NASCAR Cup Series

“This No. 2 Miller Lite team has made steady improvements to our short-track program over the last few years. On top of that our Ford Fusion has had speed everywhere that we’ve been this year. The team is executing well on race day and I’m looking forward to this weekend.

“Last year we were involved in accidents early in both races. Martinsville is a tough track. Last year was my first time to race there and I learned a lot that I can carry into this weekend. Our main goal is to stay out of trouble and hopefully leave Martinsville with a top-15 finish.”

Do you ever watch a NASCAR race and wish you could ask a racing expert a question? Is there something about the sport you’ve always wanted to know?

There are days when we don't even discuss the tire as we focus on the racing. Then there's days like this past Sunday at Auto Club Speedway when the tire becomes the discussion. Many drivers had a problem with the tires throughout the course of the race.

Leavine Family Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Martinsville Speedway ... Team owner Bob Leavine has three starts at the Martinsville Speedway. Leavine Family Racing finished 41st a year ago in the spring event and finished 40th in October event at the Martinsville, Va. facility.

David Gilliland, driver of the No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford, comments on racing at Martinsville Speedway:

David Ragan, driver of the No. 34 Taco Bell Ford, comments on racing at Martinsville Speedway: "I like Martinsville. I grew up racing Legends cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Atlanta, even some in Texas on those flat, quarter-mile tracks. It's fun and I enjoy it. We did a good job qualifying in the top 10 there the last time we went, so we'll look to go back and do that again.

David Reutimann, driver of the No. 35 MDS Transport Ford, comments on racing at Martinsville Speedway:

I must admit I was rather surprised to learn that The Great Gonzo, of Muppets fame, was named to be the Grand Marshall for the Auto Club 400. I found myself asking: "seriously? A Muppet puppet is going to give the command to start engines?

Richard Childress Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Martinsville Speedway ... In 141 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has earned four pole awards and posted seven victories with drivers Dale Earnhardt (five times), Ricky Rudd (1983) and Kevin Harvick (2011).