Race: Homestead 400
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Notes:
Richard Childress Racing in Homestead … Homestead-Miami Speedway is one of the few race tracks where team owner Richard Childress has yet to earn a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Richard Childress Racing entries have finished second on three occasions: 2003 (Kevin Harvick), 2008 (Harvick) and 2009 (Jeff Burton). In 40 starts, RCR has earned seven top-five and 19 top-10 finishes at the 1.5-mile, progressively-banked oval with drivers Dave Blaney, Clint Bowyer, Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Green, Harvick and Mike Skinner. Kansas Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway are the other tracks on the current Sprint Cup Series schedule where RCR is still on the hunt for hardware.
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,270 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 101 wins, 42 pole awards, 435 top-five finishes and 909 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.9 and an average finishing position of 15.8 among all races contested. RCR has earned six Sprint Cup Series championships with Earnhardt (1986, ’87, ’90,’91, ’93, ’94), 14 total championships (five NASCAR Nationwide Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Racing Series title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.
The Collective RCR … Throughout the 2012 season, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series entries have earned one win with Harvick at Phoenix International Raceway (November), eight top-five and 28 top-10 finishes. RCR teams have completed 31,275 of 32,135 total laps (97.32 percent) with drivers Burton, Austin Dillon, Brendan Gaughan, Harvick, Paul Menard and Elliott Sadler. The group has led a combined 320 laps.
Get to the Points … Following the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, Harvick, who represents RCR in the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, is ranked eighth, 86 points out of the top spot. Menard currently sits 16th in the driver championship point standings, while Burton is ranked 19th.
Interactive RCR … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Sprint Cup Series team Twitter pages – @RCR27PMenard, @RCR29KHarvick and @RCR31JeffBurton. Information about the 14-time championship winning organization can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at www.RCRracing.com.
Catch the Action … ESPN’s live coverage of the season-finale 400-mile event from Homestead-Miami Speedway begins Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The race will also be broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Qualifying for the 36th and final points-paying event of the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season will be broadcast live on SPEED Friday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. ET.
Paul Menard
No. 27 Duracell/Menards Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Duracell/Menards Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot Chassis No. 379 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in this weekend’s Homestead 400. This Chevrolet was last raced at Dover International Speedway in September where the Eau Clair, Wis., native finished 22nd. It was also utilized earlier this season at Pocono Raceway in August, where he started third and finished 11th, Charlotte Motor Speedway (May) in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race where Menard finished 16th, Kansas Speedway where he finished 18th and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March where he finished seventh.
Homestead Tidbits … In his six previous starts at the 1.5-mile oval race track, Menard has completed 99.6 percent of his laps (1,597 of 1,603) and has led for one circuit. He has an average starting position of 29.7 and an average finishing position of 23.8, with his best result of 16th coming in the 2011 season finale. Menard earned his best start at the Homestead, Fla.-based facility in November 2010 when took the green flag in the 16th position.
By the Numbers in 2012 … With 35 points-paying events of the 2012 season complete, Menard sits 16th in the Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings on the merit of one top-five and nine top-10 finishes. In his sophomore season with RCR, Menard has an average starting position of 16.1, an average finishing position of 15.6, maintains an Average Running Position of 17.397 and has completed 99.6 percent of his laps (10,139 of 10,175), leading all drivers in total laps completed.
Race Rewind to 2011 … Menard recorded his best finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway taking the checkered flag in the 16th position in the 2011 Sprint Cup Series finale after starting from the 19th spot and enduring a series of rain showers and a persistent tight-handling condition.
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In the Rearview Mirror: Phoenix International Raceway … Menard started the 35th points-paying Sprint Cup Series event of the 2012 season from the seventh position and drove the No. 27 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet to a ninth-place finish in the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway despite being collected in a multi-car accident as the neon yellow machine took the checkered flag.
PAUL MENARD QUOTES:
As we head to Miami-Homestead Speedway for the last race of the 2012 season, has the year gone fast or slow for you?
“Every year I get older and the years go by quicker. That’s just the way it is, so I’m told. This year went by faster than last year, and I’m sure next year will go by even quicker.”
Are you happy that this season is coming to an end?
“It’s always bittersweet when the season ends. I feel like we have a lot left to accomplish, but it will be nice to have a restart for next year, too.”
Last year you earned your best finish to date at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Are you more comfortable there now?
“Every week is different in this sport. We could run really well or really bad, it just depends on the week. We just need to do all the preparation and hope for a good run.”
Talk about the challenges and the progressive banking at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“Homestead (-Miami Speedway) is a wide track and has a lot of different grooves that you can run, which is neat for a driver. Other than that, it’s kind of a boring race track to be honest.”
Going into last year’s finale, everyone was aware of the battle between Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. Did that affect the way you raced because of those two running for the championship?
“No, not at all. You don’t do anything different than you do at Phoenix (International Raceway) in the second race of the season. Everyone just tries to get all they can. If they do you wrong, you do them wrong. If they don’t, then you don’t. Racing those guys in the Chase (for the NASCAR Sprint Cup) doesn’t change anything. Ultimately, you want to end the year on a high note to carry into the off season.”
