TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Cook Out Southern 500
Darlington, Raceway
Darlington, South Carolina
September 4, 2022

NCS PLAYOFFS ROUND OF 16: RACE #1 AT DARLINGTON

With the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) regular-season officially in the books; the 2022 playoff field is set and all eyes turn to the race to the championship.

16 drivers have earned their chance to battle for the coveted NCS championship title over the final 10-race stretch. The 16-driver playoff field and elimination-style format was introduced to the series in 2014. There are three rounds (three races per round) in the NCS playoffs, plus one final championship-crowning season finale. Four drivers will be eliminated following each three-race round.

The NCS playoffs Round of 16 gets underway this weekend at Darlington Raceway, with Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500 marking the first of three races in the opening round. The 1.366-mile oval known as “The Track Too Tough to Tame” is the fourth venue in the series’ history to host the first race in the NCS post-season, with the 2022 season marking the third year the track has opened the playoffs for NASCAR’s premier series.

In 122 NCS races held at Darlington Raceway, Chevrolet has made its way to victory lane 41 times to lead all manufacturers. In last season’s playoff opener at the South Carolina venue, the bowtie brigade was led by Kyle Larson, who drove his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 to his third career runner-up finish at the track… a feat that leads all active NCS drivers.

DILLON PICKS UP THE WIN, PLAYOFF SPOT AT DAYTONA

Heading into the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway last weekend, seven Chevrolet drivers had already secured their playoff positions by virtue of a win. With two remaining playoff spots up for grabs, Chevrolet drivers below the cutline took on the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway in a “must-win” situation to keep their championship hopes alive. 

Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon saw and conquered that challenge, scoring his first win of the 2022 season to claim a playoff berth. The famed Florida venue holds a special place in Dillon’s racing career, adding a crown jewel win to his name in the 2018 Daytona 500. A win at Daytona that gives Dillon and the No. 3 Camaro ZL1 team a chance at the championship title makes it that much sweeter.

While the 400-mile race was postponed until Sunday morning due to weather; Mother Nature continued to linger, causing an increase in urgency that effected moves on the track and calls from atop the pit box. After just receiving the “lucky dog” pass to get back onto the lead lap, a massive wreck transpired at the front of the pack. Dillon was able to maneuver his No. 3 Camaro ZL1 through the carnage to the front, moving the team to the top of the leaderboard just before the race went under red flag conditions due to rainfall for more than three hours.

When the track was back to race conditions, the field would take the green with 15 laps remaining, with Dillon back out front. The 32-year-old North Carolina native made a strong pass for the lead, with his RCR teammate, Tyler Reddick, in tow. Dillon stayed out front, taking the checkered by 0.128 seconds over Reddick to give the organization a 1-2 finish.

The bowtie brand went on to take four of the top-five finishing positions in the regular-season finale, with Landon Cassill, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1, in fourth; and Noah Gragson scoring a NCS career-best finish of fifth in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Camaro ZL1. This marks the seventh time this season that the final running order has seen Chevrolet drivers take four of the top-five finishing positions.. with that feat now being accomplished for the past two consecutive races.

“I felt like I had good Chevrolet teammates behind me,” said Dillon. “If I could get the lead, the 2 (Austin Cindric) would not be able to hold onto the draft. We’ve done it in practice enough to know that you’ll lose the tail and it’s hard to get back to it. I’m so proud of these guys and I’m glad to be going to Victory Lane.”

Dillon’s win brings Chevrolet’s NCS regular-season win total to 15 in 26-points paying races, more than double each of its manufacturer competitors. In a standout debut season for the Next Gen Camaro ZL1, the manufacturer also continues to leads the series in top-fives (63), top-10s (113), laps led (3,051) and stage wins (21) heading into the final 10-race stretch.

CHEVROLET TAKES EIGHT TO THE 2022 NCS PLAYOFFS

With at least one win to their names in the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season; eight Chevrolet drivers have clinched a berth in this season’s NCS playoffs, giving the bowtie brand 50 percent of the playoff field as the manufacturer looks to defend its NCS Driver and Manufacturer Championships. Since the debut of the 16-driver playoff format to the series in 2014; at least five Chevrolet drivers have been represented in the playoffs each season. The 2022 season also marks the fourth time since 2014 that Chevrolet has accounted for at least 50 percent of the playoff field, with 2015 bringing a manufacturer-high nine drivers to the playoffs.

Chevrolet All-Time NASCAR Cup Series

Championships:

Manufacturer Championships:

1st Chevy Title: 1958

Most Recent Title: 2021

Highest Number of Consecutive Titles: 13 (2003-2015)

Driver Championships:

1st Chevy title: Buck Baker (1957)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Highest Number of Consecutive Titles: 7 (2005-2011)

Chevrolet – the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history – recorded its series-leading 40th NCS Manufacturer Championship and its 33rd NCS Driver Championship in 2021. While looking to go back-to-back in manufacturer titles, the bowtie brand is looking to make it a three-peat in driver championships, following Chase Elliott (2020) and Kyle Larson’s (2021) first career NCS championships.

A look at the eight Chevrolet drivers in the NCS title hunt: 

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 1st in Playoff Standings

2022 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Champion

Victories: 4 (series-leading)

Top-Fives: 10 (tied for series-leading);

Top-10s: 17 (series-leading);

Laps Led: 719 (series-leading);

Average Finish: 10.5 (series-leading);

Stage Wins: 5

Of Note:

• For the first time in his NCS career, Elliott was crowned the 2022 NCS Regular Season Champion.
• The 2022 season marks Elliott’s seventh consecutive appearance in the NCS playoffs.
• Elliott has advanced to the Championship 4 the past two seasons, winning his first career NCS Driver Championship in 2020.
• Six of his 17 career NCS wins have come in the playoffs.

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1 – 3rd in Playoff Standings

Victories: 2

Top-Fives: 10 (tied for series-leading);

Top-10s: 14

Laps Led: 583

Average Finish: 14.6

Stage Wins: 5

Of Note:

- The 2022 season marks Chastain’s first career appearance in the NCS playoffs.

- Chastain secured a playoff berth with his first career NCS win at COTA in March; also marking Trackhouse Racing’s first win in the organization’s second season in the series. 

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 4th in Playoff Standings

2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion

Victories: 2

Top-Fives: 10 (tied for series-leading)

Top-10s: 13

Laps Led: 307

Average Finish: 14.3

Stage Wins: 3

Of Note:

- In 2021, Larson scored his first career NCS Regular Season Championship, going on to win his first career NCS Driver Championship.

- The 2022 season marks Larson’s sixth appearance in the NCS playoffs, with 2021 bringing Larson his first trip to the Championship 4.

- During the playoff era (2004-present); Larson leads the series in multiple playoff race wins in a single season’ with five in 2021 (Bristol, Charlotte ROVAL, Texas, Kansas, Phoenix).

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 5th in Playoff Standings

Victories: 2

Top-Fives: 4

Top-10s: 5

Laps Led: 612

Average Finish: 18.1

Stage Wins: 3

Of Note:

- The 2022 season marks Byron’s fourth consecutive appearance in the NCS playoffs.

- Bryon’s career-best finish in the NCS playoffs came in 2021, finishing the season 10th in the final standings.

 
Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 – 8th in Playoff Standings

Victories: 2

Top-Fives: 8

Top-10s: 11

Laps Led: 331

Average Finish: 16.7

Stage Wins: 2

Of Notes:

- The 2022 season marks Reddick’s second consecutive appearance in the NCS playoffs, with his first coming in 2021.

- Reddick earned a playoff berth following his first career NCS win at Road America; going on to win his second of the season at the Indianapolis Road Course. 

