Author: Official Release

  • Mid-Race Hit Spoils Smith’s Solid Short Track Weekend at Richmond

    RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 11, 2010) — Regan Smith drove a damaged race car to a 25th-place finish in Saturday night’s Air Guard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway.

    Smith, who qualified 17, virtually ran in the top-15 for the first 50 laps of the 400-lap, 300-mile race. He continued the pace in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet until he got tangled in a typical short track fender bender near the midpoint of the event.

    Unfortunately for Smith, the damage was more severe than a few sheet metal dents. The front-end of the No. 78 machine took a good hit, including the all-important splitter.

    “Once the splitter got wrecked we were in trouble — it threw off the car’s balance and the aerodynamic package,” said No. 78 crew chief Pete Rondeau. “We needed more cautions so we could have fixed some of the problem. But the yellow flag didn’t fly that much tonight — I think we only had three cautions in the entire race which is unusual for a short track event.”

    Rondeau added, “We tested at the Milwaukee Mile last week and came into this race with the goal of improving our short track program and we did that. We had two solid practices on Friday and a respectable qualifying effort. Then we started the race strong, running in the mid teens until the first caution came out. The splitter issue did spoil what could’ve been a pretty good night of racing. But all-in-all we did make improvements and feel good about that.”

    Though he was not pleased with the result, Smith was upbeat about how the car performed.

    “I am not happy with the finish, but I am happy with the weekend performance,” stated Smith as he was leaving the .75-mile Richmond track. “The Furniture Row Chevy was really hooked up before the front-end damage. The car had grip, it had speed and it was just a lot of fun to drive. But once our car got hit it was never the same. We had a good weekend and I look forward to the same — minus the damage — in next week’s race in New Hampshire (Sept. 19).

    The race winner was Denny Hamlin. Rounding out the top-five in order were: Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano and Marcos Ambrose.

    The race had three cautions for 28 laps and there were 14 lead changes among six drivers.

  • Martinsville Speedway Family Four-Pack And Two Speedway Hats, All For Just $99

    The $99 Family 4 Pack for this fall’s TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway is a pretty sweet deal and now it’s even sweeter.

    In addition to great racing and food for one pretty amazing price, two Martinsville Speedway hats have been added to the package.

    The Family 4 Pack includes two adult tickets and two children’s tickets (18 and under) to the TUMS Fast Relief 500 along with vouchers for The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog® (four), four Pepsi products and two khaki-colored Martinsville Speedway hats.

    The $99 Family 4 Pack seats are located in rows 6 through 14 of the Clay Earles Tower overlooking the second turn.

    Order your Family 4 Pack today by calling 877-RACE-TIX (877-722-3849) and mentioning the Family Four Pack offer or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

    Tickets for the entire TUMS Relief 500 weekend are now on sale. Tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 begin at $25 and range to $77.

    Tickets to the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on October 23 are $30 in advance, with children 12 and under admitted free.

    Tickets for Farm Bureau Pole Day, which features practice and qualifying for both the Kroger 200 and the TUMS Fast Relief 500, are $15, children 12 and under admitted free.

    Tickets for all events may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.

  • Fans Are Given Unprecedented Access to NASCAR Stars during Bank of America

    CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 9, 2010) – NASCAR fans are clamoring for more chances to see their favorite drivers and Charlotte Motor Speedway is listening. Building on its Fans First philosophy, Charlotte Motor Speedway is providing an unprecedented number of opportunities for fans to get closer to the stars of their favorite sport during Bank of America 500 Week Oct. 14-16.

    Through a variety of ticket packages and free events, fans will see the following NASCAR drivers and legends:

    – Richard Petty and Junior Johnson: The Hall of Fame ticket package gives fans access to a forum with the only two surviving members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Petty and Johnson. Starting at just $99, the package also includes a tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and a collector’s edition magazine from That’s Racin’, by The Charlotte Observer.

    – Kasey Kahne: Fans who purchase the OktoberFast ticket package for the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 16 can participate in a Q-and-A session with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Kahne, driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Ford.

    Starting at just $89, the package also includes authentic Oktoberfest food and drinks, a commemorative collector mug while supplies last and access to a special OktoberFast area to enjoy a real Oktoberfest-themed pre-race festival, with live music.

    – Kenny Wallace: Fans who purchase the OktoberFast ticket package for the Dollar General 300 on Oct. 15 can participate in a Q-and-A session with SPEED personality and NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Wallace. Starting at just $59, the package also includes the same additional benefits as the Bank of America 500 OktoberFast package.

