Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has made eight trips to Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including six wins in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, which is the longest race in the NASCAR Cup Series season and widely considered a “Crown Jewel” event in our sport. Dale Earnhardt is the winningest driver under the RCR banner at Charlotte, winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 1986, 1992, and 1993, as well as a 500-mile race at the track in October 1986. Kevin Harvick won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2011 and 2013, and Austin Dillon earned his first career Cup Series win in the Coca-Cola 600 in 2017. Jeff Burton earned one win for RCR at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October 2008.
This weekend marks a return to the track’s standard oval after an eight-year stint in which the fall NASCAR race weekend featured a hybrid road-course/oval “Roval” format.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has also found success in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway with five victories, most recently when Tyler Reddick captured the checkered flag in 2019. Dillon swept both spring and fall races on the 1.5-mile layout in 2015. Jeff Green gave the Welcome, N.C., based organization its first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory at the Concord facility in 2002 (spring) and Jeff Burton added a win for the team in 2007 (fall). The RCR team was strong in their most recent appearance to the track in May, finishing second (Love) and third (Hill).
Kyle Busch Celebration of Life… Following Friday evening’s NASCAR Truck Series race on October 9, Charlotte Motor Speedway will hold a public memorial service honoring the life and legacy of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and RCR driver Kyle Busch. The service is free and open to the public, allowing fans, family and members of the motorsports community to pay tribute to Busch. The celebration of life will also be aired on FS1 following the Truck race.
Catch Saturday’s Action… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ Blue Cross NC 250 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, October 10 at 4 p.m. ET on The CW and stream live on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday morning’s practice and qualifying session will be shown for free on The CW App and stream live on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Catch Us on USA Network… The Cup Series’ 400-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, October 11 at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying session will be shown live on truTV beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.
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Austin Dillon and No. 3 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon earned his career-first NASCAR Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a victory in the Coca-Cola 600 in May 2017. The Welcome, North Carolina native has competed in 18 Cup Series races on the oval configuration at his home state track, earning five top-10 finishes. Beyond Cup, Dillon is a two-time winner at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, sweeping both races in 2015 from the pole and leading a race-high 163 laps in the spring event. The 36-year-old competed in three NASCAR Truck Series races at the track with a best result of seventh twice.
Previous Winner… Starting from 22nd in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600, Dillon and the No. 3 team methodically worked their way through the field during the 600-mile race, earning stage points in both Stages 2 and 3. The turning point of the race came in the final stage after a restart with 67 laps remaining. While most of the frontrunners pitted under green by Lap 368 of 400, Dillon and Jimmie Johnson rolled the dice by staying out and attempting to stretch their fuel to the finish. Dillon spent the closing laps tracking Johnson, then, with three laps remaining, the seven-time champion ran out of gas, handing the lead to Dillon. With Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. rapidly closing in, Dillon managed to nurse his car to the checkered flag with just enough fuel left in the tank. The victory marked the first of Dillon’s six NASCAR Cup Series wins and returned the iconic No. 3 car to Victory Lane for the first time since Dale Earnhardt’s final Cup Series triumph at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2000.
Did You Know… With Dillon’s 2017 Charlotte Motor Speedway win, he became the seventh driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to earn his first career victory in the series in the Coca-Cola 600. He’s among an elite group that includes NASCAR Hall of Famers David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, and Matt Kenseth.
About Morgan & Morgan… As America’s largest injury law firm, with lawyers licensed in all 50 states, Morgan & Morgan has recovered more than $30 billion for over 700,000 clients. Throughout the United States, our attorneys fulfill our “For The People” commitment in over 50 practice areas, including national mass torts and class actions, labor and employment, product liability and dangerous drugs, among many others. Hundreds of law firms throughout the U.S. refer thousands of cases through our Morgan Connection platform. Our firm has taken on some of the biggest corporations across the globe, including BP, Facebook, Google, Monsanto, and Eli Lilly, and recovered billions in complex national litigation, including $1.8 billion in the Porter Ranch Gas Leak case in California. Learn more at www.forthepeople.com.
Meet Dillon… Fans will have two opportunities to meet Dillon this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On Sunday, October 11 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to stop by the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone to sign autographs. Be sure to stop by and stock up on all your race day gear. For fans unable to travel to the race, visit the official RCR Team Store to purchase Austin Dillon merch: https://store.rcrracing.com.