 
Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1 – 13th in Playoff Standings

Victories: 1

Top-Fives: 6

Top-10s: 10

Laps Led: 238

Average Finish: 16.5

Stage Wins: 2

Of Note:

- The 2022 season marks Suarez’s first career appearance in the NCS playoffs.

- Suarez earned his playoff berth following his first career NCS win at Sonoma Raceway.

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1 – 14th in Playoff Standings

Victories: 1

Top-Fives: 3

Top-10s: 10

Laps Led: 29

Average Finish: 15.7

Stage Wins: 1

Of Note:

- The 2022 season marks Bowman’s fifth consecutive appearance in the NCS playoffs.

- Bowman has raced his way into the Round of 12 in each of his NCS playoff appearances; making it to the Round of Eight in the 2020 season to score a career-best sixth in the final standings. 

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 – 16th in Playoff Standings

Victories: 1

Top-Fives: 4

Top-10s: 8

Laps Led: 18

Average Finish: 19.8

Stage Wins: 0

Of Note:

- The 2022 season marks Dillon’s fifth appearance in the NCS playoffs.

- Dillon’s playoff berth came from his win in the NCS regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway, after entering the weekend in a must-win scenario to take one of the final two playoff spots.

- Dillon’s career-best finish in the NCS playoffs is 11th, accomplishing that feat in 2017 and 2020. 

CAMARO SS GOING FOR FOUR IN A ROW AT DARLINGTON 

The Camaro SS has taken the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season by storm, sitting at now 16 victories in the series’ 23 races thus far.. a win count that is more than double its manufacturer competitors combined. With 10 races still remaining in the season, Chevrolet’s current manufacturer-leading 16 wins has already matched its total number of victories recorded in the 2021 NXS season.

With just three races left in the NXS regular-season, five full-time NXS Chevrolet drivers have notched at least one win to clinch a playoff berth. Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger is en route to going back-to-back in NXS regular-season championship titles, holding strong atop the driver standings by 58-points over second. Chevrolet is also on the path to making it six in a row in NXS Manufacturer Championship titles, now reaching a triple digit lead in the manufacturer standings over its competitors.

On top of continuing its winning ways in the overall season, Chevrolet drivers and teams are heading into the Darlington race weekend looking to make it four in a row in NXS race wins at the “Lady in Black”. JR Motorsports has conquered the 1.366-mile South Carolina track for the past three NXS races held at the venue. Justin Allgaier and Noah Gragson swept the Darlington race wins in 2021, with Allgaier and the No. 7 Camaro SS team returning to victory lane at the track in May to score their first of three wins thus far this season.

ADDING ANOTHER WEEKEND SWEEP

For the second consecutive weekend, a Chevrolet-powered machine has made its way to victory lane in both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races to sweep the weekend. This isn’t an unfamiliar feat for Chevrolet in the 2022 season. The Daytona race weekend marked the ninth time that Chevrolet has swept the wins when the NCS and NXS are in competition on the same weekend.. two of which added in a NCWTS win to make it an all-Chevrolet victory lane across all three NASCAR national series.

BOWTIE BULLETS

· Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway include:

   Erik Jones (2019)

· In 122 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Darlington Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded 41 wins to lead all manufacturers. In addition, the bowtie brand has recorded 22 pole wins, 197 top-fives and 412 top-10s at the 1.366-mile South Carolina venue.

· In his nine career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway, reigning NCS Champion Kyle Larson leads all active NCS drivers in average finishing position at the track (6.0). Larson also leads all active NCS drivers in runner-up finishes at Darlington with three, including last season’s playoff opener.

· In the 26-race NASCAR Cup Series regular-season, Chevrolet drivers have taken four of the top-five finishing positions in seven races, including the past two consecutive weekends (Watkins Glen and Daytona).

· Austin Dillon’s win at Daytona made him the eighth Chevrolet driver to claim a spot in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, giving the bowtie brand 50 percent of the 16-driver NCS playoff field.

· Chevrolet heads into the 10-race NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with a manufacturer-leading 15 NCS wins in 26 points-paying races. The bowtie brand also continues to lead its manufacturer competitors in NCS top-fives (63), top-10s (113), laps led (3,051) and stage wins (21).

· Seven Team Chevy drivers have combined 21 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins:

Tyler Reddick 2 – Fontana x2

Alex Bowman 1 – Las Vegas

Ross Chastain 4 – Las Vegas, Darlington, Charlotte, Pocono, Richmond

William Byron 3 – Phoenix, Atlanta, Talladega

Daniel Suarez 2 – COTA, Charlotte

Chase Elliott 3 – Martinsville x2, Charlotte, Atlanta x2

Kyle Larson 3 – Bristol, Sonoma, Pocono

· Chevrolet leads the driver points standing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. 2022 NCS Regular-Season Champion, Chase Elliott, enters race one of the Round of 16 at the top of the leaderboard with 2,040 points and 40 playoff points. AJ Allmendinger continues to lead the NXS standings by 58 points. Chevrolet – reigning NCS and NXS Manufacturer Champions – remains atop both manufacturer points standings.

· With its 40 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 829 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR.

FOR THE FANS

· Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Darlington Raceway.

· Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles including: Silverado 2500HD Crew LTZ Diesel, Camaro ZL1, Silverado 1500 Crew ZR2, Tahoe Z71, Blazer RS, Corvette Z51.

· At the Chevrolet Display, fans can also view Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Camaro ZL1 show car.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:

Saturday, September 3

· Bayley Currey & Ryan Vargas: 12:00 p.m.

· Myatt Snider: 12:15 p.m.

· Jeremy Clements: 12:45 p.m.

· Josh Berry & Sam Mayer: 1:00 p.m.

· Kris Wright: 1:15 p.m.

Sunday, September 4

· Erik Jones: 2:45 p.m.

· Tyler Reddick: 3:00 p.m.

· Corey LaJoie: 3:30 p.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

Saturday, September 3: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 4: 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Tune In:

USA Network will broadcast the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 4. Live coverage can also be found on the NBCSports Gold App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

USA Network will broadcast the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 3. Live coverage can also be found on the NBCSports Gold App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1

How does it feel to be in the playoffs for your first time?

“You know, I woke up on Monday morning and felt the same I have all year. I am glad about that because I was wondering if once Daytona was over if I would feel different because it’s the start of the playoffs. I feel like I’ve had a normal week so far and I’m staying in my routine. My routine is what has gotten me to this point, and I am looking forward to continuing that.”

Have you received advice from anyone on how to handle the playoffs?

“I’ve gotten a lot of advice and a lot of opinions from people that genuinely want to help.

I’m not going to make major changes though. There’s things I would like to clean up and make better, but ideally, the most egregious thing we do out of the ordinary this week is have a team lunch to kick off the playoffs.”

Darlington is one of your better tracks, maybe even your best track. How does that make you feel about this weekend and it being the first race of the playoffs?

“Driving the 2.5 hours home back to Mooresville after Darlington is frustrating because you realize that you could’ve won if a couple of things went different or if you would would’ve asked for this one adjustment. In my experience, I think about how I’ve over driven Darlington. You really do have to go slow to go fast, but as a racecar driver, that’s hard to do. We had a fast car there in the spring but everyone has had time to work on their setups and we’ll have to go there and perform again.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BETMGM CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts on Darlington Raceway?

“I’ve always loved Darlington Raceway. It’s a historic track and a lot of drivers and teams circle it at the beginning of the year as a place they would love to win at, myself included. We finished second at Darlington a couple of years ago. It’s a demanding track. Darlington is a place that falls off, so tire management becomes important, and I really like that. It’s nice that we’re going to place that long run speed matters a bit.”

