NASCAR Cup Series

Ryan Blaney (No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center Ford Fusion) met with the media today prior to first practice for this weekend’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Veteran NASCAR driver and Las Vegas-native Brendan Gaughan will carry a special paint scheme this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway honoring the victims of the recent tragedy at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Las Vegas Strip. The hood of the No. 62 South Point Chevrolet Camaro will feature the iconic "Las Vegas" script and #VegasStrong in gold and black block lettering.

NASCAR and The Weather Company, an IBM Business (NYSE: IBM), announced today a multi-year agreement that will optimize the weather-related decision process for NASCAR as itincorporates hyper-local weather data and forecasts into their races to improve race-day operations and fan engagement. As part of the agreement, The Weather Company, via The Weather Channel brand, becomes the Official Weather Partner of NASCAR.

Charlotte, NC is the home of many teams in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, including Go Fas Racing. Based out of Mooresville, NC, just thirty minutes from Charlotte Motor Speedway, Go Fas and Matt DiBenedetto are looking forward to working from home this weekend. The E.J. Wade Foundation will be the primary sponsor of the No.32 Ford using their purple and pink scheme that was last ran at Talladega Superspeedway, and earlier this year in the Daytona 500 - both races earning top-20 finishes. They'll look to continue their great runs with this scheme as they pull into their home track this weeken

“It was horrific what happened in our hometown and we all send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas. It really hit home to all of us and as Nevada natives we hope everyone supports our efforts. Please visit DriversForVegas.com to purchase a shirt or sticker, or simply make a donation to support those who need our help.” – Kurt Busch

The past, present and future stars of NASCAR will be out in full force for Talladega Superspeedway’s Pre-Race Fan Question & Answer Session, set for Sunday, Oct. 15, prior to the start of the Alabama 500. Joining already announced drivers Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott will be this year’s Daytona 500 Champ Kurt Busch, along with original Alabama Gang member Donnie Allison, Rookie of the Year candidate Ty Dillon and Len & Eddie Wood of the iconic Wood Brothers Racing team.

NASCAR star Chase Elliott is in the midst of a run at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship as the series stops at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Sunday. However, Elliott was able to step away from his race preparation and provide a lesson to Texas Christian University sports marketing students helping him promote NASCAR and Chase U, his student-only tailgate party held during the upcoming AAA Texas 500.

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and XFINITY Series head to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend as the Cup Series begins its Round of 12 in the Playoffs. The XFINITY Series will close out its opening round of the Playoffs and cut the field from 12 to 8 contenders.

Charlotte Motor Speedway has added another revolutionary “first” to its illustrious history. During this weekend’s Bank of America 500, fans will notice a new frontstretch chicane developed with the installation of a Sports Fields Inc. synthetic turf. The new chicane and turf are located at the exit of Turn 4 and are part of a new layout for the speedway’s 2018 Roval course. The innovative Roval will feature an 18-turn, 2.4-mile layout for the Bank of America 500 on Sept. 28-30, 2018 – the first road course race in the 14-year history of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

The NASCAR Foundation announced on Thursday the four finalists for its seventh annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide, which honors NASCAR fans who are also accomplished volunteers working for children’s causes in their communities throughout the United States.