Official Release

Richard Childress Racing driver Daniel Hemric captured the top starting position for this afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race. With a top speed of 119.006 mph, Hemric will lead the field to green under a clear, bright sky this afternoon. Hemric will be joined on the front row by Kyle Benjamin, driver of the number 20, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

Nathan’s Famous has been named as the official hot dog of Richmond International Raceway (Richmond). While the track has had many signature food items through the years, Nathan’s Famous is the first official hot dog in Richmond history. From its original restaurant in Coney Island to thousands of supermarkets across the country, the partnership will connect NASCAR fans in Richmond to an American Original Hot Dog.

MATT KENSETH, No. 20 Circle K Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing - Starting Position: 1st - Your team was faster every lap, how did you guys do it? “You gotta ask Jason (Ratcliff)."

A pair of Team Chevy drivers will start in the Top 12 on Sunday in the 400-lap/300-mile Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race around the 0.75-mile Richmond International Raceway. Jamie McMurray, No. 1 GearWrench Chevrolet SS will lead the charge for the Bowtie Brand rolling off from the 10th starting spot.

MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 78 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry, Furniture Row Racing - Is it safe to say you're a fan of the stage racing? "Oh, yeah, for sure definitely a fan of the stage racing. It's been good to us to far and looking forward to hopefully getting some more points this weekend."

KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 CREDIT ONE BANK CHEVROLET SS met with media and discussed what it’s like to see his name in the news a lot, his views of the younger drivers coming up in the sport, grassroots racing, and more.

DANIEL SUÁREZ, No. 19 ARRIS Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing - What was it like making your NASCAR XFINITY Series debut at Richmond International Raceway? "Well, Richmond has been a good place for me. Actually, last week it was very funny because I saw on Facebook that last week three years ago I did my debut here in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, so I thought that was pretty cool"

KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 AARP DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Richmond International Raceway and discussed the opening practice session, his outlook for qualifying, his thoughts on teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s retirement and many other topics.

GRAY GAULDING, No. 23 sweetFrog Toyota Camry, BK Racing - What is it like looking forward to competing this weekend at your home track? “Yeah, I felt like we've had a pretty solid season. We've struggled a couple races. It's just all about learning, getting used to these cars and tracks that I haven't been to. I feel like myself and my team, BK Racing, we've gelled well from the first race.

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 NATIONWIDE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Richmond International Speedway and discussed the rest of the week since making his announcement to retire at the end of the 2017 season, all the outpouring of love and support from his fellow competitors and fans and many other topics.