Does making the NASCAR Playoffs give you a sense of validation?

“I think every time you make the NASCAR Playoffs, it’s validation to yourself that you’re one of the guys. We’ve made it five times now. I don’t know how many years I’ve been doing this, but every time you’re not in it, it doesn’t feel good. You’re not going to the banquet at the end of the year. You feel like you let your guys down. You feel like you let your company down. For me, it’s everything. It feels good to get a chance to compete for a championship. I did feel like we should have been locked into the Playoffs earlier than this, but it doesn’t matter how you get in, you got in. 15 different winners this year. That’s a testament to this NextGen car and how competitive the field is. I don’t think there’s any other form of motorsports that has this type of competitiveness week-in and week-out. Take Watkins Glen, for instance, and the spread from first to 20th. You look at the time sheet, and you are holding your break for a hundredth to move you up five sports. It’s what the NASCAR Cup Series is supposed to be. It’s challenging. You never give up, and that’s been the theme of this season.”

Now that you are locked into the NASCAR Playoffs, how do you feel about the first round?

“Actually, the first round has historically been a good round for us on the No. 3 team. We’ve done a good job of upsetting some teams in that first round. Darlington Raceway is a good place for me, so it’s a great starting point. I think we finished second at that track the last time I was in the Playoffs, so I feel good about Darlington. We’ve got to improve on what we took there earlier this year. When those long runs happen at Darlington and the tires wear out, I feel like that’s some of the best driving I do. Kansas Speedway was a decent track for us earlier this year. We’re just going to have to go to work and work really, really hard on the SIM at Chevrolet and at RCR. It won’t be from a lack of effort over the next three weeks to progress and try to get another win.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Larson on Darlington Raceway and the Round of 16:

“We had a really fast car last time before we had trouble. The first round has a lot of really good tracks for us. Darlington (Raceway), Kansas (Speedway) and Bristol (Motor Speedway). Those are honestly three of my best racetracks. I really like that round and hopefully we can do well in it and get some wins and get some bonus points. I have always run really well at Darlington, but have not gotten a win there yet. I finished second three times in a row before this year, so would love to be one spot better there and finally get that Darlington win that I have been close to getting.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Daniels on the challenge of setting a car up for Darlington:

“It drives me crazy trying to set the car up but Darlington (Raceway) is hands down my favorite track on the circuit with Bristol (Motor Speedway) probably close behind that. Darlington is such a challenge. The track itself, how to race it, how to run your own race, executing the pit stops and the green-flag strategy. Everything around Darlington is a true, gritty, racer-type feel to the track and race – it just has that aura. I enjoy it but I am pulling my hair out every second of the day trying to get it right, have a good plan and have a good car to do the things we need to do but that is part of what makes it fun.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA / CHILDREN’S CAMARO ZL1

Elliott on this weekend’s “DESI9N TO DRIVE” paint scheme and program:

“Partnering with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been going on for about five years now, but last year was the first year we kind of brought it to life on track. That came through an opportunity with NAPA AUTO PARTS, which is my primary sponsor and has been a great partner. When you have a partner that is willing to give up its race to let someone design the car, get behind the foundation and try to make a difference in the community, I think that really says a lot. You don’t see that very often. I’m looking forward to having Dani, the young lady that designed the car, and her family at the track this weekend and hosting them. I’m hoping everyone loves that paint scheme as much as I do.”

Elliott on kicking off the playoffs in Darlington:

“Darlington (Raceway) is the beginning of a long road ahead. A lot can happen in 10 weeks. A lot can happen in one race weekend, much less 10. So, you know, it’s baby steps and one weekend at a time. Darlington is that first stop and you want to try to get off on a good note and see where it takes you. We’re happy to have those 15 bonus points. We’ve never been in a position to have many bonus points going into the final 10. Hopefully, we can take those points we’ve accumulated and help us get through these rounds. Hopefully, we don’t need them, but if you do have a bad day, you have a little bit of something to fall back on which is always nice. I’m looking forward to getting going and seeing where we stack up this first week and where we need to go from there.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1

Byron on his thoughts for the first race of the playoffs:

“I’m optimistic heading back to Darlington (Raceway) for the second time this year. We had the speed we needed in the spring to be in the lead when it mattered. The fall race is always a challenge though when it comes to heat and the transition throughout the race. I’m confident in Rudy (Fugle) and my team, though, that we’ll be prepared for every scenario. Getting off on the right foot for the first race of the playoffs is crucial so you’re not feeling like you are trying to play catch-up throughout the round. If we put together solid races and control the factors we can control, I think we can end the race with a win or at least a good result, which will set us up well for the next two races.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1

Fugle on what he expects from Sunday’s race:

“We ran well in the spring race at Darlington (Raceway) but this weekend’s race will be about as different as can be. It’s a longer race for starters, so there will be a bigger emphasis on strategy, especially with how high tire fall off is there. Sunday’s race is going to be much hotter than it was earlier this year. I do think we have some good notes to work off of since this race starts in the daytime. The biggest thing will be making changes to keep up with the track as it transitions from day to night. I think whoever keeps up with those changes the best will be the ones who find themselves running up front towards the end. Hopefully that’s the No. 24 team and we can kick off the first race of the playoffs with a good run.”

TY DILLON, NO. 42 EG3 TECHNOLOGIES CAMARO ZL1

“Darlington is one of my favorite racetracks, if not my most favorite, that we go to. It makes a unique challenge for the drivers to race through all 500 miles, and I always look forward to having the opportunity of racing at one of the oldest, most historic venues in our sport. I think that we have a chance to continue our momentum at a track that I’ve ran well at in the past, so hopefully we will have our best day of the year yet.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Bowman on making the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year with Hendrick Motorsports:

“I am super happy to make the playoffs again and I think it shows the strength of our organization. We have a lot of really smart people working on our cars and giving me the best equipment each weekend to go out there and compete for wins. Greg (Ives) and myself have made the playoffs every season we have been together, and I am looking forward to getting another shot to compete for a championship.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Ives on going into his last playoffs as a crew chief:

“It’s bittersweet for me. Obviously, I have had a lot of success in the past, but this is my last shot to get a Cup Series championship. I think we have the team capable of contending every weekend and a driver that can get it done. We just have to continue to work hard, stay focused on each weekend and capitalize on every opportunity we get. I have enjoyed my career as a crew chief, and I will take in every moment as I close out this season.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 JOCKEY CAMARO ZL1

After waiting since June, are you ready for the playoffs?

“I am. Let’s hammer down.”

What is your strategy?

“I don’t know if you have a strategy other than to do the same things you have been doing all year that got you to this place. You have to drive smart, learn as much as you can and make no mistakes.”

Are you entering the playoffs with momentum?

“Things were looking good Sunday before the rain on the track in Daytona ended our race. We ran pretty good at Watkins Glen. My team has been improving all year so we feel very confident.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 40

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2022 STATISTICS:

Wins: 15

Poles: 7

Laps Led: 3,051

Top-five finishes: 63

Top-10 finishes: 113

Stage wins: 21

Tyler Reddick (Fontanax2)
Alex Bowman (Las Vegas)
Ross Chastain (Las Vegas), (Darlington), (Charlotte), (Pocono), (Richmond)
William Byron (Phoenix), (Atlanta), (Talladega)
Daniel Suarez (COTA), (Charlotte)
Chase Elliott (Martinsvillex2), (Charlotte), (Atlantax2)
Kyle Larson (Bristol Dirt), (Sonoma), (Pocono)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 829 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 730

Laps led to date: 244,387

Top-five finishes to date: 4,201

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,668

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,163

       Chevrolet: 829

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 817                                                           

       Ford: 717

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 167

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

NASCAR CUP SERIES
PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 TRACKHOUSE RACING CAMARO ZL1, 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day – Media Availability Highlights:

HOW DO YOU LOOK AT DARLINGTON AND HOW DO YOU LOOK AT YOUR ENCOUNTER WITH THE WALL AT DARLINGTON?

