Event: Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2015
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Daytona International Speedway … Dating back to 1976, Richard Childress Racing has won 11 poles and collected five points-paying victories at the most-storied race track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. RCR owns two Daytona 500 wins (Dale Earnhardt – 1998, Kevin Harvick – 2007), three Coke Zero 400 trophies (Earnhardt – 1990, 1993 and Harvick – 2010) and 14 qualifying races, including 10-consecutive victories with Earnhardt (1990 – 1999). In addition, RCR has earned the Sprint Unlimited a total of eight times, with drivers Harvick (2009, ’10, ’13) and Earnhardt (1986, ’88, ’91, ’93, and ’95).
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,559 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 466 top-five finishes and 993 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 Nationwide 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.
The Collective RCR …Through the season’s first 16 races, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series teams have collectively notched six top-five and 14 top-10 finishes with drivers Austin Dillon, Ryan Newman and Paul Menard. RCR’s three full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers rank 12th (Menard), 14th (Newman) and 22nd (Dillon) in the driver championship point standings.
RCR Sonoma Rewind … Last weekend, RCR teammates Newman, Menard and Dillon finished ninth, 13th and 17th, respectively, in the Sonoma 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
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 Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola will be televised live Sunday, July 5 beginning at 7:45 p.m. ET on NBC and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 493 in the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. Dillon raced this Chevrolet SS to a 14th-place finish in the Daytona 500 in February, and a 15th-place finish in the Duel at Daytona, also in February.
Dillon at Daytona … Dillon earned his career-best finish in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway last July, finishing fifth in the Coke Zero 400. With three Daytona 500 starts to his credit, Dillon has one top-10 finish and one pole award in the Great American Race. In four NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the 2.5-mile restrictor-plate track, Dillon has three top-five finishes, with a best finish of fourth in July 2012. He also has two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the track.
About Bass Pro Shops … Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 93 stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 120 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® ), a leading brand of fishing boats for more than 37 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com), voted by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 50 Best Hotels for Families in the U.S. For more information, visit . To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.
About the NRA Museum … Bass Pro Shops, the primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 Chevrolet SS driven by Austin Dillon in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will pay tribute to the National Rifle Association’s members and the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum with a special paint scheme for the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 5. The NRA National Sporting Arms Museum houses an important collection of more than a thousand firearms and other artifacts and dioramas that trace the evolution of hunting, conservation and freedom from the 1600s to modern day. The museum, which is located at Bass Pro Shops’ flagship store in Springfield, Missouri, is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free. For more information about the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, visit or .
Get to the Points … Dillon ranks 22nd in the championship point standings leading into the Coke Zero 400 presented by Coca-Cola.
In the Rear View … In the Sprint Cup Series’ most recent race at Sonoma Raceway, Dillon started 37th and climbed 20 positions during Sunday afternoon’s 218.9-mile Sprint Cup Series road-course event to earn a 17th-place finish in the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet.
Double Duty … Dillon is scheduled to race RCR’s No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet in the XFINITY Series on Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET on the NBC Sports Network.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
How different is it to race at Daytona International Speedway during the day in the Daytona 500 than at night this weekend?
“Speedway racing from the day to nighttime definitely has its differences. I think the biggest difference is at night when you have a little more grip. You can take more chances and be more aggressive at night. The speeds are definitely up at night, too. You can do a lot more with the car and take advantage of runs you have during the race.”
Are there any differences from the driver’s seat between day and night?
“No, visually it’s fine. The lights are good. I think it’s more of a hyped up pace because it’s less laps. More things happen early, so you have to be on your game and as patient as you can.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 NIBCO/ Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s NIBCO / Menards Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Paul Menard will utilize chassis No. 492 in this weekend’s Coke Zero 400. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet SS has seen action twice this year at Talladega Superspeedway (Start: 7 / Finish: 3) and once already at Daytona International Speedway for the Sprint Unlimited (Start: 1 / Finish: 21).
Daytona Stats … In 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the 2.5-mile track, Menard has one pole award (July 2008) and four top-10 starts. The RCR driver also has three top-10 finishes and owns 67 laps led in competition.
