RACE INFO:
Event: AAA 400
Date/Time: Sept. 29/2 p.m. ET
2012 winner: Brad Keselowski
2012 polesitter: Denny Hamlin
Distance: 400 laps/400 miles
Track Length: 1 mile
Banking: 24 degrees
Track Shape: Oval
EXPRESS NOTES:
Hamlin to be Honored in Washington, D.C. Before Dover: Denny Hamlin will be in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Sept. 26, to accept the March of Dimes “Champion for Babies” award at the organization’s Volunteer Leadership Conference and 75th anniversary celebration. Before hundreds of top volunteers from around the country, Hamlin will receive the special recognition for his work in raising awareness about the foundation’s signature fundraiser, March for Babies® that occurs each spring all across the country. He has raced a special #11 FedEx/March of Dimes paint scheme in each of the past six seasons. Joining efforts, Hamlin and FedEx have hosted the March of Dimes National Ambassador families at various NASCAR events to share their stories and encourage fans to sign up for the annual fundraising walks or contribute to walk teams. Hamlin is the fourth recipient of the prestigious award, joining golf legend Arnold Palmer, Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath and veteran broadcaster Greg Gumbel.
Dover Preview: Hamlin is making his 16th career Cup Series start at Dover (Del.) International Speedway on Sunday. He has qualified on the pole in each of the last two races at the ‘Monster Mile,’ including the Chase race at the track one year ago. In that event, Hamlin led 39 laps en route to an eighth-place finish. Earlier this year in the FedEx 400 at Dover, Hamlin started first and led 41 laps, but a blown right-front tire with less than 25 laps remaining ended the team’s day in 34th.
New Hampshire Recap: Hamlin finished 12th in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the second race of the 2013 Chase won by Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Matt Kenseth. Hamlin started 14th in the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota and ran among the top-15 cars throughout the 300-lap event on the flat, one-mile oval. A handful of early-race incidents allowed for differing pit strategies and opportunities to work on the car’s handling, with crew chief Darian Grubb calling for a variety of adjustments to help the car on corner exit. A long green flag run through the race’s midpoint saw Hamlin enter the top-10, still searching for grip through the turns. The event’s final caution came on Lap 254, providing the FedEx crew one more chance to wrench on the #11 machine. Unfortunately, the adjustments did not bring the car to life, and Hamlin took the checkered flag 12th.
Autism Speaks 400 Nextel FedEx Office – Closest to Dover International Speedway: 132 Elkton Road, Newark, DE 19711, (302) 368-5080
Chillicothe, Ohio Service Center Along for the Ride in Dover: The FedEx Freight service center in Chillicothe, Ohio, which services the south central part of the state, will be recognized with its “CTH” code letters on the b-post of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota this weekend.
FEDEX RACING CONVERSATION — DENNY HAMLIN:
What does it mean for you to win the March of Dimes “Champion for Babies” award?
“It’s an honor to receive this award, and to play a small role in raising the visibility of the great work done by the March of Dimes. Their mission hits closer to home as I became a first-time father earlier this year, and I’m grateful that with the help of FedEx, our team has been able to meet and host many families that have been positively impacted by this great organization.”