“That’s a good question. I don’t feel like I’m one of the best yet at running the wall, but I’m working hard on it to be able to be better and to continue to improve. Personally, even though I’m not the best at running the wall, I feel like in Darlington I run pretty well. I’m really looking forward to the first race of the playoffs”

IS IT A TRACK WHERE YOU FEEL YOU KNOW HOW FAR YOU CAN GO UP TO THE WALL AND HOW MUCH THE CAR WILL HOLD UP?

“It depends how you hit; it can be very delicate or it can be very tough. But overall, we’re starting the playoffs at one of the toughest races of the year, and one of the longest races of the year. That’s going to be exciting. I’m really looking forward to it. The more difficult it can be, mentally and physically, I think the better it’s going to be, at least for myself. I’m really looking forward to it.”

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE HERE AT PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY, IN THE POST-SEASON, LOOKING AT THAT TROPHY?

“It feels nice, but honestly it feels normal. I believe that I belong here. When you have a team like the one I have, I feel like it’s more like a must to be in this position.

I think we’re in a great position. I have an amazing team behind me. Trackhouse Racing has done a tremendous job this year. We have to continue to evolve. We cannot sleep in the next 10 weeks. It’s the most important part of the season, of course. We have to continue to do the same thing that we’ve been doing and continue to get better.”

SO IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU’RE SEEDED.. ANYONE CAN WIN IT FROM ANY WHERE?

“Yeah, I think so. If it was last year, I would tell you ‘this guy is going to win it or this guy is going to win it’ because the gaps were so big. With this car, if you’re telling me who is going to win Darlington and you get it right, I’ll give you a thousand dollars (laughs). I don’t think you’re going to get it right. There is not one guy.. anyone can be good. I love that about this car. It’s unpredictable. Everyone has an opportunity.”

WHAT ABOUT THE PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS VERSUS THOSE DRIVERS THAT ARE NEW TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP OR IN THEIR SECOND YEAR OF RUNNING FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP?

“I feel like those guys are already champions, they already know the feeling. So the advantage that they have mostly is mental, not so much physically in the car. But they already know what it feels like. I’ve had this feeling in the Xfinity Series, which is different. But at the same time, it’s the same thing, just multiple it by three or four. I think if we can stay calm, relax and continue to do exactly the same thing that we’ve been doing the last few months, we’re going to be in good shape.”

WILLIAM BYRON SAID YOU’RE THE GUY TO WATCH OUT FOR. HE THINKS YOU’RE THE MOST DANGEROUS IN THE PLAYOFFS.

“He said I’m the most dangerous in the playoffs?”

DANGEROUS MEANING YOU COULD BE UNDER THE RADAR AND BE A THREAT. HE SAID YOU ARE SOMEONE THAT COULD REALLY SURPRISE A LOT OF PEOPLE.

“I get goosebumps by you saying that because I’ve been working really hard to do that. I’m the kind of guy where I like to do it that way. If you think about it – the year I won the (Xfinity) championship – not a lot of people would bet on me. I did.. and I won it. I like it that way. I like to be under the radar and not to make a lot of noise. Go out there and beat them, but quietly.”

YOU HAD A BIG SEASON BY GETTING YOUR FIRST CAREER CUP SERIES VICTORY. BUT WHEN IT COMES TO THE 10 RACE PLAYOFFS, DO YOU STILL EXPECT A LOT? YOU’RE OBVIOUSLY NOT SATISFIED, RIGHT?

“Somebody just asked me if I was happy and excited to be here, and honestly it feels normal to me. This is not a surprise. I think the fun part is about to begin. The winning was a lot of fun. I proved to myself that I can do it. I knew I could do it, but now everybody knows as well. They do know that I can do it and my team can do it, and we have everything that it takes to get it done. Now we have to do it on a consistent basis. In the last two months, we’ve been extremely consistent. Richmond was the only race that we were bad. Everywhere else, we’ve had top-fives and top-10s.

The playoffs are coming at a good time for the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team and I’m excited for that.”

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE SUCCESS BOTH YOU AND ROSS (CHASTAIN) HAVE HAD THIS YEAR; WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE AT TRACKHOUSE RIGHT NOW?

“It’s fun. The first time I heard about Trackhouse was on a piece of paper and that was exactly two years ago. When I signed with Trackhouse, they told me everything they wanted to do and they told me everything that they were going to allow me to build for myself; to be able to build a team that I wanted, to build a team that I was going to be able to win races and championships with. I said that was going to be the best opportunity that I’ve had in Cup. A lot of people told me I was crazy. A year and a half later, two years later; now they know what I saw back then. I knew the mission Justin (Marks) and Ty Norris had.

I’m in a very, very happy place right now. We have to continue to grow, continue to be better, but I feel like we’re heading in the right direction.”

HOW EASY WAS IT TO SEE THAT?

“Believe it or not, that year heading into 2021, I had an opportunity to go with a team that was winning races. I didn’t do that because it was a team that a very important person to me, with a lot of experience, told me that they were not in a very good situation. That’s why I choose Trackhouse. My father told me I was crazy. A few friends from Mexico told me ‘Daniel, I’m not sure you’re making the right call’. Eight months later, they told me ‘Man, I’m glad you made that call’. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut a little bit. Justin looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Man, you have to trust me on this, we’re going to build something great and I want to be able to give you the opportunity to build a team around you’. That’s something nobody else has allowed me to do before in the Cup Series. It makes a huge difference when you have a team for you.. not a team that was already there. I’m just very happy to be in this position. I’m very happy to that I crossed paths with Trackhouse and I feel like we have a great future ahead of us.”

AT ANY POINT LAST YEAR DID YOU THINK ONE YEAR FROM NOW, A TEAM JUST FRESHLY STARTING OUT, WOULD BE IN THIS POSITION NOW WHERE TRACKHOUSE HAS WON THREE RACES AND YOU’RE BOTH IN THE PLAYOFFS.

“Honestly, I did. I did because I believed that Trackhouse and the Next-Gen car was going to be the perfect combination to change the game, and here we are right now. If it wasn’t for this project, we wouldn’t be here right now. I’m very thankful for NASCAR to give an equal opportunity to every team out there.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

NASCAR CUP SERIES
PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CAMARO ZL1, 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day – Media Availability Highlights:

WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR THE PLAYOFFS FOR YOUR TEAM?

“I think we are super motivated because its Greg’s (Ives, crew chief) last 10 races with me and we want to end on a high note. We know the summer doesn’t matter anymore, our troubles, and it’s a good reset for us going into the playoffs. Everybody is all in and I think we can definitely make some noise.”

HAVE YOU HAD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THAT ROLE (CREW CHIEF) OR IS IT A FOCUS ALL ON THE PLAYOFFS

“Yeah, we have talked about it and it is pretty cool to be as involved as they have let me be in those talks. So, definitely kind of scary, but exciting at the same time. I really don’t know a successful Cup program without Greg Ives. So, it’s going to be different, but excited for the change.”

HOW DO YOU APPROACH DARLINGTON WITH THE NEW CAR? YOU HAVE RUN IT BEFORE BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW THE LIMITS?