Kevin Harvick
No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Budweiser Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Kevin Harvick will pilot Chassis No.378 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in the Homestead 400. The No. 29 team utilized this car twice during the 2011 season at Chicagoland Speedway in September (started-30th, finished-second) and Kansas Speedway in October (started-14th, finished-sixth). Harvick drove this Chevrolet in 2012 to a sixth-place finish at Kansas Speedway in April, a 10th-place result at Michigan International Speedway in June, fifth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in September and most recently he finished 11th at Kansas Speedway in October.
Stating the Stats … Harvick will make his 430th career Sprint Cup Series start and 12th appearance at the 1.5-mile track. The 36-year-old driver has picked up five top-five and nine-top10 finishes during his previous 11 starts. Harvick has completed 99.9 percent (2,941 of 2,942) laps contested, is credited with 128 laps led and has earned 13.9 average starting position along with a 7.9 average finishing position.
Getting Loopy in the “Sunshine State” … Since the inception of NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics in 2006, Harvick has made seven starts at the Homestead, Fla.-based facility. The Bakersfield, Calif., native is the second-Fastest Driver Early In a Run, has spent 1,499 Laps in the Top 15 ranking him second among all competitors and has improved an average of 4.9 positions during the final 10 percent of laps contested, positioning him second in the Closers category. Harvick holds the fourth-fasted Green Flag Speed and maintains the fourth-best Average Running Position (9.727), Driver Rating (102.5). The RCR driver is also the fifth-Fastest on Restarts and also ranks fifth in the category Speed in Traffic.
The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup … Following Harvick’s win in the ninth Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup event, Harvick jumped three positions in the standings, to eighth, 86 markers behind the leader.
Meet the Press … Harvick will field questions from members of the media at the back of the No. 29 Sprint Cup Series hauler on Friday, Nov. 16 at 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
You’re Invited to Happy’s Birthday Bash … Harvick will celebrate his 37th birthday when Budweiser presents Happy’s Birthday Bash at The Fox Theater in his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 1. Country music star Craig Morgan will headline the charity event benefiting the Kevin Harvick Foundation with a special guest appearance by Bridgette Tatum. Tickets to the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.vallitix.com, by phone at 1-888-825-5484, The Bakersfield Fox Theater Box office or any Vallitix outlet.
Win Happy’s Chevy … One lucky winner will help children in need and take home Harvick’s 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Coupe. The vehicle includes gray leather interior, 21-inch black painted wheels, six-speed manual transmission, V8 engine, rear parking assist and much more. Proceeds will be used to further the mission of the Kevin Harvick Foundation through programs such as Kevin’s Krew, Chase Your Dreams Scholarships and the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship Fund. For more information or to purchase a ticket for only $29, visit . Tickets are on sale until Nov. 15.
2011 Race Rewind … Harvick and the No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet team closed out the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season at Homestead-Miami Speedway with an eighth-place finish after starting from the 21st position.
In the Rearview Mirror: Phoenix International Raceway … Harvick and the No. 29 Budweiser team captured their first victory of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season after starting from the 19th position and battling a tight-handling condition during the early laps of the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
KEVIN HARVICK QUOTES:
What’s your approach going into Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway?
“I think for us it’s all about going down there and trying to get the best finish we can. Ideally, we’d love to repeat last weekend and close out the season with back-to-back wins, but overall we want to run the best we can to end the season strong and finish as high as possible in the point standings.”
You’ve had a lot of strong runs at Homestead-Miami Speedway. What do you attribute that to?
“Homestead (Miami Speedway) has been a good track for us. We were good on the flat surface, but have run well with the new configuration, too. Homestead has been one of those tracks we’ve been fortunate to go to where everything kind of fits the styles of the way our cars are built to run and my driving style. It’s definitely been a good race track for us and we’re looking forward to going down there and closing out the season strong this week.”
How does Homestead-Miami Speedway fit your driving style?
“Homestead (Miami Speedway) is just unique. You can charge turn one a little bit more than you can at most places, because as you get through the corner, the banking seems to get steeper all the way through, and you have options. You can run the top, you can run the bottom, you can run the middle, or you can split the middle-top or middle-bottom and make your car turn. It’s just a unique race track, and it seems to fit the guys that like to move around and make their cars work in different spots.”
Why is Homestead-Miami Speedway one of your favorite tracks?
“Homestead (Miami Speedway) is one of those race tracks that you don’t know when it is going to stop aging. It seems like every time we return to the track it loses a little grip, which is a good thing. Since they repaved the track a few years back it has become one of my favorites. You can move all around trying to find a groove that works for you. There are a lot of different places where you can make your car work. For me it has been a lot of fun to race on.”
Jeff Burton
No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s No. 31 Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Jeff Burton will race chassis No. 359 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This No. 31 Chevrolet has been utilized three times during the 2012 NSCS season at Bristol Motor Speedway in March where Burton piloted the RCR machine to a top-10 finish (sixth-place), at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where a broken brake rotor late in the race relegating the team to a 32nd-place finish and Charlotte Motor Speedway in October where Burton finished 28th after getting caught up in an early accident.
Career Miami Stats … Sunday’s event marks Burton’s 14th start at the 1.5-mile oval and 655th-career Sprint Cup Series entry. He has amassed four top-five and six top-10 finishes and led 29 laps at the Homestead, Fla.-based race track.
Getting Loopy in the Sunshine State … Burton has garnered some impressive NASCAR Loop Data statistics at Homestead-Miami Speedway. His 476 Green Flag Passes rank him 11th amongst his competitors with 222 coming while running in the top 15 under green-flag conditions (Quality Passes). He also has spent 931 Laps in the Top 15 and has the 12th-best Driver Rating at 86.5
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Calling all Burton Fans … Burton will be signing autographs at the Walmart on 33501 South Dixie Highway in Florida City, Fla on behalf of RCR partner Coca-Cola on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Caterpillar Visitors Center … Burton and team owner Richard Childress will make an offseason appearance at the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria, Ill. on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Central Time. In addition to Burton and Childress’ two-hour autograph session, the No. 31 Caterpillar transporter and 2013 No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet will be on display at the unique facility located near Caterpillar’s world headquarters.
Rewind to Last Year … Burton and the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team continued their late-season run of strong finishes with a 10th-place showing in 2011 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Rewind to Last Week … Burton and the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team finished 13th at Phoenix International Raceway after driving from the rear of the field in the AdvoCare 500.
Points Racing … After the 35th points-paying event of the 36-race Sprint Cup Series season, Burton has scored 858 points and sits in the 19th position in the Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings.
JEFF BURTON QUOTES:
After a tough season, are you ready for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season to be over?
“Honestly, I am. However, I am also excited about the preparations we are making for the 2013 season. This type of year grinds you down. Having a positive attitude goes a long way, but at the same time you need to be a realist and understand what is going on. I am ready for this year to end so we can focus our efforts on 2013. I love racing, but it is time to stop so we can restart for 2013.”
What’s the one thing you are most excited about at RCR for 2013?
“I feel really good about what we’ve done structurally for 2013 compared to 2012. We have a better plan and the people in correct roles who can execute that plan. I’m very encouraged about everything we have going on at RCR.”
Race: NASCAR 300
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Nationwide Series Notes:
RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series History at Homestead-Miami Speedway … In 23 previous Nationwide Series appearances at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has two wins at the 1.5-mile track, with Jeff Burton notching a victory in 2007 and Kevin Harvick bringing the organization to the Winner’s Circle in 2004.
By the Numbers … RCR has started Nationwide Series races at Homestead-Miami Speedway from the pole position with two different drivers: Harvick in 2006 and Jeff Green in 2002.
Averages … RCR holds a 15th-place average starting position and an average finishing position of 14.4 among all Nationwide Series races the organization has contested at Homestead-Miami Speedway. RCR drivers have completed 95.3 percent of the laps attempted at the 1.5-mile track (4,394 of 4,609 laps), with 509 laps led.
The Season So Far … In the 32 races contested this season, RCR has earned eight wins in the Nationwide Series, with Sadler at Phoenix International Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and Iowa Speedway, Austin Dillon at both Kentucky Speedway events and Harvick at Richmond International Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway. RCR has earned 10 pole awards in 2012, with Sadler at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, both events at Iowa Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, Paul Menard at Texas Motor Speedway, Harvick at Richmond International Raceway and Dillon at Michigan International Speedway and both Kentucky Speedway races. The organization has 45 top-five and 74 top-10 finishes, and has led 1,983 laps in 2012.
RCR in the NNS … In 864 Nationwide Series starts over the course of the last 15 years, RCR has earned 64 wins, 296 top-five finishes, 486 top-10 finishes and 42 pole awards, with an average starting position of 12.2 and an average finishing position of 12.5 among all races contested. RCR earned the Nationwide Series driver points championships in 2001 and 2006 with Harvick and in 2008 with Clint Bowyer. The Welcome, N.C.-based team earned the owner’s title in 2003 with Johnny Sauter and Harvick, and again in 2007 with Burton and Scott Wimmer.
To the Point … RCR’s two full-time Nationwide Series entries rank second (Sadler) and third (Dillon) in the Nationwide Series driver championship point standings heading into this weekend’s Nationwide Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The No. 2 team sits third in the owner point standings while the No. 3 team ranks fourth. The No. 33 team sits fifth in the owner championship point standings.
Vote for Team RCR … Dillon and Sadler are in the running for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award. Fans can vote online at nascar.com/nnsmpd through Nov. 16. Two lucky fans and their guests will win an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series awards banquet on Nov. 19 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel by registering for the MPD vote sweepstakes after placing their vote on NASCAR.com.
Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and information and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing, RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series team Twitter pages – @RCR2ESadler, @RCR3ADillon and @RCR33NNS, RCR’s Nationwide Series driver Twitter pages – @Elliott_Sadler, @AustinDillon3, @Brendan62 and @joeycoulter and the official Facebook fan pages – facebook.com/RCRracing, facebook.com/ElliottSadlerOfficial and facebook.com/austindillon3.
Live on ESPN2 … Flag-to-flag coverage of the NASCAR 300 is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2 beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, Nov. 17, and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Elliott Sadler No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s OneMain Financial Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Elliott Sadler and the No. 2 OneMain Financial team will unload Chassis No. 117 from Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series stable this weekend. This Chevrolet has been utilized in four previous races this season, with Sadler racing it to a 15th-place finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July after he was black-flagged as the leader, a fifth-place finish at Kentucky Speedway in September, and a pole award and third-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October. The Emporia, Va. native most recently drove this chassis at Texas Motor Speedway in November, earning an 11th-place finish.
Welcome To Miami … Sadler has six Nationwide Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway with one top-five and two top-10 finishes, including a best finish of fifth in 1996. Sadler also has 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the 1.5-mile track, earning one top-10 finish, and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts with a best finish of seventh in 2011.
Last Time By … In the final Nationwide Series event of the 2011 season, Sadler brought home a sixth-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway after starting from the outside pole position.
Just The Stats … According to NASCAR’s 2012 Loop Data Season-to-Date statistics, Sadler leads the Nationwide Series in Average Mid-Race Position (6.7), Average Running Position (7.2), Percentage of Quality Passes (74.1), Laps in the Top 15 (5,521) and Percentage of laps in the Top 15 (94.6). After 32 events in the Nationwide Series season, Sadler has earned four wins, four pole awards, 15 top-five and 23 top-10 finishes with 362 laps led.
To the Point … Sadler sits in the second position in the Nationwide Series driver championship point standings, 20 points behind the leader with one race remaining.
Questions, Answers … Sadler will make an appearance at the Coca-Cola stage at Homestead-Miami Speedway prior to the race at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Race Rewind: Phoenix International Raceway … Sadler and the No. 2 OneMain Financial team finished 22nd after an incident on the last scheduled lap of the event caused significant damage on the Chevrolet.
Re-election … Sadler, winner of the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award, is eligible this year for re-election to the title. Fans may vote once per day now through November 16 on www.bitly.com/ESMPD.
Seeing Pink … For the remainder of the season, Sadler will have a little more color to his outfit on race days. The Emporia, Va., native will sport pink driving shoes, showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness. Sadler’s mother, Bell, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and is now a survivor. Fans have the opportunity to bid on his race-worn pink shoes throughout the season with proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information, visit www.sadlerfoundation.org.
ELLIOTT SADLER QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on Homestead-Miami Speedway?
“It’s hard to believe that it is the last race of the season already. This OneMain Financial team has been great to work with. I love the determination and the heart each member of the team has, and although we head to Homestead with a deficit, we are not out of this championship. We will fight until the end. We have to finish off what we started, and we are as prepared as we need to be to go out there and make it happen.”
Austin Dillon
No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 102 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable. This is the same Chevrolet Dillon drove to Victory Lane at both NASCAR Nationwide Series races at Kentucky Speedway this year, starting from the pole position in both events. He also raced this Chevrolet to a sixth-place finish at Chicagoland Speedway in July, a sixth-place finish at Dover International Speedway in June, a fifth-place finish at Darlington Raceway in May, a fifth-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April and a seventh-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March.
Dillon at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Dillon will make his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. In two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the track, Dillon finished 10th en route to clinching the 2011 Camping World Truck Series championship one year ago. In 2010 he earned the pole award at Homestead-Miami Speedway and led 11 laps but finished 31st after involvement in an on-track incident in the closing laps of the race.
The Season So Far … According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Loop Data Statistics, Dillon has completed 96.56 percent of Laps on the Lead Lap, ranking him second among all competitors. The Nationwide Series rookie has completed 91.5 percent of his Laps in the Top 15, ranking him second and has an Average Running Position of 8.406 in the season’s 32 contested Nationwide Series races, ranking him second. He is ranked third in the Fastest Laps Run category with 434 laps so far this season, maintains a Driver Rating of 105.3, ranking him third, is ranked third in the Closers category, advancing 25 positions this season in the final 10 percent of the race, has the fourth-fastest Speed in Traffic, is fourth-Fastest on Restarts and has 420 Laps Led this season, ranking him fifth. He ranks fifth in Quality Passes with 1102 and is the sixth-Fastest Driver Late in a Run. He has the sixth-fastest Green Flag Speed and is the seventh-fastest Driver Early in a Run.
Get to the Points … Dillon ranks third in the 2012 Nationwide Series driver championship point standings, trailing current point leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by 25 points. The Welcome, N.C., driver currently leads the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings over Cole Whitt.
