Event: Quicken Loans 400
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015
Venue: Michigan International Speedway
Richard Childress Racing at Michigan International Speedway … In 147 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway, RCR teams have earned three wins, two with Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990) and the most recent with Kevin Harvick (August 2010). Additionally, RCR has claimed 22 top-five and 51 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 18.1 average starting position, an average finishing position of 16.3, has completed 27,717 of the 29,132 contested laps (95.1 percent) and has led 701 laps in the Irish Hills.
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,552 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 466 top-five finishes and 991 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 Pocono Rewind … In the Sprint Cup Series’ 14th race of the season at Pocono Raceway last weekend, teammates Dillon, Menard and Newman finished 19th, 31st and 39th, 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 www.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 www.facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at www.RCRracing.com along with official driver pages – www.facebook.com/austindillon3 , www.facebook.com/PaulMenard27 and www.facebook.com/RyanNewmanNASCAR.
Catch the Action … The Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway will be televised live Sunday, June 14 beginning at 1 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s American Ethanol Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 507 in the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway. This Chevrolet SS was built new for the 2015 season and been utilized twice so far in 2015, with Dillon earning a 22nd-place finish at Kansas Speedway in May and a 20th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April.
Dillon at Michigan International Speedway … In his sophomore season on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tour, Michigan International Speedway ranks as one of Dillon’s most seasoned tracks with five starts in NASCAR’s senior tour. In the August 2014 event, he earned a 22nd-place finish after suffering mechanical issues, and finished 30th in June 2014 despite running in the top 10 for a majority of the race after making a series of unscheduled pit stops in the closing laps for a flat tire. In 2013, he subbed for Tony Stewart in the No. 14 Chevrolet in August, finishing 14th and raced an American Ethanol-sponsored No. 33 Chevrolet in June, finishing 11th. In June 2012, Dillon finished 24th after starting 22nd in a No. 33 Chevrolet.
Etc. … In addition to Sprint Cup Series competition, the 2013 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion has made three XFINITY Series starts at Michigan International Speedway, earning back-to-back pole awards in 2012 and 2013, leading 72 laps and acquiring his best finish of fifth in 2012. In two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts, Dillon has earned one pole award, led 34 laps and earned his best finish of fifth in 2010.
Think Green … The No. 3 Chevrolet team will sport the black and green colors of American Ethanol this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. American Ethanol, a renewable source of cleaner burning energy from the bounty of America’s farmers, helps create new green jobs and a renewed sense of pride for the American worker, while helping to achieve greater energy security for our country. Launched by Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association, along with the support of other partners, American Ethanol is a breakthrough brand that seeks to expand consumer awareness of the benefits of ethanol and E15, and takes the NASCAR Green initiative to the next level. Since the program launch for the 2011 season, NASCAR® drivers have run more than 7 million miles on renewable Sunoco Green E15.
Get to the Points … Dillon ranks 24th in the championship point standings leading into the Quicken Loans 400.
In the Rear View … Last week at Pocono Raceway, Dillon earned his best qualifying effort of the 2015 season, sixth, and finished 19th in the Pocono 400 after developing a tight-handling condition in traffic.
Dirt Trackin’ … Dillon is scheduled to race the No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet for Team Dillon Racing at the Merritt Summer Showdown at Merritt Speedway on Wednesday, June 10. The track is located at 4430 E. Houghton Lake Road, Lake City, Mich., 49651. To reserve tickets to the race, call 231-328-7223.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
With the new 2015 rules package, do you think there will be better racing at Michigan International Speedway?
“I think Michigan really races well, but I think the racing has gotten better there over the last two or three races. It’s definitely one of my favorite tracks. We were running fourth there last year when we had a mechanical issue. It’s a good track for me and I think with the next few races at these big tracks, we can really put ourselves back into contention.”
Why does Michigan International Speedway suit your driving style?
“I’m not sure, actually. I think having momentum is a big part of it, and we’ve really had good cars when we’ve been there.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 Moen / Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Moen / Menards Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Chassis No. 508 has been selected for the Richard Childress Racing team to use in this weekend’s Quicken Loans 400. This Chevrolet SS has seen action twice this season at Texas Motor Speedway (Start: 8 / Finish: 41) and Kansas Speedway (Start: 22 / Finish: 18).
Michigan Stats … In 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the two-mile track, Menard has four top-five and five top-10 finishes, as well as two top-five and six top-10 starts. He’s completed 98.7 percent of laps in competition including 15 laps led. Menard also has nine NASCAR XFINITY Series starts which include one win (June 2014), four top-five and eight top-10 finishes. He has three top-five and four top-10 starts with one pole award.
