of 15.5. So far in the 2012 Nationwide Series season the 37-year-old driver has completed 223 Green-Flag Passes, has made 207 Quality Passes and has run 1,130 Laps within the Top 15 (94 percent of total laps completed).
To the Points … The No. 33 RCR Chevrolet team sits seventh in the Nationwide Series owner’s championship point standings, 67 points behind the No. 18 team. The No. 33 team earned eight top-five and 15 top-10 finishes between six different drivers (Ty Dillon, Gaughan, Kevin Harvick, Paul Menard, Max Papis and Tony Stewart) thus far this season.
South Point Hotel & Casino … South Point Hotel & Casino will serve as Gaughan’s primary sponsor for the No. 33 Chevrolet this weekend. Located in the heart of the premiere southwest Las Vegas valley, minutes away from the famous Las Vegas Strip, South Point Hotel & Casino amenities include a 16-screen century theatre movie complex, 64-lane bowling center and a handful of restaurants that cater to all appetites and tastes. The casino features a large selection of table games and the latest slot and video poker machines. The distinctive hotel features spacious rooms and suites with 42-inch LED televisions, Point Plush mattresses and wireless fidelity throughout. A unique feature to this property is its Equestrian Center, which is the finest horse facility in the country. South Point also has a fabulous 400-seat showroom that features headliner entertainment and dancing to live bands on weekends.
Meet the Driver … Fans will have the opportunity to meet Gaughan during a NASCAR at-track autograph session on Friday, August 17 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. The autograph session will take place in the Fan Midway.
In the Rearview Mirror: Watkins Glen International … Menard started the No. 33 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet from the third position in Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 at The Glen and persevered through battery issues to earn a top-10 finish at Watkins Glen International.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on returning to the road course at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve?
“I’m really excited to be returning to Montreal. It’s a beautiful city that is so much fun to visit and the race course is just as much fun. I have a good bit of experience there, with a second place finish in the Rolex Grand American Series and one top 10 in the Nationwide Series. After how well Max (Papis) and Paul (Menard) have looked at the road courses this season, I feel like it’s my turn to show the No. 33 guys what I can do on a road course.”
Race: VFW 200
Location: Michigan International Speedway
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Notes
RCR at Michigan International Raceway … Richard Childress Racing has five previous NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the Brooklyn, Mich.-based facility, earning two top-five and three top-10 finishes and one pole award. RCR boasts a 9.2 average starting position combined with an 11.4 average finishing position at the two-mile track. Collectively, the Welcome, N.C.-based race team has completed 97.2 percent (490 of 504) of the contested laps at Michigan International Speedway and led for 57 circuits.
RCR’s Camping World Truck Series History … In 241 Camping World Truck Series starts, RCR has earned 26 wins, 89 top-five finishes, 150 top-10 finishes and 32 pole awards, along with the inaugural series championship in 1995 with Mike Skinner and again with Austin Dillon in 2011. The organization has an average starting position of 9.5 and an average finishing position of 10.1.
Truck Line-up … Tim George Jr. will pilot the No. 2 Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The No. 2 team will join Ty Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet team along with Joey Coulter and the No. 22 Rip It Energy Chevrolet team for Saturday’s 100-lap event.
Season in Review … Through the first 11 races of the season, RCR’s Camping World Truck Series entries have acquired two victories, one at Martinsville Speedway with Kevin Harvick behind the wheel and most recently, with Joey Coulter at Pocono Raceway. RCR has notched four pole awards, with Harvick at Martinsville Speedway and Dover International Speedway, George Jr. at Kansas Speedway and Dillon at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Welcome, N.C.-based organization has eight top-five and 20 top-10 finishes, and has led 506 laps in 2012.
To the Points … With 11 2012 Camping World Truck Series races in the books, Dillon is second in the driver championship point standings, eight markers behind the leader, and Coulter sits in the seventh position, 49 points outside the top spot. RCR’s No. 2 Chevrolet team is eighth in the owner championship point standings utilizing three different drivers (Harvick, Brendan Gaughan and George) while the No. 3 team ranks second and the No. 22 team is seventh in the standings.
Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and information and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing, RCR’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team Twitter pages – @RCR3TDillon, @RCR22JCoulter and @RCR2CWTS. RCR’s NCWTS driver personal Twitter pages – @tydillon, @JoeyCoulter, @timgeorgejr, @Brendan62 and @kevinharvick.
Catch the Action … Flag-to-flag coverage of this weekend’s VFW 200 is scheduled to be televised live on Saturday, August 18, beginning at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on SPEED and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio beginning at 12:15 p.m.
