Event: Bristol 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand up to Cancer
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2015
Venue: Bristol Motor Speedway – Bristol, Tenn.
Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Bristol Motor Speedway … In 149 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing boasts nine wins – seven with Dale Earnhardt, one with Kevin Harvick and one with Jeff Burton – three pole awards, 32 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. The Welcome, N.C.-based organization has led 3,665 laps at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,527 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards,105 wins, 464 top-five finishes and 984 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 15.9. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Sprint Cup Series championships with Earnhardt in 1986, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’93 and ’94, six NASCAR XFINITY Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.
RCR Texas Rewind … In the Sprint Cup Series’ seventh race of the season at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend, teammates Newman, Dillon and Menard finished 12th, 20th and 41st, respectively.
Did You Know … Life threatening injury is the No. 1 killer of kids in America. Nearly 10,000 children lose their lives every year from serious injuries, and many more are treated in the emergency room. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to any child. The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma discovers and shares the best ways to prevent and treat severe injuries in children. The Institute funds research, education and advocacy to improve the care and treatment injured kids receive across the U.S. Visit SaveInjuredKids.org or find them on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
Interactive RCR … For up-to-date news and exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Sprint Cup Series team Twitter pages – @RCR3ADillon, @RCR27PMenard, @RCR31RNewman, and driver Twitter pages @austindillon3 and @RyanJNewman. Information about the 15-time championship winning organization can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at RCRracing.com along with official driver pages – facebook.com/austindillon3 , facebook.com/PaulMenard27 and facebook.com/RyanNewmanNASCAR.
Catch the Action … The Bristol 500 in support of Steve Byrnes and Stand up to Cancer will be televised live Sunday, April 19 beginning at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Dow Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 477 in the Bristol 500 in support of Steve Byrnes and Stand up to Cancer at Bristol Motor Speedway. This is the same Chevrolet SS that Dillon raced to a 20th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. In 2014, Dillon raced this Chevrolet SS to a 24th-place finish at Dover International Raceway in September, a 20th-place finish at Richmond International Raceway in September and a 14th-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July.
Dillon at Bristol Motor Speedway …. In two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, Dillon posted an 11th-place finish in March 2014 after starting 27th and a 28th-place finish in August 2014 after starting 26th. He has four BMS starts to his credit in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, posting a pair of top-five finishes at the 0.533-mile short track. He earned a career-best third-place finish in August 2014. He has also earned finishes of 11th (May 2013), 12th (March 2012) and fourth (August 2012). He has two starts at BMS in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, finishing 17th in 2010 and 23rd in 2011.
Welcome, Dow … Returning primary sponsor of the No.3 Chevrolet SS, Dow enters its second season with RCR and driver Austin Dillon. Together, both teams embrace the power of science, technology and safety as RCR tests Dow products under the most strenuous conditions. Dow also drives innovation to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems, bringing a broad range of sustainable products and solutions to customers in nearly 180 countries with more than 6,000 products manufactured across the globe. See our YouTube video “Dawn to Dusk” to see how Dow products touch the lives of everyone…from dawn to dusk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSspiG8DkOs). More information about Dow can be found at dow.com.
Getting Loopy … According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Loop Data Statistics, Dillon ranks fourth in the Closers category, advancing an average of 3.9 positions in the last 10 percent of each contested race so far this season.
In the Rear View … Last week at Texas Motor Speedway Dillon earned a 20th-place finish in the Dow Chevrolet after starting 14th. He now ranks 23rd in the driver point standings leading into the Bristol 500.
Double Duty … In addition to racing the Dow Chevrolet in the Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, Dillon is scheduled to compete in the XFINITY Series this weekend driving the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet for RCR. Watch the 2013 Series Champion live on Saturday, April 18 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on FOX Sports 1.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
How intense is it behind the wheel at Bristol Motor Speedway?
