Category: NASCAR Cup PR

Denny Hamlin
#11 FedEx Freight Toyota
Joe Gibbs Racing

Race Info:
Race: Digital Ally 400
Date/Time: May 11/7:30 p.m. ET
Distance: 267 laps/400.5 miles
Track Length: 1.5 miles
Track Shape: Tri-oval
Banking: Turns: 17-20°; Straights: 5-11°
2018 Winner: Kevin Harvick

Express Notes:

Press Kit: Download the 2019 FedEx Racing press materials at www.fedexracing.com/presskit, including bios for Denny Hamlin, Chris Gabehart and Joe Gibbs Racing leadership, program highlights and statistics.

Dover Recap: Denny Hamlin finished 21st in Monday’s rain-postponed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway in the #11 FedEx Office Toyota, in the event won by Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. Hamlin cut a right-rear tire after contact with the wall shortly after the start of the final stage, sending the #11 into a spin and losing multiple laps to the leaders. Hamlin started eighth but immediately felt something amiss in the #11 car’s handling. He was battling a loose condition throughout Stage 1. Crew Chief Chris Gabehart called for a host of changes during each pit stop to try to tighten the car up as Hamlin battled to stay on the lead lap. The car started to come to life at the end of Stage 2, and after a quick pit stop during the break, Hamlin lined up 14th to start the final stage. He rocketed up to 11th on the restart, but brushed the outside wall in Turn 4 making a three-wide pass. The damage seemed insignificant until his right-rear tire came apart less than a dozen laps later. The finish dropped Hamlin to fourth in the NASCAR standings following Dover, behind leader Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick. The Series returns to action on Saturday, May 11, at Kansas Speedway.

Kansas Preview: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will head next to Kansas Speedway, for the second Saturday night race of the season. Denny has notched six top-five and seven top-10 finishes at the 1.5-mile track, with a victory at the intermediate track in 2012. Currently in fourth, Denny and team will be seeking their third win of the season as they look to rise in the Cup Series standings.

Hamlin Statistics:

Track: Kansas Speedway
Races: 21
Wins: 1 (2012)
Poles: 0
Top-5: 6
Top-10: 7
Laps Led: 74
Avg. Start: 12.1
Avg. Finish 15.7

Hamlin Conversation:

It was quite a race for your team, can you explain what it was like Monday?

“It was a tough day for our FedEx team. We missed the balance on our car to start the race, and spent the first half making as many changes as we could. Then, we finally got some track position and I brushed the wall, which cut a tire. Overall, an eventful day.”

How will your team look to prepare for Kansas after having spent an extra day in Dover?

“Our team’s week will be thrown off a little bit due to the extra day, but we are headed to a mile-and-a-half track where we have a lot of confidence in our intermediate program. We won at our last intermediate track and know we can do it again in Kansas.”

FedEx Freight East Dallas Service Center Along for the Ride at Kansas Speedway: For the Digital Ally 400 at Kansas Speedway, FedEx Freight recognizes the company’s East Dallas, Texas, service center by featuring the call letters EDA on the #11 FedEx Freight car. The East Dallas service center has approximately 310 team members who are committed to making every FedEx experience outstanding.

Michael McDowell on Kansas
15 Starts
Best Finish: 13th
“Kansas is a very fast racetrack to begin with, so I think it’s going to make for an intense weekend. It’s super important to maintain grip on that surface, especially for a night race. We’ve seen some speed in our No. 34 Ford there before, so I’m looking forward to getting in there and seeing what we can do with the 2019 package.”

Matt Tifft on Kansas
(Xfinity Series) 2 Starts | 2 Top-10
Best Finish: 6th
“I’m looking forward to Kansas this weekend. We’ve had some good results with this package so far in the season at places like Texas, so I’m ready to put together another solid effort, especially because we’re welcoming OutWest Express to our program this weekend. I’m excited to have them on board with us and think we have a good chance of getting a strong result for them.”

David Ragan on Kansas
20 Starts | 1 Top-10
Best Finish: 8th
“Going back to a mile-and-a-half track at Kansas, I think we’ll be able to take a lot of our 2019 notebook and apply it this weekend. I know we’ve been able to see speed there in the past, and I’m confident that Seth and everyone in the shop will be able to put together a great car for us. We’ve got Mystik Lubricants on the car this weekend, and we’ll see them a few more times throughout the season, so I’m looking forward to welcoming them on and off track.”