Tim George Jr. No. 2 Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Tim George Jr. will pilot Chassis No. 025 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stable this weekend in the VFW 200. George drove this chassis to a 15th-place finish at Pocono Raceway earlier this month. This RCR Chevrolet was also utilized by Kevin Harvick at Dover International Speedway in June where he earned the pole award and finished third.
Michigan Details … This weekend’s 100-lap affair marks George’s first Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway. Although the New York City native has yet to make any competitive laps at the two-mile track in the Truck Series, he made three ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts, garnering one top-five and two top-10 finishes. George completed 99.7 percent of the contested laps (299 of 300) and holds an 11th-place average starting position combined with an average finish position of eighth.
Still Truckin’ … George completed five of his 12 scheduled races on the 2012 Camping World Truck Series schedule. At this point in the season, the RCR driver earned one pole award at Kansas Speedway (April) and completed 98.7 percent (757 of 767) of the contested laps. George holds an average starting position of 13.8 and an average finishing position of 17.4. Following this weekend’s VFW 200, he is scheduled to participate in the Camping World Truck Series events at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway and the season finale race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Owner Points … After 11 races in the 2012 season, the No. 2 Chevrolet team currently sits eighth in Camping World Truck Series owner championship point standings courtesy of drivers Kevin Harvick, Brendan Gaughan and George.
In Your Neighborhood … George is scheduled to make four appearances at local Michigan Applebee’s restaurants before strapping into the No. 2 Chevrolet on Saturday. On Wednesday, August 15, George will visit two restaurants located at 1706 Westwood Blvd in Jackson, Mich. at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and 787 East Chicago St. in Coldwater, Mich. at 5 p.m. ET. He will also visit restaurants on Thursday, August 16 located at 119 Whitetail Dr. in Dundee, Mich. at 2 p.m. ET and 1396 South Main St. in Adrian, Mich. at 5 p.m. ET. The RCR driver will sign autographs for Applebee’s team members and restaurant guests.
Another Chance to Meet the Driver … Prior to competing in the VFW 200, George is scheduled to make an appearance at the Team Chevy stage for a question-and-answer session with RCR teammates Ty Dillon and Joey Coulter at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, August 17.
Rearview Mirror: Pocono Raceway … George took the green flag from the sixth position for the 50-lap event at Pocono Raceway and reported a loose-handling condition on the No. 2 Chevrolet. The handling issues persisted throughout the majority of the event causing George to make contact with the wall just past the halfway point of the event. The No. 2 team was able to repair the damage and send George back out on track. George raced his way back into the top 15 before the checkered flag waved on the event.
TIM GEORGE JR. QUOTES:
What are your thoughts about racing at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series?
“The last time I raced at Michigan (International Speedway) in the ARCA Racing Series (presented by Menards), we finished third, and I was pretty happy with that result. My RCR teammate, Jeff Burton, gave me a few pointers before the race, and they helped me out a lot. I’m excited to be back at this track, it puts on a great race, and there are a lot of great fans.”
Ty Dillon No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 007 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stable in Saturday’s VFW 200. Dillon drove this Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway in July where he started 15th and finished seventh. Chassis 007 was utilized in four events during the 2011 season, collecting three top-10 finishes.
The Great Lakes State Stats … This week’s 100-lap race marks Dillon’s second appearance at the Brooklyn, Mich.-based facility. Although the RCR driver has yet to compete at the two-mile track in the Camping World Truck Series, he’s no stranger to Victory Lane at the track. In the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event in June 2011, Dillon led for 22 circuits en route to the race win, marking one of his seven ARCA Racing Series wins last season.
Points Racing … Dillon is second in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series driver championship point standings, eight points behind leader Timothy Peters.
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Update … Dillon leads the 2012 Sunoco Rookie of the Year point standings by 60 points ahead of driver Cale Gale.
Season to Date … Dillon has earned impressive stats with 11 races complete on the 2012 Camping World Truck Series schedule. According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Loop Data Statistics, the Welcome, N.C., native is ranked second in the Fastest Driver Early in a Run category. He is ranked fourth in the following areas: Average Running Position (8.674), Driver Rating (99.4), Laps Run in the Top-15 (1,489) and Percentage of Laps Run on Lead Lap (96.64 percent). Dillon holds the series’ fifth-fastest Green Flag Speed and Fastest on Restarts. With 308 Quality Passes made over the first half of the season, Dillon ranks sixth amongst his competitors.
Meet the Driver … Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs for fans at Bass Pro Shops located at 10000 Bass Pro Shops Blvd in Rossford, Ohio on Thursday, August 16 at 6 p.m. ET. In addition to competing in the VFW 200, the 20-year-old driver is scheduled to visit the Team Chevy stage at Michigan International Speedway for a fan question-and-answer session with RCR teammates Joey Coulter and Tim George Jr. on Friday, August 17 at 4 p.m. ET.
It’s Bristol Baby … Bristol Motor Speedway has created a special ticket package with Ty Dillon for the upcoming Camping World Truck Series race on Wednesday, August 22. Fans that purchase Dillon’s ticket package receive a ticket to the UNOH Perfect Storm doubleheader race on Wednesday, a BMS hat and access to a question-and-answer session with Dillon and his grandfather and team owner Richard Childress all for $39.00. For more information about the ticket package, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.
Prank on Big Brother … Dillon will appear on the truTV hit show Lizard Lick Towing on Monday, August 20 at 10 p.m. ET. With the help of Ron, Bobby and Amy of Lizard Lick Towing, Dillon helps follow RCR teammate Elliott Sadler play a prank on Ty’s older brother Austin. For more information about the show, please visit www.news.turner.com.
Feed the Children … Several RCR pit crew members, including members of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops team, participated in a Feed the Children food distribution in conjunction with the Salvation Army in Lexington, N.C. on Tuesday, August 14. Feed the Children sponsored this year’s Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway and because the Dillon brothers finished in the top 10 in the race, they were each able to send a food truck containing $10,000 worth of food to the cities of their choice. Ty chose Lexington and Austin chose Joplin, Mo.
In the Rearview Mirror: Pocono Raceway … Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops team started the 50-lap event at Pocono Raceway from the outside pole but was shuffled up the race track on the start, causing minor damage to the left-front fender and splitter and forcing him into the turn-one wall. After two trips to pit road to repair the damage, Dillon returned to the racing surface in the 16th position. In the final portion of the race, the RCR driver was able to maneuver through the field to take the checkered flag in the sixth position.
TY DILLON QUOTES:
You won last year at Michigan International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. What are your thoughts about the track?
“I really like racing at Michigan (International Speedway). That track is a lot flatter than most of the other tracks that we race, so the sensation of speed is a lot more. You’re reaching speeds of almost 200 mph coming off of the corners. It’s a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to get there this week.”
There are 10 races left in the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. You currently sit second in points, eight markers behind the leader. Are you more focused on winning races and a championship will come, or are you focused on the championship?
“The No. 3 Bass Pro Shops team is focused on that championship. We’ve proven a few times this season that we have what it takes to turn a bad weekend around to earn more points to better ourselves in the championship hunt. I tell the guys to keep their heads up and working hard. We’ll get that win eventually but in the mean time, we’re looking to gain ground in the championship.”
Joey Coulter
No. 22 Rip It Energy Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Joey Coulter will pilot Chassis No. 022 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stable in Saturday afternoon’s VFW 200. This truck was last utilized at Pocono Raceway where Coulter earned his career-first Camping World Truck Series victory.
Coulter in the Irish Hills … Coulter has one previous start at the two-mile facility in the Camping World Truck Series where he posted an 18th-place finish in 2011. He has also made four ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts at Michigan International Speedway, collecting one pole award and four top-10 finishes.
Last Time Around: Michigan … Coulter and the No. 22 RCR entry fell victim to on-track incidents at the Brooklyn, Mich.-based facility in August 2011. After battling back from an early spin and a blown tire in the closing laps, the 22-year-old driver settled for an 18th-place finish.
11 Races In … According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Loop Data Statistics, Coulter leads all drivers in the following categories: Fastest Drivers Early in a Run and Fastest Speed in Traffic. He ranks third in Quality Passes with 383 passes and fourth amongst all drivers in Green Flag Speed.
Get to the Points … At the halfway point of the 2012 season, Coulter sits seventh in the Camping World Truck Series driver championship point standings, 49 markers behind the leader.
Winner, Winner … Coulter captured his career-first Camping World Truck Series victory in the Pocono Mountains 125 at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, August 4. Going three-wide on the final restart, Coulter powered past the leaders and pulled away from the field on his way to the checkered flag.
Meet Coulter … Coulter is scheduled to join RCR teammates Ty Dillon and Tim George Jr. at the Team Chevy stage for a fan question-and-answer session on Friday, August 17 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
JOEY COULTER QUOTE:
Now that you have had a week, reflect on the importance of your win at Pocono Raceway.
“I feel like the monkey is off my back, and I’m ready to go get the next win. Everyone said once you win the first race, the next ones are easier. I’m ready to make a charge for the championship by collecting a couple more wins.”
What are your thoughts heading into the race at Michigan International Speedway?
“I’m really excited for Michigan (International Speedway). It’s one of my favorite tracks and we have always run pretty well there. The whole team is ready to ride this wave of momentum. Harold (Holly, crew chief) is pretty excited about this package we’ve stumbled upon so we’re going to see how it works this weekend.”
