Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Category: NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR Cup Series

  • SpeedwayMedia News and Notes

    SpeedwayMedia News and Notes

    This weeks Kobalt Tools 400 will be held at the one and half mile tri-oval Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The track saw it’s first NASCAR race in 1996 with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series west race won by Ken Schrader. The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was the Las Vegas 400 won by Mark Martin in 1998. Jimmie Johnson currently holds the record for most wins with four.

    This weeks Schedule:

    Practice
    3 p.m ET Friday on Speed

    Qualifying
    6:30 p.m. ET Friday on Speed

    Practice
    6:00 p.m. ET Saturday on Speed

    Kobalt Tools 400
    3:00 p.m. ET Sunday Fox

    News and Notes for Las Vegas

    *There have been 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at LMS.
    *With four drivers participating in all 13 races, Jeff Burton, Jeff gordon, Bobby Labonte, and Mark Martin.
    *Eight different drivers have won, led by Jimmie Johnson, Johnson has won four of the last six races at LMS including last season’s position.
    *Five of the 13 races have been won from a starting position of 20th or worse.
    *The deepest in the field that a race winner has started was 25th by Matt Kenseth in 2004.
    *In three of the last five races, the margin of victory was under one second.
    *Special guests this weekend: Singer Matt Gross will perform a pre-race concert and Kristen Hertzenberg from Phantom of the Opera will sing the national anthem.

    Some Mile Stones looking to be set at LMS this weekend

    *Kasey Kahne, coming off a sixth-place finish at Phoenix, is still looking for his 50th career top five.
    *Mark Martin’s next pole will be his 50th. If he does it, he’ll be th eighth driver in series history with at least 50 poles.
    *Paul Menard currently the Richard Childress Racing driver with the best points position (11th) will make make his 150th start this weekend.

    *The Sub Way Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway proved to as exciting as the Daytona 500. We saw our second different race winner in Jeff Gordon ending his 66-race winless drought. Gordon’s Phoenix victory on Sunday also made it career win number 83 – tying Cale Yarborough for fifth on the all-time list. On deck in the record books: Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip at 84 wins. If Gordon does win this weekend, it would be the first time since October 2007 that he won consecutive races (Talladega and Charlotte).

    *This weekend will mark the 50th Anniversary of Wendell Scott’s first start. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Scott’s first star-March 4, 1961 at Fairgrounds Speedway in Spartanburg, S.C., every NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series will display a decal of Scotts photo this weekend at LMS. Scott, the African-American to win a premier series race, ran 495 career races in what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

    *A.J. Allmendinger has opened up the season with finishes of 11th (Daytona) and ninth (Phoenix). Bringing glory back to the Iconic No. 43, currently fourth in points standing. thus putting the Richard Petty Motorsports No.43 back near the top of the points standings for the first time in more than two decades. The last time the No. 43 car was this high in the standings was Martinsville on April 26, 1987.

    Top 15 in Points Standing 2 of 36
    Rank Driver Points Behind
    1 Kyle Busch 80 Leader
    2 Kurt Busch 77 -3
    3 Tony Stewart 69 -11
    4 A.J. Allmendinger 69 -11
    5 Jeff Gordon 65 -15
    6 Mark Martin 65 -15
    7 Bobby Labonte 64 -16
    8 Ryan Newman 64 -16
    9 Juan Montoya 64 -16
    10 David Gilliland 63 -17
    11 Paul Menard 63 -17
    12 Carl Edwards 59 -21
    13 Jimmie Johnson 59 -21
    14 Denny Hamlin 58 -22
    15 Kasey Kahne 57 -23

    Notable Drivers outside of top 15
    Rank Driver Points Behind
    16 Martin Truex Jr 56 -24
    17 Dale Earnhardt Jr 55 -25
    21 Clint Bowyer 45 -35
    22 Kevin Harvick 44 -36
    28 Greg Biffle 33 -47

  • NASCAR’s Danica Patrick and Carl Edwards Win Big at Hall of Game Awards

    NASCAR’s Danica Patrick and Carl Edwards Win Big at Hall of Game Awards

    [media-credit id=1 align=”alignright” width=”199″][/media-credit]This past week, the Cartoon Network held its first-ever Hall of Game Awards show to celebrate the biggest plays, sickest stunts and best athletes in the world of sports. 

    Over 35 million CN fans voted online for their favorite athletes, teams and sporting moments from the past year.  Two of NASCAR‘s finest took home top honors.

    Danica Patrick:  “She’s Got Game” Best Female Athlete.  The IZOD IndyCar Series star was voted the award for “She’s Got Game” as part of the inaugural sports award show. Other nominees in her category were skier Lindsey Vonn, golfer Michelle Wie and tennis player Serena Williams.

