NASCAR Cup Series

The distance run and the sponsors may have changed, but for thirty years the gateway to summer race at Daytona was known as the Firecracker 400 (250 for its first four runs). It might not be as big as the 500 or have the glamour of the Southern 500, but winning this one means something. Its name should mean something as well.

"It’s pretty special. This is probably the best chance for us to win a race. Any of the restrictor plate races kind of evens the field. Everybody knows that. So, yeah, if one of us could get a win that would be great.

Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Subway Ford Fusion, met with media members Thursday evening after the rain-delayed opening practice session at Daytona International Speedway in advance of Saturday nights Coke Zero 400.

Imagine yourself, sitting in the car that is about to make your dream come true. Imagine being in what NASCAR is calling the best class of rookies we have ever had. Imagine being picked by famous drivers and fans as "The Dark Horse" for the season.

DALE EARNHARDT JR. NO. 88 NATIONAL GUARD CHEVROLET SS met with members of the media and discussed the first half of his season, the recent plate race at Talladega, his quest to sweep the two races at Daytona this year, Twitter, and more.

ELLIOTT SADLER, No. 11 SportClips Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing - What is your outlook for this weekend at Daytona? “We always have a good outlook for restrictor-plate races. We ran very well here in February and of course we had the win the last time we were at a restrictor-plate race so it’s always a wild one."

BRIAN VICKERS, No. 55 Aaron’s FSU National Championship Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing - What is your outlook for the weekend at Daytona with the FSU National Championship on your Camry? “Obviously it’s an honor to have FSU and the champions on the car this weekend. It’s pretty cool. We’ve had an opportunity -- Aaron's has presented an opportunity to have some national champions over the years."

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S PATRIOTIC CHEVROLET SS met with media and discussed his teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr., plate racing at Daytona and how it compares with Talladega, and more.

To help celebrate Independence Day and reflect on those who have made great sacrifices for our freedom, DEWALT has partnered with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to feature a special scheme on the No. 9 Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) Ford Fusion this weekend driven by Marcos Ambrose. The car will have a military camouflage look and the logo of WWP on the car throughout the weekend.

“I’m excited to have Cargill on our No. 17 Ford this weekend at Daytona,” said Stenhouse. “They have been a great partner with Roush Fenway for the past four seasons and I’m looking forward to getting them a solid finish for their first Cup race. The activation they are doing at Daytona on July 4th weekend -- the biggest grilling weekend of the year is really cool and I am glad that I can be a part of it.”