Rookie Stripe … Justin Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 18 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to 13 top-20 and 10 top-15 starts. He’s also collected 13 top-20, 11 top-15 and three top-five finishes. Alexander was also the first repeat winner of the MOOG Problem Solver of the Race award this season.
About Moen … As the #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, accessories, bath safety products and kitchen sinks for residential and commercial applications each delivering the best possible combination of meaningful innovation, useful features, and lasting value. For more information on Moen, please visit moen.com.
Where Do You Stand … Menard currently sits 11th in the Sprint Cup Series driver point standings, 26 points away from 10th, after finishing 31st at Pocono Raceway.
Double Duty … In addition to driving the No. 27 Moen/Menards Chevrolet in Sunday’s race, Menard will pilot the No.33 Richmond/Menards Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR XFINITY Series event on Saturday afternoon. This race is scheduled to air live on Fox Sports 1 at 1:30 p.m. ET, along with the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Last Time in Michigan … The Wisconsin native earned his fourth top-five finish of the 2014 season last time the Sprint Cup Series was at Michigan International Speedway. Menard started seventh and noted a neutral-handling condition early in the 400-mile event. With a fast RCR-prepared Chevy, the team was able to gain three spots from the start and cross the finish line fourth.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
With the new 2015 rules package, do you think there will be better racing at Michigan International Speedway?
“Hard to say, there will probably be a little advantage when drafting, similar to the XFINITY Series cars, with the increased throttle time. Because of the horsepower loss, it’ll be hard to complete a pass. We’ll find out what’s in store for us this weekend.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 Quicken Loans Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Quicken Loans Chevrolet SS at Michigan International Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 511 in the Quicken Loans 400. This Chevrolet was utilized earlier this season at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Start: 19/Finish: 6).
Newman at MIS … In 27 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Michigan, Newman scored back-to-back victories in the fall 2003 and spring 2004 events. The “Rocket Man” also owns a pole award. In total, he’s recorded five top-five and seven top-10 finishes. He has led 97 laps in competition. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 13th and average finish of 17th.
Engineered to Amaze … Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc. is the nation’s second largest retail home mortgage lender. The company closed $140 billion of mortgage volume across all 50 states in 2013-2014. Quicken Loans generates loan production from web centers located in Detroit, Cleveland and Scottsdale, Arizona. The company also operates a centralized loan processing facility in Detroit, as well as its San Diego-based One Reverse Mortgage unit. Quicken Loans ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Primary Mortgage Origination” in the United States by J.D. Power for the past five consecutive years, 2010 – 2014, and highest in customer satisfaction among all mortgage servicers in 2014.
Quicken Loans was named among the top-30 companies on FORTUNE magazine’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the last 12 consecutive years, ranking No. 12 in 2015. It has been recognized as one of Computerworld magazine’s ‘100 Best Places to Work in IT’ the past ten years, ranking No. 1 in 2014, 2013, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The company moved its headquarters to downtown Detroit in 2010, and now more than 10,000 of its nearly 12,000 team members work in the city’s urban core. For more information about Quicken Loans, please visit QuickenLoans.com, on Twitter at @QLnews, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/QuickenLoans.
“Drive Home a Winner” Sweepstakes … Back by popular demand, the Quicken Loans “Drive Home a Winner” sweepstakes is looking to once again make a lucky grand prize winner’s dreams come true with a year’s worth of mortgage payments and a brand-new Chevrolet Colorado. The sweepstakes, open to those 18 and older, is a collaboration between Quicken Loans and General Motors. For more information, or to enter, visit www.qlracing.com. Entries must be submitted before July 13.
Watch last year’s grand prize winner Stephanie Gaines of Dalhart, Texas be surprised at her home by No. 31 Quicken Loans Chevy and Richard Childress Racing driver Ryan Newman with a brand new Chevy SS and a year’s worth of mortgage payments.
Get to the Points … Last weekend at Pocono Raceway, Newman started 13th and shortly after a restart on lap 139, a competitor made contact with Newman while he raced in 10th. The damage sustained by the wreck was too much to overcome forcing the No. 31 Grainger team to the garage and a 39th-place finish. The result dropped Newman to 15th in the championship point standings.
Media Availability … Newman will be accessible to media in attendance at MIS on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Eastern Time in the media center. He’ll be there along with Bill Emerson, chief executive officer of Quicken Loans.
