Event: Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2015
Venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Richard Childress Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … In 21 previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has posted two pole awards (Kevin Harvick in 2003 and Jeff Burton in 2006), three wins (Dale Earnhardt in 1995, Harvick in 2003 and Paul Menard in 2011), 11 top-five and 24 top-10 finishes in 57 starts. RCR Chevrolets have also been atop the leaderboard for a total of 268 laps and, with the exception of one, each entry has been running at the finish of every Brickyard 400 since the inaugural race in 1994.
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,569 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 466 top-five finishes and 996 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.
The Collective RCR … Throughout the season’s first 19 races, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series have collectively notched six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes with drivers Austin Dillon, Ryan Newman and Paul Menard. RCR’s three full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers rank 13th (Newman), 14th (Menard) and 19th (Dillon) in the driver championship point standings.
RCR New Hampshire Rewind … Last weekend, RCR teammates Dillon, Newman and Menard finished eighth, 11th and 25th, respectively, in the New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
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 Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard will be televised live Sunday, July 26 beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and will be broadcast live on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow Mycogen Seeds Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Dow Mycogen Seeds Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 512 in the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard. This is a new Chevrolet SS built by the Richard Childress Racing team being utilized for the first time this weekend.
Dillon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … In two previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Brickyard, Dillon has earned finishes of 10th and 26th.
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 www.dow.com.
All About Performance … For the third consecutive year, Austin Dillon will be teaming up with agriculture company Mycogen Seeds for the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard. Mycogen Seeds is one of America’s fastest-growing seed companies, offering leading genetics for farmers in corn, soybeans, silage corn, sunflowers and canola. A retail seed company of Dow AgroSciences LLC, Mycogen Seeds maintains a robust global research and development program to bring growers high-performance genetics with the latest trait technologies. Working together, the people of Mycogen Seeds help growers find opportunity in every acre. For more information about MYCOGEN® brand products, visit www.MYCOGEN.com.
A Brickyard Tradition … Dillon grew up attending races at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway track with his grandfather, car owner Richard Childress. Dillon recalls riding in the pace car as a young child and participated in Victory Lane festivities with Paul Menard in 2011 and Kevin Harvick in 2003. As a driver, Dillon participated in the inaugural NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2012, posting a fifth-place finish, and finished 12th in 2013.
Dirt Trackin’ … Prior to arriving at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dillon is scheduled to compete in the No. 31 DowAgroSciences Chevrolet for NTS Motorsports at Eldora Speedway in the third annual Mudsummer Classic. Dillon enters the race as the 2013 winner of the event. Watch live on FOX Sports 1 at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Get to the Points … Dillon ranks 19th in the championship point standings leading into the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard.
In the Rear View … Dillon earned an eighth-place finish in the New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway last week, securing his second-highest finish of the season. Crew chief Slugger Labbe was awarded the Moog Problem Solver of the Race award for the team’s performance.
Meet Dillon … Dillon is scheduled to participate in an autograph session on the Team Chevy Stage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to Noon and is scheduled to return to the stage on Saturday at Noon.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
You had a top-10 run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last year. What can you take away from that performance and apply to this year when you go back?
“I think a lot. I learned a lot of driving style stuff last year. We’re changing up a lot of packages right now with NASCAR, so we just have to be able to adjust and use all of our tools with engineers to find a happy medium for what we want in the race. We just need to go out there, have fun and race. I think we do so much better when we go out and have fun and enjoy ourselves at the track.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 Duracell / Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Duracell / Menards Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Chassis No. 485 will make a comeback this weekend after being utilized earlier this season at Richmond International Raceway (Start: 15 / Finish: 15) and Phoenix International Raceway (Start: 21 / Finish: 14).
Kissed The Bricks … Indianapolis Motor Speedway will always be a special place for Menard as returns to the site of his first-career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. The Wisconsin native made history in 2011, becoming the first driver to earn his first-career Sprint Cup Series win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Brickyard 400. After growing up watching his father’s IndyCar teams race at the storied 2.5-mile speedway, the win proved to be extra special to Menard and his family after having a presence at the track for more than 35 years.
Brickyard Stats … Menard’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory came at this prestigious event in 2011. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin native has seven additional Sprint Cup Series starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with an average starting position of 23.6 and an average finish of 18.7. The Richard Childress Racing driver has completed 96.1 percent of the laps around the 2.5-mile track. In addition, Menard has three NASCAR XFINITY Series starts amassing three top-10 finishes and completing 100 percent of laps raced.
Rookie Stripe … Justin Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 24 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to one top-five, 12 top-15 and 16 top-20 starts. He’s also collected 17 top-20, 14 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.
About Richmond … Richmond®, a member of the Rheem family of quality brands, is committed to offering exceptional value and performance with a complete line of water heating products for residential environments. Known as, “the water heater experts,” Richmond is the go-to brand for value-conscious buyers. Innovations including “Fast Recovery” technology for peak-time water use and EverKleen™ Self-Cleaning tanks make choosing Richmond products easy. Richmond water heating products are available in Menards® stores throughout the Midwest. For more information, visit www.richmondwaterheaters.com.
Double Duty … Menard is scheduled to participate in Saturday’s 250-mile event in the No. 33 Richmond/Menards Chevy Camaro led by Danny Stockman, defending winning crew chief of the XFINITY Series event. Watch Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC Sports Network.
Where Do You Stand … Menard sits 14th in the Sprint Cup Series driver point standings, 45 points away from 10th. The No. 27 currently holds the 15th position in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Grid with only seven races left before the chase begins in September.
Last Time in Indy … Menard drove to a 34th-place finish in last year’s 160-lap event after starting 29th and battling handling issues in the opening laps of the event. The RCR team picked up some momentum after a fast pit stop and gained spots before another competitor bumped into Menard, causing him to hit the wall. The team was forced to pit road for repairs and fought back from 43rd to finish 34th.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
Indy has an extra special meaning for you. What’s it like going back there?
“Indy has a special meaning to me for sure. It’s the greatest race track in the world. It’s the one I circle every year, even before I won there. I spent a lot of time there as a kid watching IndyCar races. I was at the inaugural Brickyard 400. At one point I could name every Indy 500 winner from 1911 through probably the mid-90’s. I’ve forgotten most of them now but could still probably name quite a few. I was, and still am, a big history geek. I love history, especially at Indianapolis.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 Grainger Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Grainger Chevrolet SS at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 511 on Sunday at the Brickyard. This Chevrolet SS was utilized earlier this season at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Start: 19/Finish: 6) and Michigan International Speedway (Start: 23/Finish: 18).
Newman at the Brickyard … Newman will make his 496th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the series competes at the 2.5-mile speedway this weekend. He scored the victory in 2013 at this prestigious event after starting from the pole and leading 45 of the 160 laps scheduled. Three of the 21 Cup races at Indianapolis have been won from pole and Newman is the most recent of the three drivers who completed the impressive task. In total, the “Rocket Man” owns two top-five and three top-10 finishes in 14 starts. The South Bend, Ind., native has led 59 laps in competition and has an average start of seventh and average finish of 17th.
Welcome Back … Richard Childress Racing welcomes Grainger back on board the No. 31 Chevrolet as the primary partner for the Brickyard 400. Grainger made its debut with RCR at Pocono Raceway in June and followed up as primary at the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca Cola at Daytona International Speedway in July. 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 … After finishing 11th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, Newman now ranks 13th in the championship point standings and 14th in the Chase Grid with just seven races remaining before the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship begins.
Last Time Around at Indy … The South Bend, Ind., driver started fourth and raced in the top 10 during the opening stages of the event. Crew chief Luke Lambert called the No. 31 onto pit road for a series of adjustments to neutralize the team’s Chevy. By halfway, the team needed to regain some ground with Newman racing in the top 20 while running tight at the start and loose at the end of a long run. A caution flag waved with 20 laps to go to set up a variety of pit strategies. Lambert called the No. 31 in for two-right side tires. Newman restarted 18th and raced to an 11th-place finish.
Meet Newman … Newman is scheduled to participate in two autograph sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The first happens on the Team Chevy Stage in the infield on Friday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to Noon. On Saturday, he is scheduled to participate in NASCAR’s youth autograph session at 11:45 a.m. at Infield Pavilion C. Wristbands are needed and will be distributed at 8 a.m. at the IMS Kid’s Zone.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What are your thoughts heading into Indy with a new rules package?