Rookie Stripe … Justin Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 19 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to 14 top-20 and 10 top-15 starts. He’s also collected 15 top-20, 13 top-15 and three top-five finishes. Alexander is also the first three-time winner of the MOOG Problem Solver of the Race award this season.
Good Luck Charm … NIBCO has a winning history with Menard. The Elkhart, Ind.-based company was on the hood of Menard’s Chevrolet during his first-career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2011. They also saw Menard to Victory Lane in 2014 during the NASCAR XFINITY Series event at Michigan International Speedway.
About NIBCO … Founded in 1904, NIBCO INC. is a leading provider of valves, fittings and flow control products for commercial, industrial and institutional construction, as well as residential and irrigation markets. NIBCO is headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., and has 10 manufacturing plants located throughout the United States, Mexico and Poland. Visit www.nibco.com for information on the complete line of NIBCO products.
Where Do You Stand … Menard currently sits 12th in the Sprint Cup Series driver point standings, 17 markers away from 10th, after finishing 13th at Sonoma Raceway.
Last Time in Daytona Beach … In the 2015 NASCAR season opener, Menard started 21st and quickly noted a tight-handling Chevy. Crew chief Justin Alexander and team worked to remedy the condition throughout the event. In the closing laps, Menard rode within the top 10 but was collected in a wreck on the final lap, resulting in a 25th-place finish.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
We’re back at Daytona International Speedway. How would you sum up your season to this point?
“Daytona in July marks the second half of the season, and I would say we’re holding strong as to where we’re at, but always pushing to get better. We’ve had decent consistency, just need to move that consistency up a few spots in our average running position.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 Grainger Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Grainger Chevrolet SS at Daytona International Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 494 when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Daytona International Speedway. This No. 31 Chevrolet SS was utilized earlier this year in the Daytona Duels (Start: 13/Finish: 11).
Newman at Daytona … Newman is the proud owner of a Harley J. Earl trophy by winning the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. In total, the South Bend, Ind. native has 27 starts at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, earning four top-five and six top-10 finishes. His average start is 20th and finish is 21st with 101 laps led in competition.
Welcome Back … Richard Childress Racing welcomes Grainger back on board the No. 31 Chevrolet as the primary partner for the Coke Zero 400. Grainger made its debut with RCR at Pocono Raceway in June. Newman was on mark for a top-10 finish running in seventh position with 11 laps remaining. Unfortunately a competitor lost control of his car and made hard contact with the Grainger Chevrolet which sustained significant damage and resulted in a 39th-place finish. Grainger is an associate sponsor on the No. 31 for all Cup Series events in which it is not the primary sponsor.
About W.W. Grainger, Inc…. With 2014 sales of $10 billion, W.W. Grainger, Inc., is North America’s leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products, with operations also in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Get to the Points … Last weekend at Sonoma Raceway, Newman finished ninth. The top-10 result is his ninth top 10 of 2015 and allows the No. 31 team to move up two positions to 14th in the point standings. The team is only 34 markers out of the top 10.
Last Time Around at Daytona … Newman lined up 22nd but dropped to the back since the team pulled out a backup car after the No. 31 Chevrolet sustained damage during the running of the Daytona Duel. Crew chief Luke Lambert ran a conservative strategy for the majority of the race and after returning to the track after a pit stop with about 40 laps to go, a competitor lost a motor causing the high line that the No. 31 Chevy was running in to jam up. Newman had nowhere to go causing severe damage to the front and right side of the car. After further review, Lambert called his team to the garage for repairs. The team’s hard work resulted in Newman returning to the track in 39th place with 20 laps remaining and a chance to gain valuable track position. When the checkered flag waved, the Caterpillar team picked up one spot to finish in 38th place
“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.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What is the key to getting around Daytona?
“It’s all about survival. It is a track where most of the cars are fairly equal and you have to be there at the end. There is no guarantee when the end is going to be like last year. It could be rain shortened. We could have a long green-flag run or we could have several restarts where it is very difficult to pass at times. It all depends. If the cars go single file, it’s pretty difficult to pass as well. You just don’t know how it is going to pan out until you race.”
Describe what it is like to race at Daytona?