    Carl Edwards:  “In It To Win It”, Award for the most focused player who comes to win.  The No. 99 Ford Aflac driver was a presenter and winner at the award show.  When accepting his award, Edwards told young fans keep at whatever their dreams may be and not to quit. “Get to Victory Lane. Just keep doing it!”

    Edwards was nominated along side sporting giants, Cliff Lee of the Philadelphia Phillies, Amar’e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks and Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.

  • Roush Fenway Racing and Valvoline Extend History of Performance, Renew Motor Oil Partnership

    Valvoline renews exclusive oil partnership with Roush Fenway Racing into 15th season

    CONCORD, N.C. (March 2, 2011) – Roush Fenway Racing and Valvoline, two organizations with long histories of excellence in automotive performance, announced an extension of their NASCAR partnership. Valvoline, the leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive products, will continue to be the exclusive motor oil provider for Roush Fenway Racing and all of its NASCAR entries.

    “Engine performance is certainly critical for our race teams, but it’s also something that’s a personal interest of engine builder Doug Yates and me,” said team owner Jack Roush. “Valvoline has a long track record of providing the stability we need to get our teams and drivers into the winner’s circle, which is our primary focus. Our history with Valvoline is one of the richest in the sport and they have been an integral part of our success for a number of years. As an engine guy myself, I certainly understand the importance of lubricants with what we do, and we are certainly happy that they will continue to serve us in that capacity.

    “We have high expectations for the remaining races. I am personally pleased that Valvoline is going to be a part of what we feel is going to be a solid run at championships in both NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide competition,” said Roush.

    “Valvoline is excited to continue our long relationship with Roush Fenway Racing. The combination of their winning culture, great drivers, and Jack’s own competitive edge makes them a natural fit for the Valvoline brand,” said Rob Clendening, manager, Global Brands, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline).

    Valvoline and Roush Fenway Racing are used to finding victory lane in NASCAR competition. In 14 seasons as the team’s official motor oil, Valvoline has played an integral role in 46 Roush Fenway NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories. In 2011, the relationship continues into its 15th season, with Valvoline supporting Roush Fenway drivers Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, David Ragan, Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as the official motor oil of Roush Fenway Racing.

    # # #

    About Roush Fenway Racing

    Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating seven motorsports teams. Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and three in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Trevor Bayne. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com http://www.roushfenway.com/ . Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow us on Twitter @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

  • NEED SOME ADVICE? MIS LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND FAN-TO-FAN SUPPORT GROUP

    BROOKLYN, Mich. (March 2, 2011) – For the Michigan International Speedway team to effectively deliver on its promise to “create lasting memories for every person, every time,” it comes down to this: You must develop trust, authenticity and transparency with the guests.

    But it’s the advice and trust from a fellow race fan that makes MIS a real community of not just guests, but trusted friends and family.

    Unmatched in its commitment to the guest experience, MIS officials have launched the MIS Fan-to-Fan Support Group, a first-of-its-kind collection of race fans who guide, share suggestions and lead discussions with other race fans.

    No holds barred – all questions answered. No kidding.

    “The most powerful tool for cutting through all the hype is the use of fans FOR fans,” track President Roger Curtis said. “Sure, you can refer to the guest guide for race weekend advice, but why not ask a fellow race fan? They want to share their knowledge and experience and help a fellow fan – especially a new fan like those we get at MIS. We have NASCAR’s most avid, knowledgeable and loyal fans who are willing to share their experiences with each other, with new fans and with us.”

    Michigan International Speedway’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB), a 20-member cross-section of MIS ticketholders, serves as the Fan-to-Fan authority. Race fans who log onto www.MISpeedway.com‘s PREPARE YOUR VISIT tab are encouraged to click the ASK AN MIS FAN link to submit a question via e-mail.

    A drop-down box allows the fan to select the topic of their question. Subject matter experts are available for questions about everything racetrack-related including traffic, camping, hospitality, pit passes, seating, ticket, gates and facility questions.

    It’s like a virtual guide to all things MIS because each FAB member has varying degrees of racetrack experience and knowledge.

    “I enjoy helping ease fans’ apprehension, and wish this service was in place when I had questions for my first trip to MIS years ago,” said FAB member Jeff Rowe of Jonesville, Mich., an MIS ticketholder for the past 12 years and infield, display and traffic expert.

    Ann Pigoni, a 15-year ticketholder from Parma, Ohio, and camping and infield expert, added: “I know I’ve learned things about MIS that I didn’t know, and I’ve been coming for 15 years. Much of the information a person would need to know is in the guest guide or on the website, but it helps to talk to someone so you can make the most of your experience at MIS. That’s where we come in.”

    But in the end, it’s not as much about the questions asked and answered as it is about the MIS community itself.

