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, 2010, 2013) and Earnhardt (1986, ’88, ’91, ’93, and ’95).
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,676 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards,105 wins, 471 top-five finishes and 1,017 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 16.0. 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 … RCR’s three full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers rank 13th (Newman), 14th (Dillon) and 22nd (Menard) in the driver championship point standings.
Congratulations, Richard! … On Wednesday evening, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, Richard Childress, is scheduled be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. It is the first class that will be inducted into the newly renovated space at Daytona International Speedway, having spent the first 27 years in Detroit, Michigan. Childress joins Everett Brashear (Motorcycles), Gary Gabelich (At Large), Chip Ganassi (Open Wheel), Dave McClelland (Drag Racing), Sam Posey (Sports Cars) and Bob Sweikert (Historic) as class of 2016 inductees. Childress’ grandsons, Austin and Ty Dillon, are scheduled to present him with the award. For more information, visit mshf.com.
Zach’s Story: Think. Ride. Live … Summer has the highest rate of ATV injuries, and 1 in 4 are children. Zach is a 14-year-old boy who loves to ride his age-appropriate ATV and wears his helmet. He was seriously injured when his ATV rolled into a ditch, but his abdominal injuries weren’t immediately recognized by his local hospital. Luckily, Zach was transferred to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center where he could receive specialized care. Learn more about Zach at http://bit.ly/1OeOqh3 or watch Austin and Ty Dillon in our ATV safety video http://bit.ly/SafeATV.
Catch the Action … The Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola is scheduled to be televised live on Saturday, July 2, beginning at 7:45 p.m. ET on NBC and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevrolet SS at Daytona International Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot chassis No. 533 in the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. This is the same Chevrolet SS that Dillon drove to a ninth-place finish in the Daytona 500 in February.
Dillon at Daytona International Speedway … In six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Daytona International Speedway, Dillon has acquired one top-five and four top-10 finishes, including a fifth-place finish in the Coke Zero 400 in July 2014. The Welcome, N.C., driver, who grew up attending races at Daytona International Speedway with his family, has seven starts in the NASCAR XFINITY Series with two wins, six top-five and six top-10 finishes. He has two starts at the track in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
#HookAHelmet … Bass Pro Shops is racing for conservation in the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway and are sponsoring a #HookAHelmet giveaway. Keep an eye on Bass Pro Shop’s official Facebook page on Wednesday to learn how to enter for a chance to win Austin Dillon’s Bass Pro Shops-themed helmet.
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 basspro.com/nramuseum or nramuseum.com/.
Meet Dillon … Dillon is scheduled to participate in a Q&A session at the Team Chevy Stage, located in the Daytona International Speedway midway, on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
Any expectations for Daytona International Speedway?
“I want to finish the race with all four wheels on the ground. I went for a little bit of a wicked ride there last July. We want our cars to be faster so that we’re not in that mess. We want to be in front of that. I’ve seen a lot of push at the shop from the guys making our speedway cars faster. I think we’ve put a lot of effort in this year to go fast at Daytona, so we have an expectation to be fast.”
This Week’s Duracell / Menards Chevrolet SS at Daytona International Speedway … Menard will race 160 laps in chassis No. 492 this weekend at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet SS made appearances in 2015 at Daytona International Speedway (February and July) and Talladega Superspeedway (May and October).
Daytona Stats … With 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts to his credit at Daytona International Speedway, Menard has finished in the top 10 three times with his best start of first in July 2008 and best finish of sixth in the 2012 Daytona 500. The Wisconsin native has completed 3,016 of 3,185 laps attempted, leading 67 of them.
About Duracell … Part of the Procter & Gamble Company [NYSE:PG], Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 40 years. Duracell’s products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, Duracell also innovates in lighting, renewable power and wireless charging technologies to help consumers live life without limits. Visit duracell.com for more information, follow them on Twitter.com/Duracell, and on Facebook.com/Duracell.
PAUL MENARD QUOTES:
Is there a difference between the day and night race at Daytona International Speedway?
“There’s not a whole lot that’s different really. It’s obviously hotter in July than it is in February. It’s usually slicker and a little more to handle in July even though it’s at night. There’s more action too because we have half the season under our belt and know where we stand and what we need to do. So we’ll race a little bit harder than the first race of the year.”
It’s not as physically demanding as some tracks, but do you feel mentally drained after that restrictor-plate race?
“Probably not as much as a Talladega, but Daytona does spread out some, especially after 15 to 20 laps, then the handling does come into play. It’s mentally draining for sure, especially on restarts when everyone is on fresh tires trying to jockey for position. It’s a good combination of physicality because of the heat and the chess game you’re playing all day.”
This Week’s Florida Lottery Chevrolet SS at Daytona International Speedway … Ryan Newman will pilot car No. 536 for the second time this season at Daytona International Speedway. This No. 31 Chevrolet competed in the season opener Daytona 500 where Newman drove to an 11th-place finish.
Newman at the World Center of Racing … This weekend Newman makes his 529th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start. Back in 2008, the Indiana native hoisted the Harley J. Earl trophy after winning the 50th running of the Daytona 500. In total, the South Bend, Ind. native has 28 starts at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, earning four top-five and seven top-10 finishes. His average start is 20.7 and finish is 20.1. He’s led 103 laps in competition.
Welcome Aboard … Richard Childress Racing welcomes Florida Lottery on board the No. 31 Chevrolet as the primary partner for Saturday’s 160-lap race at Daytona International Speedway. Over the past 28 years, the Florida Lottery’s mission is to maximize revenues for the enhancement of public education in Florida. Since its inception, contributions to education are more than $29 billion. Funds have helped with the construction and renovation of 800 statewide school projects and over 725,000 students have attended college thanks to Bright Future scholarships.
The Florida Lottery offers seven Terminal games and approximately 67 Scratch-Off games at any given time at more than 13,000 retailers statewide. Its games have made more than 1,800 people millionaires and equated to more than $48.5 billion in prize payouts since the first ticket was sold. The Florida Lottery ranks second in sales among all U.S. Lotteries. To join in on the fun, visit flalottery.com.
Meet Newman … On Saturday, Newman is scheduled to greet race fans and answer questions at the Florida Lottery stage at 4:40 p.m. It’s located in the DIS Sprint Fanzone.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What makes Daytona International Speedway unique?
“I guess if you are comparing it to Talladega Superspeedway, Daytona is a good bit narrower. It seems like it usually gets tight off Turn 2 but it’s super fast and super smooth. You can go wide open, no problem. It’s usually hot for the July race so it’s super hot inside the race cars and eventually, the cars start sliding around a little bit. Daytona is simply Daytona.”
What are some of the main things your team will be working on as soon as you hit the track?
“It’s really about making sure the car feels good and drives well and doesn’t vibrate. Outside of that, it’s more of a track-position strategy game. It’s about being in the right place at the right time.”
Over your career, have your feelings for Daytona changed?
“Not really. I have been fortunate enough to win there in a Cup car, an ARCA car and an IROC car. I’ve even found myself upside down there. It’s a place that has hit me from both sides, but at the same time, it’s a track and I drive race cars. I understand and expect what all comes with a place like Daytona and whether it’s Daytona in February or July, whenever you cross the finish line with the checkered flag first, it means a lot. So for me, every race, not just Daytona, means a lot especially when you are trying to get your victory of the season and to give yourself and team a chance at the championship.”
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Daytona International Speedway … In 73 Series starts at the 2.5-mile speedway, RCR has captured six victories with drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2002 and 2010), Kevin Harvick (2007), Clint Bowyer (2009), Tony Stewart (2013) and Austin Dillon (2015). The Welcome, N.C., organization has completed 8,097 laps of the 8,190 (98.9 percent) that they have competed. RCR has accumulated five pole awards, 30 top-five and 45 top-10 finishes, led 605 laps and averages a starting position of 10.5 and finishing position of 11.3.
Iowa Review … Ty Dillon was the highest RCR finisher in second, Ben Kennedy 10th, Brandon Jones 12th and Brendan Gaughan 15th, respectively, at Iowa Speedway.