“It used to be really cool because you had to handle, you had to lift and you had to brake. You really had to drive the race car. You had to physically work the pedals. Now it is more of a factor of picking the right line and not getting involved in someone’s mistake. It was still the case in the past but overall, it’s a different kind of restrictor-plate racing. It’s different from the restrictor-plate racing that I used to really like. Now, I see this race as one of the ones you check off and hope you made it through with no major incidents. It’s still a race you can win. It’s still a race that can change your season. It’s still a race you can earn a lot of points. It’s a crap shoot for all the teams involved. You can gain a lot and you can lose a lot.”
Race: Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2015
Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Daytona International Speedway … In 65 NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Daytona International Speedway, the Welcome, N.C. organization has earned five victories (Dale Earnhardt Jr. – February 2002 & July 2010, Kevin Harvick – February 2007, Clint Bowyer – July 2003 and Tony Stewart – February 2013). RCR has accumulated 28 top-five finishes, 41 top-10 finishes, led 496 laps and averages a starting position of 11.2 and a 11.0 finishing position at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Earlier this season, Austin Dillon earned the pole award for the Series opener.
Chicagoland Recap … In the Chicagoland 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, Austin Dillon was the highest finishing RCR driver posting a third-place finish. Brendan Gaughan, Ty Dillon and Brian Scott posted, fifth, ninth and 13th place finishes, respectively.
The Points … Ty Dillon remains second in the driver point standings, Brian Scott seventh and Brendan Gaughan is eighth. The No. 33 RCR team is third in the owner point standings.
2015 Season, So Far … RCR has made 56 XFINITY Series starts so far this season. In those starts, Austin Dillon has won five pole awards, including Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway and also won both events in the No. 33 Chevrolet. Between drivers Brian Scott, Ty Dillon, Brendan Gaughan, Austin Dillon, Paul Menard and Brandon Jones, they have accumulated 15 top-five finishes, 38 top-10 finishes, led 501 laps and average a starting position 8.2 and finishing position of 11.2.
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, @austindillon3 and @Brendan62. For additional photos, news and video log on to rcrracing.com.
Catch the Action … Coverage for the XFINITY Series Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway will begin with both practice sessions on Friday, July 3 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and 4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Qualifying will also be showcased live on NBC Sports Network on Saturday, July 4, at 2:35 p.m. and race coverage will begin at 7:45 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. 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 Daytona International Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 152 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Subway Firecracker 300 powered by Coca-Cola. This is a new chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable that was first utilized for the first race at Daytona in February.
Daytona History … The 27-year-old driver has 11 previous XFINITY Series starts at “The World Center of Racing.” His best start of fourth came in the 2013 July race at the 2.5-mile track. He scored his best finish of sixth during the 2013 season opener. Additionally, Scott has two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts with a ninth-place finish coming in his 2008 Daytona debut. Scott also made his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500 last February.
2015 at A Glance … After 14 XFINITY Series races this season, Scott has captured two top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, sits seventh in the driver point standings and has led 47 laps with an average starting position of 5.6 and an average finish of 13.6. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Scott currently leads the XFINITY Series drivers with the highest average starting position of 5.6.
Summertime at Shore Lodge … Life is more exciting when you are on the water. Shore Lodge, located in spectacular McCall, Idaho, just 100 miles north of Boise, puts you right on the waterfront…literally! Right outside our guest rooms sits a 5,330-acre expanse of pristine glacial water known as Payette Lake. Swim, boat, water ski and lounge at the lake before retiring to one of our 77 luxurious guest rooms. Visit ShoreLodge.com or Call 800.657.6464 for reservations.
Double Duty … In addition to competing at Daytona International Speedway in the XFINITY Series this weekend, Scott is scheduled to drive the No. 33 Shore Lodge Chevrolet SS in the Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, July 5. The Subway Firecracker 300 powered by Coca-Cola is live on NBC Sports Network at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. The Coke Zero 400 is live on NBC, Sunday at 7:45 p.m.
Daytona Race Rewind … The season opener at Daytona International Speedway for the inaugural NASCAR XFINITY Series was full of anticipation as Scott and the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet team qualified for the Alert Today Florida 300 in the 15th position. With eight laps to go, Scott was tangled in a multi-car accident and, after further review, the team was unable to return to competition and forced to take a 25th-place finish.