Last Time Around … The South Bend, Ind., driver started 12th and raced into the top 10 on the first lap. Crew chief Luke Lambert implemented a strategy that saw Newman pit off sequence from a majority of the field. The strategy allowed the No. 31 to lead the race three times for a total of 14 laps. Shortly after the team’s final scheduled pit stop, an untimely caution flag flew for the leader who cut down a tire. Newman earned the free pass and with nothing to lose, pitted under caution on lap 170 for four tires and fuel. He returned to the track in 15th place to successfully dodge two accidents and a heated battle with Jimmie Johnson en route to the 11th-place finish.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What is the key to getting around the Michigan International Speedway?
“Momentum is the key to Michigan. It’s all about keeping the momentum up at both ends of the track. It’s so huge. The second you slip, it’s more than 10ths of a second. It’s pretty big there.”
What’s the hardest part of the track to figure out?
“I’ve said we’ve struggled a little bit in each end of the track … Turn 1 & 2 being a different balance than Turn 3 and 4 in getting the car ideal on both ends of the track.”
What do you think about fuel mileage races and how do you strategize at those races?
“The bigger the track the more opportunities you have for having a fuel mileage race. It seems like Michigan, Pocono and Indy are the tracks we typically talk about it more and it’s this time of year. It doesn’t change. It’s just a part of strategy and circumstance.”
We are halfway past the cutoff in The Chase, where do you rate your team and where do you think your team needs to improve?
“I think we have overcome a lot of things since the first part of the season. Obviously having Luke (Lambert, crew chief), Phil (Surgeon, lead engineer) and Jim (Bender, tire specialist) gone has been a challenge. At the same time, I think we’ve worked very hard and are getting through it. I think we will be coming back stronger than ever when those guys are back.”
Event: Great Clips 250 Benefiting Paralyzed Veterans of America
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2015
Venue: Michigan International Speedway
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Michigan International Speedway … In 32 NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the two-mile speedway, RCR has earned two wins, most recently with Paul Menard and the No. 33 Chevrolet to victory lane last season. Austin Dillon has also started from the pole position on back-to-back occasions in June 2012 and June 2013. The Welcome, N.C., organization has led 235 laps, accumulated nine top-five and 19 top-10 finishes and averages a starting position of 10.1 and a finishing position of 12.0.
Dover Recap … In the Buckle Up 200, Austin Dillon was the highest finishing RCR driver, posting a fourth place finish. Brendan Gaughan, Ty Dillon and Brian Scott posted, seventh, eighth and 36th place finishes, respectively.
The Points … Ty Dillon remains second in the driver point standings, Brian Scott seventh and Brendan Gaughan ninth. The No. 33 RCR team is currently third in the owner point standings.
#Dash4Cash Race No. 1 … Ty Dillon, Regan Smith, Daniel Suarez and Darrell Wallace, Jr. competed for the first XFINITY Series #Dash4Cash $100,000 bonus at Dover International Speedway. Regan Smith finished third in the Buckle Up 200, earning him the bonus and qualifying him for the second #Dash4Cash race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Brendan Gaughan was the fourth highest finishing full-time Series driver, qualifying him for the Indianapolis #Dash4Cash race in July
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, @RCR33NNS and @RCR62BGaughan. RCR’s XFINITY Series driver twitter accounts – @bscottracing, @tydillon and @Brendan62. For additional photos, news and video log on to rcrracing.com.
Catch the Action … Coverage for the XFINITY Series Great Clips 250 Benefiting Paralyzed Veterans of America at Michigan International Speedway will begin with both practice sessions on Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Fox Sports 1. Qualifying will also be showcased on Fox Sports 1 live on Saturday, June 13, at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time and race coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. It will also be broadcast live on MRN and SiriusXM channel 90.
Brian Scott, No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Shore Lodge Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 164 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Great Clips 250 benefiting Paralyzed Veterans of America. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared chassis will make its debut during the first practice sessions at Michigan International Speedway on Friday.
Scott at Michigan … In five XFINITY Series starts at MIS, Scott has earned one top-five and three top-10 finishes with an average starting position of 10.8 and an average finish of 11.2. Scott has completed 100 percent of the laps around the two-mile track in the XFINITY Series. In addition, Scott has two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts.
2015 Rewind … After 12 XFINITY Series races this season, Scott has captured two top-five, eight top-10 finishes, sits seventh in the driver point standings and has led 37 laps with an average starting position of 5.2 and an average finish of 14.4.
