Event: MyAFibRisk.com 400
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015
Venue: Chicagoland Speedway
Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Chicagoland Speedway … Richard Childress is tied for second place for car owner victories at Chicagoland Speedway with Kevin Harvick’s back-to-back wins in 2001 and 2002. In 44 starts at the 1.5-mile suburban Chicago tri-oval, Richard Childress Racing teams have a combined nine top-five and 18 top-10 finishes, and one pole award with Jeff Burton in 2006.
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,591 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 467 top-five finishes and 999 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 26 contested races, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series teams have collectively notched seven top-five and 20 top-10 finishes with drivers Austin Dillon, Ryan Newman and Paul Menard. Last weekend at Richmond International Raceway, Ryan Newman and Paul Menard clinched spots in the 2015 Chase for the Sprint Cup, ranking 14th and 15th, respectively. Dillon ranks 20th in the driver championship point standings.
RCR Richmond Rewind … RCR teammates Newman, Menard and Dillon finished 20th, 26th and 27th, respectively, in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International 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 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 facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at RCRracing.com along with official driver pages -facebook.com/austindillon3, facebook.com/PaulMenard27 and facebook.com/RyanNewmanNASCAR.
Catch the Action … The MyAFibRisk.com 400 will be televised live Sunday, September 20 beginning at 3 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s American Ethanol Chevrolet SS at Chicagoland Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 525 in the MyAFibRisk.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.
Winner, Winner …. Dillon has one previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Chicagoland Speedway, finishing 16th one year ago. The 2013 NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion has four previous XFINITY Series starts at the track, earning a pair of third-place finishes in July 2013 and September 2012, along with a fourth-place finish in September 2014 and a sixth-place finish in July 2012. He has led 77 laps at the 1.5-mile track. He is also the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race winner.
Think Green … NASCAR® drivers celebrated an important milestone during last weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway – they reached the eight million miles marker on renewable Sunoco Green E15. American Ethanol, a renewable source of cleaner burning energy from the bounty of America’s farmers, helps create new green jobs and a renewed sense of pride for the American worker, while helping to achieve greater energy security for our country. Launched by Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association, along with the support of other partners, American Ethanol is a breakthrough brand that seeks to expand consumer awareness of the benefits of ethanol and E15, and takes the NASCAR Green initiative to the next level.
Speaking for a Cause … Dillon is scheduled to join influencers in environmental sustainability, business and sport for the 2015 NASCAR Green Summit presented by American Ethanol-E15 on Wednesday in Chicago. Dillon is scheduled to serve as a featured athlete on a panel that examines the importance of sports in climate change, how sports are helping protect the planet and how sports leaders are advancing green behavior. Dillon has utilized his relationship with Growth Energy, Dow, Bass Pro Shops and other partners to become an influencer in environmental sustainability. Other panel speakers include fellow NASCAR driver Sam Hornish, Jr., two-time NBA Champion, Portland Trailblazers, Mike Miller; former NFL linebacker, sustainable farmer, Will Witherspoon; and current UFC Welterweight Champion and 2014 Fighter of the Year, Robbie Lawler.
Playin’ Hoops for Kids … Dillon is scheduled to host a 3-on-3 celebrity basketball tournament presented by Dow to benefit the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at High Point University on Tuesday, Nov. 3. He’s enlisted the help from friends such as his brother Ty Dillon, Motocross rider Ryan Dungey, MMA fighter Rashad Evans, country singer Colt Ford, NASCAR driver Brendan Gaughan, former NFL player Dhani Jones, country singer Dustin Lynch, WWE wrestler Mike Mizanin, DJ Dee Jay Silver, ESPN reporter Marty Smith and Professional Bull Rider Sean Willingham to serve as celebrity captains in the 16-team, double-elimination tournament. The Childress Institute will auction two spots on each team for fans to purchase via .
Get to the Points … Dillon ranks 20th in the championship point standings leading into the myafibrisk.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.
In the Rear View … Dillon qualified 12th and finished 27th in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway after developing handling issues during the race.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on racing at Chicagoland Speedway?
“Chicagoland Speedway is one of my favorite tracks. I love the city of Chicago, so getting there is always fun. It’s a place where you can move around. From top to bottom, it’s really racy. I’ve won there before in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and have had some pretty good finishes in the NASCAR XFINITY Series as well. I think I learned a lot last year in my first Sprint Cup Series start at Chicagoland that I can utilize this time around.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 Pittsburgh Paints / Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s Pittsburgh Paints / Menards Chevrolet at Chicagoland Speedway … Crew chief Justin Alexander has chosen to bring chassis No. 520 for this weekend’s 267-lap event at Chicagoland Speedway. This is a new Chevrolet SS being utilized for the first time during this weekend’s MyAFibRisk.com 400.