Meet Scott … On Saturday, July 4, Scott is scheduled to visit the Sprint FanZone Main Stage beginning at 2 p.m. at Daytona International Speedway for a question and answer session.
How do you feel heading into restrictor-plate racing this weekend?
“Well, we’ve been quick but getting the finishes that reflect our speed has been a struggle. We were able to finish second at Talladega Superspeedway in the XFINITY Series and we were really strong. It’ll be nice to take a car and not have to change everything or rebuild it after a plate track. We can fluff and buff on our Talladega Camaro which had a lot of speed. There is always room for improvement. We’re going to Daytona to hopefully get out of another Superspeedway track with a good finish and just keep climbing our way out of the hole we got ourselves into early in the season.”
What are your thoughts on Daytona Rising?
“Daytona Rising really is carrying the banner for what the track of the future is going to look like and how, as a NASCAR community, we are going to deliver the best fan experience to the people who are paying money and vacationing, and choosing to come out and see NASCAR races. I think it’s really important for us to give them what they pay for, to give them what they want. It’ll be really exciting when Daytona gets done to see how the fans interact with it and how that experience is heightened for them, then hopefully more tracks will follow.”
Ty Dillon, No. 3 Yuengling America’s Oldest Brewery Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Yuengling America’s Oldest Brewery Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 154 for this weekend’s Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro was driven by Austin Dillon earlier this season at DIS and Talladega Superspeedway where he won the pole for each race and recorded two top-five finishes.
Dillon at Daytona International Speedway … In four NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the World Center of Racing, Dillon has compiled two top-10 finishes and one top-five finish. Earlier this season, Dillon drove the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro to a third-place finish after competing for the win on the final lap. Dillon also made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 debut in the No. 33 Cheerios/Kroger Chevrolet SS earlier this season and finished 28th.
America’s Oldest Brewery on board … D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., an American Owned and Family Operated brewery based in Pottsville, Pa., has partnered with Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 XFINITY Series team this season. This week’s special red, white and blue patriotic paint scheme will be featured in Saturday’s Fourth of July night race at Daytona International Speedway.
#RaceHardTy … Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook every race weekend by using the hashtag #RaceHardTy and have the opportunity to win free Yuengling Racing gear.
Calling the Shots … Nick Harrison now assumes the role of crew chief for the No. 3 XFINITY Series team beginning this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Harrison and Dillon have worked together on separate occasions – Harrison was atop the pit box for both of Dillon’s Sprint Cup Series starts last season (Atlanta Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway) and for two XFINITY Series races in 2013 (Texas Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway). Overall, Harrison has accumulated four XFINITY Series victories, 16 top-five and 26 top-10 finishes in 56 starts. Harrison also recorded a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory last season with Austin Dillon at Pocono Raceway.
Points update … After 14 races, Dillon is currently second in the XFINITY Series driver point standings. To date, Dillon has accumulated three top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.
Meet Ty Dillon … On behalf of Yuengling Light Lager, Dillon is scheduled to appear with grandfather and team owner Richard Childress at Sam’s Club #8138 in Daytona Beach beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday to sign autographs for fans. Following the autograph session, Dillon and Childress are scheduled to serve cold Yuengling Light Lager at Bahama Breeze located on W. International Speedway Boulevard beginning at 7:15 p.m.
TY DILLON QUOTE:
What should we expect this weekend in Daytona?
“I’ve always enjoyed this race weekend. Superspeedway racing is a ton of fun and always give you a great opportunity to win. We had a good run here earlier this season and had a shot on the last lap, so there is a little bit of unfinished business – we want to get into Victory Lane. It’s a cool opportunity for us to show off the stars and stripes this weekend being the Fourth of July; we have the best looking paint scheme in the garage with our Yuengling America’s Oldest Brewery Chevrolet.”
Austin Dillon, No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:
This Week’s Rheem Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 155 in the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro is new for the 2015 season and was previously driven by Ty Dillon at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway earlier this season where he earned third and eighth-place finishes, respectively.