“It’s very intense at Bristol Motor Speedway. I have mixed emotions going to Bristol. I’ve had some of my best runs there but also some of my worst runs in a car there. It’s one of those places you can’t get away from once you get out there. It’s tough. You really have to have a solid car when you go there. You have to be mentally ready for the race. It’s a gladiator dome for sure. It’s one of the toughest places we go all year.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 SLYVANIA / Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s SYLVANIA / Menards Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway … Paul Menard will utilize chassis No. 454 during Sunday’ 500-lap event at Bristol Motor Speedway. This Chevrolet SS will make its first laps of the 2015 season during Friday’s practice sessions at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Fox Sports 1.
Bristol by the Numbers … In 15 starts at the 0.533-mile track, Menard holds two top-five and four top-10 starting positions. The Wisconsin native also has one top-five and six top-10 finishes at the Bristol, Tenn.-based venue. He has led 100 laps and completed 99.7 percent of the laps in competition.
About SYLVANIA: Innovation at its Brightest … OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and services, specializing in innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH. For more information, visit sylvania.com.
Where Do You Stand … Menard now sits 16th in the Sprint Cup Series driver point standings, just 17 points away from 10th, after finishing 41st at Texas Motor Speedway.
Last Time at Bristol Motor Speedway … Menard captured his 11th top-10 finish of the 2014 season during last year’s August event at the 0.533-mile track. The RCR driver noted the car needed drive off early in the race and the No. 27 crew remedied the condition with changes on pit road. Menard took the final restart of the night from fourth and crossed the finish line in the ninth spot.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
Are there now two distinct lines at Bristol Motor Speedway?
“There always has been since they repaved it. You can kind of run in the top, middle, bottom and we typically qualify using the bottom line. As the race goes you migrate to the top line of the track. If you can get your car working in the bottom groove during the race then you can really make stuff happen. It’s extremely hard to pass but there are a couple grooves and if you get your car working right then you can make things happen.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 WIX Filters Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s WIX Filters Chevrolet SS at Bristol Motor Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 486 on Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway. This Chevrolet SS was utilized earlier this season at Atlanta Motor Speedway where Newman qualified seventh and finished 10th.
Newman at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile … In 26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Bristol Motor Speedway, Newman owns three pole awards including the spring races in 2003 and 2004 as well as the fall event in 2011. He has earned one top-five and 14 top-10 finishes. His best result of second place came on August 28, 2004. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 10.3 and average finish of 16.9. He’s led a total of 112 laps in competition. And in the XFINITY Series, he owns one pole (fall 2006) and a 2005 victory in the fall race.
About WIX Filters … Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit wixfilters.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wixfilters, follow us on Twitter @WIXFilters and visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/TheWIXFilters.
About Affinia Group Inc. … Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit affiniagroup.com.
Get to the Points … Newman moves up one spot this week after finishing 12th at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday night. He now ranks 25th in the championship point standings entering this weekend’s event at Bristol.
Last Time Around … Newman started the race in 11th position and throughout the majority of the event competed within the top 10. Shortly after the team’s final two-tire stop on lap 443, the driver reported a tight-handling condition and battled it to the very end to record a 13th-place finish.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What is the key to getting around Bristol Motor Speedway?
“The most important thing is getting all four tires engaged in the track. That’s the key because Bristol is such a fun place to drive especially when we can use the whole track. If the tires marble up and we can’t get to the high side then it’s not near as much fun. Either way, it’s fun to drive and know that we will at least have two grooves to race and an absolute blast if we can choose from all three.”
Do you anticipate challenges at Bristol with the new rules package?
“Of all the tracks we go to, the downforce and the horsepower will mean the least at a place like Bristol. When it comes to the gear, just having the correct gear ratio will be the most important thing.”