    – Jamie McMurray: Outdoor enthusiasts who are NASCAR fans get a double treat with the Bass Pro Shops ticket package. With a $99 ticket purchase to the Bank of America 500, fans get a meet and greet with Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 winner McMurray, driver of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. In addition, the package includes a $25 Charlotte Motor Speedway gift card, $15 off $100 or more on a Bass Pro Shops purchase, a pro hunting seminar at the Concord Mills Bass Pro Shops and a behind-the scenes tour of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

    – Jeff Burton: Families with Boy Scouts or Scout Masters can participate in a Q-and-A session with Burton, driver of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet, through the speedway’s special Scout ticket package. With tickets for children 12 and under starting at just $10, the package includes seats in the family-friendly, non-alcohol, non-smoking sections in Turn 4.

    – Nationwide Series Drivers: Before the Dollar General 300 on Friday night, Oct. 15, fans can meet the stars of the NASCAR Nationwide Series during an hour-long autograph session on Pit Road.

    – Other Top NASCAR Stars: Two additional activities will give fans special driver access at the speedway this October. First, PRN Up To SPEED is the popular free fan forum that will take place at the SPEED stage, located at the speedway’s main entrance, prior to the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 16. Several NASCAR stars are scheduled to join personalities from the Performance Racing Network for the 30 minute Q-and-A session. Also, Victory Lane Club members get a complimentary breakfast on race day in the Nationwide Series garage, with special visits from top NASCAR personalities. The speedway’s Victory Lane Club offers fans three incredible NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events each year, along with unprecedented additional value and behind-the-scenes access.

    “We want to give our fans every opportunity to enhance their experience at the speedway by interacting with as many NASCAR stars as possible,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “With our exciting NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase racing under the lights and unmatched driver access opportunities, we know fans will walk away from the Bank of America 500 Weekend remembering Charlotte Motor Speedway as ‘The Greatest Place to See the Race.’”

    Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). The Bank of America Fan 4

    Pack includes tickets, hot dogs and Coca-Cola drinks starting at just $39.75 per person and fans can get four nights of great racing with the Bank of America 500 Weekend Super Ticket for just $99.

    For daily updates on October race activities, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.

  • The Racing School To Hold Driving Classes At Martinsville Speedway On October 16

    MARTINSVILLE, Va. (September 8, 2010) – Race fans who want to be race drivers, at least for a day, can get that opportunity at Martinsville Speedway on October 16 when The Racing School revs up at the historic half-mile oval.

    The Racing School will offer up driving classes for those who want behind-the-wheel time. Ride-along sessions will be offered for the less intrepid.

    “We were looking for the right opportunity for fans to experience hands-on racing here and The Racing School brings so much experience and so many satisfied customers to the table,” said Martinsville Speedway President W. Clay Campbell. “It’s an opportune time for the school, too, just a week before the TUMS Fast Relief 500 weekend. We think it’s going to be a great fit that will offer fans an idea of what it’s like getting around Martinsville Speedway.”

    The Racing School, which has been around for more than a decade, visits about 15 tracks a year, including Richmond International Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway, Michigan Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Kentucky Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and Chicagoland.

    The school will offer classroom and on-track instruction.

    In the classroom an instructor will cover the flags used, how to enter and exit the track, finding the correct racing line, passing and more.

    The Racing School also provides each driver with several demonstration laps in a passenger vehicle.

    Students will also be outfitted with full safety gear for their driving experience.

    Once secured safely in the car, students roll out onto the track, and after a few warm-up laps to work on accelerating, braking, passing and finding the fastest line. Once the warm-ups are over, you’re on your own, with the guidance of an instructor’s voice in your ear via radio.

    At the end of the day, students will be able to purchase photos of their day’s performance.

    The Driving School offers several different packages, including the ride-alongs. Packages and prices can be found at www.theracingschool.com.

    Also, students can book their packages at www.theracingschool.com or by calling 877-CAN-RACE (226-7223).

    The next racing action at Martinsville Speedway is the TUMS Fast Relief 500 weekend October 22-24. Tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 begin at $25 and range to $77.

    Tickets to the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on October 23 are $30 in advance, with children 12 and under admitted free.

    Tickets for Farm Bureau Pole Day, which features practice and qualifying for both the Kroger 200 and the TUMS Fast Relief 500, are $15, children 12 and under admitted free.

    Tickets for all events may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.

  • Give A Pint Of Blood At Martinsville Speedway, Get Free Pole-Day Ticket

    Give A Pint Of Blood At Martinsville Speedway, Get Free Pole-Day Ticket

    Race fans will be able to help save lives and make their own racing experience even better through an American Red Cross blood drive at Martinsville Speedway on September 17.

    The American Red Cross will be set up in the infield of Martinsville Speedway from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on September 17.

    Anyone registering to donate a pint of blood will receive a certificate for a
    free ticket to the Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Pole Day on October 22. The
    TUMS Fast Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race is scheduled for October 24.

    “We know how NASCAR fans give back to their communities and this is just
    another great opportunity for folks to help their community,” said
    Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell. “It’s one of those things we
    love to be involved with. I know many of our employees will be rolling up
    their sleeves and we expect many other folks to help out, too.”

    The goal for this year’s drive at Martinsville Speedway is 100 units. To make
    an appointment, call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE. While appointments are suggested,
    non-scheduled donors will be accepted on the day of the drive.

  • 10/10/10 NOT JUST A DATE – IT IS RACE DAY & DALE JR’S 36th BIRTHDAY!

    ~ Celebrate by cheering him to a win with this special ticket package ~

    SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2010) – 10/10/10 is a special numerical date for most. But for race fans that date means two things: NASCAR visits Auto Club Speedway for the Pepsi MAX 400 and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is celebrating his 36th birthday.

    To celebrate Dale Jr.’s birthday, Auto Club Speedway is offering the Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package which includes tickets to BOTH the Pepsi MAX 400 on Sunday 10/10/10, the fourth race in the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” and the NNS CampingWorld.com 300 on Saturday, Oct. 9.

    For only $88 (a $150 value) Dale Jr. fans can enjoy a package that includes:

    · Reserved seat lower rows 1-5 to the Pepsi MAX 400 on Sunday, Oct. 10

    · General admission seat to the CampingWorld.com 300 NNS race on Saturday, Oct. 9

    · Dale Jr. commemorative gift

    · Pre-race pit pass for entire weekend

    In addition to the $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package, Auto Club Speedway offers free parking, allows fans to bring in their own food and other cost-savings opportunities for fans to experience a full weekend of entertainment and fun for the entire family.

    For a limited time and while supplies last, the Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package is available for purchase now through Friday, Sept. 10. For tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com/specialoffers for more information.

    About Auto Club Speedway

    This October the playoffs go golden! The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup roars into the Golden State and Southern California’s Auto Club Speedway. Experience a weekend full of speed beginning with NASCAR Qualifying Day (Oct. 8), followed by the NNS CampingWorld.com 300 (Oct. 9) and culminating with Southern California’s “playoff” race – the Pepsi MAX 400 (Oct. 10).

    Free parking, unbelievable menu items and a full weekend of entertainment, live music and fun await fans in the Speedway’s Opportunity, California FanZone.

    Pepsi MAX 400 tickets start at $35 and AAA members receive Show Your Card & Save discounts, including a special section with half-priced tickets for kids 12 and under. And don’t forget children 12 and under can sign up for the FREE Auto Club Speedway Lefty’s Kids Club membership to receive FREE admission on Friday and Saturday.

    For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.AutoClubSpeedway.com.

  • BOBBY LABONTE, JTG DAUGHERTY RACING, DARLINGTON RACEWAY PREVIEW

    BOBBY LABONTE, JTG DAUGHERTY RACING, DARLINGTON RACEWAY PREVIEW

    Track: Darlington Raceway
    Event: Bojangles’ Southern 500
    Time:  6:45 PM ET
    TV/Radio: FOX / MRN Radio

    Darlington Raceway:

    There have been 47 pole winners and 45 race winners at Darlington Raceway. Bobby Labonte is a part of that elite group owning one win (9/3/00) and one pole (8/30/97) along with five top-five and 11 top-10 finishes in 32 starts. He has led 131 laps and his average start is 16.094 and his average finish is 16.344.

    This weekend Labonte looks to top his season best finish of 15th that occurred at Daytona International Speedway in February.

    He is currently 28th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings, 103 points out of 10th place.

    Bobby Labonte Stats

    Career Starts: 700
    Wins:  21
    Top-five:  115
    Top-10:  201
    First Start:  06/03/1991 Dover
    First Pole:  09/11/1993 Richmond
    First Win:  05/28/1995 Charlotte
    Last Pole:  04/04/2004 Texas
    Last Win:  11/16/2003 Homestead (329 races since)
    Driver DOB:  05/08/1964
    Hometown:  Corpus Christi, TX
    Crew Chief:  Brian Burns

    JTG Daugherty Racing Notes and Quotes:

    Labonte, who celebrated his 49th birthday on Wednesday, is a fan of Darlington Raceway:

    “Darlington is a track like no other with rich history,” Labonte continued. “I just love going there. It’s a special race and one I’ve had the privilege of winning. We’ve got Kingsford Charcoal on board this weekend and look forward to carrying the brand on our No. 47 Toyota Camry.”

    Crew chief Brian Burns is confident about competing on the team’s chances in the Bojangles’ Southern 500:

    “We’ve had two top-20s in a row and you can see the progress we are making,” Burns said. “If we hadn’t been collected in the big one at Talladega Superspeedway, we would have finished better. We had a good car and Bobby was able to lead some laps. We feel like we’ve turned the corner and we are going to another track that caters to a veteran driver like Bobby Labonte. It’s one of our stronger tracks in the lineup. We’ve also been spending a lot of time at TRD’s facility the last couple of weeks. We’ve done some R&D work that we are going to apply that will put us a step ahead of where we’ve been.”