Following, Dillon is scheduled to appear on the Fan Zone Stage for a Trackside Live Q&A, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Local Time. Be sure to stop by a hear Dillon’s race insights before the green flag waves.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
Let’s go back to your first NASCAR Cup Series win. It was the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You’re battling the great Jimmie Johnson. Describe that feeling coming off Turn 4 knowing that you’ve got enough fuel and you’re about to win your first race and it’s a Crown Jewel?
“I just remember the sense of relief, and thinking ‘wow, we won a race at the highest level of NASCAR. I remember tracking Jimmie Johnson and just knowing what we were battling, the chess game that we were playing on fuel. I had watched so many laps of Jimmie around Charlotte Motor Speedway, and how, you know, precise he was with his line in Turns 1 and 2. I just remember arching Turn 1 as late as possible, and coming off the corner, and Jimmie pulling to the side, out of gas. It was like ‘okay, here we go. Now, we just need to get to the checkered flag,’ and then we were able to do it.”
What is that feeling like when you see the checkered flag first at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
“There’s nothing better than looking in your mirror and knowing everybody’s behind you and you’re coming to the checkered flag. It’s a great feeling.”
Austin Hill and the No. 33 Lucas Oil Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made one NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway, coming behind the wheel of the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in May. The 32-year-old has also competed in six NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races (best finish of third) and five NASCAR Truck Series events (best finish of sixth) at the North Carolina oval.
Rockin’ the Red… In a touching way to honor Kyle Busch, the iconic blue Lucas Oil scheme – designed and driven by Busch in both his first win and his final race at RCR – is now being saved for his son, Brexton. Following its debut last month at World Wide Technology Raceway, Hill will once again pilot the Lucas Oil red design this weekend and continue a new chapter with the No. 33.
About Lucas Oil… For more than 35 years, Lucas has set the world standard in superior engine oils, additives, appearance and lubricant products – powering lifestyles across the automotive, trucking, marine, outdoor, motorsports, industrial and home product worlds. The hard-charging American brand’s commitment to bring the ultimate in performance solutions impacts every customer and partner equally – from jointly-engineered oil for racing teams like Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Monster Jam®, sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, to additives that deliver unrivaled fuel economy, power and extended engine life to an everyday driver.
Based in Indianapolis, the company’s rapidly expanding global footprint is highlighted by cutting-edge research and development operations, evolving retail channels and high-tech manufacturing. More than 300 premium products make up the largest variety of shelf products of any oil company in the United States with a distribution network across 48 different countries and big-name retailers that include Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, Walmart, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Rural King, Tractor Supply and more. For additional information, visit www.LucasOil.com and follow #TeamLucasOil on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Meet Hill… On Sunday, October 11 at 12:40 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet the racer and purchase a new Lucas Oil t-shirt commemorating both the blue and red schemes.
AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:
The Lucas Oil red scheme will return this weekend, with the company saving the iconic Lucas Oil blue scheme for Brexton Busch. What are your thoughts about the look of the car?
“It looks great. Red is my favorite color. Growing up, blue was my favorite color, but it has slowly turned into red. Kyle (Busch) meant so much to our sport and team, and a lot of folks think of the blue Lucas Oil scheme when they think of Kyle’s time at RCR. He had a hand in designing that car. His first win at RCR came in the Lucas Oil blue, and his last race was in it. And now to top it all off, it’s something that Brexton can have down the road if he wants it. Keeping the blue Lucas Oil design in the Busch family is really neat, just to keep the legacy going with it. When I saw the red scheme in person for the first time though, I thought the car felt like me. Hopefully, we can have a good race on Sunday and start my own path with the red now.”
Describe the challenge of running double duty every weekend between the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Cup Series.
“Before I was working five or six days a week and now, I’m working seven days a week. There is something every single day, so I technically don’t have a day off. It’s great getting the extra reps, so I’m not complaining about the laps on both Saturdays and Sundays. The preparation work is really tough. The average person probably doesn’t understand how different the Cup car is from the O’Reilly car. How you make speed, where the downforce is, your lift points, and your braking points are all different. I still remind myself that it has a steering wheel, gas, and brake pedal, but everything else is different. It takes 20-30 laps to get readjusted and settled into the other car. We are making the most of it and while it’s hard, I’ve found a good balance with the schedule.”
Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen/National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Jesse Love has made three career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Menlo Park, California native has also competed in one career ARCA Menards Series event (2023) at the Concord facility, where the young gun started from the pole position, led 67 laps, and secured the victory.