Chicago Stats … After eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the 1.5-mile track, Menard has collected three top-10 starts, including an outside pole position, as well as one top-10 finish. He’s completed 91.7 percent of laps in competition. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin native also has nine starts in the NASCAR XFINITY Series with one top-five and four top-10 finishes.
Chase Across North America … Come to downtown Martinsville, Virginia on Tuesday, September 15 from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET for a parade followed by a Q&A with Menard at 37 East Restaurant.
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Rookie Stripe … Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 30 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to one top-five, 14 top-15 and 19 top-20 starts. He’s also collected 21 top-20, 18 top-15 and three top-five finishes. Alexander is the first three-time winner of the MOOG Problem Solver of the Race award this season. He’s also led Menard to his first-career berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
#MenardNation … The No. 27 team sits 15th in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings heading into the first race before the field narrows down for the Challenger 16 round.
Double Duty … Look for Menard in the No. 33 Richmond/Menards Chevy Camaro during Saturday’s XFINITY Series event. The 200-lap race starts at 6 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.
Last Time in Chicago … Menard qualified ninth in last year’s September event and finished 21st after chasing adjustments all day. A top-20 finish wasn’t out of the question for the No. 27, but a loose-handling car caused the team to fall one lap down to the leader. It proved difficult to regain that lap with 109 laps remaining, ultimately leading the RCR driver to a 21st-place finish.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
You made it to the Chase on the strength of four top-10 and two top-five finishes. What do you need to do now that you’re in?
“Everything resets now, and Chicagoland Speedway has been a pretty good track for us. I feel good about our intermediate track program. We had a fast car in Richmond, it just burned the left-front tire off after 30, 40 laps and we started going backwards. We’ll try to figure out what happened there, but Chicago is a whole new animal and it’s a track I really enjoy.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s Caterpillar Chevrolet SS at Chicagoland Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 526 on Sunday at the 1.5-mile speedway. This Chevrolet will be utilized for the first time this season when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series hits the track for practice and qualifying on Friday.
Career Stats at Chicagoland … Newman will make his 503rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start this weekend. In 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Chicagoland Speedway, Newman visited victory lane in 2003. The “Rocket Man” also owns one pole award in 2002. In total, he owns three top-five and eight top-10 finishes. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 10th and average finish of 15th.
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Cut to the Chase … Newman’s Chase Across North America begins Tuesday in Dover, Del. He’ll be participating in a media luncheon at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino followed by two pep rallies at Fred Fifer III Middle School in Camden, Del. Then Newman heads to Chicago for Thursday’s Chase Media Day.
Point of Interest … When calculating points earned through the last seven races at the 1.5-mile track, Newman ranks fifth in most points earned. Entering the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, Newman is ranked 14th heading into the first of three races in the Challenger Round.
Last Time Around at Chicago … Last season, Newman started on the front row and rallied back from two tire issues to finish 15th.
Quicken Loans $16 Million Perfect Grid Challenge … In honor of the start of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, fans can compete in a championship of their own by filling out a grid in the Quicken Loans $16 Million Perfect Grid Challenge. Predict how the 16 drivers will advance through each round of the Chase at NBCSports.com/GridChallenge. The lucky fan with a perfect grid at the end of the season will win a $16 million prize, one million to represent each of the 16 drivers in the Chase. All grids must be submitted by 2:45 p.m. ET on September 20, 2015.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What is the key to getting around Chicago Speedway?
“Chicago is a big circle. You have to have good corner speed. You have to keep the car yawed out and have plenty of horsepower. Grip is important because if I remember right, the tires typically fall off pretty big there. At the same time, it’s that time in the season where the tracks start cooling down and the air starts cooling down. Sometimes when we race into the night, it gets faster and you have to adjust. In the end, it is a big circle and you have to maintain speed.”
What is the hardest thing you have to figure out about Chicago?
“Sometimes the bumps at Chicago will surprise you. There are only a couple of big ones. I didn’t test there so I don’t exactly how it is compared to last year or if the track has changed much. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
What are your thoughts on Chicagoland Speedway being the first race in The Chase?
“It’s the right race to have at the start mostly because it’s the only time we race there. It’s nice to go to a place where no one has experience at the start of The Chase, and it’s in a great market. Chicagoland Speedway is important to our sport.”
Do you like your chances at Chicagoland?
“I think we will be good. We’ve been inconsistent a little bit at the 1.5-mile tracks. We were pretty good at the start of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, but then we struggled at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We have a little more work to do.”
Event: Furious 7 300
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2015
Venue: Chicagoland Speedway – Joliet, Ill.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Chicagoland Speedway… In 45 Series starts at the 1.5-mile track, RCR has captured four victories with drivers Johnny Sauter (2002), Kevin Harvick (2005 and 2007) and Elliott Sadler (2012). The Welcome, N.C., organization has completed 8,769 laps of the 9,003 (97.4 percent) that they have competed. RCR has accumulated three pole awards, 16 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes, led 401 laps and averages a starting position of 9.6 and finishing position of 9.1.
