NASCAR Cup Series

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s highly anticipated return to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing is less than one month away. No one is more enthusiastic about the most popular driver’s comeback than Earnhardt, who spoke with media during Wednesday morning’s segment of the 35th Annual NASCAR Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 24 NAPA Chevrolet, is looking toward his second full-time season in NASCAR’s Premiere Series, but the soft-spoken son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, isn’t worried about a sophomore jinx.

Ford Performance, the racing arm of Ford Motor Company seriously strengthened their position in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series by adding Stewart-Haas Racing’s four teams and drivers.

MICHAEL MCDOWELL, NO 95 K-LOVE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the race format change, racing full time this year, his team goals, and more. Full transcript:

That’s how Clint Bowyer kicked off the final portion of Tuesday’s 35th Annual NASCAR Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bowyer certainly had an extra pep in his step and showed off his charismatic personality, both of which were sorely missed during a tough 2016 season.

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch spoke with media during Tuesday afternoon’s segment of the 35th Annual NASCAR Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Below are some of Busch’s comments from his media availability.

KEVIN HARVICK, No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion – HOW ARE THINGS GOING? “Everybody is doing good. We had a great winter and enjoyed our time off. We came home January 8th and flipped that switch back on to get back in race mod. It has been fun to go to the shop and walk around and see everything that is going on. There is a lot going on with the switch to Ford and I think that is definitely a lot of motivation for the year to make that right. It has been fun so far.”

During Monday's announcement by NASCAR regarding the format changes for 2017, everyone from fan to competitor to media member was ready to fly into an outrage. Solid evolutionary changes have not been the sport's bread-and-butter in recent years, although some changes have since been accepted, like the Chase playoff format and the "Lucky Dog" rule.

CHRIS BUESCHER, NO. 37 COTTONELLE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed moving to a new team, his expectations for 2017, and what he learned from 2016 on the racetrack. Full transcript:

RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 CATEPILLAR CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the format change, racing at the newly repaved Texas Motor Speedway, and the education program he and his wife run for youngsters. Full transcript: