Richard Childress Racing’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history at Richmond International Raceway … Richard Childress has nine Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories as a car owner at Richmond International Raceway – five with Dale Earnhardt, three with Kevin Harvick and one with Clint Bowyer. Additionally, in 169 starts at the Richmond, Va.-based track, RCR drivers have claimed 37 top-five and 69 top-10 finishes. Childress, a former driver on NASCAR’s senior circuit, contributed three of those top-10 finishes from 1976-1978.
RCR in the MENCS … In 2,900 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 48 pole awards,108 wins, 488 top-five finishes and 1,062 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 16.2. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Monster Energy NASCAR 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.
Interactive RCR … For up-to-date news and exclusive content, visit RCR’s corporate Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team Twitter page – @RCRCup, 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 – http://www.facebook.com/austindillon3 and www.facebook.com/RyanNewmanNASCAR.
Catch the Action … The Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway will be televised live Saturday, September 22 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
This Week’s Dow VORAFURF Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway … In nine Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond International Raceway, Dillon’s best finish at the track is 13th in September 2016. He also earned his best starting position of eighth in that edition of the race.
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The #NASCARPlayoffs … Dillon ranks 10th in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series point standings following an 11th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Fans can join in supporting Dillon’s Playoff run by using the team’s official Playoff Twitter hashtag, which is associated with its own emoji, #AD3.
Meet Dillon … Enhance your race day experience with 3-Wide Fan Hospitality. Take a stroll along the fan-viewing walkway in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garages and see your favorite team working on their car. Then, make your way over to the historic Old Dominion Building next to the display area, where you can enjoy food, festivities and special Q&A’s with drivers, including Austin Dillon who is scheduled to appear in the Old Dominion Building at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/2NYdLAx
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
How do you attack Richmond Raceway?
“It’s interesting because I always felt like Richmond Raceway was one of my worst places. We just haven’t been able to perform there. However, this year we had a really good run at the Spring race earlier this year and our Dow Camaro ZL1 was pretty good at the test just a couple of weeks ago, so I’m pumped to get back to go to Richmond Raceway. One of the notable things about Richmond is that it’s one of those places drivers circle for payback opportunities because you can always get to somebody there. It makes it a fun race for the fans. We will be aggressive when we get there.”
What do you see as your best round in the NASCAR Playoffs?
“I feel like after this first round we are in a good position. All those tracks can be good places for me and our team. I think the hardest one is going to be this first one. We do our job the next three weeks then I’m in a really good position past that.”
What is the one key for you personally to be successful in the NASCAR Playoffs and make it to Miami?
“I think focus. No mistakes. Last year, I made a mistake at Chicagoland Speedway while running inside the top five. I earned stage points in both stages and had a speeding penalty and took ourselves out of the race. That pretty much set us up to have to be offensive the next couple of weeks. For me this year it’s no mistakes. Focus on the race at hand and don’t let my mind wander forward to the next ones until we get there. I’m focused on Richmond Raceway right now and no mistakes.”
Who do you see as a dark horse in this year’s NASCAR Playoffs?
“Austin Dillon. I will take the dark horse role. Anything can happen. We show up at times and people least expect it. It’s one of those things where the confidence is there. Our team can all come together and we can do great things.”
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway … Ryan Newman will make his 612th Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start when he competes at Richmond International Raceway. In 33 MENCS events at Richmond Raceway, Newman visited victory lane at the fall event in 2003. The “Rocket Man” also owns one pole award from the fall of 2004. In total, he owns seven top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. His average starting position is 13.2 and average finishing position is 12.6. Newman ranks ninth in most championship points earned over the last 10 events at Richmond.
Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day … Newman, an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman and conservationist will have Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s on board the No. 31 Camaro ZL1 for select races in 2018. Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.”
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
In 2014, you finished second in the Playoffs without winning a race. With the current format, do you think it is possible that a person can win the MENCS Championship without winning a race?
“Of course, you can. You can finish second in the final 10 races and still be the Cup champion. It is mathematically and physically possible. But do I think it will happen? No. I also think there will be a day when a person doesn’t win the final race. I think we were really close to that in 2015 when Larson was up front and then we had a late-race caution. There will be a time when the champion is not the race champion or the champion could finish 20th for all we know. It’s just the way the system is. You don’t have to win, but you want to go into the Playoffs knowing you are a winner and not pointing your way in. Those wins gave you a bye into the next round and that’s exactly what a driver wants.”
What’s the mentality now? Will we see more bump and runs?
“In the case of 2014, I didn’t bump and run Kyle Larson to make it to Homestead-Miami Speedway. I used him up with four tires. I didn’t hit him from behind. I think when it comes to the overall mentality of the Playoffs and how you race drivers is exactly that. You take into consideration who you are racing and what is at stake. Would you bump and run a teammate? That’s a good question. Is it a race to get into the next round in the Playoffs? Is it a race to make up some points and ensure you are into the next round? It all depends. Is there a time where it can get carried away? Absolutely, yes. But there is a point when you have to be humble and take what you can get and not try and be greedy.”