Event: Drive to Stop Diabetes 300
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015
Venue: Bristol Motor Speedway – Bristol, Tenn.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Bristol Motor Speedway … In 68 Series starts at the half-mile oval, RCR has completed 17,089 laps of the 17,851 (95.7 percent) that they have competed. The Welcome, N.C., organization has visited victory lane on seven separate occasions, four with Kevin Harvick (2000, 2001, 2003, 2005), Jeff Green (2002), Clint Bowyer (2008) and Elliott Sadler (2012). RCR has accumulated 26 top-five and 40 top-10 finishes, led 1,776 laps, have started from the pole position five times and average a starting position of 9.6 and finishing position of 11.7.
Lone Star Stat Recap … Austin Dillon was the highest RCR finisher in fifth, Brian Scott 10th, Ty Dillon 12th and Brendan Gaughan 33rd, respectively, in the XFINITY Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway.
The Points … Ty Dillon remains the XFINITY Series point standings leader, Brendan Gaughan is eighth and Brian Scott is ninth. The RCR No. 33 entry is currently fifth in the Series’ owner point standings.
Did You Know … Life threatening injury is the No. 1 killer of kids in America. Nearly 10,000 children lose their lives every year from serious injuries, and many more are treated in the emergency room. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to any child. The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma discovers and shares the best ways to prevent and treat severe injuries in children. The Institute funds research, education and advocacy to improve the care and treatment injured kids receive across the U.S. Visit SaveInjuredKids.org or find them on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
Social Media … To stay on track with the latest news and information and to view exclusive, behind the scenes content visit RCR’s Twitter account – @RCRracing, RCR’s NASCAR XFINITY Series team Twitter accounts – @RCR2BScott, @RCR3TDillon, @RCR33NXS and @RCR62BGaughan. RCR’s XFINITY Series driver Twitter accounts – @bscottracing, @tydillon, @austindillon3 and @Brendan62. For additional photos, news and video log on to rcrracing.com.
Catch the Action … XFINITY Series coverage from Bristol Motor Speedway will begin on Friday, April 17 with both practice sessions being televised live on FOX Sports 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Qualifying will be live on Fox Sports 1 on Saturday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by coverage of the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 at 1:30 p.m. and broadcasted live on PRN and SiriusXM channel 90.
Brian Scott, No. 2 Shoe Lodge Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Shore Lodge Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 101 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Drive to Stop Diabetes 300. This prepared chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable has an average starting position of 5.9 and an average finishing position of 6.7.
The Last Great Colosseum History … Scott will be making his 12th XFINITY Series start this weekend in the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 at BMS. In 11 previous starts, the Boise, Idaho, native has captured three top-10 finishes with an average start of 11.3 and an average finish of 19.9. Scott earned his best starting position, second, and best finishing position, ninth, in his 2013 fall showing at the 0.53-mile speedway. He also has three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the track.
Shore Lodge Returns in 2015 … Shore Lodge will serve as primary sponsor for Scott and the No. 2 XFINTIY Series team for select races in 2015. Set on the southern shore of Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho, four seasons of adventure await at this idyllic location. A family favorite since 1948, the travel destination allows guests to enjoy the spectacular views, friendly service and generous accommodations at the lake front resort. Shore Lodge serves as the perfect mixture of adventure and luxury featuring 26 spa adventures, fitness studio, golf privileges at Whitetail Club, jet skiing, and a private beach for guests.
Race Rewind … Brian Scott and the No. 2 Albertsons / Reser’s Chevrolet qualified in the seventh position for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300. In the first night race on the XFINITY Series schedule, Scott took over the race lead on lap 22 leading the next 26 laps. Scott went on to battle with right-rear grip racing around the 10th position for the remainder of the 200-lap race and crossed the finish line in the 10th position.
Last Time at Bristol Motor Speedway … The No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro qualified ninth for the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. After a rain delayed start to the 300-lap event, Scott fought rear grip and drive off on the restarts at the 0.53-mile track. With 27 laps to go, Scott lost track position after brushing the outside wall and took the checkered flag in the 11th position.