Last Time at Charlotte… In May’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Love started 17th and charged into the top-10, gaining 11 positions to capture points in Stage 1 and finish sixth. On the final restart of Stage 2, the 21-year-old drove from third to first to take the lead before surrendering the top spot late in the stage. NASCAR declared the race official due to weather at the conclusion of Stage 2, resulting in a runner-up finish for Love.
Get to the Points… As we get ready for the fifth race in the 2026 Chase, Love is currently third in the standings, 21 points behind leader Sheldon Creed. Last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Love qualified 10th and quickly made his way to the front, earning points in each stage before finishing the race third, tying his best finish at the Sin City track. Love earned 44 points, the third most of any driver in the race, allowing him to gain one position in the standings, and nearly half his gap to the leader.
Honoring Fallen Firefighters… For Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, Whelen Engineering and RCR have teamed up with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) for the fifth consecutive season to honor fallen firefighters. A special paint scheme was created for the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet featuring the names of 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty. These fire heroes were officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, earlier this year.
Whelen and Richard Childress Racing revealed this year’s design in April at the annual FDIC International fire-service conference in Indianapolis. The unveiling coincided with the Whelen Challenge, which raised more than $50,000 for NFFF, with Whelen contributing an additional $50,000 match for a total donation of more than $100,000.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)… The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America’s fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit firehero.org.
About Whelen Engineering… Since 1952, Whelen Engineering has been a proud ally and supporter of our nation’s first responders. Driven by a mission to protect those who protect others, Whelen provides the high-quality, reliable products and technology needed to aid them in their critical missions. From warning lights to white illumination, sirens, controllers, and software, every product that bears the Whelen name has been thoughtfully designed, manufactured, and tested right here in America to perform at the highest level in any condition. Whelen is honored to have earned the trust of first responders around the world as leaders of the emergency warning industry and carries that responsibility earnestly, always striving to ensure that the everyday heroes serving under the illumination and protection of Whelen products are equipped to do their jobs with enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety. To learn more about Whelen Engineering, visit www.whelen.com.
Meet Love… This weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, on Saturday, October 10, beginning at 1:10 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to stop by the RCR Merchandise Hauler to meet fans and sign autographs. Fans are encouraged to stop by, meet Love and get new race day gear before the green flag waves.
JESSE LOVE QUOTE:
What opportunity lies ahead at Charlotte Motor Speedway to possibly claim the points lead in the race for the Championship?
“We were really good here in the spring, it fits our package. We learned some things last week in Las Vegas that we will implement in Charlotte, and go from there. I think we’re struggling with some things that if we fix for Charlotte, we’ll be in good shape.”
Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made six NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, capturing two top-five and three top-10 finishes. The Winston, Georgia native’s best O’Reilly Auto Parts Series finish of third came earlier this season in May. Hill has also competed in five NASCAR Truck Series races (best finish of sixth) and one ARCA Menards Series event at the 1.5-mile oval.
Last Time at Charlotte… During the last O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, Hill started from the sixth position before slipping outside of the top-10 in the opening stage. Crew chief Chad Haney fine-tuned the balance of the No. 21 Chevrolet, which allowed the veteran racer to drive forward and contend for the win. Hill ultimately finished third at the conclusion of Stage 2 when NASCAR made the race official due to weather.
Points Check… Hill currently holds the ninth position in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase standings. The racer is only five points behind eighth-place Sammy Smith and 99 points behind leader Sheldon Creed.
About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.
AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
“Charlotte has been an okay place for me. I’ve run top-five there before – even earlier this year in the May race – but it’s a track that has historically been hit or miss for our No. 21 team. We will go there at times, have decent speed, and get a good finish, but there are other times where we run outside the top-10. I have confidence going into Charlotte, but it’s in the middle ground. It’s not at the same level as Las Vegas, but it’s not as low as Bristol on our ranking chart.”
What would a win at Charlotte Motor Speedway mean for your Chase standings?
“A win anywhere would be huge, simply because of the extra bonus points you get for winning a race. We are not where we would like to be points wise, but our team has to focus on our own deal and earn as many points as possible. It’s going to take a huge run in these final races to make a charge forward, but I have confidence that our team can compete for wins before the season ends. The points will shake out where they may at that point, but I want to finish this season strong with the No. 21 team. It’s always special racing at Charlotte because a lot of the guys have their family and friends at the track since we are home. People who normally don’t get to attend races are there, and it feels like a big event with the amount of support at the track.”
