NASCAR Cup Series

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. 

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing - Can you talk about what it's like coming home seeking a fourth Cup win at Richmond International Raceway? “Well, it's always a track that we look to get on track relatively speaking. It seems like this racetrack for whatever reason, it's been good to me. Obviously, very similar to Martinsville in the sense of no matter how good or bad our cars are at, at the certain time, we always can be competitive at a race track like this. We hope that's the same case this weekend. We look to try to get our first win of the season here.”

As we near the first quarter mark of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, Ryan Blaney is in the midst of what looks like a breakout season.

Martin Truex Jr. topped the chart in first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice at Richmond International Raceway.

Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion, enters Sundays race at Richmond International Raceway in the top-10 for driver points and as one of the hot young names in the sport. Blaney spoke about increased expectations, especially in the light of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement announcement this week.

RYAN BLANEY (No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion) -- Qualified 2nd "This year we are improving round to round. It is just communication and knowing what we need to change in our car. That is something to be proud of."

RYAN BLANEY (No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion) -- This year has been a big jump for us as a whole team as far as getting along well together and communicating and having fast cars. That has definitely been a lot of fun. It is fun regardless to be with the Wood Brothers but when you are fast it makes it a little extra.

While Earnhardt's statistics at Richmond are noteworthy, his impact on NASCAR has been immeasurable. His humble and genuine demeanor has endeared him to a nation of fans who have watched him emerge from his father's shadow to become an icon in the sport.

Will the retirement mark the end of NASCAR? Of course not. We may see a shift of loyalties (mostly to another driver at Hendrick Motorsports, maybe Chase Elliott) and some fans staying away, but just as was the case when other drivers retired, I don’t think this change will really change the landscape of the sport.