“The body is forgiving, but the suspension is super unforgiving, and then it catches on fire. So, trying to avoid that because that is what got us the last Darlington race.. it decided to catch on fire on the right front. Hopefully we can avoid that.

But yeah, just knowing that if you hit the wall a little bit you have more room for error than you did with the old car for sure. Darlington is a place that you have to attack. You can’t just layover and try to survive. If you do that, then I feel like you kind of have a little bit of a lack in focus and don’t end up running well and its easier to make mistakes. We have to go run well and there is no way around it. You just have to go execute.”

SINCE YOU WERE SO SOLID OUT OF THE BOX THIS SEASON, HAVE YOU USED THE LATER PART OF THE SEASON TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR THE PLAYOFFS LIKE JIMMIE AND CHAD USED TO DO?

“I hope so. It’s been a rough summer, right? I would love to say that and maybe that is the case. So, I don’t know, I guess we will find out the next 10 weeks.”

AS FAR AS THE RESULTS GO, YOU ARE A BIT BEHIND KYLE AND CHASE THE LAST FEW WEEKS. DO YOU FEEL THAT WAY OR IS IT JUST RESULTS?

“I think the early part of the summer we were definitely behind, but for the last couple of weeks its definitely just results. So, I am definitely looking forward to the playoffs. I think my team is in a good spot and Greg is in a good spot. The last few weeks we have had good speed and have just not executed. We just have to keep digging.”

ARE YOU STILL TRYING TO GET USED TO THE AERO TENDENCIES OF THIS NEW CAR AT A PLACE LIKE DAYTONA AND WILL WE SEE SIMILAR THINGS AT TALLADEGA?

“I think you will see similar tendencies at Talladega, but I think really it was just speedway racing. I don’t think it was anything different than the old car. We had been really aggressive pushing all day long and I felt like I was one of the better pushers. Everyone that I pushed went to the front. We worked really well together with the 17 early in the race and some other guys through there. We had a really strong car and the way that Chase (Briscoe) slid up pretty late into three and kind of got loose right in front of me, it was just a situation where I just couldn’t get off of him.”

REGARDING YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SEARCH TO REPLACE GREG IVES, WHAT KIND OF INPUT HAVE YOU PROVIDED?

“Yeah, just everybody asking me what kind of guy that I want, what I look for, and what I need and think will make me more successful. It’s been challenging to ask myself those questions and it’s definitely been a learning experience.”

YOU HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE AT THIS POINT (PLAYOFFS) AND HOW COMFORTABLE ARE YOU GOING INTO IT THIS TIME?

“I don’t think anybody is comfortable as close as the points are. But, I kind of know what the pressures are going to bring. I know what I need to do and its just a matter of going and doing it.”

DO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT BECAUSE YOU HAVE HAD SOME GOOD RACES THIS YEAR BUT HAVE ALSO HAD SOME TOUGH ONES AS WELL? DO YOU HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF WHAT YOU NEED TO DO WITH 10 RACES LEFT?

“I think so. I think we are all super motivated and we don’t have a choice but to go and perform for 10 weeks.”

ANY EXTRA INCENTIVE TO GET IT DONE FOR GREG SINCE HE IS STEPPING AWAY?

“Yeah, I think so. We want to end him being my crew chief on a high note. We are going to be friends forever, but yeah, we want to go perform well.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

NASCAR CUP SERIES
PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING CAMARO ZL1, 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day – Media Availability Highlights:

CAN THIS TEAM WIN THE TROPHY FROM WHERE IT STARTS THE PLAYOFFS?

“Why not? I’m confident at the tracks in the playoffs. RCR has shown speed at every type of track with Tyler (Reddick) winning the road courses, us winning the speedway. Martinsville, I finished third but was probably the second-best car there. And we probably should have won the 600 at Charlotte; I was really close there when you got down to it. I’m happy to be in this spot and I think we’re the dog. Some people are already putting us out, which is just fine with me because it takes pressure off and we’ll go have fun and try to upset some of these guys, and take it as survive and advance mode from here on out.”

ARE YOU PLAYING WITH HOUSE MONEY?

“We’ve been strong in a lot of race this year and have had opportunities to win more races than in years past – Martinsville, Fontana and Talladega. Those three – second, second and third – and Charlotte was the other one where I lost sleep over at the 600. And two of the first three races are 500 milers and long races have statistically been my better races.”

DO YOU FEEL DISRESPECTED A LITTLE BIT?

“No. I look at social media and we’re not usually the most popular guy and I’m cool with that. I want to go out there and do what I’ve done in the past in the playoffs and make it to the next round. One round that really sticks out to me a couple years back is I was two away from transferring to the third round at Talladega. Denny (Hamlin) got me by like a point, so I know how much every position matters in this deal. I want to take advantage of this opportunity, and the Next Gen car has created a lot of opportunities with 15 winners this season. Good tracks coming up for us.”

IS THERE ANY PROBLEM FLIPPING THE SWITCH FOR THE PLAYOFFS?

“If anything, I’ve learned with 15 winners is you need to stay aggressive. I talked to the guys about it the other day (that) some of the strategy calls we made over the last couple of weeks we probably wouldn’t have done it if we were racing for points. We maximize more points by doing other things; by being aggressive on strategy, putting ourselves in better position. So, I don’t think a whole lot is going to change. We’ll monitor where everybody is running during the race and go from there. I believe we should stay on the same strategy path that we’ve been on.”

HOW DOES YOUR PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE HELP YOU GOING INTO THIS?

“Just knowing how every position matters. Looking back at a couple of times when you’re outside looking in and it came down to a point or two points, knowing that you have to get it at all cost.”

HOW DID YOU NOT GET INVOLVED IN THE WRECK AT DAYTONA?

“As soon as I saw the 99 go up the track, I tried to get to the apron as soon as possible. A lot of things happened in between there. I call it the good Lord looking out for me. The backside of that, the toughest thing I had to do is get slowed up to miss the 21 car that was coming down the track because I had to gas up for a car that I saw in my peripheral that was coming down the track. It was square to gas, hard brake, downshift, move left and then everything opened up after that.”

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU SAW THE REPLAY?

“It’s so cool. It’s what’s great about being a race car driver is I’ll have those memories in the back of my head for the rest of my life. The in-car camera makes it very special for other people to see it, too. What people didn’t see probably or remember is the wreck before that. I was in a wreck going 180 down pit road with damage, blew a tire, went a lap down. So, the big wreck was one thing, but my heartrate was already up from the previous wreck when I thought we were in a good position at that point. I think we were third or fourth on the outside and we had come from 25th or 30th, and that wreck happens. Somehow it barely hits and nose on the right side, spin and I thought for sure I’m hitting inside wall of pit lane. The spotter does a good job of telling me to release the brake. I’m going backward, push the clutch in and cars are coming at me, so that in-car footage is what’s pretty wild actually.”

THE COOL FACTOR WILL NEVER LEAVE THAT SITUATION?

“We went through a lot of things in that race that made it special, and I won’t forget any of it.”

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR PROSPECTS AT DARLINGTON?

“I love that track. People ask me what’s my favorite track and I’ve gone to saying the places you win, so Daytona and Charlotte. But Darlington is my favorite. It’s like driving back in time. It’s a driver’s track. Tire management comes into play. It’s a long race and you’re racing the racetrack. Historically, that’s been good for me.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

NASCAR CUP SERIES
PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CAMARO ZL1, 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day – Media Availability Highlights:

INAUDIBLE QUESTION

“No, I feel like we have a good shot. Our team has been trending in a better direction and our race cars have been fast all year. I think they are even faster now than they were, and now we just have to execute to match the speed in our car. That has been the area where really all teams have struggled this year is the execution. I feel like we have been getting better at that here lately and have been able to contend a little bit more, and in the playoffs I feel like there are a lot of my best tracks. So, definitely confident and look forward to the challenge.”