The Points … All three RCR XFINITY Series full-time drivers remain in the top 10 of the driver point standings as the Series heads to Daytona International Speedway for the 15th event of the season. Ty Dillon is currently third, Brandon Jones is fifth and Brendan Gaughan is sixth. The No. 2 RCR team is fourth in the owner point standings. Brandon Jones is currently second in the XFINITY Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year point standings.
Catch the Action … Coverage of this week’s Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on Friday, July 1, beginning at 7:30
p.m. ET on NBCSN. It will also be broadcast live on Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.
This Week’s Rheem Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot chassis No. 174 in the Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet has earned two top-six finishing positions so far this season.
Dillon at Daytona … Dillon drove the Rheem Chevrolet to Victory Lane last season in the 250-mile event at Daytona in July. In seven NASCAR XFINITY Series appearance at the speedway, Dillon has six top-five finishes and two pole awards. The RCR driver holds an average starting position of 9.3, coupled with an average finishing position of 6.4.
Team Salute … With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, Dillon and team will carry a special rear windshield header on the No. 2 Rheem Chevrolet to honor the U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 based in Virginia Beach, Va., for Friday night’s race.
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No. 2 Team by the Numbers … With 14 XFINITY Series events complete in 2016, the No. 2 team has one victory, eight top-five and 13 top-10 finishes with 14 laps led to their credit.Dillon will drive the No. 2 Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway next weekend.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
You’ve had a small break from NASCAR XFINITY Series action the last couple of weeks.
“Yeah, I’ve had a couple of weeks off. I’m ready to get back behind the wheel of the No. 2 Rheem Chevrolet this week at Daytona (International Speedway). The team has had some good finishes in the weeks I haven’t been in the car. They unload a fast car each week and it won’t be any different this time. We won this race last year, so we have some good notes to use for the race on Friday night. I think we can go out there and contend for the win again.”
DANNY STOCKMAN QUOTE:
What are your thoughts on the season so far and your goals for the remainder of the year?
“We’ve had a good season so far. I think we’ve let a couple races get away from us, but the No. 2 team never gives up. I’m really looking forward to the second half of the season. We have a lot of good things going on at RCR right now and an awesome driver lineup. We have a great team that wants to continue to produce better results every week. We are all so motivated right now and refuse to lose. We’re going to finish this season strong.”
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 173 for this weekend’s Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro has seen action in both superspeedway races thus far in 2016, recording a 13th-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in February and a 20th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway.
Dillon at Daytona International Speedway … In six NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at DIS, Dillon has two top-10 and one top-five finish. Dillon won the pole earlier this season at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. He has also made two Daytona 500 starts in his career, resulting in 28th and 25th-place finishes. He has two top-10 finishes in three career starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
About the NRA Museum … Bass Pro Shops, the primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro driven by Ty Dillon in the NASCAR XFINITY 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 Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 1. 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 basspro.com/nramuseum or nramuseum.com/.
On the rear windshield… Paying tribute to the United States military this weekend, the No. 3 team will carry the name of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines unit on its windshield. Based in Jacksonville, N.C. at Camp Lejeune, the United States Marine Corporation will be honored during the Fourth of July weekend by the team.
Points update … After 14 races, Dillon is currently third in the XFINITY Series driver point standings. He trails second place by only 14 points and the leader by 35 points. Dillon has five top five and nine top-10 finishes so far in 2016.
Meet Ty Dillon … Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs for fans Friday, July 1 beginning at 12:30 p.m. as part of the XFINITY Series autograph session located in the infield Sprint FANZONE.
TY DILLON QUOTE:
What will it take to get a victory this weekend?
“You know, I enjoy superspeedway racing, but we’ve had a little bad luck so far this season. The goal is always to win the race, but we have struggled to finish inside the top 10. I think with this new XFINITY Series Chase format, we can afford to be a little more aggressive, but we also would like to keep the car clean and finish the race. I feel that we are at an advantage on tracks like these for a few reasons; one being the ECR Engines power that we bring to the track and two, being my spotter, Billy O’Dea. He and I work pretty well together when I’m on the race track. He has the eyes in the sky and is always a huge help at superspeedways.”
This Week’s Florida Lottery Chevrolet Camaro at Daytona International Speedway … Brandon Jones will pilot chassis No. 152 this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro previously raced at Daytona and Talladega Superspeedway earlier this season. Jones finished seventh in the season-opening race at DIS, while he led a race-high 36 laps and finished 19th at Talladega in May.