    Labonte reflects his win on September 3, 2000 in a backup car after taking a provisional and starting 37th:

    “The weather was threatening the race finish and we beat the everyone off pit road the time when it counted the most,” Labonte said. “Not long after, the track was drenched with rain. It was all about timing. We didn’t have the fastest car that day, but we were able to beat everyone out of the pits and capitalize when the track was drenched the final time.”

    The 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion finished 29th the last time out at Darlington Raceway:

    “We tried to overcome handling and motor challenges the last time we were there,” Labonte said.

    Happy Mother’s Day Get Out & Grill:

    “It’s a special weekend and I’d like to say Happy Mother’s Day,” Labonte said. “It’s another great reason to grab a bag of Kingsford Charcoal and ‘Get Out & Grill’ with your family and celebrate your mom.”

    ________________________________
    HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT KINGSFORD
    FIRE UP THE GRILL FOR MOM!

    This Mother’s Day, why not celebrate with a home grilled meal for the special lady in your life?

    Here are just some of the reasons why we grill at home on Mom’s Day…

    To view the number #1 reason to grill for Mother’s Day CLICK HERE or visit www.kingsford.com

    Tailgater of the Week:

    Last week at Talladega Superspeedway, Eddie Whitney’s unique campsite on Talladega Boulevard in the infield was hard to pass up for Tailgater of the Week. They took top honors with their mechanical bull as the centerpiece of their layout.
    “Basically we were trying to figure out something that hadn’t been at a track before and we said let’s bring a mechanical bull,” said Whitney, who is from Charleston, S.C. “It’s an original idea and no one that we know has ever seem a mechanical bull at a track.”
    Whitney is a proud supporter of all of JTG Daugherty Racing’s brands and is a big fan of Kingsford Charcoal. His most favorite thing to throw on the grill are steaks.

    Do you have what it takes to be the “TAILGATER OF THE WEEK”? Are you the ultimate “Grillmaster” at the race track? Do you want to win an all expense paid trip and be the VIP guest of JTG Daugherty Racing at the big race in Las Vegas in 2014?

    Are you the ultimate “Grillmaster” at the race track? Do you want to win an all expense paid trip and be the VIP guest of JTG Daugherty Racing at the big race in Las Vegas in 2014?

    If you answered yes, then get out to the track and let us know where you are tailgating! Each race weekend during the Sprint Cup season JTG Daugherty Racing will be scouting the infields and campgrounds, looking for the best tailgaters at the track. The best, most enthusiastic tailgaters each race weekend will win a custom prize pack and become eligible for our “TAILGATER OF THE YEAR” competition.
    You can let us know where you are tailgating by tweeting us your location.

    Throughout the weekend, leading up to the green flag, our team members, owners and maybe even Bobby Labonte himself will be patrolling the infield and campsites looking for the best tailgaters. So, fire up your grills with Kingsford® Charcoal, heat up a can of Bush’s® Grillin’ Beans and clean up your messes with Clorox® and Scott® Brand Products!
    Simply follow us on Twitter @NASCAR47 , send us a tweet with your tailgate location and include the hash tag #TweetYourTailgate

    Visit www.RaceSavers.com for more

    Bobby Labonte Scheduled Appearances:

    Saturday, May 11th

    2:50 to 3:10   MRO Pace Car Rides

    3:20 to 3:35   Coca-Cola Appearance 15 minute Q&A in hospitality village

  • BOBBY LABONTE, JTG DAUGHERTY RACING, CHARLOTTE ALL-STAR PREVIEW

    BOBBY LABONTE, JTG DAUGHERTY RACING, CHARLOTTE ALL-STAR PREVIEW

    BOBBY LABONTE & NO. 47 HOUSE-AUTRY TOYOTA CAMRY
    NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SPRINT SHOWDOWN PREVIEW
    FOR ALL-STAR WEEKEND AT CHARLOTTE

    Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
    Event: Sprint Showdown and All-Star Race

    Bobby Labonte went on to finish 19th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson won the event.

    This year, three All-Star spots remain up for grabs and Bobby Labonte wants one. The top-two finishers of the Sprint Showdown will transfer into the All-Star event. The winner of the Sprint Fan Vote gets the final starting slot. Labonte won the Sprint Fan Vote last year.

    The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race field of 19 drivers is comprised of 2012-13 NASCAR Sprint Cup winners; the past 10 NASCAR Sprint All-Star winners; the past 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup champions; the top-two finishers from the Sprint Showdown and the winner of the Sprint Fan Vote. Sprint Fan Voting continues through 5 p.m. EDT, May 18 via NASCAR.com/SprintFanVote. Votes cast on NASCAR Mobile ’13 count twice.

    When twenty-two drivers are turned loose in the All-Star race, more than $1 million is up for grabs.

    JTG Daugherty Racing Quotes:

    Sprint Fan Vote last year:   “It was a great surprise to win the Sprint Fan Vote and very personally uplifting for the fact that we weren’t even going to the race other than to try practicing a few laps,” Labonte said. “For us to go and get voted in was awesome. For the fans to take the time do all that voting reminds me of how loyal NASCAR fans are.”

    All-Star Race Sponsor:   “We are very fortunate to have House-Autry sponsoring us for the All-Star weekend,” said Labonte. “Their support will allow us to focus on racing hard in the showdown so we can earn one of the transfer spots into the All-Star race.”

    Showdown format and All-Star race:  “It’s a great night of racing, different from anything else we do,” Labonte said. “To get in the All-Star race, it feels like you have to really drive harder than any other race throughout the year. But if you get in, the intensity level is even higher.”

    Being home for Charlotte race weeks: “Yes, it is a really great track to race at and it feels good to sleep in my bed every night for a few weeks,” Labonte said.

    Crew chief looks forward to All-Star weekend too:  “Charlotte should be a really good weekend for the 47 team,” crew chief Brian Burns said. “We are using the practice session this weekend to do some testing on a few items that we’ve been developing back at the shop.  Bobby had a very good car last year in the fall race, and our testing during the Charlotte offseason test sessions were very positive.  We are using this weekend to learn what we can and apply to the car for the Showdown Race as well as the Coca-Cola 600.”

    Bobby Labonte Stats

    Career Starts: 701
    Wins:  21
    Top-five:  115
    Top-10:  201
    First Start:  06/03/1991 Dover
    First Pole:  09/11/1993 Richmond
    First Win:  05/28/1995 Charlotte
    Last Pole:  04/04/2004 Texas
    Last Win:  11/16/2003 Homestead (329 races since)
    Driver DOB:  05/08/1964
    Hometown:  Corpus Christi, TX
    Crew Chief:  Brian Burns

    NASCAR Sprint All-Star Wins List
    Year    Driver                        Year     Driver
    1985    Darrell Waltrip            1999     Terry Labonte
    1986    Bill Elliott                    2000     Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    1987    Dale Earnhardt           2001     Jeff Gordon
    1988    Terry Labonte             2002     Ryan Newman
    1989    Rusty Wallace             2003     Jimmie Johnson
    1990    Dale Earnhardt           2004     Matt Kenseth
    1991    Davey Allison              2005     Mark Martin
    1992    Davey Allison              2006     Jimmie Johnson
    1993    Dale Earnhardt           2007     Kevin Harvick
    1994    Geoff Bodine               2008     Kasey Kahne
    1995    Jeff Gordon                 2009     Tony Stewart
    1996    Michael Waltrip           2010     Kurt Busch
    1997    Jeff Gordon                 2011     Carl Edwards
    1998    Mark Martin                2012     Jimmie Johnson

    ·         There have been 28 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Races.
    ·         The first NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race was in 1985.
    ·         27 have been held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 1986, the event was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and won by Bill Elliott. That season was also the first year for what is now known as the Sprint Showdown.
    ·         89 drivers have run in at least one NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, with 75 competing in more than one.
    ·         There have been 19 different winners of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
    ·         NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip won the inaugural NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in 1985 at 161.184 mph.

    House-Autry, The Choice of Southern Cooks Since 1812.

    What is it about Southern food, anyway? Compared to a lot of cuisine, it’s not real fancy. Or flashy. Yet, its tastes and aromas can excite the senses as powerfully as any other cooking on earth. It’s simple, honest, comfort food. Authentic and genuine. That’s it in a nutshell! That’s its magic. It’s the food that everyone seems to love. When you eat House-Autry food, it reminds you of growing up. We don’t try to be fancy, we do comfort food that most anyone can become accomplished at.

    For over 200 years our traditional Southern taste has been bringing families’ & friends together over delicious meals using our convenient & easy to use products.  Come find your next go-to meal!  We’ve created recipes for all occasions, from everyday family meals to neighborhood gatherings.  You’ll bring your crew running to the table with our recipes and family of products: Chicken, Seafood, and Pork Breaders, Sauces, Southern Baked Coating Mixes, Corn Meal, Hushpuppy, Biscuit and Cornbread Mixes.

    Delicious recipes at “House-Autry.com”

    Tailgater of the Week:

    Last weekend, Darlington Raceway had some of the best tailgaters and the winner’s awarded on Saturday were Todd and Dawn Arnwine from North Charleston, SC.

    The pair had a prime spot on the main strip in the infield and actually bought two spots so they could have enough room for all of their friends to have a great tailgating experience.