DO YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHERE YOU GUYS ARE HEADING INTO THE PLAYOFFS BECAUSE YOU HAVEN’T WON AS MANY RACES AS YOU DID LAST YEAR?

“Yeah, I feel good about it and we have contended often, we just haven’t executed well enough to win. There have been plenty of times this year where the guy that won the race, we were faster than them. Their team just did a really good job. I feel like lately. we have been executing our races good and we have been contending a little more. We won at Watkins Glen because we executed a good race. So, I think we are in a good spot. And like I said, there are a lot of good tracks for me, and I think we can contend and go get some wins.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE A FAVORITE GOING IN THIS YEAR AS THE REIGNING CHAMPION?

“I don’t know. Maybe that is a better question for other people. I don’t know how to compare myself. I feel confident and I’m confident that we can go out there and win another championship. We have a championship team and we proved that last year. So, I don’t see why we couldn’t if we execute right and don’t have any DNFs or things like that.”

REGARDING DARLINGTON, ARE YOU CONFIDENT OF WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS CAR KNOWING HOW YOU LIKE TO RACE?

“I don’t know. We ran at Darlington earlier this year and we blew up, but we had a fast car. Everybody looks at me as a guy that runs the wall, which in most cases is true. But at Darlington, at least in (turns) three and four, I tend to stay away from it.. slightly. I still run the top, but I give myself some room. But, I don’t know, it depends on how you hit the wall I think. You could graze the wall a lot better with the other car I think; but when you hit the wall, the car with the toe links and all are a little flimsy. Honestly, just try and stay out of the wall. That is the best case.”

WHAT DOES IT SAY THAT FOUR ROOKIES ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS?

“I don’t really think too much in it. Even though they are playoff rookies.. yeah (Austin) Cindric might be the only rookie, but playoff rookies, they are all professional drivers and they have all been in championship situations in their career that they have learned from. So, I don’t read too much into it, but I am not going to say they won’t race different or react differently than someone that has had experience in the playoffs.”

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE SOMEBODY WON BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS. DO YOU HAVE THAT AT ALL IN YOUR HEAD?

“I mean, I ultimately want to win the championship and I guess with that, you would be the first back-to-back winner since Jimmie Johnson. But I don’t let that add any more pressure on me. I think that also shows just how difficult this playoff format is to when Jimmie was winning. Him and his team were so good that it seemed like they could just stretch out in points to where now you can’t do that and you have to be.. . it’s like three mini race series. You can’t really stretch yourself out from anyone really.”

FOR HENDRICK, AS YOU APPROACH THE PLAYOFFS, IS IT ALL TOGETHER OR EACH TEAM A LITTLE MORE FOR ITSELF?

“If I am being honest, I feel like everyone works better together in the playoffs. I think because Rick (Hendrick) has four opportunities to win and we want to give him 100% opportunity to win once we get to Phoenix. I feel like we all work together closer, just the way I experienced it last year in the competition meetings and stuff like that. It’s no different, if not, better.”

WHAT WOULD A WIN AT THE SOUTHERN 500 MEAN TO YOU SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN SO CLOSE?

“That one is the next one on my list that I haven’t won. I really want to win and have been close so many times. I have been third at least once, second a couple of times. I’ve had the dominant car in that race a couple of times. I remember we had a great shot to win one year and (Brad) Keselowski beat me off pit road by like two inches and that was it.. that was the race. Lost control of the restart and lost the race. I know our car should be fast there this weekend and hopefully we can just put it all together and get that win we have been fighting for.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Toyota Racing – Kyle Busch
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2022) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch was made available to media during NASCAR’s Playoff Media Day. Below are highlight quotes from his session:

KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry TRD, Joe Gibbs Racing

The lowest seed to come out of the Playoffs and win a championship is seventh, can you and your team do it from the 11th position this season?

“I would say so, yeah. Points are really tight. There’s no real clear runaway, Chase (Elliott) has got a bit of a lead, but the rest of us are all pretty close, especially fourth on back. I would like to think this year is going to be different for a lot of reasons. I think the car is obviously a huge piece of that with the parody.”

TRD’s David Wilson mentioned this morning that a decision on your future is expected possibly within the next seven to 10 days, is that accurate?

“I was hoping yesterday. Needs to be. Again, I’m not going to put a timeline on it, but time is ticking and there are a lot of other options and a lot of other dominoes that need to fall. Just talking amongst others, I’m the first one that needs to go.”

Is returning to Joe Gibbs Racing an option for you?

“Yes.”

How are not cracking through all of this?

“Do it at home. Trust me, my gut doesn’t feel good and that’s not just for decisions being made, but more so decisions being weighed and perception and how you come across to all of those that you’re going to disappoint. There’s going to be one winner and the rest are not winners if you look at it in that regard. Good for me, but I definitely don’t want to come across as a lead on or a liar so that’s why it’s been touch and go and trying to tread lightly.”

Is it tough to go through this and still be the persona in the uniform or the person everyone expects you to be?

“Sure, it is tough. I think I said it at Watkins Glen that this is one of the toughest things I’ve had to do and either dwell on or look forward to, one or the other, for the last 15 years. You don’t want to have to do this again. I’m getting too old for this. A lot more gray hair this week or this year.”

Is there more than one option for you right now or more than one team?

“More than one that has paper in front of me, yes.”

Does this decision weigh on you during Sunday’s race?

“It weighs on you every time, every day of the week. The best thing I have for me is experience in being able to go race on Sunday. I’m a racer, that’s all I know so when I get to the race track every weekend, I put my helmet on and that’s what I focus on is just being by myself. I do my best work inside that car and I don’t have to think about anything other than making that car go fast. During the week, I probably have way more things going on than I would like to be able to focus on making that car go fast on Sunday. Hopefully soon, as you said, seven to 10 days be put to rest.”

Can you win a championship this season?

“Sure. We’re a top-five, top-six team right now with myself, Ben (Beshore, crew chief) and my team and where we’re at, we just need to clean up some of our mistakes. Speeding on pit road, that’s on me, running over the air hose or whatever, things. But some of the things we’ve had happen to us, we can’t really clean up because it’s not of our doing and it’s just getting caught up in wrecks and stuff like that. I do feel like we’re a top-five, top-six team and I don’t think that the ones that are all in front of us are going to be perfect when it comes to making the Round of 8. We can surprise, I wouldn’t say we would surprise ourselves, but we could put ourselves in the top four.”

Do people think you’re ruthless both on and off the race track?

“You have to be on the race track, but you are a human and you are still a person when it comes down to during the week and through all of this talk. You still want to come out of it with meeting all of these people and talking to all of these people that you’re human and you have to make a decision that’s best for you and your family and what that looks like going forward.”

Your two previous Cup Series championships have come during some stressful situations for you in 2015 and 2019, is there a correlation between going through these things that could lead to a third championship?

“Boy, that would be nice. I think (Kevin) Harvick said it a few years ago, didn’t he say that the lifespan of a driver was going to be much shorter now with this format? Just with all the stress of it and all that it takes. The stress of the last two or three months is like going through the Round of 8 so I’m already living it. I’m already there. These bozos haven’t been there yet. They’re only going to feel it for three weeks, I’ve dealt with it for three months, bring it on.”

Does the alignment you have with Toyota in Kyle Busch Motorsports weigh on your decision when it comes to your potential decisions for next season?