    Let’s face it: Today’s race fan wants more than just a ticket to a NASCAR race. They want a great race, but they also want special memories and a summer-time tradition they can pass along to their friends and family. They want to feel they’re valued at the racetrack all season long – not just at race time or ticket renewal time. Guest services is year-round at MIS.

    There are several ways to communicate with the team and with race fans all season long. MIS is active on Twitter and Facebook, and has recently launched a MOBILE FAN CLUB so guests can keep up with the track’s breaking news and information.

    Guests can even e-mail the track president directly at askthepresident@MISpeedway.com. Curtis personally answers every question.

    But it’s the Fan-to-Fan Support Group where a race fan knows they will get valuable, practical and trusted “game-day” information and experiential know-how – all leading to a more informed MIS fanbase.

    Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

    Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Smartphone or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.

    NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 19 and NSCS 400 on August 21 are on sale now. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2011 events at MIS. The ticket office is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

    Michigan International Speedway’s 2011 Schedule

    Saturday, May 21 Great Lakes Wine Fest

    Friday, June 17 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200 Saturday, June 18 NASCAR Nationwide Series Sunday, June 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

    Friday, Aug. 19 Meijer Pole Day Saturday, Aug. 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 Sunday, Aug. 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

  • EXPERIENCE FRIDAY’S ON-TRACK ACTIVITY FROM PIT ROAD WITH RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY’S PRE-RACE PIT PASSES

    Fans Can Experience Unforgettable Sights & Sounds Up Close on NASCAR Race Day

    Richmond, VA (March 2, 2011)—Richmond International Raceway is bringing you closer to the action than ever before with Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes for the upcoming Spring NASCAR Weekend. You can watch NASCAR pole qualifying and practice from the perspective of a NASCAR crew member and see the stock cars from just a few feet away as they rumble down pit road, giving you an unforgettable experience of the sights and sounds that only NASCAR can produce. For the first time ever, America’s Premier Short Track is offering fans individual Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes this season. For just $50 per person, you can enjoy pole qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Pre-Race Pit Passes are available online by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

     

    Friday’s events include Wawa Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series, as well as NBC12 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. In order to purchase the Friday Pre-Race Pit Pass, you must have a ticket for the April 29th BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Pre-Race Pit Passes are limited to guests 16 years of age and older. Parent or guardian must sign waivers for and accompany children under 18 who are utilizing Pre-Race Pit Passes.

     

    New this year, shorts, short-sleeve or sleeveless shirts and blouses and open-toed shoes are permitted. Shoes, shirts and pants or shorts, dresses and/or skirts and blouses are required. No alcohol or coolers are permitted in the infield.

     

    To purchase tickets for the April 29th BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and Pre-Race Pit Passes, click here and be sure to “add race day activities” or call 866-455-7223. Friday’s tickets start at $30 in advance and children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission.

     

    The headlining event of the Spring Weekend features the Crown Royal Presents The Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race “under the lights” on Saturday, April 30th. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

     

    The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East kicks off the Spring Weekend on Thursday, April 28th. All tickets for Thursday are general admission and $10. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. For tickets and information, click here or call 866-455-7223.

     

    About Richmond International Raceway:

    Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the state-of-the-art Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

  • ‘NO LIMITS’ HELPS USHER IN SEASON FILLED WITH HISTORIC FIRSTS AND NEW LOOKS

    . April’s Samsung Mobile 500 To Be First-Ever Saturday Night Cup Race In Speedway History

    . Firestone Twin 275s To Be First Dual-Race Format In IndyCar Series History

    . Tailgater Monthly Pit Stop Park Opening Set For Samsung Mobile 500 Week

    . Chevy, O’Reilly Auto Parts Promotions Offer Unique Opportunities For Fans

    FORT WORTH, Texas (March 2, 2011) – Texas Motor Speedway continues its “No Limits” attitude into the 2011 race season by providing its fans with a dramatically different and thrilling look both on and off the track.

    History-making races, new fan amenities and exciting promotions will highlight Texas Motor Speedway’s 15th anniversary season that could turn out to be its most memorable yet.

    “This season is going to be one that fans will be talking about for years to come,” Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. “Our ‘No Limits’ attitude is reflected in all the exciting things we have going on this season. It is not every day fans get to watch history unfold and I know they are not going to want to miss a minute of all the action.”

    Two of Texas Motor Speedway’s three marquee event weekends will have a novel look that will be historic firsts in its history, including April’s season kickoff race week.

    The Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race moves from its traditional Sunday afternoon slot to the first NASCAR night race of the season on Saturday, April 9. It will be the first Saturday night Sprint Cup race in the history of the speedway, beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT and aired live primetime on FOX. History also will be made on Friday, April 8, as the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 will be the first-ever NASCAR Nationwide Series night race at “The Great American Speedway!” The O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT and televised live on ESPN2.