Digital Ally 400
Kansas Speedway
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, May 11
7:30 p.m. ET FS1, MRN

Qualifying
Friday, May 10
7:05 p.m. ET FS1, MRN

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2019) – Spire Motorsports is pleased to announce primary sponsorship from OilFire Rye Whiskey for Saturday night’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) Digital Ally 400 at Kansas Speedway where rookie Quin Houff will steer the team’s No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., OilFire Rye Whiskey is America’s First Seductive Handcrafted Spirit. Fueled by a vision and passion to bring inspiration and innovation to the flavored whiskey market, OilFire’s handcrafted secret sauce results in defining each consumer’s individual palate, ensuring that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Rooted in family legend, the proprietary OilFire blueprint is inspired by the famed Oklahoma oil boom of the early 1900s. After the original family recipe was lost over time, OilFire Founder, Chairman and CEO Ken Williams, a CPA and investment banker, championed the effort to recreate his family’s secret recipe to share with clients, friends and family. The result was a smooth, refined flavored rye whiskey that pleases the most discriminating preferences.

While not at all unfamiliar to motorsports, the Digital Ally 400 will mark OilFire’s first foray into MENCS competition.

“When we took a look at how we’re marketing OilFire Rye Whiskey, it was important to identify with our current footprint but still focus on growing the brand outside the state of Oklahoma,” said Williams. “We think the NASCAR fan and race fans in general, are individuals of legal drinking age who enjoy a premium rye whiskey. Those are consumers who we want to interface with. When Spire Motorsports presented the opportunity to showcase OilFire in prime time on Saturday night, we made our decision fairly quickly.”

Saturday night’s 400-mile classic will mark the fifth start of Houff’s MENCS rookie campaign. Spire Motorsports has competed in all 11 MENCS races in 2019. The Mooresville, N.C., team has fielded an entry for six different drivers including Houff, Jamie McMurray, Garrett Smithley, Reed Sorenson, DJ Kennington and Justin Haley.

“We’re thrilled to add OilFire Rye Whiskey to Spire Motorsports growing list of sponsors,” explained Spire Motorsports co-owner T.J. Puchyr. “We’re always pleased to bring new sponsors into the NASCAR space and introduce them to the most brand-loyal fan base in professional sports. Ken and Amber Williams have created a vibrant and dynamic brand. They’re committed to growth and marketing OilFire to a loyal, of-legal-drinking age demographic. Collectively, we all think this is a perfect fit. We’re eager to host them at Kansas Speedway and show them what the sport can do to support that growth. Quin is an exciting, energetic young driver who will do a great job for OilFire on the track.”

The Digital Ally 400 from Kansas Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Saturday, May 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 12th of 36 races on the 2019 MENCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About OilFire Rye Whiskey …
OilFire Rye Whiskey tastes great and is trademarked as America’s First Seductive Handcrafted Spirit. OilFire is appreciated by both women and men, alike. One of the competitive advantages of OilFire is the secret sauce which flavors the best-in-class, under-10-year rye whiskey, conforming to each consumer’s palate to ensure beauty is in the eye of the beholder. OilFire perfects that process. Celebrate like a champion today with OilFire Rye Whiskey by drinking responsibly.

About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports was established in 2018 by longtime NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. The team, led by veteran and championship winning team president Joe Garone, will field an entry for the entire 36-race Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Spire Motorsports will focus on growth, development and performance. The team is based in Mooresville, N.C.

CONCORD, N.C.  (May 8, 2018) – After a successful debut event last year, Leavine Family Racing (LFR) will hold the team’s second annual Fan Fest event on Friday, May 24^th, from 1:00pm ET to 4:00pm ET at the team’s facility located in Concord, NC.

LFR’s new driver for the 2019 season, Matt DiBenedetto, as well as the team’s new crew chief, Michael Wheeler, will both be on hand during the event to sign autographs for fans from 2:30-3:30pm ET that afternoon.  In order to receive an autograph, fans must have a wristband, and 100 wristbands will be distributed starting at 1:00pm ET on May 24th. (please note that overnight camping is NOT allowed at our facility). The team’s owner, Bob Leavine, will also be on-site to meet with the fans and take photos from 2:00-4:00pm ET.

The team’s shop is located at 6007 Victory Lane, Concord, NC 28027.  Parking for the event will be on the grass lot directly across from the team’s shop, and gates will open for the event at 1:00pm ET.