Welcome, Bass Pro Shops … Dillon and his team will sport the colors of the nation’s No. 1 outdoor retailer, Bass Pro Shops, on the No. 3 Chevrolet this weekend. A long-time motorsports supporter, Bass Pro Shops was the primary partner on Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado in the Camping World Truck Series when he earned the rookie of the year honors (2010) and driver’s championship (2011). The outdoor retailer currently has 58 stores throughout the United States and Canada visited by over 110 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 26 locations. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO.
Vote for Austin … Dillon is in the running for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award. Fans can vote online at nascar.com/nnsmpd through Nov. 16. Two lucky fans and their guests will win an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series awards banquet on Nov. 19 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel by registering for the MPD vote sweepstakes after placing their vote on NASCAR.com.
Calling All Media … Dillon will join Nationwide Series Championship contenders Elliott Sadler and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., along with contenders from the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series in the 2012 Contenders Press Conference in the media center at Homestead-Miami Speedway beginning at Noon Eastern Time on Thursday, Nov. 15. All media are invited to attend.
Meet Dillon … Dillon is scheduled to participate in the 11th annual Hot Shot Hot Rods and Reels NASCAR Drivers Charity Fishing Tournament to benefit the Darrell Gwynn Foundation on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway Infield Lake
Phoenix International Raceway Recap … Dillon secured his 26th top-10 finish after 32 NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season, surviving numerous cautions and a green-white-checker finish at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday. Dillon started Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet from the third position and remained a top five contender throughout a majority of the event, ultimately securing a sixth-place finish.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
What are your thoughts heading into the last NASCAR Nationwide Series race of the season?
“At the beginning of the season I said I wanted to go into Homestead-Miami Speedway with a shot to win the championship and that is what we were able to accomplish. We are just going into the race with the same attitude we have had all year. To try as hard as we can and to do what we can to try and win a championship. I’m going into this race excited and confident for next year. We have learned so much and to know that we are coming back and have the support of AdvoCare I think next year will be very good for the No. 3 team.”
Joey Coulter
No. 21 Darrell Gwynn Foundation Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Darrell Gwynn Foundation Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Joey Coulter will pilot Chassis No. 110 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable in this weekend’s NASCAR 300.This chassis was built new for competition in 2012 and has been utilized twice this season. Coulter drove this Chevrolet a seventh-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and RCR teammate Elliott Sadler drove to a seventh-place finish in July at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Milestone Marker … The 21-year-old RCR driver will make his first Nationwide Series start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Coulter made his Nationwide Series debut earlier this season at Charlotte Motor Speedway and tested a Nationwide Series car at Nashville Superspeedway.
Sunshine State Stats … Although Coulter has yet to make any competitive laps during a Nationwide Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he has one previous start at the Homestead, Fla.-based facility in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, earning a fifth-place finish after starting from the 10th position and completing 100 percent of the contested laps.
Welcome, Darrell Gwynn Foundation … Coulter will sport the colors of the Darrell Gwynn Foundation for this weekend’s NASCAR 300. The Darrell Gwynn Foundation is a certified non-profit agency that exists to prevent, provide for and ultimately cure spinal cord injuries and other debilitating illnesses. To expedite specific cures, the Foundation assists in the funding of targeted research. Darrell Gwynn Foundation is also dedicated to injury prevention, with special emphasis on programs targeting children. The Foundation helps improve the quality of life for those already afflicted with injury or illness, by providing necessary equipment or special services. Darrell Gwynn Foundation is an official charity of the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, National Hot Rod Association and has a close affiliation with NASCAR and the NASCAR Foundation.
A Team Effort … Coulter’s 2012 Camping World Truck Series No. 22 team will serve as his pit crew this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway for Coulter’s second-career Nationwide Series start. His veteran crew chief Harold Holly brings his vast knowledge of NASCAR racing with him as he served as a crew chief in all of NASCAR’s top touring division working with drivers Jeff Green, Bobby Hamilton Jr and Alan Kulwicki, among others. In Holly’s Nationwide Series career, he has earned championship, 13 wins, 11 pole awards, 56 top-five and 72 top-10 finishes.
Double Duty … Prior to competing in the NASCAR 300, Coulter will pilot the No. 22 Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet in the Camping World Truck Series. The 134-lap event will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio beginning at 7:45 p.m. ET.
Race Rewind: Nationwide Series Debut … Coulter overcame adversity to drive the No. 21 Sherwin Williams Chevrolet to a 10th-place finish in his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway after starting from the 21st position.
JOEY COULTER QUOTE:
You raced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. What did you learn in that race that will help you this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway?
“I learned a lot about how you have to race these cars in traffic. They drive differently than a truck does in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. We earned a top-10 finish in our first Nationwide Series event, and I think we can get another top 10 if not, top-five finish this weekend.”
Brendan Gaughan
No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot Chassis No. 107 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable in the NASCAR 300 this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This RCR Chevrolet has been utilized by the No. 33 team five times thus far this season by Paul Menard and Kevin Harvick. Menard drove this machine to a second-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April, eighth-place results at Michigan International Speedway in June and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July, and earned a top-five finish at Chicagoland Speedway in September. Harvick piloted the car to a fourth-place result at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May after starting from the seventh spot.