Scott Visits Shore Lodge … Scott will spend the week in McCall, Idaho capturing the outdoor activities at Shore Lodge. Scott will spend most of the day Tuesday on Payette Lake, Stan Craft Boating, Jet Skiing, Waterskiing, Wakeboarding and Wake surfing. On Wednesday, Scott will start at sunrise to capture the cinematic look of Idaho, followed by fly fishing and mountain biking. You can stay in tune with the week’s activities via @bscottracing, @RCR2BScott and on Facebook at Facebook.com/BScottRacing.
Dover International Speedway Race Rewind … Scott and the No. 2 ACME/Kraft Singles Chevrolet team qualified fifth for the Buckle Up 200 presented by Click it or Ticket at Dover International Speedway. The 200-lap race began and Scott reported loose-handling conditions in his RCR Chevrolet. On Lap 65, Scott was collected in an on-track accident that ended the day for the ACME/Kraft Singles Chevrolet resulting in a 36th-place finish.
Last Time at MIS … Scott and his No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro utilized the fast ECR horsepower qualifying sixth for the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 250 at Michigan International Speedway. Scott spent a majority of the race fighting for track position while battling a tight-handling Chevrolet. The Shore Lodge Chevrolet team found themselves back inside the top-10 on lap 57. As the laps wound down around the two-mile track, Scott battled for positions ultimately crossing the finish line fifth.
BRIAN SCOTT QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on racing at Michigan?
“Michigan is fun. It’s always exciting when we go to the automakers’ backyard. It’s always a big race and a prestigious race for our manufacturers. So we fly the colors of Chevrolet a little higher and we work really hard to put them in victory lane. I feel really good about our RCR and ECR programs at Michigan. We were able to go to victory lane with Paul Menard last year there. I feel like we’ll have a chance and hopefully all the RCR cars will be strong again like we were there last year. And, maybe this time we can put the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet in victory lane.”
Has the groove opened up at Michigan?
“Yeah, I feel like each time we go back there, there is about a half more groove of racing. It seemed like the first trip there, there was a groove, then a groove and a half, then two, then two and half. So, it keeps widening out and it keeps weathering, which is great. With how tough of a winter it’s been, it’ll be interesting to see if there are any bumps or anything like that that has developed. But, it’ll be so important for us to be strong when we go to Michigan and try to put our best foot forward for Chevrolet.”
Ty Dillon, No. 3 Red Kap / Arrow Uniform Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Red Kap / Arrow Uniform Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 163 for this weekend’s Great Clips 250. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro made its debut in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway where Dillon drove to a seventh-place finish.
Dillon at Michigan International Speedway… Last season, Dillon made his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut at the two-mile speedway finishing ninth. Dillon has also recorded two top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and recorded a victory in the ARCA Series presented by Menards in 2011.
Double Duty … In addition to racing the No. 3 Red Kap/Arrow Uniform Chevrolet Camaro in the Great Clips 250, Dillon will pilot the No. 33 Nexium® 24HR Chevrolet SS for Circle Sport Racing in Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. This will be Dillon’s sixth-career Sprint Cup Series start and fourth of 2015.
Happy Birthday Danny & Bug … Crew chief Danny Stockman and car chief Robert “Bug” Strmiska will celebrate their respective birthdays this Sunday. Stockman and Strmiska have been the crew/car chief duo in the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro since 2012. During that time, they have recorded three wins (Kentucky Speedway twice and Indianapolis Motor Speedway), 38 top five and 81 top 10 finishes. Stockman and Strmiska were a part of the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship with driver Austin Dillon.
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About Arrow Uniform:
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Race Rewind … Last time out at Dover International Speedway, Dillon drove to an eighth-place finish recording the team’s ninth top-10 finish of the season. During an off weekend from the XFINITY Series, he drove the No. 33 Yuengling America’s Oldest Brewery Chevrolet SS to an 18th-place finish at Pocono Raceway last Sunday.
To the points … Dillon is currently second in the XFINITY Series driver points standings trailing the leader by 15 points.
Meet Ty Dillon … Fans have the opportunity to meet Dillon this Friday night at Walmart Supercenter 5160 located at 1700 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson, Michigan beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dillon will be signing autographs and promoting Nexium® 24HR to Walmart customers. Dillon also will visit the Team Chevy stage located in the fan midway on Sunday, June 14 beginning at 9:40 a.m.
TY DILLON QUOTE:
What is the approach this weekend in Michigan?