“I would say that the Truck Series option with Kyle Busch Motorsports has probably made this situation 80 to 85 percent harder than if it was just me. I would have been done by now if it was just me.”

Are other manufacturers as receptive to the Truck Series program as Toyota has been?

“Yes.”

Is there a peace that you get from being behind the wheel of the race car?

“Trust me, it’s not peaceful in that race car. But I understand where you’re going. That’s the aspect that I’m getting at is just being ability to get in the car and perform and do what you feel like you know how to do. Whether that’s what I was born to do or not, that’s what my career has been made of is being able to get out there and perform on Sundays.”

Do you feel like your personality has impacted the ability for sponsorship to be sold around you?

“I can go a lot of different ways with this answer, but I’ll state the obvious that obviously the perception is that it’s probably tougher being who I am to sell a sponsor, but I’m going to argue that fact too. Name me the last big five to 10 million dollar sponsor that’s come in our sport lately. Give me one (to media). So is that a Kyle problem or a sport problem?”

Do you feel you may have to change moving forward with a new corporate sponsor or partner?

“I would agree with that. I feel like having the freedom of being able to act or react to certain situations the way that I could through the support of M&M’s allowed me to be as successful as I was on Sunday, 1000 percent. So will that have to change? Most likely. How much? 10 percent, 15 percent, I don’t know. Maybe it’s 18 percent that you have to change, but I don’t know what that is or what that looks like. So obviously, that’s still to be determined.”

Do you focus more or dig in more when you’re faced with chaos as you were around your 2015 and 2019 championships?

“I mean, you have to, but you don’t really change a whole lot from what you’ve done a majority of the season you just have to have things go more your way. Do you have less run-ins with other drivers because everyone is taking it a little easier because Playoffs are on the line? Maybe, but I think you’re going to have some of those guys that get into desperation type situations like (Kevin) Harvick at Martinsville when he spun me out trying to make it. You might have some of those things that pop in there, but you hope it’s not affecting you and you’re able to make it through how you need to make it through.”

Are you more forgiving when other drivers like Kevin Harvick do things like that due to desperation?

“Yes. Is he still owed? Yeah. Do you give some benefit of the doubt to the situation? Yeah, I think I was already out by then so I wasn’t racing for anything and he was. Maybe I let that one slide, but there’s maybe a 12 percent chance I let that slide. If I’m going for one point, one spot and Kevin is that guy and he’s still in it then he might get it, I don’t know.”

What are your thoughts on the discussion around the safety of the Next Gen car and NASCAR stating that it has to do with the speeds and the angles these cars are hitting?

“I don’t believe that, no way. We have had 30 years with that design of that older car, 40 year, whatever it is and how many crashes have there been recorded or whatever else and now you’re telling me about different speeds at different angles? No way, no way. The crash that I was in, which was that same crash (Daytona), I got up on the wall and then was brushing it basically and then I hit the car in front of me and got hit by another car, I felt it way more than I would have in the old car. You can see that because the car crinkled or crushes a little bit and people are like, ‘oh, he can continue on, it’s not that bad.’ In a Gen 6 crash, I would have been done for the day. The radiator would have been knocked out of it, the rear bumper cover would have been knocked off of it. The wrecks just don’t look as bad because the drivers are carrying the brunt of it.”

What is the process now if you all are feeling these wrecks more as previously you would work within your own race team to make changes? Do you now tell NASCAR?

“We talk to those that are involved in the driver’s council and let them relay the messages.”

Do you feel NASCAR is receptive to the changes being requested?

“I’m not bringing issues to NASCAR, I’m bringing them to the driver’s council so I don’t know who to ask on that.”

Is there a frustration that nothing has been done to this point and we’re 26 races into the season?

“You don’t really learn these things until you put them in race situations. Could they have done more crash testing, probably, but you’re not going to learn, they didn’t have the pieces to do it so they had to get it all out there to get it on the race track to get going. Now we’re learning more about it as we’re in the line of fire if you will. It’s going to be a learn as you go, but the only problem with that is that all the parts and pieces and components are all built and bought and designed and everything else. Now if we’re making changes, what does that go back on? It goes back on the owners. It makes it more expensive for them to buy stuff that gets redesigned to make crashing easier.”

Is there anything you do in this race car to prepare for an impact differently than you did with the previous car?

“I didn’t in this past weekend’s situation and it hurt a little more than I expected it to. I laid up against the wall and thought I was just going to kind of run into the car in front of me and that it was going to be okay, but I slammed against the seat belts and everything else. I thought, ‘that hurt more than I expected it to.’ I didn’t think I needed to brace for what I saw happening versus a couple years ago the finish of a Daytona race, I can’t remember if it was February or July, but (Brad) Keselowski wrecked coming off of (turn) three and I just KO’d him and I braced for that one. I got ready for it because there was nowhere for me to go. And that one hurt too, but it would have been worse with this car than it was with that last car. I’ll admit that.”

About Toyota

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NASCAR CUP SERIES
PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CAMARO ZL1, 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day – Media Availability Highlights:

KYLE LARSON WAS SAYING THAT HE FEELS LIKE YOU ARE MAYBE A LITTLE UNDERESTIMATED COMING INTO THE PLAYOFFS BECAUSE YOU HAVEN’T HAD SOME OF THE RESULTS, BUT THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SO STRONG THIS YEAR. IS THAT A FAIR STATEMENT TO SAY, THAT THIS YEAR IS MUCH BETTER THAN ANY OF THE OTHER PREVIOUS YEARS.

“Yeah, we definitely haven’t had the results to show the speed and performance that we’ve had. But I would like to think so. I think our team is capable of doing what we need to do, it’s just been a rough period of time, I feel like, to put races together for us.”

HAVING SAID THAT, YOU HAVE SOME GOOD TRACKS COMING UP. DO YOU GO SO FAR AS TO CIRCLE THEM OR ARE YOU MORE OF THE ‘ONE WEEK AT A TIME’ TYPE OF GUYS?

“Certainly, there are certain places where you kind of highlight and you’re like ‘OK, I feel like I can have a good run there regardless of the circumstances, regardless of how the rest of the season has gone’ and things like that. Darlington is definitely one of those that – based on our last few runs there – I’m like OK, this could be a good track for us. Even last year in the Playoffs, we got into Alex (Bowman) early when he had a flat tire, knocked the whole right side off the car and still was running like sixth before we had a tire issue. So it’s like, if we can have a car that’s together with all four tires and all four fenders rolling; I feel like Darlington is one of those tracks for us that’s good.”

HOW MUCH ARE YOU AWARE OF THE FOUR FIRST-TIME PLAYOFF DRIVERS? IS IT A FACT THAT YOU’VE RACED WITH THEM ALREADY FOR 26 WEEKS AND IS IT REALLY A BIG DEAL?

“Yeah, some of them the way that they are, you just know what to expect. You know that there are guys that kind of toss it in there and see what happens.. sometimes they don’t come out the other side and sometimes the guy they are racing doesn’t come out the other side.

So yeah, you just know each guy and how they race. Also, the way they race other people might not be the way they race you. Like it may be more aggressive or it might be less aggressive, so it just depends.”

ARE YOU OVER WHAT HAPPENED AT DARLINGTON THE FIRST TIME AROUND?

“I think you just put those kind of in your memory bank. I don’t think you’re ever ‘over it’, per say. If the situation presents itself where the shoe is on the other foot, then I’d like to think that I know what to do.”