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway … In 95 Series starts at the 0.75-mile raceway, RCR has captured six victories with drivers Kevin Harvick (2003, 2005, 2006 sweep and 2012) and Clint Bowyer (2007). The Welcome, North Carolina organization has accumulated seven pole awards, 29 top-five finishes, 51 top-10 finishes, led 1,939 laps and averages a starting position of 11.2 and finishing position of 12.7. RCR has completed 22,736 laps of the 23,392 (97.2 percent) that they have competed.
Las Vegas Review … All three RCR Xfinity series teams were caught up on-track incidents at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday. Daniel Hemric finished 29th, Shane Lee finished 30th and Matt Tifft placed 36th in the DC Solar 300.
Playoffs Begin … Richmond Raceway opens the Round of 12 for the Xfinity Series Playoffs. The round will continue through Charlotte Motor Speedway and conclude at Dover International Speedway. Eight drivers will move on to the next round.
The Points … Daniel Hemric and Matt Tifft currently seeded seventh and ninth, respectively, in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Driver Standings. The No. 3 RCR team is currently 14th in the series’ owner point standings.
Social Media … To keep up with the latest updates from RCR’s Xfinity Series teams, follow @RCRracing and @RCRNXS on Twitter. Updates can also be found via RCR’s Facebook Page and Instagram (@RCRracing).
Catch the Action … Coverage of this weekend’s GoBowling 250 at Richmond Raceway will be televised live on Friday, September 21, beginning at 7:30. Eastern Time on NBCSN. It will also broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Satellite Radio, Channel 90.
This Week’s Anderson’s Maple Syrup Chevrolet Camaro at Richmond Raceway … Matt Tifft will be kicking off his run in the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs by making his fifth series’ start at Richmond Raceway this weekend, after finishing fourth at the 0.75-mile track earlier this year. The 22-year-old driver also has two NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts at the 0.75-mile raceway, collecting one top-10 finish in the series.
About Anderson’s Maple Syrup … In 1928, Paul Anderson first shared the distinct taste of Wisconsin’s Northwoods by producing sweet pure maple syrup and starting a 90-year pure maple syrup tradition. Three generations later his grandson, Steve Anderson, still carries on this syrup making heritage by bottling pure maple syrup from the same sugar bush his grandfather tapped for so many years. Anderson’s Maple Syrup is pure, all natural and a healthy alternative for families. From its humble roots in Cumberland, Wisconsin; Anderson’s Maple Syrup is still made with the love your family would expect. Try Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup in coffee or tea as a sweetener, and on ice cream as a topping. Today, some of the top barbecue grillers and chefs in the country eye Anderson’s as one of the best ingredients and glazes for most meats, fruits & veggies for summertime use and ham glazes for the special occasions. From our farm to your kitchen Anderson’s can be found in grocery & specialty stores around the country. “Everything tastes better with Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup”. For more information on Anderson’s Maple Syrup visit andersonsmaplesyrup.com, and follow Anderson’s Maple Syrup Racing on Twitter via @AndersonMaple and Facebook via AndersonsMapleSyrup.
Meet Tifft … Fans can meet Tifft at the Xfinity Series autograph session alongside the rest of the 2018 Playoffs field beginning at 3 p.m. local time on Friday, September 21, at Richmond Raceway’s Old Dominion Building.
MATT TIFFT QUOTE:
What kind of challenges does Richmond Raceway present, seeing as teams need a good run there to kick off a strong Playoff campaign?
“I feel great about kicking off the Playoffs at Richmond Raceway. Richmond, and short tracks in general, have been a strength of ours this season, so there is a lot of confidence going into this weekend. Richmond can be tricky when we’re trying to get the correct balance for our cars. If we’re off just a little bit, it can hurt a lot. Splitter control will be key this weekend for that. We have such small splitters in these race cars, that it’s hard to feel if the splitter is hitting the ground at Richmond. That’s something we will be watching for and working on in practice. We finished fourth at Richmond in the spring, and I feel that finish really jumpstarted our season. If we could have that result again, it would certainly jumpstart our Playoff campaign. It’d be even better to come out of there with a win and lock ourselves into the next round.”
How tough is it to manage points racing and making sure you’re maximizing those versus risking it and going for a win if the situation is there?
“I think that depends on the round we’re in. The first round and second round are a little bit different, at least to me. The first round there seems to be a little more of a cushion to where if you’re a good, consistent team, you have a decent shot at moving on to the next round if you have no mistakes. I think that’s what the first round is about, no mistakes and clean race weekends. At the same time, stage points do matter a lot and are something we need to capitalize on. Once you get into the second round, I think you need to be more on it and taking more risks to go for wins. There seems to be a lot more depth in this Playoff field than there was last year, so I expect the cut-off races to be pretty tough on everybody unless you have a win to lock you in.”
This Week’s Childress Vineyards Chevrolet Camaro at Richmond Raceway … Shane Lee will be making his debut start at Richmond Raceway this weekend in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The No. 3 RCR team finished 12th at the 0.75-mile track earlier this season with Jeb Burton behind the wheel.
About Childress Vineyards … Childress Vineyards is a premier winery located at the southern gateway of the Yadkin Valley in Lexington, North Carolina. Owned by Richard Childress, NASCAR team owner and Hall of Fame member, Childress Vineyards has been producing award-winning wines with the expertise of Winemaker Mark Frizsolowski. Open daily for tours, tastings, and lunch in the Bistro. Information about Childress Vineyards can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/childresswines/, on Twitter at @ChildressWines and on Instagram at Instagram.com/childresswines.
Meet Lee … Fans can meet Lee when he makes an appearance at the Team Chevy Stage for a Q&A session and to sign autographs beginning at 3 p.m. local time on Friday, September 21.
SHANE LEE QUOTE:
You’ll be making your debut at Richmond Raceway this weekend, but you have short track experience from running in the ARCA Series. What have you been studying or doing to prepare for this weekend?
“I actually went to the first Richmond race when Jeb Burton was in the No. 3 Camaro, which helped me get familiar with the track. It looked to me a lot like Myrtle Beach Speedway, which I’ve run a lot of late-model races at. Tire fall-off is big at both tracks, so that’ll be something I have experience with and be able to adapt to. The track designs look very similar too, even with Richmond being a little bit bigger than Myrtle Beach. All signs point to it being a track we should be good at, especially with how strong RCR’s short track program is. I’m excited to get out on track there on Friday.”
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro at Richmond Raceway … Hemric will be making his fourth career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Richmond Raceway during Friday night’s 250-lap event. The driver of the No. 21 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet has two top-five finishes, an average start of 4.3, a total of 50 laps led and one pole award at the 0.75-mile track.
Rearview Mirror: Las Vegas … Hemric ended the Xfinity Series regular season with a strong No. 21 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet, even if the result did not show it. While Hemric started 35th after tech issues kept the team from making a qualifying effort, the No. 21 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet raced into the top 10 with the first 20 laps and ended Stage 1 in the fifth position. Hemric remained a figure at the front of the field, earning points in Stage 2 and battling for the lead. During the final stage, Hemric was involved in a late-race incident with teammate Shane Lee and a number of other drivers. The incident resulted in a 29th-place finish and his second DNF of the season.
This Week at the South Point … Held each September at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the Andalusian World Cup has become the most prestigious global event for the Iberian breeds. The world’s top horses, trainers, exhibitors and spectators come from across the globe to this annual event for the chance to go home with cash, prizes, trophies, show saddles, and for the title of Supreme Champion, the “Best of the Best!” More information is available at southpointcasino.com.
Meet the Driver … Fans have the opportunity to meet Hemric on two occasions during the Xfinity Series race weekend at Richmond Raceway. Hemric is scheduled to participate in a Q&A session at the Team Chevy display in the fan zone on Friday, Sept. 21, starting at 2:45 p.m. local time. He is also scheduled to be a part of the Xfinity Series autograph session in the amphitheater in the fan zone on Friday, Sept. 21, starting at 3 p.m. local time.
Xfinity Series Playoffs … The opening round of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs kicks off this weekend at Richmond Raceway. Hemric enters the first three-race round of the playoffs in the seventh position, with a total of 2010 points. The opening round of the playoffs takes place at Richmond Raceway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Dover International Speedway, where the bottom four drivers in the standings will be eliminated from championship contention.
DANIEL HEMRIC QUOTES:
Do you have a sense that the Playoffs have started, and the intensity level is raised for either you or the team?
“I feel like the intensity level was already high last week in Las Vegas. Intensity on the restarts was elevated, the pace of the race picked up, you didn’t have a moment in the race where everyone was cruising and riding around. That won’t happen for the rest of the year now that the Playoffs are here. As we go on, this No. 21 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet team should be one of the favorites. I can confidently say that, given the speed out of our RCR race cars the last couple of weeks. That is exciting for anyone involved. The No. 21 team, led by crew chief Danny Stockman, they always find a way to dig a little bit and give me strong cars heading into a race. I am always proud of that. As we go through the next few weeks and into the Playoffs, it’s going to be the same guys in the field we will have to beat. We just have to execute, all do our part and hopefully advance throughout the rounds like we plan to. I am excited about where our race cars are at this point in the season.”