    The annual IZOD IndyCar Series race in June also will be historic, not only for Texas Motor Speedway but the series as well. Texas Motor Speedway will play host Saturday, June 11, to the Firestone Twin 275s, which will mark the first time in series history that the drivers will compete in two full-field, 275-kilometer races rather than the traditional 550k race. Both races are points-paying events (half the standard series points for each race finish that evening) and two race winners will be crowned. While oval qualifying will set the field for the first twin, a twist has been added where the starting grid for the second race will be set by a random draw.

    The event, set for 7 p.m. CT and live on VERSUS, also will return to its traditional slot in the schedule, following the Indianapolis 500 and an off week before the teams head to Fort Worth. The Firestone Twin 275s will once again be paired with the WinStar World Casino 400k NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, set for Friday, June 10, at 8 p.m. CT on SPEED.

    The fall NASCAR tripleheader weekend – featuring the Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500 (Sunday, Nov. 6), Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge (Saturday, Nov. 5) and Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350k (Friday, Nov. 4) – will remain unchanged as the championship drama in all three series takes center stage.

    The fans also will notice a fresh look off the track, with the addition of one major fan amenity, special pre-race party for season-ticket holders, three special promotions that will prove memorable for those winners.

    Texas Motor Speedway added to its growing list of fan amenities during the offseason with the addition of the Tailgater Monthly Pit Stop Park at Texas Motor Speedway, which will offer the premier tailgating area for race fans. Tailgater Monthly Pit Stop Park – already nearly completed and set to debut for April’s Samsung Mobile 500 weekend – is a private tailgate area providing special amenities for tailgaters with personal vehicles for the entire 2011 season.

    The gated park features up to 76 reserved tailgating spots, each space a spacious 36 feet deep by 15 feet wide. The park comes complete with an portable comfort station; common area which includes picnic tables, horseshoe pits and bean-bag toss areas; on-site security; catering options through Levy Restaurants; and daily bagged trash pick-up. The Tailgater Monthly Pit Stop Park is conveniently located just steps away from the speedway’s main entrance located outside Gate 4.

    Spaces for the Tailgater Monthly Pit Stop Park are available by contacting the Texas Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (817) 215-8500.

    Season ticketholders enjoyed a sneak preview of the “No Limits” Garage Party presented by WinStar World Casino during November’s AAA Texas 500, but will be treated to this special pre-race party during both NASCAR race weekend in 2011. The exclusive event for season-ticket holders will once again transform the LiftMaster Garage area into a festive atmosphere with unique entertainment, live music, on-stage Q&A sessions with NASCAR drivers and visiting celebrities and much more.

    Chevrolet and O’Reilly Auto Parts have partnered with Texas Motor Speedway on two special promotions that encompass the NASCAR race weekends.

    Texas Motor Speedway and Chevrolet will play host to Chevy Fan Day on Thursday, April 7, and provide fans with a free day at the track and the opportunity to win a pace ride with a Team Chevy driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Beginning today, all fans have to do is visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com to sign up for a voucher good for four free grandstand tickets for Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series practice on April 7, beginning at 2 p.m. CT.

    Fans also will be registered to win a ride with select Chevy Sprint Cup Series drivers for hot laps around Texas Motor Speedway. Texas Motor Speedway’s official broadcast partner – KRLD-FM 105.3 The FAN – also will be offering listeners the chance to win. Fans can redeem their voucher at any open ticket office when they arrive at Texas Motor Speedway that day.

    Texas Motor Speedway has partnered with O’Reilly Auto Parts to award one lucky fan the keys to a 2011 “No Limits” Chevy Camaro. Every Friday leading up to the Nov. 5 O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge Nationwide Series race, the “No Limits” Camaro will be on display at a select O’Reilly Auto Parts store in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

    Fans spotted sporting the special “No Limits” decal on their car each week will be entered to win a prize, including the opportunity to win a spot as a finalist for the Camaro Giveaway. Forty-seven semifinalists will be selected and one lucky winner will be announced during pre-race ceremonies for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge. For the latest information on where the “No Limits” Camaro will be next, visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

    For more information on tickets, fan promotions or Tailgater Monthly Pit Stop Park, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com, or call the Texas Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (817) 215-8500.

  • Smith Not Banking on Outside Help for Las Vegas Cup Race

    Smith Not Banking on Outside Help for Las Vegas Cup Race

    Smith Not Banking on Outside Help for Las Vegas Cup Race

    DENVER, Colo. (March 2, 2011) — Unlike millions of visitors to the world’s gambling mecca, Regan Smith is not looking for any luck in Las Vegas.

    “We just don’t want any bad luck,” said Smith, the Furniture Row Racing Sprint Cup driver. “Keep away the bad luck, then I am pretty confident our No. 78 Chevrolet will be in good shape when it’s all said and done on Sunday.”

