NASCAR Cup Series

Danica Patrick announced Friday she will make her short track debut in a Sprint Cup car at NASCAR's most popular event, the 2012 IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Michael Waltrip Racing announced Thursday that driver of the No. 00 car David Reutimann has been released from the team for the 2012 season. Reutimann will stay with the team for the three remaining races of 2011.

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Office Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Can you talk about defending your race win here at Texas Motor Speedway? "It was a big turning point in the Chase for us last year. This is the point where everything starts getting a little tighter within the Chase and guys start thinking about the results quite a bit and all the position. It was a pivotal moment for us and a big momentum boost we felt like. We quickly got set back to reality the next week."

RICHARD CHILDRESS, TEAM OWNER OF RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING (RCR) met with media following the announcement that RCR and AdvoCare, an award-winning premier health and wellness company, have entered into a partnership for the company to be the primary sponsor of the No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet Impala driven by Austin Dillon for 20 races in the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 NATIONAL GUARD BY TRADITION/AMP ENERGY CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Texas Motor Speedway and discussed 2012, the addition of Kasey Kahne, Daytona Testing along with other topics.

Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion, leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings by eight over second-place Tony Stewart. Edwards held a press conference Friday after practice to talk about this weekend and the championship chase.

KEVIN HARVICK, NO. 29 RHEEM CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Texas Motor Speedway and discussed the changes at Phoenix International Raceway, how he keeps his composure through the tough days, differences he's seen in the No. 48 team this season and more.

JIMMIE JOHNSON NO. 48 LOWES/ MYLOWE'S CHEVROLET met with members of the media at Texas Motor Speedway and discussed Mark Martin, Mr. Hendrick's condition, racing at Phoenix and other topics.

MICHAEL WALTRIP, owner, Michael Waltrip Racing Opening Statement: "Thank you all very much for your time this morning. A big day for Michael Waltrip Racing and for Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership. Aaron's has been my sponsor since 2000."

Michael Waltrip Racing announced today it has hired Mark Martin to share in driving duties of the No. 00 Toyota and extended its 30-race sponsorship with Aaron's, Inc. through the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.