DO YOU KEEP A MENTAL CHECKLIST, AS FAR AS THAT GOES? IF YOU’RE IN A POSITION WHERE THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT AND YOU HAVE TO BUMP THE NO. 22 OUT OF THE WAY, ARE YOU GAME?

“I’m going to handle things the way I’ve always handled things. I’ve had run-ins with people in the past, handled it and they never messed with me again. It will sort itself out, for sure.”

IT SEEMS LIKE THAT RACE WAS A TURNING POINT FOR YOUR TEAM. YOU GUYS HAVE HAD CHALLENGES THIS SUMMER. I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S JUST A COINCIDENCE THAT RACE KIND OF STARTED IT ALL.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a coincidence. I wish we knew what happened or why things have gone the way that they’ve gone. But yeah, it’s definitely just a coincidence. I think we had a lot of really good tracks in the beginning of the year. As we started to chase some speed and chase some things, we got off a little bit throughout the summer.. just the way the car drove and things like that. I think we’re getting back to where we need to be now. We know what works; we know what doesn’t work. We definitely know what doesn’t work after the last month or so, so that’s a good thing.”

GIVEN THAT, WHERE’S YOUR CONFIDENCE AND MENTAL MINDSPACE? WHERE’S THE TEAM AT STARTING THE PLAYOFFS?

“I think the team is in a really good space. Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) is very strong minded. He kind of has the football coach mentality when it comes to the playoffs. He’s really good at gathering all the troops and getting us all ready to go. I’m included in that mix and he’s got me fired up. I’m ready to go. I believe in my team. I believe every person on our team is capable. It’s just a matter of extracting that and I think this year could be the year.”

DO YOU LIKE BEING UNDER THE RADAR?

“Yeah, that’s just my personality. I don’t really like to be flashy or do anything that’s going to draw attention. I love racing cars. I’ve absolutely loved it since I was a little kid. This is what I want to do. These are the situations that you want to be in, so it’s nice to come in here. Being here for the fourth time in a row is great and hopefully we can make that next step.”

WILL THE PLAYOFFS BE AS WIDE-OPEN AS THE REGULAR SEASON WAS?

“With this car, we’re going to tracks for a second time now, but there are still so many unknowns. Like Bristol, we don’t have any notes on Bristol. Nobody knows – like is the car going to bottom out when we go to the race track for the first time? There’s a lot of unknowns with this car still.”

DARLINGTON, YOU WERE SO CLOSE YOU COULD TASTE IT LAST TIME. EVEN THE WAY IT ENDED UP, DO YOU STILL HAVE A LOT OF CONFIDENCE WITH JUST WHAT YOU LEARNED AND HOW YOU WERE ABLE TO WORK THAT CAR?

“Yeah, like Darlington and Martinsville – those are tracks where I really struggled at my first year in Cup. Darlington, not so much, but definitely Martinsville. But it seems like now, as I’m getting older and more experienced, those are some of my best tracks.

Darlington, I finished top-five there the previous year. Had a few issues that kept me out of the fall race, but I feel like Darlington is one of those tracks that I really excel at.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

NASCAR CUP SERIES
PLAYOFF MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CAMARO ZL1, 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day – Media Availability Highlights:

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE IN THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE HEADING INTO THE PLAYOFFS?

“I feel like we’re in a good place. I think we could be better for sure. But I think we’re in a solid spot mentally and in a position where we’ve learned some lessons that we can apply going forward.”

ARE YOU THE FAVORITE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

“For me, there’s never a good answer, but I try to give an honest take on it. There’s been too many people good at different times. Just because we have a win more than other people doesn’t mean other people aren’t capable of winning or having a really good day. You have to respect the whole field. There are a lot of really talented drivers and a lot of really smart people working at these teams.”

IS 40 PLAYOFF POINTS ENOUGH TO FEEL A LITTLE COMFORTABLE IN THE FIRST ROUND?

“I don’t think anybody is safe at any point in time. You have to respect this format from Week One all the way to Week 10. I don’t think there is ever a period of time where you should think anything is taken for granted. No amount of playoff points is ever safe. Each round is so short. You could have two bad weeks back-to-back and do nothing wrong. Next thing you know, you’re in a position where you have to win the last race. That can happen to the guy who is first in points or the guy that is last. No one is safe from that.”

THIS IS AN UNFAMILIAR POSITION HAVING SO MANY PLAYOFF POINTS.

“It is. We talked about that a lot. We’ve never been in that position before. This is a good thing. I’d love us to put ourselves in that position more often year after year. It means you’ve probably had more fun that year. It also means you’re trying to hedge your bet. Nothing is guaranteed but it can certainly help. That’s the big one… we want to hedge that bet and better our odds as much as possible.”

NO ONE IS GOING TO HAVE ANY DATA ON BRISTOL BECAUSE IT WAS DIRT EARLIER THIS YEAR.

“That one is really interesting in my opinion. I’m excited to get to Bristol. It’s a really iconic event on our schedule. That fall night race is one that I always look forward to going to. I’m excited about that. Hopefully get it right because it will be a bit of a guess for everyone.”

ARE YOU ENJOYING YOU’RE RACING AND HAVING A GOOD TIME?

“Yeah, if things are going good then I probably have more fun than I do when they’re not. But that’s just how it is. If you’re having good runs and putting yourself in position to win or being fortunate enough to win a race, the fun meter is certainly going to naturally be higher than it would if the roles were not that way. We’ve been fortunate to have some good weeks over the course of the first 26. I want to be and I truly think we can be better for these last 10. That’s what it’s all about right now.”

YOU HAVE HALF THE FIELD FEELING LIKE THEY NEED TO GET BACK ON AND OTHER AGENDAS. DOES THAT COME INTO YOUR THINKING?

“For me, if it’s not going to make you go faster then it’s not worth your time. That’s the truth of this sport and trying to be successful on Sunday’s. You have to get your priorities in order of what matters to you and what’s going to make a difference come Sunday afternoon and how you do.”

THESE AGENDAS CAN IMPACT INNOCENT BYSTANDERS.

“They could and I can’t control that. I’m going to try and control the things that are in my hands and do the best I can with that. The only way to control things like that is to be out front. If you’re out front, you don’t have to worry about the mess. That’s the best way to navigate all those things. Sometimes things are just going to be out your hands, and there’s not much you can do about it.”

IN THE PAST, PEOPLE WOULD SAVE STUFF AND THEIR BEST PIECES FOR THE CHASE OR THE PLAYOFF. IS THAT POSSIBLE TO DO THAT NOW WITH THE NEXT-GEN CAR?

“I don’t know if that’s as relevant today as it was before, especially with the limited number of cars we have now. In 2020, we didn’t know whether we were going to make the final four or not until seven days prior, and we were able to get one together good enough to go compete. I think these teams are good enough now where they can make it happen.”

IS THE PLAYOFF FIELD MORE COMPETITIVE THIS YEAR?

“I definitely think it’s competitive. Look at how many people have won. That’s never happened. I think that answers the question in itself. Any of the guys in this 16 and even those who didn’t make the 16 could go and win more than one race in the last 10. So yes, it’s very competitive.”

WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE OF DARLINGTON?

“For me, you have to find the balance of the fast lane being around the wall – which is a difficult place to live all night for 500 miles – and the sun sets in a really awkward place there in turn three right in your face. It becomes hard to see the corner entry. To me it becomes a tale of two races the more I’ve done it and the more I’ve been a part of the race. In my opinion, it almost feels longer than the 600 for some reason. It feels like you’ve been racing for two days. You start in the daytime and end late at night. Balancing the event is probably the most important piece of going to Darlington; then making sure you have a car that’s put together that you haven’t bounced off the wall a bunch for those last 100 miles.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.