Closing out the Season … Gaughan returns to the driver seat of the No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet for the Nationwide Series season finale event this weekend at the Homestead, Fla.-based facility. Since 2009, the 37-year-old driver has collected one top-10 finish (eighth in 2010), completed 100 percent (400 of 400) of the laps contested and holds an average starting position of 10.5 coupled with an average finishing position of 9.5.
In the Loop … Since the inception of NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics in 2006, Gaughan has competed in two events at the 1.5-mile oval track collecting one top-10 finish. The Las Vegas native has spent 252 Laps in the Top 15, has made 152 Green Flag Passes and is credited with running two of the Fastest Laps. Gaughan has completed 96 passes while running within the top 15 under green-flag conditions, placing him third in the Quality Passes Loop Data category. Gaughan also maintains an average increase of three positions during the final 10 percent of the laps run ranking him fifth in the Closers category.
To the Points … The No. 33 RCR Chevrolet team sits fifth in the Nationwide Series owner’s championship point standings, 104 points behind the leader. The No. 33 team has earned two wins (Harvick at Richmond International Raceway in September and Texas Motor Speedway in November), 15 top-five and 22 top-10 finishes between six different drivers (Ty Dillon, Gaughan, Harvick, Menard, Max Papis and Tony Stewart) over the course of the 33-event season.
South Point Hotel & Casino … South Point Hotel & Casino will serve as Gaughan’s primary sponsor for the No. 33 Chevrolet during the final race of the Nationwide Series season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Located in the heart of the premiere southwest Las Vegas valley, minutes away from the famous Las Vegas Strip, South Point Hotel & Casino amenities include a 16-screen century theatre movie complex, 64-lane bowling center and a handful of restaurants that cater to all appetites and tastes. The casino features a large selection of table games and the latest slot and video poker machines. The distinctive hotel features spacious rooms and suites with 42-inch LED televisions, Point Plush mattresses and wireless fidelity throughout. A unique feature to this property is its Equestrian Center, which is the finest horse facility in the country. South Point also has a fabulous 400-seat showroom that features headliner entertainment and dancing to live bands on weekends.
In the Rearview Mirror: Phoenix International Raceway … Gaughan and the No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino team were relegated to a 26th-place finish in the Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday after being involved in an on-track incident during the final scheduled lap of the Great Clips 200.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTES:
What are your thoughts about racing in the final NASCAR Nationwide Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway?
“This is a redemption weekend for me. We didn’t get the result that myself and the team were looking for last weekend at Phoenix (International Raceway) after getting caught up in an incident during the final lap, so my goal is to make up for that and bring home a top-five or top-10 finish. I can’t thank everyone at Richard Childress Racing and South Point Hotel & Casino for giving me the chance to run a handful of races this season. The No. 33 team has worked so hard this season and I’d like to help them end it on a positive note.”
Race: NASCAR 200
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Notes:
Richard Childress Racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Richard Childress Racing has seven previous NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the Homestead, Fla.-based facility, earning two top-five, three top-10 finishes and one pole award. RCR boasts a ninth-place average starting position combined with an average finishing position of 15.6 at the 1.5-mile track. Collectively, the Welcome, N.C.-based organization has completed 95.2 (995 of 1,045) percent of the contested laps at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
RCR’s Camping World Truck Series History … In 271 Camping World Truck Series starts, RCR has earned 27 wins, 101 top-five finishes, 168 top-10 finishes and 37 pole awards, along with the inaugural series championship in 1995 with Mike Skinner, and again with Austin Dillon in 2011. The organization has an average starting position of 9.5 and an average finishing position of 10.2.
Truck Line-up … Tim George Jr. will pilot the No. 2 Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The No. 2 team will join Ty Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet team along with Joey Coulter and the No. 22 Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet team for Friday night’s 134-lap event.
One To Go … Through the first 21 races of the season, RCR’s Camping World Truck Series entries have acquired three victories, one at Martinsville Speedway with Kevin Harvick behind the wheel, one with Coulter at Pocono Raceway and one with Dillon at Atlanta Motor Speedway. RCR has notched nine pole awards, with Harvick at Martinsville Speedway and Dover International Speedway, George at Kansas Speedway, Dillon at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway and Coulter at Michigan International Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Welcome, N.C.-based organization has 20 top-five and 38 top-10 finishes and has led 782 laps in 2012.
To the Points … Heading into the final Camping World Truck Series race of the season, Dillon is third in driver championship point standings, 12 markers outside the top spot. Coulter sits in the fourth position, 29 points outside of the lead. The No. 3 team is third in the owner championship point standings, the No. 22 team is fourth, while RCR’s No. 2 Chevrolet team is 14th utilizing three different drivers (Harvick, Brendan Gaughan and George).
Vote for Team RCR … Coulter, Dillon and George Jr. are in the running for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award. Fans can vote online at nascar.com/ncwtsmpd through Nov. 16. Two lucky fans and their guests will win an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series awards banquet on Nov. 16 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel by registering for the MPD vote sweepstakes after placing their vote on NASCAR.com.
Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news and information and to view exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing, RCR’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team Twitter pages – @RCR3TDillon, @RCR22JCoulter and @RCR2CWTS. RCR’s NCWTS driver personal Twitter pages – @tydillon, @JoeyCoulter, @timgeorgejr, @Brendan62 and @kevinharvick.
Catch the Action … Flag-to-flag coverage of the season finale race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled to be televised live on Friday, Nov. 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on SPEED and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio beginning at 7:45 p.m. ET.
Tim George Jr. No. 2 Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Tim George Jr. will pilot Chassis No. 025 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stable this weekend in the NASCAR 200. George drove this Chevrolet to 15th-place and 21st-place finishes in the August events at Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway, respectively. This RCR Chevrolet was also utilized by Kevin Harvick at Dover International Speedway in June where he earned the pole award and finished third in the rain-shortened event.
Rookie Stripes … George will make his first start at the 1.5-mile facility in the Camping World Truck Series this weekend in the 2012 season-finale race.
Last One … This weekend’s event at the Homestead, Fla.-based facility is the last of George’s 12 scheduled races on the 2012 schedule. So far this season, the RCR driver earned one pole award at Kansas Speedway (April), one top-10 finish and completed 93.8 percent (1,524 of 1,625) of the contested laps. George holds an average starting position of 15.4 and an average finishing position of 19.3.
In Your Neighborhood … George is scheduled to make an appearance two local Applebee’s restaurants before strapping into the No. 2 Chevrolet on Friday. On Thursday, Nov. 15, George will visit the Applebee’s located at 20505 South Dixie Highway in Miami, Fla., at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. He will also visit the Applebee’s located at 33009 South Dixie Highway in Florida City, Fla., at 7 p.m. ET. The RCR driver will sign autographs for Applebee’s team members and restaurant guests at both locations.
University of Miami … The 2006 graduate of University of Miami returns to Florida as the Camping World Truck Series heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway for this weekend’s 134-lap event. George earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English and double minored in Economics and History during his collegiate career at University of Miami. He is still involved with the school, raising funds for the university’s Buoniconti Fund to cure paralysis.
Who Are You Voting For? … NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver contest is wrapping up this week. Cast your vote for George at NASCAR.com/ncwtsmpd and be entered to win an exclusive trip to the Camping World Truck Series year-end awards banquet in Miami, Fla. Fans may vote once every 24 hour period until Nov. 16.
Rearview Mirror: Martinsville Speedway … In his career-first Camping World Series start at Martinsville Speedway, George was improving his position when a cut right-front tire resulted in laps lost to the leader and relegated the Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group team to a 27th-place finish.
TIM GEORGE JR. QUOTE:
What are your thoughts heading into the season finale race at Homestead-Miami Speedway?
“I’ve never raced a NASCAR event at Homestead. We had a good run on the road course in the 2008 Rolex Series with a second place finish. I spent a lot of time in Miami over the years, and graduated in 2006 from University of Miami. I’m looking to apply what I’ve learned racing these trucks so far this year to the final race of the season in the Applebee’s Chevrolet.”
Ty Dillon
No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 026 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stable in Friday’s season-finale race. This is the same chassis that Dillon drove to Victory Lane at Atlanta Motor Speedway in August. Dillon also utilized this RCR machine at Kentucky Speedway in September where he finished third and Texas Motor Speedway in November where he finished in the fifth position.
Sunshine State Details … This week’s 134-lap event marks Dillon’s second appearance at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the Camping World Truck Series. The 20-year-old driver collected a sixth-place finish last November in his first start at the track.
Points Battle … Dillon is third in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series driver championship point standings, 12 markers behind the leader going into the final race of the season.
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Update … Dillon leads the 2012 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings over driver Cale Gale.
2012 Season Recap … Throughout the course of the last 21 Camping World Truck Series races, Dillon has earned one win (Atlanta Motor Speedway), three pole awards (Charlotte Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway), seven top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. The Welcome, N.C., native holds an average starting position of 6.1 and an average finishing position of 8.3. He has completed 99.7 percent (3,223 of 3,232) of the contested laps and led for 164 circuits.
Season-to-Date … Dillon has earned impressive stats with 21 races complete on the 2012 Camping World Truck Series schedule. According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Loop Data Statistics, the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender leads the series in the Laps Run in the Top 15 (2,883) and Percentage of Laps Run on the Lead Lap (95.79 percent) categories. He ranks second in Average Running Position (7.900). Dillon holds the third position in Driver Rating (101.0) and Fastest on Restarts. The RCR driver is the fourth-Fastest Driver Early in a Run and has the fourth-Fastest Speed in Traffic. Dillon is fifth in Green Flag Speed and with 618 Quality Passes made this season, he is ranked sixth amongst his competitors.