    Smith of course is referring to Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the third of the 36-race, 10-month NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule.

    Smith and the Colorado-based Furniture Row Racing team were riding an early season high after an impressive Daytona Speedweeks, which culminated with a seventh-place finish in the season-opening Daytona 500. 

    The team’s success was continuing the following week at Phoenix International Raceway, where Smith qualified fifth as the fastest Chevrolet driver in the time trials. He kept the pace on race day as he was cruising in the top 10 and top 15 in the early stages of the 312-lap event. 

    But on Lap 67 his car got collected with major damage in a multicar wreckfest. The incident shoved Smith to a frustrating 34th-place finish.

    “We had a solid showing for a while in Phoenix,” noted Smith. “But we got caught up in that early 14-car accident. We’re only looking at what happened there as a hiccup or a detour.”

    The good news for Smith is that the mile-and-a-half tracks such as Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been successful for the Furniture Row Racing team.

    “The mile-and-a-half tracks have been our strong suit in the past and I don’t see any reason for it not to continue in Vegas,” stated Smith. “We’re going there with the same focus and confidence we had after our strong showing in Daytona. The positive energy on this team has made the offseason and the beginning of the new season so much fun.”

    In his last two outings at the Las Vegas oval, Smith posted 19th and 21st-place finishes.

    “Those weren’t bad results considering we were at a different level of our program,” explained Smith. “We have progressed since then and expect better. I feel much more confident and much more relaxed.”

    Two of Smith’s top finishes in the second half of 2010 came at mid-size tracks. He was 12th at the two-mile Auto Club Raceway in Fontana, Calif. and 13th at the 1.5-mile Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

  • FEDEX RACING EXPRESS FACTS — LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    FEDEX RACING EXPRESS FACTS — LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    DENNY HAMLIN — #11 FEDEX GROUNDTOYOTA CAMRY  

    RACE INFO: Event: Kobalt Tools 400 Date/Time: March 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET 2010 winner: Jimmie Johnson 2010 polesitter: Kurt Busch Distance: 267-lap/400.5-mile Track Length: 1.5-miles Banking: 20 degrees Track Shape: D-Shaped oval  

    EXPRESS NOTES:  Denny in the Desert:  Denny Hamlin and the #11 FedEx Racing team posted an 11th-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway last weekend, leading twice for nine laps in the 312-mile event. The Toyota Camry was at its best early in the race, when Hamlin drove to the front at the drop of the green flag to take the lead from Kurt Busch on lap 32. Track position was vital and passing was at a premium, so a loose race car on restarts kept Hamlin from challenging for the lead in the second half of the race, spending the majority of the day in the back half of the top-10. The 11th-place result moved Hamlin up five spots in the Sprint Cup Series point standings, now 14th, 22 points behind leader — and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate — Kyle Busch, heading to Sunday’s race in Las Vegas.  

    Hamlin at Las Vegas:  The Cup Series stays out west for a 267-lap event on the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend. Hamlin has three career top-10 results in five starts at Las Vegas, including a best finish of third in 2007. Hamlin endured a frustrating race at Lat Vegas in 2010, as an ill-handling race car prevented him from making a serious run at the race win before a 19th-place finish. The 2009 event was equally as frustrating, as a lap 3 incident caused front-end damage and later spin on lap 172 put the #11 Camry one lap down to the leaders. Hamlin finished 10th at Las Vegas as a rookie.  

    Race                            Series          Date                    Start           Finish          Laps       Led  

    Shelby American                 Sprint Cup      Feb. 28, 2010           27              19              267/267 Shelby 427                      Sprint Cup      March 1, 2009           34              22              284/285 UAW-Dodge 400                   Sprint Cup      March 2, 2008           25              9               267/267 UAW-DiamlerChrysler 400         Nextel Cup      March 11, 2007          17              3               267/267 UAW-DiamlerChrysler 400         Nextel Cup      March 12, 2006          16              10              270/270        

    Averages/Totals                                                         23.8            12.6            99.9%  

    FedEx Office – Closest to Las Vegas Motor Speedway:2288 S. Nellis Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104, (702) 431-5076   2011 FedEx Racing Press Kit – Available for Download:  Please visit www.fedexracing.com/presskit for the 2011 FedEx Racing press materials, including bios for Denny Hamlin, Mike Ford and Joe Gibbs Racing leadership, program highlights, program statistics and 2011 crew roster.   P

    lains District Along for the Ride in Las Vegas: The FedEx Ground Plains district (PLNS) will be on the b-post at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in recognition for their continued excellence in package care and quality. The Plains district encompasses all of Kansas and Missouri — including the Lenexa (Kan.) and Kansas City hubs — as well as satellite facilities in eastern Nebraska and much of Iowa.  