    The Arnwine’s favorite things to grill include tenderloin, brisket and steak. They are big fans of JTG Daugherty Racing’s sponsor’s products.

    Todd was easily the most enthusiastic tailgater at the track, waving and talking to everyone that went past his site.

    This is his fourth year tailgating in the infield. His spot was directly across from the giant Sprint Vision screen so they were able to continue the tailgate throughout the race and not go into the stands.

    Congratulations to the Arnwine’s! We’ll be looking for this weeks Tailgater at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

    Are you the ultimate “Grillmaster” at the race track? Do you want to win an all expense paid trip and be the VIP guest of JTG Daugherty Racing at the big race in Las Vegas in 2014?

    If you answered yes, then get out to the track and let us know where you are tailgating! Each race weekend during the Sprint Cup season JTG Daugherty Racing will be scouting the infields and campgrounds, looking for the best tailgaters at the track. The best, most enthusiastic tailgaters each race weekend will win a custom prize pack and become eligible for our “TAILGATER OF THE YEAR” competition.

    You can let us know where you are tailgating by tweeting us your location.

    Throughout the weekend, leading up to the green flag, our team members, owners and maybe even Bobby Labonte himself will be patrolling the infield and campsites looking for the best tailgaters. So, fire up your grills with Kingsford® Charcoal, heat up a can of Bush’s® Grillin’ Beans and clean up your messes with Clorox® and Scott® Brand Products!

    Simply follow us on Twitter @NASCAR47 , send us a tweet with your tailgate location and include the hash tag #TweetYourTailgate.

    Visit www.RaceSavers.com for more details!

  • CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ONE: Danica Patrick Press Conf. Transcript

    CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ONE: Danica Patrick Press Conf. Transcript

    DANICA PATRICK, NO. 10 GODADDY CHEVROLET Met with media and discussed Memorial Day, running in the longest race of the year, how the Coca-Cola 600 compares to the All-Star race, and more.
    Full Transcript:

     

    Q.        Danica, what does Memorial Day mean to you?

     

    DANICA PATRICK:
     I thought you were going to ask me about labor.  What does Memorial Day mean to me?

     

    Q.        Yes.

     

    DANICA PATRICK:  Well, for me, for so long obviously it meant Indy.  It’s not Labor Day, it’s Memorial Day.  I’m like, wait, no.

    Memorial Day was the month of May for me.  It was Indianapolis.  It was a lot about the military, the people that serve our country on race day, everything down to them being the ones that
    sang national anthems sometimes before the race. 

    It’s the start of summer.  

     

    Q.        How different was your experience last weekend compared to running the 600 last year, new car and all that?

     

    DANICA PATRICK:  How different was the All-Star Race versus the Coke 600?

     

    Q.        Compared to being a rookie last year and coming back.?

     

    DANICA PATRICK:  I mean, the All-Star Race is a totally different thing.  So I guess you get more track time really, which for me
    is good. 

     

    Q.        Do you feel you’re a better driver than years past?

    DANICA PATRICK:  I don’t know.  It doesn’t look like it out there.  There’s definitely no chance that I’m getting worse.  Continuing
    to learn and get more comfortable.  We’re learning with the car.  We know we have a lot further to go with getting to a place of speed that we want.  But every day that we’re on track, every lap that we make is going to bring us a little closer and learn a
    little bit more. Sometimes it’s about what not to do. 

     

    Q.        This is one of the signature races of the season, not just a holiday weekend.  The longest race the year.  How important would it be for you to run well here, change the conversation
    a little bit?  How close do you think your team is to competing week in, week out in the top 10?

    DANICA PATRICK:  Sorry, that was like three questions.  What one do you want me to answer?

     

    Q.        Performing well in a signature race.

     

    DANICA PATRICK:  It’s always really nice to do well when everyone is watching or when more people are watching.  I’ve been very
    fortunate in my career that that happens a lot, whether it be Indy or Daytona or big races like that.  It’s been a nice coincidence for me.

    We didn’t have a special race here last year in the Coke 600, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t this weekend.  Hopefully we keep that trend going of having good weekends on big weekends.?

     

    Q.        How close do you think you are to running in the top 10 consistently?

     

    DANICA PATRICK:  I think that as an organization I feel like half of the battle is kind of figuring out what it is, and I think
    we have a grasp, an idea, of what that is, what those things are.  Executing is the next challenge.

    I think it’s going to take some time.  I don’t know how long it will take to have those issues fixed ultimately, but I feel like we have an idea of where we need to go.