NASCAR Salutes … For this weekend’s Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola, Jones will carry the name of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines unit on the rear windshield of the No. 33 Florida Lottery Chevrolet Camaro. The 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines is based in Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina
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Meet Brandon Jones … Jones will appear at the Chevrolet Stage at Daytona International Speedway Friday, July 1 starting at 11:45 a.m. ET. The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender will also be at the XFINITY autograph session Friday, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET in the Sprint Fan Zone in the Daytona International Speedway infield.
Rearview Mirror: Iowa … Jones and crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. worked tirelessly throughout the weekend at Iowa Speedway to dial in the handling of No. 33 Chevrolet Camaro around the 7/8-mile track. Through various adjustments, the car came to life on the longer green flag runs late in the race. However, a loose lug nut on the final stop of the day forced Jones back to pit road a second time. Restarting 14th with 50 laps to go, Jones was able to race his way back to 12th by the time the checkered flag flew. The 12th-place finish moved Jones up to fifth in the championship standings, and he remains second in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year battle.
BRANDON JONES QUOTES:
Are you ready to get back to Daytona and do you enjoy restrictor-plate racing?
“I enjoy restrictor-plate racing, and I think I’m going to say that until I get into a big wreck there or something. I’ve done pretty well with that type racing so far. I’ve had some really nice finishes at Daytona and Talladega and led some laps at Talladega in April. All of that should transfer over to the Daytona package this weekend and we should be able to take advantage of that. We’ll be really good at Daytona. I’m looking forward to getting back there.”
From the driver’s seat, what are the main differences between Daytona and Talladega?
“Talladega is just a little bit wider of a track. You have more room to move around and play around. Just looking at Daytona it’s a little bit narrower from the driver’s standpoint.”
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 175 this weekend at Daytona International Speedway for the Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro has competed at Daytona in the season opener and at Talladega Superspeedway in April. Chassis No. 175 qualified sixth at both events and finished 10th and fifth respectively.
Daytona Details … In nine NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Daytona International Speedway, Gaughan has completed 968 of 1012 (95.7 percent) of the laps he has attempted. The Las Vegas native is credited with two top-10 finishes, nine laps led, a 19th average starting position and a 21st average finishing position.
At the South Point … South Point Hotel & Casino will host the AviSight Drone Academy June 28 – July 1, 2016. The AviSight Drone Academy offers a world-class drone training program. The academy centers on legal and safe practices for drone pilots, and the ever-evolving rules of the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the constant change in technology. For more information, visit southpointarena.com/events.
NASCAR Salutes … The No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet will salute the U.S. Air Force 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, of Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., as part of the NASCAR Salutes initiative. Gaughan is one of the few civilians nominated as an Honorary Member of the Combat Control Association. He is also the Honorary Commander of Operation Location Bravo, 720 Operation Support Squadron, Joint Terminal Attack Controller Weapons Instructor Course at Nellis AFB NV. In addition to honoring the Special Tactics Squadron, Gaughan will honor the service and memory of Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis by placing his name above the door and rear windshield. Staff Sgt. Davis of Aberdeen, Washington, died near Bagram, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Meet Gaughan … Gaughan is scheduled to sign autographs for first-come, first serve fans Friday, July 1, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Local Time as part of the NASCAR XFINITY Series autograph session located in the infield Sprint FANZONE.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:
How different is Daytona International Speedway as a night race?
“It’s just fun, it’s for the fans. I don’t think anyone wants to race around the Fourth of July, during the day in Daytona, Fla. That would be a little rough, even for the fans. The night race is fun, we still have the exhaust pipe flashes where the fire comes out of the pipes, it’s pretty and it sparks. Everyone brings interesting paint schemes where the numbers reflect the track lights at night. The South Point Chevy team has always been good at restrictor plate racing but this year, we have the finishes to go with it. We have led laps and run up front at Daytona (International Speedway) and Talladega (Superspeedway). This year we get to bring back the same car from the start of the season. We have good equipment, good momentum and great ECR Engines.”