“We’re 15 points out of the lead, so we’d like to continue to chip away at that and get back to being the points leader. Last season, we were able to knock off a top-10 at this race track, but we know we can do better. Michigan is a fast race track and we’re fortunate to have the power from ECR Engines to get our cars around here. I have no doubts that we will compete for a win this weekend.”
Paul Menard, No. 33 Richmond/Menards Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:
This Week’s Richmond/Menards Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 165 in the Great Clips 250 at Michigan International Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro is new for the 2015 season and will make its first laps on Friday during practice.
Michigan Details … The Eau Claire, Wis., native driver has made nine NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the two-mile paved oval, collecting four top-five and eight top-10 finishes. Menard also has one pole award and one victory to his credit with an average starting position of 10.8 and an average finishing position of 7.7 and 68 laps led.
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Last Time Around … Last year in the spring edition of the XFINITY Series Michigan race, Menard and the No. 33 team were victorious at the Brooklyn, Mich., facility. Menard started the 250-mile event from the fifth position and battled a loose-handling race car for the beginning. On the final restart of the day, Menard was scored second and drove the No. 33 machine to the lead earning his second win in the XFINITY Series.
33 Team by the Numbers … So far this season, the No. 33 team has accumulated some impressive stats with Menard, Austin Dillon and Brandon Jones. In 12 races, the RCR team has garnered two wins, four pole awards, seven top-five and 10 top-10 finishes with 369 laps led.
Looking Ahead … Following this weekend’s 125-lap affair, Austin Dillon will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 33 Chevrolet at Chicagoland Speedway for the June 20 event.
Double Duty … In addition to Saturday’s Great Clips 250 at Michigan International Speedway, watch Menard in the No. 27 Moen/Menards Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400, which airs live on FOX Sports 1 Sunday, June 14 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
Nick Harrison and the No. 33 XFINITY Series team has been competitive all season. Are you excited to get back behind the wheel of that car this weekend in Michigan?
“I’ve been watching those guys run so strong this year, I’m extremely excited to get back in the 33 and try to win two-in-a-row at Michigan.”
Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 162 this weekend at the Michigan International Speedway. Chassis No. 162 is a new addition for the RCR stable this year and has one start at Charlotte Motor Speedway where it qualified 17th and finished 18th.
Gaughan’s Michigan Stats … In three XFINITY Series starts at the two-mile speedway, Gaughan has completed 363 of 375 (96.8 percent) laps that he has competed. The Las Vegas native also has eight starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at MIS, earning a victory in 2003 and accumulating three top-five finishes, five top-10 finishes and averaging a starting position of 16.4 and finishing position of 8.8.
Last Year at Michigan … The No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino team qualified 16th in the XFINITY Series event at MIS. The Las Vegas-native raced inside the top-15 throughout the majority of the 125-lap event. The Shane Wilson-led team gambled with fuel mileage at the end of the race and came up one lap short, bringing the team to pit road and crossing the finish line 22nd.
#Dash4Cash Qualifier … Brendan Gaughan finished seventh, qualifying him for the second #Dash4Cash race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gaughan along with Chris Buescher, Regan Smith and Chase Elliott will compete on July 25 for the #Dash4Cash race No. 2 bonus of $100,000.
South Point Hotel Casino Spa to Host Blood Drive … The United Blood Services of Las Vegas will host a blood drive in the Brunswick Room at South Point Hotel & Casino on Friday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All donors 21 and older will receive one Garden Buffet coupon, a voucher for two admissions to a Las Vegas 51s home game. Restrictions may apply and donors will receive 1000 points on The Club card! Donors are encouraged to make an appointment and can do so by calling 702-233-9620 or by visiting www.unitedbloodservices.org/LV.
In the Rearview Mirror: Dover International Speedway … The No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet qualified in the 11th position for the Buckle Up 200 at Dover International Speedway. Gaughan reported loose-handling conditions from the start. Crew chief Shane Wilson made the proper adjustments to improve the handling, putting Gaughan in position to work his way up to and finish in the seventh position.
To the Points … As the Series returns to action this weekend in Michigan, Gaughan and the No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino team are ninth in the driver point standings.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:
What are your thoughts on racing at Michigan International Speedway?
“Racing at Michigan International Speedway is just so much fun. Michigan is super fast right now, to the point where it is scary fast. It is a track where we just know we are going fast. Goodyear does a great job of giving us tires with the grip that we need for the heat and speed that we experience. I think this year we will see another leap in how exciting the racing is. The track will probably be a little wider with even more side-by-side racing.”