    HAMLIN CONVERSATION – LAS VEGAS: What do you enjoy about racing at Las Vegas? “It’s a good race and good race track.  You see really close finishes at Vegas and that’s exciting for the fans and the drivers. It seems like we’ve never had a great car, or a great handling car, from the start at Vegas but we’ve been consistent enough to score some good finishes. 

    That comes down to working all race long to make little improvements here and there, but also keeping in mind that the track will be different at the end. 

    Having the car ready at the end is what wins you races. We have struggled the last couple years there, but I think we have a chance this year. We really improved our intermediate track program last year and won a few races at mile-and-a-halfs. I’m just looking to continue that into this season and get some good finishes in the upcoming weeks.  

    How does Las Vegas Motor Speedway stack up against the rest of the 1.5-mile tracks? 

    “Vegas is a fast track, much more like Charlotte since they made the changes to the track a few years ago. It’s unique in that the transitions are different than other intermediates but you get really close racing. The track changes over the course of the race so the driver can usually find a place where the car works.  It’s a fun track and I think the fans get a good show. Vegas is a great location for a race – there is always something to do.  The city is welcoming of the sport, we see that with the banquet, and the track is always working hard to bring in fans and improve the racing.”    2011

    FEDEX RACING – TEAM ROSTER   Crew Chief:  Mike Ford– Morristown, Tenn.                      Front Tire Changer: Jonathan Sherman – Monroe, La. Car Chief: Chris “Spider” Gillin – Smithtown, N.Y.              Front Tire Carrier: Brandon Pegram – Statesville, N.C. Engineer: Mike Wheeler – Southholt, N.Y.                        Rear Tire Changer: Mike Hicks – Salisbury, N.C. Shocks: Drew Bible – Coldwater, Mich.                   Rear Tire Carrier: Heath Cherry – Belmont, N.C. Tire Specialist: Patrick Mullen – Brick, N.J.                   Jackman: Nate Bolling – Swanton, Ohio Engine Tuner: Chris Woodward – Franklin, N.H.           Gas Man: Scott Wood – Liberty, S.C. Mechanic: Rick Bray – Placerville, Calif.                       Pit Crew Coordinator:  Paul Alepa – Vienna, Va. Mechanic: John Furino – Long Island, N.Y.                       JGR Athletic Director: Michael Lepp – Charlotte, N.C. Spotter: Curtis Markham – Fredericksburg, Va.                                   Hauler Driver: Jerry Hess – Lancaster, Pa.      Hauler Driver: Frank Hodel – Blythe, Calif.

  • Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NNS Race Advance – Las Vegas

    Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NNS Race Advance – Las Vegas

    Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes NASCAR Nationwide Release Sam’s Town 300 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Saturday, March 5, 2011 www.media.chrysler.com www.twitter.com/teamdodge

    DODGE SPEAKS “We’ve spent the last year redefining and building the Dodge brand.  Now we’re going to show customers what the future of Dodge will look like.  At Dodge, we’re passionate about driving; we look forward to it.  We think a car should have a personality, be powerful and fun.  We’re going to put that Dodge mojo into the entire lineup, from compact cars to minivans to SUVs and everything in between.” 

    Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Car brand, Chrysler Group LLC

    DODGE QUOTES:  SAM’S TOWN 300 “Things happen in a hurry at Las Vegas.  Wrecks happen fast because you can quickly run up on another competitor. You have to make decisions on the fly because these Nationwide (Series) cars run on momentum as much as anything, due to the tapered carburetor spacer.  You can’t waste time getting around someone.

    “I’ve worked hard to improve my driving at the mile-and-a-half tracks, so I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger this weekend.” Brad Keselowski, No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T

    DID YOU KNOW •    Dodge set the Las Vegas Motor Speedway qualifying record for the Nationwide Series last year when Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski turned a lap at an average speed of 185.427 mph. •    Special Dodge presentation Sunday in Neon Garage.

    DODGE IN THE NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES •    Dodge won its first Nationwide championship last year when Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski won the driver’s title. 

    •    Dodge will field two entries in the Nationwide Series from the Penske Racing stable.  Sam Hornish Jr. will join teammate Keselowski for a limited race schedule in 2011. •    The Dodge Challenger R/T will serve as Dodge’s entry for all 35 races this season in the Nationwide Series.

    STAT OF THE WEEK •    Of the 6,488 laps competed last year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Dodge’s Brad Keselowski led 1,147 of those circuits (17 percent).

    FROM THE PITBOX “This season definitely has not started like we had hoped it would.  The good news for us is that we don’t need to change what we are doing.  The most important thing for this No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge team is to continue to put good cars on the track and we will get this team rolling to the finishes that we deserve.  We’ve had two solid top-five runs going in both races to start the season, but circumstances out of our control led us to poor finishes.