Dillon at Daytona … The Welcome, N.C., native driver has made five NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the 2.5-mile track, collecting four top-five and four top-10 finishes. Dillon holds an average starting position of 10.8 and an average finishing position of 7.8 with 14 laps led.
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.
Calling the Shots … Danny Stockman now assumes the role of crew chief for the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet team beginning this weekend at Daytona. The move reunites Stockman and car chief Robert Strmiska with Dillon. The trio won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship and XFINITY Series championship together in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
Statistically Speaking … So far this season, the No. 33 team has accumulated impressive stats with Dillon, Paul Menard and Brandon Jones. In 14 races, the RCR team has garnered two wins, five pole awards, eight top-five and 11 top-10 finishes with 402 laps led.
Getting Loopy in 2015 … According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Dillon holds some notable stats so far in the 2015 season. The 25-year-old driver ranks first in the following categories: driver rating, drivers fastest late in a run, fastest laps run (261), fastest driver on restarts, green-flag speed and speed by quarter. Dillon is second amongst his competitors in drivers fastest early in a run, laps led (397), average running position, speed in traffic and mile leaders (586).
Season in Review … So far this season, Dillon has been entered in 11 XFINITY Series events, collecting two victories, eight top-five finishes, nine top-10 finishes and five pole awards. Dillon has led a total of 397 laps with an average starting position of 4.0 coupled with an average finishing position of 7.9.
Looking Ahead … Following this weekend’s 250-mile event at Daytona International Speedway, Paul Menard returns to the driver’s seat for the July 10 race at Kentucky Speedway.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
How much can you bring over from the NASCAR XFINITY Series to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series?
“Confidence is probably the biggest thing that I can bring over from the XFINITY car to the Cup car. Our Cup car has gotten a lot better over the last couple of weeks. We’ve been more consistent with qualifying and making it into the third round. We haven’t earned the finishes we should be getting, but I think our consistency will pay off and the finishes will come.”
Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 153 this weekend at the 2.5-mile speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet was utilized at Daytona International Speedway in February and Talladega Superspeedway in May.
Gaughan’s World Center of Racing Stats … In seven NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the 2.5-mile speedway, Gaughan earned his highest finish of sixth-place in February 2014. The Las Vegas native has completed 748 of 788 laps (94.9 percent).
Back in February … The No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro qualified in the fourth position for the XFINITY Series event at DIS. Gaughan was satisfied with the handling of his Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet throughout the 120-lap event. The Las Vegas native was collected in a multi-car wreck on lap 94 that brought him to pit road, allowing the Shane Wilson-led team to make extensive repairs. After returning to the track one lap down in 21st position, Gaughan was battling for the lucky dog position and on lap 113 was collected in an accident which ended the day for the No. 62 team.
In the Rearview Mirror: Chicagoland Speedway … Gaughan qualified the No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet in fifth place for the 200-lap event at Chicagoland Speedway, his ninth top-10 qualifying effort of the season. Gaughan began reporting his Chevrolet was difficult to handle because of loose handling conditions. Crew chief Shane Wilson made the right adjustments to improve the handling, putting the team in position to race inside the top five for the remainder of the day. Gaughan brought home a fourth-place finish, giving the team their second top-five and seventh top-10 finish of the season.
This Season … In only 14 races, the No. 62 RCR team has earned two top-five and seven top-10 finishes, that ties them with the stats they ended the season with in 2014. Gaughan has led 10 laps and averages a starting position of 8.9 and a finishing position of 14.3. The Las Vegas native has made 896 green flag passes, has had 45 fastest laps and spent 2096 laps inside the top 15 (78.2 percent).
To the Points …As the Series returns to Daytona International Speedway, Gaughan remains eighth in the driver point standings.
Meet Gaughan … Gaughan is scheduled to appear at the XFINITY Zone Fan Experience in the Midway at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:
What are your thoughts when returning to Daytona International Speedway?
“Daytona International Speedway is such a historical track for us to visit. It always feels good to return with RCR and ECR Engines. Just like in February, it is great to know that we are coming to the track with packages that can be fast and successful. We found out in February that anything can happen. We are hoping to stay out of trouble this time around and finish in the front. We just have to remember to stay on our toes and be ready for anything.”