     

    Q.        (No microphone.)

    DANICA PATRICK:  Yeah, I mean, I think everybody rolls into a year, you think you’ve done everything you can to prepare best as
    possible.  You don’t know till you get going, which is why at the beginning of the year when people ask about what I should be expecting out there, what to expect, I said, Let’s see how the first five races go, see where we shake out.  I think that’s the same
    every year.  You just need to see where you end up on all the different tracks, what you need to work out.

    I do, I think that we were surprised.  But all of us understand that we have to work hard to fix it.

     

    Q.        On race day, what do you do to get yourself mentally prepared to race?  Any kind of rituals?

    DANICA PATRICK:  I listen to Eye of the Tiger six times and I do 40 push-ups in a row (laughter).

    I don’t do anything unique or different.  I just have a normal morning.  I don’t think that changing it up means anything.  Superstitions are only real if you believe in them.

    They change based on what race time is, what there is to do before the race.  Night races are far different days than noon races.  No, I don’t do anything in particular.

     

    Q.        As you gain more experience in the car, your thought process, the things you’re thinking about as the race progresses, how has that changed from a year or so ago?  I guess you’re
    learning more things. 

     

    DANICA PATRICK:  I would say the biggest difference between when I’m out running the car at the beginning last year and now, I just
    feel like I understand a little bit better, definitely not great, but I understand better what’s happening with the car, whether it’s the splitter hitting, whether or not it’s falling over on the right rear, something like that.  I can identify the issues
    a little bit better than I could in the beginning, of course. 

     

    Q.        How much does that help you?

    DANICA PATRICK:
     It just helps to be able to identify the problem so I can relay the right information to Gibson so he can fix it.  He’s only as good as the information I give him.

    Over time I’m getting better at that, help hone in on what change is the best one, not by telling him, but giving him more detailed information.

     

    Q.        (No microphone.)

    DANICA PATRICK:  I’m not going to lie.  I didn’t feel very good after we ended the All-Star Race last weekend.  I’m not necessarily
    optimistic right now about the race. 

    But by no means do I let that take me out of the game, take my effort out.  We were all fired up today.  I think we had a relatively decent practice.  We had lots of issues.  Around that, I
    think we had better race speed.  I think we’re learning more about what I need in a qualifying car.

    You know, let’s hope that helps us qualify better and let’s hope that helps us race better.  That’s just what we do every single day and weekend, is work towards those things.

    I have a little bit of a better feeling after practicing than I did this morning arriving.  So a step in the right direction.

     

    Q.        This being Indy 500 week, do you think more about possibly doing the double at some point seeing all that going on?

    DANICA PATRICK:  I would say that I don’t think more about it when Indy comes up as far as on the schedule.  But I would say that
    I think about it each year at the end of the year what I want to do. 

    I really tried hard to do it this year.  We all did on my team.  Ultimately it came down to the fact that it wasn’t going to help me here, and this is what I’ve chosen to do now, it’s not fair
    to take away from it.  I have a long way to go to figure this out.  I need to focus here.

    As the years go by, more and more distance goes between my full-time IndyCar career and now, it gets less and less likely.

     

    Q.        Homesick feeling watching it?

    DANICA PATRICK:  No.  I have really fond memories.  I, of course, would have loved to have won the race.  I feel very fortunate
    as a driver to have been in a position to win a few times.  Definitely two times having a really, really good chance.  I feel good about that.

     

    It’s just one race.  It is the Indy 500, but I feel like I also did good things.  While Indy can kind of make a driver, I feel like it is part of what made me who I am today.  So it did those
    things for me.  I didn’t win, but it did make me who I am today.

     

    Q.        600 miles tougher physically or mentally?

    DANICA PATRICK:  Physically it’s just about hydration.  Mentally it’s about hydration actually, I would say.  Honestly, that’s where
    you lose it. 

    I’ve already started working on that.  To be honest, that’s kind of the norm for NASCAR.  These long races on Sundays, you really need to focus on just staying hydrated.  The car is not hard
    to turn.  It’s not physically difficult to drive.  But you do sweat your butt off in there, so I’m working on that.

     

    Q.        After the 40 push-ups.

    DANICA PATRICK:  Yeah, my triceps are spazzing.

    No, it’s fine.  Just got to stay hydrated.

     

    Q.        How about a Dover preview?  What are you thinking about as you head to the Monster Mile next week?

    DANICA PATRICK:  I’m thinking I’m glad we tested there.  I hope it helps.  It didn’t help Newman last year.  I think we went there
    and there was a lot more cars on the track.  There was like 11 of us.  Actually laid down a little bit of rubber.  Obviously the things we worked on will translate on race weekend.  I think that’s always a struggle from testing to race time.

     

         FastScripts by ASAP Sports

     

     

     

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  • CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ONE: Post Qualifying Notes and Quotes

    CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ONE: Post Qualifying Notes and Quotes

    NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
    COCA-COLA 600
    CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
    TEAM CHEVY QUALIFYING NOTES AND QUOTES
    MAY 23, 2013

    KURT BUSCH, NO. 78 FURNITURE ROW RACING/SEALY CHEVROLET SS – QUALIFIED SECOND

    HOW FAST WAS IT AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT?

