Event: CampingWorld.com 500
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2015
Venue: Talladega Superspeedway
Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Talladega Superspeedway … Richard Childress began his driving career at Talladega Superspeedway in 1969 and leads team owners for the most all-time victories at the storied Alabama-based track with 12 wins. Dale Earnhardt visited Victory Lane nine times, while Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer swept the 2010 events at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. Bowyer added to the Welcome, N.C.-based organization’s total by claiming RCR’s 100th Sprint Cup Series win when NASCAR’s senior series visited the facility in October 2011. In 157 starts, RCR also has four pole awards, 40 top-five, 64 top-10 finishes and has led 1,832 laps of competition
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,611 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 468 top-five finishes and 1,002 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 …Throughout the season’s 31 contested races, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series entries have collectively notched seven top-five and 21 top-10 finishes with drivers Austin Dillon, Ryan Newman and Paul Menard. Newman ranks 10th in the Contender round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, while Menard ranks 15th in the standings and Dillon ranks 21st.
RCR Kansas Rewind … RCR teammates Newman, Menard and Dillon finished 11th, 19th and 41st, respectively, in the Kansas 400 at Kansas 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 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 CampingWorld.com 500 will be televised live Sunday, October 25 beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow WeatherTech Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s WeatherTech Chevrolet SS at Talladega Superspeedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 406 in the CampingWorld.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. This former No. 27 entry was driven to a fourth-place finish in the October 2013 edition of this race by Richard Childress Racing stablemate Paul Menard. He also raced it at Talladega in April 2013 and Daytona International Speedway in July 2013 before it was rebuilt and reskinned as a No. 3 Dow WeatherTech Chevrolet SS for Austin Dillon.
Dillon at Talladega Superspeedway …. In four Sprint Cup Series starts at Talladega, Dillon’s best finish at the 2.66-mile track is 13th in the October 2014 event. He has three starts in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, with a best finish of third in April 2015, and two starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with a best finish of seventh in October 2011.
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.
WeatherTech … Our mission is quite simple at WeatherTech®, we strive to continually exceed our customer’s expectations. It shows not only in every product that wears the WeatherTech® name, but in our American Manufacturing focus as well. We know our dedication to providing high quality products sets the industry bar that much higher. Since 1989, WeatherTech® has been providing the best in automotive protection and vehicle accessories. We favor the American Economy, and work hard to stay adamantly aware of sustainability and environmental best practices. Our investment in revolutionary technology ensures a superior quality product for our customers and symbolizes our commitment to excellence in everything we do. The WeatherTech® line of products features the DigitalFit® FloorLiner™, No-Drill MudFlap, Cargo Liners and more!
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 help from celebrity friends to serve as captains in the 16-team, double-elimination tournament. Free tickets to the event are available in advance:
Get to the Points … Dillon ranks 21st in the championship point standings leading into the CampingWorld.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
In the Rear View … Dillon was a strong contender in the Kansas 400, running in the fifth position and closing in on the fourth spot, when he cut a tire on the No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet and made contact with the Turn 2 wall at Kansas Speedway on lap 154 of 267. Dillon retired from the race shy of its advertised distance and was credited with a 41st-place finish.
Dillon on MAVTV … Dillon and his brother, Ty Dillon, are scheduled to be featured on an upcoming episode of the Dave Despain show on MAVTV on Sunday, October, 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Check local listings.
Meet Dillon … Dillon is scheduled to greet race fans at the Fanatics NASCAR SuperStore in the Talladega Superspeedway Midway at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday. A $25 purchase at the Fanatics SuperStore is required in order to obtain an autograph.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
Are you ready to get back to restrictor plate racing?
“Yeah, the last restrictor plate race I was in wasn’t the prettiest sight. Hopefully we’ll be able to turn that around this weekend and have a good finish at Talladega. It would be awesome to get my first win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at a restrictor plate track. You don’t always know what to expect when you go to those kinds of places, but I’ll be prepared and ready to go.”
Is it mentally draining when you’re two-three-four-wide for three plus hours?
“Yeah, you’re not physically worn out when you’re done, but your body is cooked because your head has been working the whole time. You’re always waiting for that opportunity to strike. You’re either going to have the opportunity to win the race or be involved in a huge wreck. It plays with your heart. It’s an emotional race for sure.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 Tarkett / Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s Tarkett / Menards Chevrolet at Talladega Superspeedway … Chassis No. 492 was chosen for this weekend’s 500-mile race at Talladega Superspeedway. This Chevrolet SS is making its return from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visit to Daytona International Speedway in July (Start: 4 / Finish: 16), Talladega Superspeedway in May (Start: 7 / Finish: 3) and the Sprint Unlimited in February at Daytona International Speedway (Start: 1 / Finish: 21).
Talladega Stats … The Richard Childress Racing driver has competed in 18 Sprint Cup Series events at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. Menard has three top-five and four top-10 finishes and has led 39 laps in competition.
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Rookie Stripe … Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 35 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to one top-five, 16 top-15 and 23 top-20 starts. He’s also collected 24 top-20, 19 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 Chevy team is currently 15th on the Chase grid after finishing 19th at Kansas Speedway.
Last Time in Talladega … The No. 27 team earned their best finish so far in the 2015 season last time the Sprint Cup Series visited Talladega Superspeedway. Menard started seventh and raced within the top 10 until he decided to fall to the rear of the field to cool the engine down. When the time was right, Menard made his move to the front and crossed the finish line third.
Meet Menard … Come out to the Team Chevy stage on Friday, October 23 at 11:45 a.m. Central Time for a Q&A with Menard. The stage is located in the Talladega Superspeedway midway and is free for all fans to attend.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
Talladega Superspeedway, it’s big and fast. What’s it like racing there?
“Talladega is the biggest, fastest track on the circuit. We run small restrictor plates there so we can’t get away from each other, which makes the racing unique. You’re stuck in a box riding around with 42 other drivers that, for the most part, you trust but you’re willing them to not make a mistake and willing yourself to not make a mistake and take out half the field. It’s like being bottled up on the interstate during rush hour, but at 200 mph inches away from each other. It’s not very physical racing, but extremely mental. There is a lot of anticipation as to what people are doing around you and trying to put your car in position to stay one step ahead.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes
This Week’s Caterpillar Chevrolet SS at Talladega Superspeedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 494 on Sunday at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. This Chevrolet raced in the Daytona Duels (St. 13/Fin. 11), the May race at Talladega Superspeedway (St. 18/Fin. 7) and Daytona’s event in July (St. 17/Fin. 8).
Newman at Talladega … Newman will make his 508th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the series embarks on its fourth restrictor-plate race of the season at Talladega Superspeedway. In total, he owns five top-five and 11 top-10 finishes in 27 starts. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 13th and average finish of 20th. His best start of second came in the fall of 2012, while his best finish of third took place in the spring of 2009. When it comes to championship points in the last four events at Talladega, Newman ranks second in most points earned.
Featured Caterpillar Dealer … Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. will be the featured Cat dealer on the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet this weekend at Talladega.
Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. is the full-line Caterpillar dealer for Alabama and northwest Florida and the MCFA lift truck dealer for all of Georgia (less nine northwestern counties). The company specializes in the sales and service of Caterpillar products, including earthmoving, construction, forestry and material handling equipment, as well as diesel engines used for electric power generation, on-highway and marine propulsion applications. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Thompson Tractor provides a diverse array of solutions to their customers in its service territory through four divisions: Thompson Tractor Company, Thompson Power Systems, Thompson Lift Truck Company, and The Thompson Cat Rental Store. Thompson has 25 locations and the South’s largest fleet of field service vehicles to best serve their customers. For all your equipment and product support needs, please visit www.thompsontractor.com or stop by your nearest Thompson location.
About Caterpillar … For nearly 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments – Resource Industries, Construction Industries and Energy & Transportation – and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.
Meet Newman … Come out to the Team Chevy stage on Sunday at 9:40 a.m. Central Time for a Q&A with Newman. The stage is located in the Talladega Superspeedway midway and is free for all fans to attend.
Cut to the Chase … Newman enters the third event in the Contender 12 Round 10th in points and just eight markers out of the transfer spot.
Last Time at Talladega … Earlier this season at Talladega, the South Bend, Ind., driver lined up 18th and drove a conservative race in an effort to avoid trouble. Lap 47 produced a multi-car crash and a red flag. Newman took evasive action but still received minimal damage that was addressed on laps 48 and 49. The No. 31 driver returned to the track and for the majority of the 188-lap event, raced in the top 30 and out of harm’s way. With less than 30 laps remaining and under a caution, crew chief Luke Lambert called his driver to pit road for service. In less than seven seconds, the Cat crew changed two right-side tires and refueled the No. 31 Chevy. Newman returned to the track in 15th and ready to make a run to the front. The final laps saw two major lines develop with Newman testing both before choosing the top as his best option and a gain of 11 positions to finish seventh.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What are the keys to running well at Talladega Superspeedway?
“Staying out of trouble and staying lucky because so much of this race comes down to that. There is a point where you want to stay out front and stay out of the mess, but you have to have a car that will give you that. It takes a half of one percent to be that much better than the next guy to be in that group. If not, you just have to stay out of trouble.”
What is your strategy for Talladega?
“You can have three different strategies. You can have a strategy where you know you have a car that can stay up front. You can think you have a car that can stay up front, stay in the middle all day and race and get crashed or cause a crash. Or you can watch everybody from the back and try and learn and go at the end. It all depends. The third strategy is probably the hardest one because you have to figure out when to go because you don’t know if there is going to be cautions or if you are going to have a green-flag stop. You can put yourself right out of the race doing that as well. I think you can do it easier in my opinion racing in the middle versus racing in the back and biding your time.”
How do you feel about Talladega being the wild card race as well as the elimination race in this Contender 12 Round?
“To me, I think we have a better opportunity of winning there than some of the other tracks. They say anyone can win Talladega. That certainly gives us the better odds I’d say than some other tracks. I mean, all you have to do is lead one lap at Talladega and you can do that by just having luck on your side.”