To The Points … Scott is currently 9th in the XFINITY Series driver point standings after the sixth of 33 races.
BRIAN SCOTT QUOTES:
Talk about Bristol Motor Speedway and how you’ve raced there in the past.
“Bristol is Bristol. It’s a challenging race track. It’s always been a track where I’ve had a lot of speed and have been really fast in practice and qualified well. I’ve struggled when the track gets rubbered up. The more rubbered up the track gets it seems the more the handling that I like in a car goes away. And it doesn’t benefit itself well for the race. We are going to try something different. I’m looking forward to going there with our new crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. and trying a new package and trying to master that little piece that we’ve missed on racing well in the rubber at Bristol.
Do you think you will be able to notice the difference of safer barriers at Bristol?
“Bristol is narrow and high banked. It seems like you are always using all of the real estate that you can at Bristol and then you want more. The addition of safer barriers at certain tracks you hardly notice but at a track like Bristol I think it will be really noticeable.”
Ty Dillon, No. 3 Yuengling Light Lager Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Yuengling Light Lager Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway … NASCAR XFINITY Series points leader Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 131 for this weekend’s Drive to Stop Diabetes 300. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro was most recently raced at Auto Club Speedway last season where Dillon finished eighth.
Dillon in the XFINITY Series at Bristol Motor Speedway … In three XFINITY Series starts at the Last Great Colosseum, Dillon has recorded one top-five finish and three top-10 finishes. His career-best finish came last August under the lights where he finished fourth in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro. In two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts, Dillon has one top-10 finish.
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. partners with RCR for 2015 season … Yuengling Light Lager, the 99 calorie light beer produced by America’s Oldest Brewery, will be featured on the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro during the 2015 season. Based in Pottsville, Pa., D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., is family owned and operated since 1829. Principal Beer brands include Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Premium, Light, Black and Tan, Dark Brewed Porter, and Lord Chesterfield Ale. For more information, visit yuengling.com.
#RaceHardTy … Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook every race weekend by using the hashtag #RaceHardTy and have the opportunity to win free Yuengling Light Lager swag.
Where would you like to see Ty Dillon race? … From now until April 25, fans can enter the Yuengling VIP fan experience sweepstakes by logging on to yuengling.com/TyDillon. One lucky fan will have a chance to go to a race of his/her choice; just answer one simple question: Where would you like to see Ty Dillon race? Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
Last week at Texas Motor Speedway … Dillon qualified 16th and raced inside the top 15 for a majority of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 in Fort Worth, Texas. The No. 3 Bulwark / Wayne Workwear Chevrolet Camaro made a charge in the latter part of the 200-lap race to finish 12th.
Points Leader … For the fifth consecutive week, Dillon and the No. 3 team hold the XFINITY Series driver points lead. Dillon has two top-five finishes and four top-10 finishes.
Meet Ty Dillon … On behalf of Yuengling Light Lager, fans have the opportunity to meet Dillon this Friday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Roadrunner Market in Johnson City, Tenn. Immediately following, grab a slice of pizza and a cold Yuengling with Dillon beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Mellow Mushroom on 2929 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, Tenn.
TY DILLON QUOTE:
You have had some success at Bristol Motor Speedway. What’s the secret?
“I credit my dirt track racing days to my success at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a short track that is super fast and has many different areas on the track to race. That bumping-and-grinding type of racing is what I am used to and grew up doing. Bristol is one of the most exciting race tracks on the circuit to visit because it’s an unbelievable show for the fans at an awesome venue.”
Austin Dillon, No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Rheem Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot chassis No. 146 in the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro was driven to Victory Lane by Paul Menard last year at Michigan International Speedway and earned three additional top-10 finishes in 2014.
Bristol Nuggets … The Welcome, N.C., native driver has made four NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the half-mile track, collecting two top-five and two top-10 finishes. Dillon holds an average starting position of 5.2 and an average finishing position of 7.5. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Dillon ranks fourth in quality passes (110) and is the fourth-fastest driver late in a run.