    “I didn’t do my job. That just shows how good this team is right now. These Furniture Row guys are on it. They keep brining piece after piece to the race track. I couldn’t be happier for them and
    more proud of them. Todd Berrier (crew chief) and these guys it feels really good right now. I left some on the table in (turns) three and four, but I nailed (turns) one and two. I felt really good about it going down the back straightaway and I had a conversation
    with myself ‘how hard do I drive it into (turn) three?’ I just I still didn’t quite hit my marks in (turns) three and four. That just shows how good this car is right now.”

    ON HIS LAP:

    “This car is fast. I threw away some time in (turns) three and four. I didn’t do my job. This team is on it. Todd Berrier (crew chief) has got these guys lined up. Everybody is pulling the rope
    in the same direction and each week they keep bringing car after car after car that is fast to the race track. I’m really proud of these guys.”

    CAN YOU WIN WITH THIS CAR SUNDAY NIGHT?
    “I don’t know yet. We focused 100 percent on qualifying trim today. Tomorrow is off we will come back on Saturday and hit it hard. We have three hours of practice, but we have to keep our miles limited
    because it is a 600 mile race. I haven’t even gotten into race trim yet, but we know we’ve got some good things going right now.”�

    KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 TIME WARNER CABLE CHEVROLET SS – QUALIFIED SIXTH

    ON HIS QUALIFYING LAP:

    “Yeah it was good. It was close a little bit off of what Denny (Hamlin, pole sitter) could run. Still the car felt good. Felt good earlier today and tonight. It will give us a good starting spot
    for Sunday. See how Saturday goes that is when you make your car. Hopefully, we get it right.”

    JAMIE MCMURRAY, NO. 1 BAD BOY BUGGIES CHEVROLET SS – QUALIFIED NINTH

    ON HIS QUALIFYING LAP:

    “It actually didn’t feel that good. We were way off in practice and after as well as we ran last week you kind of expect a little more. That was a good qualifying lap. I went through (turns) one and
    two I thought as good as anybody probably did. I gave up a lot in (turns) three and four, but it’s still going to be a pretty good lap.”

    DALE EARNHARDT, JR., NO. 88 NATIONAL GUARD CHEVROLET SS – QUALIFIED 11TH

    ON HIS QUALIFYING LAP:

    “I think we could have run a little better. I didn’t realize the track was as in good of shape as it was. I gave up a little bit of speed the first half of the lap. The car drove good. The second
    half of the lap the speed was there. The drivability was pretty good in the car.”

    AFTER LAST WEEK’S ALL-STAR RACE YOU WANTED TO BE A LITTLE BIT BETTER. HAVE YOU MADE SENSE IF YOU ARE BETTER OR WILL YOU NOT KNOW UNTIL YOU GET UNDER THE LIGHTS?

    “We definitely got some things on the shelf that we feel like we can work with. Some tools we can work with since the race to try to be better. Try to be prepared to improve the car in practice and
    stuff. We will just have to see once we get here Saturday. Get to work really what kind of issues we are dealing with and what we need to work on. All these guys have been studying all week on scenarios and what we can do to improve and get a little better
    than we were last week. We definitely should have run better than we did last week.”

    JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S PATRIOTIC CHEVROLET SS – QUALIFIED 12TH
    DID YOU GUYS WORK A LOT ON QUALIFYING OR RACING TODAY?
    “Yeah, that is all we focused on today with that short practice session. Knowing that Saturday is going to be good weather wise we worked on qualifying. I was very happy with my lap. Hopefully, that
    will keep us in the top-five. Obviously, early is not a great thing, but I think we have a good chance for a top-five if not a top-10. We know this Lowe’s Chevrolet always races a lot better than it qualifies.”

    DANICA PATRICK, NO. 10 GODADDY CHEVROLET SS – QUALIFIED 24TH
    TALK ABOUT YOUR QUALIFYING LAP:

    “Qualifying at this time of day will get quicker and quicker as the track gets shaded more and it cools off. The earlier you draw the worse it is. I feel like that was probably the most comfortable and consistent the car had felt in qualifying all year really.�
    I feel like we made some gains on the balance of the car through practice. Obviously, being here last weekend helped and we put in a better time than we did last weekend. All things going in the right direction.”

    Connect with Team Chevy on social media. Like us on Facebook at
    facebook.com/TeamChevy,
    follow us on Twitter @TeamChevy,
    and add +TeamChevy
    into your Google+ circles.

    Team Chevy racing photos are available at:

    About
    Chevrolet

    Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5
    million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at
    www.chevrolet.com.