Richmond Review … Brian Scott finished third and was the highest finishing Richard Childress Racing driver at Richmond International Raceway. Ty Dillon finished eighth, Austin Dillon ninth and Brendan Gaughan was 16th.
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 Chicagoland Speedway this weekend for the 26th event of the season. Ty Dillon is currently third, Brian Scott sixth and Brendan Gaughan is ninth. The No. 33 RCR team is sixth 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 of this weekend’s XFINITY Series event at Chicagoland Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC Sports Network. It will also be broadcast live on Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.
Brian Scott, No. 2 Jewel-Osco/Kraft Velveeta Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s Jewel-Osco/Kraft Velveeta Chevrolet at Chicagoland Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 148 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Furious 7 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. This chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable has an average starting position of 5.6 and an average finishing position of 6.2.
Windy City Statistics … In 10 XFINITY Series starts at the 1.5-mile paved speedway, Scott has an average starting position of 11.8 and an average finish of 9.2. Scott has earned three pole positions, including back-to-back poles in both visits to the track last season. In addition, Scott has two top-five and six top-10 finishes with 31 laps led and 2003 of 2004 laps completed. In addition to his XFINITY Series races, Scott has one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at Chicagoland.
Eight to go … After 25 XFINITY Series races this season; Scott has captured five top-five, 16 top-10 finishes, sits sixth in the driver point standings and has led 199 laps with an average starting position of sixth and an average finish of 12.5. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Scott currently leads the XFINITY Series drivers with the highest average starting position of 6.0.
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Richmond Race Rewind … In his 200th-career XFINITY Series start at Richmond International Raceway, Scott and the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet led for 63 laps before finishing third. The RCR driver qualified third for the Virginia529 College Savings 250 maintaining a spot inside the top 10 for the entire race, never falling below sixth.
Last Fall at Chicagoland … Scott and the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro collected their second-consecutive pole position at Chicagoland Speedway leading the field for the first five laps of competition. Scott maintained a top-10 running position for the majority of the race, while battling tight-handling conditions, and brought home a ninth-place finish.
Meet Scott … Your chance to meet Scott is Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m. as he is scheduled to visit Jewel-Osco (1537 N. Larkin Ave, Joliet, Ill.) for an autograph session.
Double Duty … In addition to competing at Chicagoland Speedway in the XFINITY Series this weekend, Scott is scheduled to drive the No. 33 Jewel-Osco/Kraft Velveeta Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, September, 20. The Furious 7 300 is live on NBC Sports Network at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. The MYAFIBRISK.COM 400 is live on NBC Sports Network, on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
BRIAN SCOTT QUOTES:
You have to be looking forward to Chicagoland Speedway running double-duty?
“Yes. Chicagoland Speedway is a great race track for me, so I am looking forward to trying it in the Sprint Cup Series car and hopefully having good results there. With Chicago being the first race for the Chase, I feel like the competition level will be turned up and you have to be cognizant of the people in the championship and try not to dictate the outcome or ruin any of their days.”
What does Chicagoland track compare to most in the XFINITY car?
“To me it compares a lot to a smaller Auto Club Speedway. I think that they both have similar surfaces – fighting seems and bumps. I’d say a smaller California.”
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 Chicagoland Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 160 for this weekend’s ‘Furious 7′ 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro last saw track action at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where Dillon finished ninth. In three previous starts, chassis No. 160 was driven to Victory Lane twice by Austin Dillon at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Dillon in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Chicagoland Speedway … In three XFINITY Series starts at the 1.5-mile speedway, Dillon has recorded three top-10 finishes and one top-five finish. Earlier this season, Dillon finished ninth in the No. 3 WESCO Chevrolet Camaro, one of the team’s 18 top-10 finishes in 2015.
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Richmond race rewind … Dillon drove the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro to an eighth-place finish Friday evening under the lights of Richmond International Raceway. Dillon, who qualified ninth earlier that day, battled a tight-handling race car for a majority of the 250 lap race, but was able to stay inside the top-10 running order. In the end he crossed the finish line eighth, recording the team’s 18th top-10 finish of the season.
Eight races to go … With eight races remaining on the XFINITY Series schedule, Dillon has amassed seven top-five finishes, 18 top-10 finishes and is currently in the thick of the driver championship battle.
Points Update … Dillon is currently third in the XFINITY Series driver point standings, trailing the leader by only 27 points and second place by only six points.
TY DILLON QUOTE:
You had a top-10 finish at Chicagoland Speedway earlier this season. How will you improve this time around?