“I commend NASCAR for their recent efforts to work with the teams to improve the product, especially at places like Kentucky Speedway. Any time you can improve the product sooner than later is good for everyone in the sport. I’m not sure a change at Indy is needed in my opinion. It is one of our crown jewels so I’m not sure if it’s a place we should be experimenting. I think we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. We’ll certainly know more at the end of day on Friday.”
Where does the Brickyard rank in the races you have won?
“It’s hard to rationalize a race beating the Daytona 500, but with all that happened to me that year, winning the 2013 Brickyard 400 is kind of in a tie with me winning the 50th running of the Daytona 500. Plus, I am from Indiana and that place is important to my state. I think the most important part of winning at Indy is appreciating the history of the speedway and the history of all the race car drivers that have competed there. To see the list of drivers who have actually fulfilled their dreams of winning there, it’s pretty amazing.”
What were your thoughts when you first saw NASCAR testing at the Brickyard when you were a kid?
“I believe I was there for the first or second test they had there. My mom and I went down there to pick up some tires for my open-wheel cars and I heard some cars at the track. They didn’t sound like Indy cars. There was a distinct difference in the way they sounded. I snuck into the garages and got to walk all the way out to pit road and saw them go by. It was a surreal-type sound because of the tailpipes and the straightaways lined with grandstands on both sides. I remember that and it was all the way back to 1993 or 1994. It was pretty special to be there especially knowing now that I would eventually come back and win a Brickyard 400.”
Race: Lilly Diabetes 250
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2015
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … In 12 Series starts at the historic 2.5-mile speedway, the Welcome, N.C. organization has accumulated one win (Ty Dillon 2014), five top-five and nine top-10 finishes and led 27 laps. RCR averages a starting position of 8.8 and a finishing position of 7.4 and completed 1199 of the 1200 laps (99.9 percent) competed.
Last Season at Indy … Ty Dillon recorded his first-career XFINITY Series victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last season. After qualifying third and racing inside the top five for the majority of the afternoon, Dillon got a jump on the race’s final restart on lap 77 to take the lead. Leading the final 24 laps, Dillon crossed the finish line first and recorded the No. 3 team’s first victory since September 2012 and Dillon’s fourth victory in NASCAR’s top three series.
#Dash4Cash … After the first #Dash4Cash race at Dover International Speedway, RCR’s Brendan Gaughan had a fourth-place finish, qualifying him for the second #Dash4Cash race that will take place this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The highest finisher of the four qualifying drivers (Brendan Gaughan, Regan Smith, Chris Buescher and Chase Elliott) at Indy will take home the payout of $100,000. Additionally, the #Dash4Cash winner from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, plus the top-three finishing drivers that receive driver championship points, will qualify for the third event at Bristol Motor Speedway in August.
New Hampshire Recap … In the Lake Regions 200, Austin Dillon finished second and was the highest finishing RCR driver. Ty Dillon, Brendan Gaughan and Brian Scott posted, sixth, 11th and 29th-place finishes, respectively.
The Points … Ty Dillon is third in the driver point standings, Brendan Gaughan eighth and Brian Scott is 10th. The No. 33 RCR team is currently second in the 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, @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 Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will begin with both practice sessions on Friday, July 24 at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time and 2:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. Qualifying will also be showcased on NBC Sports Network live on Saturday, July 25, at 11:30 a.m. and race coverage will begin at 3 p.m. on NBC. It will also be broadcasted 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 Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 164 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Lily Diabetes 250. This chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable made its debut at Michigan International Speedway where Scott qualified second and finished ninth.
Indy Statistics … In three XFINITY Series starts at the famed 2.5-mile speedway, Scott has an average starting position of 12.0 and an average finish of 7.7. His best showing was during the 2013 season’s event when Scott led in the closing laps and ultimately finished second.
2015 at A Glance … After 17 XFINITY Series races this season, Scott has captured two top-five, 10 top-10 finishes, sits 10th in the driver point standings and has led 133 laps with an average starting position of 5.5 and an average finish of 15.4. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Scott currently leads the XFINITY Series drivers with the highest average starting position of 5.5.
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.
Last Time in Indianapolis … Scott and the No. 2 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevrolet Camaro qualified for the Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 10th position. Scott battled inside the top-10 for the majority of the 100-lap event at the historic track. On the final restart, Scott was scored 11th and gained four positions before taking the checkered flag to finish seventh.