Loopy in Miami … In his first appearance at the 1.5-mile track, according to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Dillon is ranked third in Quality Passes (43) and Fastest Speed in Traffic. He is fourth-Fastest Driver Late in a Run and earned the seventh position in Average Running Position (8.521) and Green Flag Speed. Dillon is the eighth-Fastest Driver Early in a Run and has the ninth-best Driver Rating (96.3).
Taking Questions … Prior to competing in the final race of the 2012 season, Dillon is scheduled to participate in a championship contender media day on Thursday, Nov. 15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The press conference will be televised live on live on SPEED, ESPNEWS and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and streamed live on NASCAR.com.
Calling All Voters … This is the final week in NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver contest. Cast your vote for Dillon at NASCAR.com/ncwtsmpd and be entered to win an exclusive trip to the Camping World Truck Series year-end awards banquet in Miami, Fla. Fans may vote once every 24 hour period until Nov. 16.
Rearview Mirror: Phoenix International Raceway … After being involved in a late-race incident and suffering extensive damage to the right-front fender, Dillon earned a 15th-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway.
TY DILLON QUOTE:
You earned a sixth-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November after starting from the second position. What are your thoughts heading into the season finale race?
“We’re going to do our best to win this race. We had a good truck there last year, and we’ve had some success on the 1.5-mile tracks this year. We have one more race to claim the championship, and I know we’re going to fight hard to win it for RCR.”
Joey Coulter
No. 22 Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Joey Coulter will pilot Chassis No. 022 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stable in Friday’s NASCAR 200. Coulter scored two of his three pole awards (Michigan International Speedway in August and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September) this season and drove to Victory Lane at Pocono Raceway in August after starting from the fourth position in this Chevrolet.
Miami Details … Coulter has one previous start at the 1.5-mile track in the Camping World Truck Series, earning a fifth-place finish after starting from the 10th position and completing 100 percent of the contested laps in the 2011 edition of the race.
Introducing: Rip It Energy Fuel … Rip It Energy Fuel will adorn the hood of the No. 22 Chevrolet this weekend for the NASCAR 200.
Rip It Energy Fuel is available in fifteen exhilarating flavors, including three sugar-free varieties. Great-tasting and power-packed, Rip It provides real energy for real people at a real value. In an office, on the job, on a mountain, riding waves, doin’ flips, doin’ tricks, jammin’ all night, crammin’ all night, whatever your life calls for, Rip It is there to fuel you. Crack open an ice-cold Rip It and feel the real taste of bold energy surge through your body. Rip It Energy Fuel has the complete line of regular and sugar free flavors in both 16 oz cans and 2 oz shots to make Rip It a real part of your everyday life.
By the Numbers … With 21 races complete in the 2012 season, Coulter has collected one win (Pocono Raceway), three pole awards (Michigan International Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway), seven top-five and 14 top-10 results. He holds an average starting position of 9.1 along with an average finishing position of 8.8 and has completed 99.2 percent (3,207 of 3,232) of the contested laps, leading for 90 laps.
Going for a Loop … According to NASCAR’s Season-to-Date Loop Data Statistics, Coulter is the series’ leader in Fastest Driver Early in a Run and Quality Passes (749). He ranks second in Fastest Speed in Traffic and Fastest on Restarts. Coulter is the third-Fastest Driver Late in a Run and Green Flag Speed. He is ranked fourth in the Driver Rating (99.4), Average Running Position (9.453), Fastest Laps Run (168) and Laps Run in the Top 15 (2,690).
Get to the Points … Coulter is fourth in the Camping World Truck Series driver championship point standings, 29 points behind the leader.
Hometown Proud … Coulter is very familiar with the Homestead, Fla.-based facility as he grew up in nearby Miami Springs, Fla. A large contingent of family members and friends will be in attendance at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend to support the 2011 Rookie of the Year in the Camping World Truck Series season finale.
Double Duty … Prior to competing in the NASCAR 200, Coulter will pilot the No. 21 Darrel Gwynn Foundation Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The 200-lap event will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Time and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio beginning at 4:15 p.m. ET.
Vote Today! … NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver contest continues through this week. Cast your vote for Coulter at NASCAR.com/ncwtsmpd and be entered to win an exclusive trip to the Camping World Truck Series year-end awards banquet in Miami, Fla. Fans may vote once every 24 hour period until Nov. 16.
Race Rewind: Phoenix International Raceway … Coulter and the No. 22 American Eurocopter Chevrolet team survived an accident-filled race at Phoenix International Raceway and persevered to their seventh top-five finish of the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.
JOEY COULTER QUOTES:
You earned a fifth-place finish last November at Homestead-Miami Speedway. What are your expectations going into the final race of the season?
“We had a really good run last year at Homestead (Miami Speedway). I’m looking forward to going back there and hoping to bring home another win to close out the season.”
What is it like racing in front of your hometown crowd?
“It’s a lot of fun racing in front of all my friends and family. We get a suite and have everyone come to the race. Racing in front of everyone gives me an added drive to do better. I’d love to be able to go to Victory Lane at my home track.”
