NASCAR Cup PR

Alex Bowman, driving the No. 88 Axalta Camaro ZL1, has been the runner-up the past three races – a successful but frustrating stretch. Thirteen others in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series modern era have had three consecutive second-place finishes, most recently by Team Chevy driver Kyle Larson in 2017.

All-Star Showdown… Drivers will compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway where all four Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have secured starting positions after winning a race last season. Kyle Busch has the most All-Star starts with 12 appearances while Denny Hamlin has 11 and Martin Truex Jr. has seven. Meanwhile, this will be Erik Jones first All-Star appearance. In total, Toyota drivers have won two All-Star races with Busch earning one win in the 2017 exhibition race while Hamlin was also victorious in 2015.

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) takes a break from points racing this weekend for the annual All-Star weekend. Ryan Newman is locked into Saturday night’s main event by way of his win in the 2002 event, while Ricky Stenhouse Jr., will attempt to race his way in during The Open. Jack Roush Fords have driven to victory lane on our occasions in the All-Star Race.

Chase Elliott on the All-Star Race: “I’m very appreciative of the fan vote the past couple of years, but it’s nice to be locked in already and not have to worry about it. I think it will be exciting to go into the weekend locked in the race for the first time. I’m looking forward to being a part of the big show, for sure.”

Charlotte All-Star Preview: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be heading home to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the series’ All-Star Race on Saturday, May 18. With a top-five finish last year in the All-Star Race, Hamlin and the #11 FedEx team will be seeking another strong performance and Denny’s second-career All-Star victory.

Michael McDowell's No. 34 Love's Travel Stops Ford Mustang will honor a fallen service member as part of a patriotic paint scheme for the Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The decal across the top of the windshield of McDowell's car will display the name of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Farmer. CW2 Farmer died of wounds sustained during an attack while conducting a local engagement in Manbij, Syria earlier this year.

Fresh off a victory last week at Kansas Speedway, Ford and its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams will head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the annual All-Star Race on Saturday night.  Kevin Harvick is the defending champion and one of seven Ford drivers already in the field.  Here’s a look at some of Ford’s past success in this non-points event.

Paul Menard says he expects he and the No. 21 Menards/Knauf Insulation team will have a low-pressure but high-intensity Monster Energy All-Star Race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Four All-Star Wins for RCR ... Richard Childress Racing has won four Monster Energy All-Star races with drivers Kevin Harvick (20017) and Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990 and 1993). Earnhardt's 1987 All-Star victory included the legendary "Pass in the Grass."

Newman will make his 18th start in the All-Star Race on Saturday. He’s locked in to the event by way of his 2002 victory in The Winston, after winning the No Bull Spring qualifying event.