New Hampshire Race Rewind … Scott and the No. 2 Star Market/Kraft Velveeta Chevrolet qualified in the fifth position for the Lakes Region 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway marking his 12th top-five starting position this season. With 48 laps complete, the Richard Childress Racing driver was in the second position. Scott maintained second place through green-flag stops on lap 122. A four-tire stop on lap 140 restarted the team in the fifth position with 52 laps to go. With 35 laps to go, Scott encountered a mechanical issue ending his day early and resulting in a 29th-place finish.
Double Duty … In addition to competing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the XFINITY Series this weekend, Scott is scheduled to drive the No. 33 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, July, 26. The Lily Diabetes 250 is live on NBC Sports Network at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. The Brickyard 400 is live on NBC Sports Network, on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Meet Scott … Scott is scheduled to appear at the XFINITY Series autograph session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Infield Pavilion on Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m.
BRIAN SCOTT QUOTE:
What is it about Indianapolis Motor Speedway that fits your driving style?
“I feel like I understand Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A driver’s understanding of what leads to good lap times, how you need the car to be set up and to know how to pass at certain tracks is important. Indy is one of those places that seem to come to me naturally and we had strong runs right out of the gate there. That just added to my confidence and added to the team’s confidence. And it’s another one of those places like Kentucky Speedway where our RCR Chevrolets seem to be really strong and it fits our package well.”
Ty Dillon, No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 160 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro has visited Victory Lane twice this season with Austin Dillon (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway). Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 160 for the first time this season at IMS.
Dillon in the XFINITY Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … In two NASCAR XFINITY Series races at the historic Brickyard, Dillon finished third in 2012 and won last season’s Lilly Diabetes 250. The 23-year-old driver has an average starting position of 3.0 and an average finishing position of 2.0.
Kissing the Bricks … Last July at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dillon held off Kyle Busch on the race’s final restart and drove the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro to Victory Lane recording his first-career XFINITY Series victory. Dillon also won the Dash4Cash $100,000 bonus with the win. He and his family members, Richard Childress, Mike and Tina Dillon, Haley Dillon and Austin Dillon participated in the historic ritual of “Kissing the Bricks” on the finish line of the 2.5-mile race track and sprayed champagne with long-time sponsor and friend, Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops.
Bass Pro Shops continues partnership with RCR … Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 93 retail 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. For more information, and to shop online, visit basspro.com.
New Hampshire Race rewind … Dillon recorded his 11th top-10 finish of the season last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the No. 3 Wrangler Workwear/UniFirst Chevrolet Camaro with his sixth-place finish. The team qualified seventh earlier and remained inside the top 10 for a majority of the 200-lap event.
Points Update … After 17 races, Dillon is currently third in the XFINITY Series driver point standings trailing second place by seven points.
Meet Ty Dillon … Fans will have two unique opportunities to see the 23-year-old driver this weekend. On Thursday, Dillon is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the Indianapolis Indians game. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. On Saturday, July 25, Dillon is scheduled to appear at the Team Chevy Mega Stage located in the Infield Fan Midway at 10:45 a.m. for a question-and-answer session.
TY DILLON QUOTES:
You have a win and a third-place finish at IMS. What makes this a successful track for you?
“Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of my favorite places to race and we as a company have had a lot of success at this track. I think the biggest success factor is we bring the best horsepower to the race track with ECR Engines under the hood. Last season when we won the race, the horsepower we had on that final restart put me out front and we were able to take the checkered flag. Outside of that, our engineers and crew chiefs are very well versed with what we need to finish well here. I’m confident we will have success again here this weekend.”
What was it like kissing the bricks?
“It was one of the best moments of my racing career, one that I’ll never forget. I think the best part of that afternoon was having my family with me to enjoy the moment. They were all so excited and happy for our team. It was a great day all around; we won the race, the Dash4Cash bonus and we had a heck of a race car.”
Paul Menard, No. 33 Richmond/Menards Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:
This Week’s Richmond/Menards Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 167 in the Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro is new for the 2015 season and will see track action for the first time during practice on Friday afternoon.