“You know, Chicagoland is a unique race track and I enjoy racing there. It’s a worn-out surface which creates some great racing. Earlier this season we finished ninth, and we were pretty fast, but I want to finish inside the top five and compete for a win. At this point in the season, we can’t settle for anything less than that. We’ve got a championship to win with only a handful of races remaining.”
Paul Menard, No. 33 Richmond/Menards Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Richmond/Menards Chevrolet at Chicagoland Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 167 in the Furious 7 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. Menard drove this Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet to a fourth-place finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July.
Chicago Details … The Eau Claire, Wis., native driver has nine previous NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Chicagoland Speedway. Menard is credited with one top-five and four top-10 finishes at the 1.5-mile oval, coupled with a 14.2 average starting position and a 15.7 average finishing position.
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Richmond Rewind … Austin Dillon started the 250-lap main event from the eighth position and remained a fixture in the top 10 through the course of the race. Shortly after taking the green flag, the RCR driver reported to crew chief Danny Stockman he was too tight. The 25-year-old driver continued to battle handling issues for most of the remaining laps and finished ninth.
Double Duty … Along with his duties driving the No. 33 Richmond/Menards Chevrolet on Saturday, Menard will pilot the No. 27 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Chevrolet in the MyAFibRisk.com 400 on Sunday, September 20. Coverage of the 400-mile race begins at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC Sports Network and the Motor Racing Network.
Final Race … This weekend’s Furious 7 300 marks Menards final XFINITY Series race for the 2015 season. To date, Menard has been entered in seven events this year earning one victory, two top-five and five top-10 finishes. Menard is credited with 24 laps led, coupled with a 7.0 average starting position and a 9.9 average finishing position.
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 behind the wheel. In 25 races, the RCR team has garnered four wins, five pole awards, 12 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes with 437 laps led.
Looking Ahead … Following this weekend’s 200-lap affair, Brandon Jones will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 33 Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway for the September 26 event. This event will mark Jones’ final race in the RCR machine for the 2015 season.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
How does Chicagoland Speedway race?
“Chicago is one of the older surfaces we go to, which lends itself to being wide. You can run all over the track depending on where your tires are and what part of the fuel run you are in. It’s similar to Atlanta or Texas where you can start searching to try and find grip, which is what drivers like. It’s got some character to it, the backstretch is curved and there are a lot of bumps throughout the corners, which keep getting worse with weather and age. So there’s a lot of character at this track.”
Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Chicagoland Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 166 this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway for the Furious 7 300. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro last saw track action at Chicago in June where he started fifth and finished fourth.
Windy City Details … In six XFINITY Series starts at Chicagoland Speedway, Gaughan has completed 99.2 percent (1,194 of 1,204) of the laps he has competed. The Las Vegas native is credited with one top-five finish, four laps led, a 16.5 average starting position and a 14.2 average finishing position.
This Week at South Point … South Point Hotel & Casino will host the annual High Roller Reining Classic in the Equestrian Center. The first High Roller Reining Classic was held in 2008 and has grown into the top 10 leading events for the National Reining Horse Association. For more information about the NRHA event at South Point, please visit www.highrollerreiningclassic.com.
In the Rearview Mirror: Richmond … Gaughan started from the 11th spot for the 250-lap race and following a competition caution on lap 42, crew chief Shane Wilson called the black and yellow Chevrolet Camaro to pit road for service. During the ensuing green-flag run, Gaughan raced his way into the top 10 being scored as high as eighth place. After pitting under green on lap 127, another caution slowed the pace of the race 15 laps later and put the No. 62 team one lap down. From there, they raced their way back onto the lead lap via the Lucky Dog restarting in 19th place. Gaughan would pass three more cars to finish in 16th place.
Season in a Loop … According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Gaughan ranks sixth in Quality Passes with 840 passes so for this season. He also ranks eighth in Driver Rating with an 88.3. Gaughan has spent 79.7 percent of his contested laps competing in the top 15 of the running order in the first 25 events this year.
To the Points … Gaughan is currently ninth in the driver point standings as the XFINITY Series heads to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend.
Tune In … Gaughan is scheduled to co-host the Motor Racing Network’s broadcast of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, September 18. Tune into MRN beginning at 7 p.m. Local Time.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:
Chicagoland Speedway seems to be more of your type of race track.
“Yes, Chicago is more my style of track. Our Richard Childress Racing Chevrolets do well there. Shane (Wilson, crew chief) and I have always done well at these types of tracks. They’ve also been my forte. I really enjoy racing at 1.5-mile tracks. Chicago is actually its own unique 1.5-mile. It’s the perfect egg-shaped track. It’s not your typical 1.5-miler where one end of the track is decreasing radius and the other end is increasing. Chicago has two increasing radius corners, so it’s a lot of fun to drive. It has its own unique circumstances unlike any other track we visit.”