    Todd Gordon, crew chief, No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge

    BRAD KESELOWSKI – No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T Career Starts: 141 Wins: 12 Top Fives: 59 Top 10s: 82 Poles: 8 Career Highlights: •    Keselowski’s last NASCAR Nationwide Series win came at Gateway last fall (five races). •    He is the defending NASCAR Nationwide Series champion •    Earned Penske Racing its first NASCAR champion last season. •    In 2010, he set career-bests in wins (6), top five’s (26), top 10s (29) and poles (5).

    •    Set a NASCAR record 102 consecutive Nationwide Series races without a DNF (Did Not Finish) that ended at this year’s season-opening race at Daytona Int’l Speedway. 

    •    First Nationwide victory came at Nashville Superspeedway (2008).

    KESELOWSKI AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY •    Keselowski is making his fourth-career Nationwide Series start at LVMS. •    Highest starting position:  Pole – 2010 race •    Highest finishing position:  4th – 2010 race •    Average starting position:  13.8 •    Average finishing position: 22 •    Laps Led:  13 •    Career-best finish at Las Vegas, a fourth in 2010.

  • Toyota NASCAR Notes & Quotes Las Vegas Feb-March 2011

    Toyota NASCAR Notes & Quotes Las Vegas Feb-March 2011

    TOYOTA NASCAR NOTES & QUOTES Week of Feb. 28-March 6, 2011 TOYOTA TIDBITS

    TWICE AS NICE:  Toyota driver Kyle Busch was triumphant in two of the three NASCAR national series events last weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.  On Friday, he pulled his Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) Tundra into victory lane in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race.  On Saturday, he recorded another win in his Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) event.  Busch ended the weekend with a runner-up result in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race.

    BUSCH IS BACK:  Las Vegas-native Busch returns home this week as the NSCS visits Las Vegas Motor Speedway, holding a three-point lead over his older brother, Kurt, in the championship standings after two 2011 Sprint Cup Series races. In six NSCS races at the 1.5-mile oval, the 25-year-old driver has one win (2009), two poles (2008 and 2009), three top-five finishes and four top-10 results at his hometown track.  

    COMEDY TIME:  Toyota team owner Michael Waltrip and his ‘Comedy Garage’ tour will make a stop in Las Vegas this weekend.  Comedians Henry Cho and John Reep will join Waltrip on stage at the show on March 4 and 5 at the Mirage.   Earlier this year, the show made stops in Kansas City and Windsor, Canada.

    RENO GAS MAN:  Nevada-native Wes Evans grew up in Reno, approximately 450 miles north of Las Vegas.  Prior to becoming a gas man for Red Bull Racing Team’s No. 83 Red Bull Camry driven by Brian Vickers, he played football at Reno High School where he was an all-state tight end in 2003.  Evans was also named Nevada All-State Game Offensive MVP in 2004.  After playing football at Arizona State University from 2004-2008, the now 25-year-old was recruited by Red Bull and is in his third season with the team.  

    ALL ABOUT ADVENTURE:  Some may consider the life of a NASCAR driver an adventure in itself, but not if you’re Brian Scott, driver of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry in the NNS.  The 23-year-old Boise, Idaho-native grew up enjoying family outings and is known to go extreme snowmobile riding, fishing and hunting, and has run into a bear on more than one occasion while fishing in places like Alaska.  The Las Vegas race is the closest to Scott’s home despite the 600-mile distance.

    TWO FOR TWO:  Tundra drivers have been triumphant in the first two 2011 NCWTS races.  Waltrip won the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway and Busch took the checkered flag last Friday at Phoenix International Raceway.  The series takes a week off, before returning to action at Darlington Raceway, March 12.

    BACK STORY:  Follow Toyota Racing on Twitter (@toyotaracing) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/toyotaracing).   Background and images about the Toyota NASCAR program are available at www.toyotamotorsportsmedia.com.

    NOTES, QUOTES & NUMBERS NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS):  Since the start of the 2011 season, Toyota drivers have combined for two top-five results, four top-10 finishes and have led 62 laps … Kasey Kahne has two poles (2004 and 2005) at Las Vegas … Bobby Labonte also has two poles (1999 and 2003) at Las Vegas … In two NSCS starts at Las Vegas, Joey Logano has earned sixth- and 13th-place results … Las Vegas-native Busch leads the NSCS point standings and Bobby Labonte is seventh following Phoenix.

    KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 Snickers Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Do you enjoy returning to your home town for the race weekend? “It’s fine coming back here.  There’s really not much family out here, it’s just family friends.  There’s a lot of friends that you get to see and catch up with that you text back and forth, or talk back and forth during the year , but you never get to see them.  So, that’s always cool to come out here to the race and stuff.  Besides that, there’s the different appearances we do for M&M’s.  You get to go to some of the restaurants that you liked here growing up — so that’s always cool.  It’s just another weekend — I particularly know my way around this city more than I do any other place.”

    KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 Snickers Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing (continued) What was it like to get a win at your hometown track in 2009? “It was cool. To go out there and to run a smooth race, and to have a shot at winning the race at the end of the race is what it’s all about. I watched Vegas being built from the ground up, and I remember when it wasn’t anything but a gleam in Richie Clyne’s (track founder) eye — all those guys who made that place happen. I’m hoping we can do it again this weekend.”

    JOEY LOGANO, No. 20 Home Depot Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Do you enjoy racing at Las Vegas? “I really enjoy racing at Vegas. My record there is pretty good. That was one of the places starting off my career that I went to and was a good track for me. I always look forward to going to places like that. It’s kind of like Charlotte — it’s got a lot of grip so that makes it a lot of fun for me. I enjoy that. It’s very fast, but it’s fun. I like the tracks that are kind of two lanes and not six lanes. It seems to work out better for me.”

    KASEY KAHNE, No. 4 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Red Bull Racing Team Are you looking forward to Las Vegas after your strong finish in Phoenix? “I love Vegas. It’s a good track with great atmosphere. The track is pretty cool and the crowds are great. There should be a lot of fans and it should be a fun week. It should be exciting. I’ve run well there and other times where we weren’t quite as good. The track is ‘racey’ — you can race around. I liked the old track and I like the new track. The crowd and atmosphere makes for an entertaining weekend in Vegas.”

    NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS): Since the start of the 2011 season, Toyota drivers have combined for one win, one top-five result, six top-10 finishes and have led 239 laps … Camry drivers have two NNS pole positions at Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Brian Vickers (2008) and Scott Speed (2009) … Denny Hamlin will drive the JGR No. 20 Camry this weekend in Las Vegas … Camry driver Kyle Busch was the first driver since July 2003 to lead all the laps in a NASCAR national series event when he led all 200 laps en route to victory lane in the Nationwide race at Phoenix … Busch’s Phoenix victory makes 100 total wins in a Toyota by Joe Gibbs Racing affiliated drivers since 2008 … The wins include 30 NSCS JGR victories, 50 NNS JGR wins, one NNS Braun Racing (Busch) triumph, 10 NCWTS Billy Ballew Motorsports (Busch) wins, and nine NCWTS KBM victories … Kenny Wallace earned his first top-10 this season at Phoenix … The St. Louis-native’s 10th-place result was also his 160th career top-10 in the series, and first since Iowa in 2009.

    KENNY WALLACE, No. 09 Federated Auto Parts Toyota Camry, RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Do you have more confidence heading to Las Vegas after earning your team’s first top-10 result at Phoenix? “I have a lot of confidence in my ability, but after our finish at Phoenix, I’m more proud of my team because we’re going to run the same car at Las Vegas. They’re going to leave being all proud. The car doesn’t have a dent on it, so they’ll only have to do the maintenance on it. I’m just happy for the team where they can feel good about themselves. We’re going to go to Las Vegas knowing we just came off a top-10 run.”

    BRIAN SCOTT, No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing How has it been getting acquainted with your new Joe Gibbs Racing team? “I have a great group of guys, I like them a lot. I think that we’re going to have a lot of success throughout the year. We’re still learning some things and figuring some things out. I think we’ll just keep getting better. For our second race (in Phoenix), where we should have been seventh — is not all that bad. We’ll just move on and keep getting better as a team.”

    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS): Since the start of the 2011 NCWTS season, Tundra drivers have registered two wins, four top-five results, five top-10 finishes and have led 120 laps … Since joining the series in 2004, Tundra drivers have earned 82 victories and 78 poles … Tundra driver Kyle Busch led the final 107 (of 150) laps to earn his first NCWTS triumph of 2011 at Phoenix … Justin Johnson finished eighth at Phoenix in his NCWTS debut … Tundra driver Justin Lofton will spend his off-weekend shooting a music video with ‘Weekend Warriors TV’ … They previously shot a video for country singer Tim Dugger’s song ‘Sunday Drive.’

    JUSTIN LOFTON, No. 77 Lofton Cattle Toyota Tundra, Germain Racing What will you be doing during the NCWTS off-week? “The off-week gives me some time to shift my focus back to ‘Weekend Warriors TV.’ We’re going to be shooting a music video for Paperback Hero in my hometown of Brawley, California. They are a rock band based out of LA. My sister, Brittany, met one of the guys a few years ago when she was at a restaurant with my mom. They know what we do with ‘Weekend Warriors TV’ and it just came together.”