Indy Details … The Eau Claire, Wis., native driver has made three NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, collecting three top-10 finishes. Menard has an average starting position of 9.3, an average finishing position of 6.7. The RCR driver also has recorded a victory at the historic 2.5-mile speedway in 2011 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Welcome Back, Richmond … Richmond®, a member of the Rheem family of quality brands, is committed to offering exceptional value and performance with a complete line of water heating products for residential environments. Known as, “the water heater experts,” Richmond is the go-to brand for value-conscious buyers. Innovations including “Fast Recovery” technology for peak-time water use and EverKleen™ Self-Cleaning tanks make choosing Richmond products easy. Richmond water heating products are available in Menards® stores throughout the Midwest. For more information, visit www.richmondwaterheaters.com.
Rearview Mirror: Loudon … Last weekend, the XFINITY Series visited New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the 17th race of the 2015 season. Austin Dillon piloted the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet to a second-place finish after leading laps and battling a loose-handling race car.
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 17 races, the RCR team has garnered three wins, five pole awards, 10 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes with 418 laps led.
Looking Ahead … Following this weekend’s 100-lap affair, Brandon Jones will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 33 Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway for the August 1 event. This will mark Jones’ second appearance in the No. 33 car this season as he is slated to compete in three additional races.
Double Duty … In addition to Saturday’s Lilly’s Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, watch Menard in the No. 27 Duracell/Menards Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series The Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard, which airs live on NBC Sports Network Sunday, July 26 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
What are your thoughts heading back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
“I practically grew up at the race track watching IndyCar races with my family, so Indy is one of my favorite tracks on the circuit. It’s always special to come here for me and my family. Danny (Stockman, crew chief) won the race last year with Ty so I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel with him calling the shots on Saturday. Indy is the greatest track in the world to me, so getting a win in the XFINITY Series race would mean a lot.”
Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 147 at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet has been utilized this season at Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond International Raceway and Iowa Speedway. Chassis No. 147 averages a starting position of 12.0 and finishing position of 9.7.
Gaughan’s Brickyard Stats … Gaughan is scheduled to make his second NASCAR XFINITY Series start at the 2.5-mile speedway this weekend in the Lilly Diabetes 250.
#Dash4Cash … After the first XFINITY Series #Dash4Cash race at Dover International Speedway, Gaughan had a fourth-place finish, qualifying him for the second #Dash4Cash race that will take place this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The highest finisher of the four qualifying drivers (Brendan Gaughan, Regan Smith, Chris Buescher and Chase Elliott) at Indy will take home the payout of $100,000. Additionally, the #Dash4Cash winner from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, plus the top three finishing drivers that receive driver championship points will qualify for the third event at Bristol Motor Speedway in August.
Just Passed Halfway … Leading into the 18th event of the 2015 XFINITY Series season, Gaughan averages a starting position of 8.6 and a finishing position of 14.4. The Las Vegas native and the No. 62 RCR team have accumulated two top-five finishes, eight top-10 finishes and led 10 laps. Gaughan has earned 679 quality passes and 51 fastest laps.
In the Rearview Mirror: New Hampshire Motor Speedway … Gaughan and the No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet qualified 10th for the Lake Regions 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Las Vegas native began experiencing loose-handling conditions early in the 200-lap event. During the third caution, Gaughan came to the attention of his Shane Wilson-led team. The Richard Childress Racing team elect to changed right-side tires, received a full tank of fuel and made a track bar adjustment. Gaughan restarted 11th and raced in that position for the majority of the afternoon. Green flag pit stops put the No. 62 RCR Chevrolet a lap down, forcing them to race for the Lucky Dog position. On lap 166, Gaughan was the recipient for the Lucky Dog award and earned his spot back on the lead lap in the 11th position, where he would ultimately cross the finish line.
Last Year at Indy … The South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet started last season’s Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 17th position. With the threat of a mechanical issue early in the race, crew chief Shane Wilson took advantage of the first caution and brought Gaughan to pit road to evaluate the situation. The No. 62 Camaro restarted 31st and the Las Vegas native battled to overcome the early issues throughout the day. Gaughan crossed the finish line in the 19th position.
To the Points … As the Series heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Gaughan and the No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino team is eighth in the driver point standings.
Meet Gaughan … The Las Vegas native is scheduled to participate in the XFINITY Series autograph session beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 at the Infield Pavilion.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on racing at Indianapolis?
“Luck hasn’t always been on my side at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but I am really looking to change that this year. I can’t tell you how excited I am to return with Richard Childress Racing equipment and ECR Engines. The team and I are really looking forward to getting on track at Indy and being eligible for the $100,000 Dash4Cash bonus.”