Performance Counts . . . RCR and Rheem understand that winning is the result of a commitment to unparalleled achievement and continuous improvement. Rheem, a global leader in heating, cooling and water heating products is dedicated to keeping families and businesses comfortable through reliable, energy efficient products and systems customized to any lifestyle and budget. As at RCR, Rheem invests in talented professionals, advanced technology, R&D and world-class facilities that deliver Victory Lane performance. Rheem is . . . The New Degree of Comfort.
Getting Loopy in 2015 … According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Dillon holds some impressive stats so far in the 2015 season. The 24-year-old driver ranks first in the following categories: driver rating (109.7), fastest laps run (107), green-flag speed and speed by quarter. Dillon is second amongst his competitors in fastest drivers late in a run, fastest drivers on restarts and mile leaders. He also ranks third in fastest drivers early in a run and laps led (189).
Looking Ahead … So far this season, Dillon has been entered in five XFINITY Series events, collecting one victory, four top-five finishes and two pole awards. The 2013 Series champion is scheduled to compete in the next three consecutive races for RCR in the No. 33 Chevrolet.
Double Duty … In addition to Saturday’s Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, watch Dillon in the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bristol 500 in support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up to Cancer, which airs live on FOX Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
Is the high line right up against the wall still the preferred line at Bristol Motor Speedway?
“Yeah, it seems that way. The track has changed a lot, but I hope we can get a tire that helps us move off of that wall a little bit and use more of the bottom side of the track. That would be nice. I hope the new rule package helps make us two-wide at Bristol, too.”
Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 149 this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro has been utilized since August 2014 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Chassis No. 149 last saw track action at Auto Club Speedway, qualifying eighth and finishing second. In four previous starts, the Camaro averages a starting position of 11.5 and a finishing position of 10.0.
Last Great Colosseum Stats … In seven XFINITY Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, Gaughan has completed 1,833 laps of the 1,954 (93.8 percent) that he has competed. The Las Vegas native has earned two top-10 finishes, both in the 2014 XFINITY Series season. In March 2009, Gaughan started from the pole position. The 39-year-old driver also has eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the half mile concrete oval, earning three top-five and three top-10 finishes.
Did You Know … In the first six races of the season, Gaughan and the No. 62 RCR Chevrolet team averages a starting position of 7.3 and a finishing position of 15.0.
This Week at South Point … This Saturday, April 18 the Miss Nevada United States 2015 competition will take place in the Showroom at South Point Hotel & Casino. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit southpointcasino.com.
Last March in Bristol… The No. 62 El Cortez Hotel & Casino Chevrolet qualified in the 20th position making minimal adjustments throughout the 300-lap event. Gaughan broke into the top-10 early in the race and stayed there for the remainder of the race. Gaughan took the checkered flag in the seventh position.
In the Rearview Mirror: Texas …. On Friday, Gaughan qualified 12th for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. The South Point Hotel & Casino team battled tight-handling conditions for the majority of the 200-lap event. Gaughan visited pit road early in the race because of a tire going down. By lap 100 the team had rebounded, returning to the lead lap and inside the top five. Gaughan’s night ended early when he was collected in an on-track incident when a competitor cut a tire. The No. 62 RCR team finished the night with a 33rd-place finish.
To the Points … Gaughan is currently eighth in the driver point standings as the XFINITY Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on Bristol Motor Speedway?
“Bristol is another one of those tracks that I love. Last year, we ran the El Cortez Chevrolet there when my grandfather passed away and we almost had a shot to win that thing. We were really good and brought home a solid top-10 finish. We are going to go back there and hopefully do the same thing.
Explain the racing at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“It has a high groove and a bottom groove that you can run. It is easier to pass then in past years. The new Bristol is a phenomenal race track because it is no longer a wreck fest. You can pass people and run side by side. It is probably one of the most fun short tracks that I have raced at.”