This year’s Fan Fest will also feature:

·       new Toyota vehicles including the all-new Supra

·       a NASCAR Heat gaming set-up which will allow fans the chance to meet and compete with LFR’s two eNASCAR Heat Pro League drivers Josh Harbin and Nicholas Vroman

·       A tire changing simulator competition where fans will have a chance to win a Bluetooth speaker from Procore based on their top times

·       WSOC 103.7 FM live on-site remote broadcast with Tanner

·       Speedway Harley-Davidson motorcycles and giveaways

·       Gift bags and prizes from Procore (to the first 100 fans in attendance)

·       Prizes from Dumont JETS

·       Taco samples from Tijuana Flats

·       Pizza from Cici’s Pizza

·       A K2 Cooler giveaway

·       Exclusive Matt DiBenedetto and LFR merchandise for sale on-site

The event is free to attend.

About Leavine Family Racing

Leavine Family Racing is an organization competing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series focused on growing competitively and providing results-driven partnerships for its sponsors. The single-car team was founded in 2011 by Bob and Sharon Leavine, two individuals who are passionate about NASCAR and started the team to make a positive impact on the sport and community. Matt DiBenedetto will pilot the No. 95 Toyota Camry for the team starting with the 2019 season. In alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota Racing Development, the team operates out of their Concord, N.C.-based race shop with a veteran group of racing personnel driven by their desire for progress. For more information, please visit www.LFR95.com.

Richard Childress Racing at Kansas Speedway … In 80 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has one win, visiting victory lane in 2013 with Kevin Harvick, among five top-five and 22 top-10 finishes.

RCR in the MENCS … In 2,942 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 50 pole awards,108 wins, 489 top-five finishes and 1,070 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.7 and an average finishing position of 16.2. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships with Earnhardt in 1986, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’93 and ’94, six NASCAR Xfinity Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Menards Series title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.

#RCR50 … Richard Childress Racing celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary in 2019. Follow our social channels season-long to join in the celebration.

Interactive RCR … For up-to-date news and exclusive content, visit RCR’s corporate Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team Twitter page – @RCRCup, and driver Twitter pages @austindillon3, @TylerReddick and @DanielHemric. Information about the 15-time championship winning organization can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at www.RCRracing.com along with official driver pages – http://www.facebook.com/austindillon3 and www.facebook.com/DanielHemric.

Catch the Action … The Digital Ally 400 will be televised live Saturday, May 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
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This Week’s American Ethanol Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Kansas Speedway … Dillon has made 11 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway, earning his best finish of sixth in May and October 2016.

Delivering Performance on and Off the Racetrack … Austin Dillon races on Sunoco Green E15 fuel made with 15 percent American Ethanol. Ethanol is the most effective and least expensive source of octane available and it also burns cleaner and cooler than gasoline. Al those factors mean that ethanol helps drive peak engine performance whether you’re in a race car or on your way to the grocery store. And, ethanol helps keep our air cleaner and our environment healthier by reducing toxic and greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about why ethanol is the smart choice for your engine, your wallet and our environment at americanethanolracing.com.

Meet Dillon … Coca-Cola Racing Family driver Austin Dillon is scheduled to greet race fans at Sam’s Club (8300 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS 66223) on Thursday, May 9 at 6:15 p.m. CT. 150 wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis on the day of the event.

Cheering for Dillon … If you’re at Kansas Speedway, come shop the Austin Dillon merchandise available track-side by visiting the RCR merchandise hauler in the fan midway.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
How is Kansas unique compared to some of the other 1.5-mile tracks?
“Kansas Speedway has done a really good job with their banking. There’s a line right up by the fence that has a little extra grip. There’s an angle up there that I don’t think many tracks have figured out yet, but Kansas got it right. You can run from top to bottom there. The bottom groove is the preferred groove at the beginning, but it becomes too tight to try and run around there in turns one and two sometimes depending on what the balance of your race car is. I’ve enjoyed that track a lot ever since they repaved it. I wish every track could do as good as a job as Kansas has with repaves.”

Daniel Hemric and the No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Kansas Speedway … Hemric will be making his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start at Kansas Speedway in this weekend’s 400-mile event. The Kannapolis, North Carolina, native holds an average start of 5.5 and an average finish of 10th-place in two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Kansas, including one pole award and a runner-up finish in 2018 in which he led 128 of the 200 laps. He also has two NASCAR Truck Series starts to his credit at the 1.5-mile speedway, earning an average start of 7.5 and an average finish of 6.5.

About Bass Pro Shops … Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit .

Meet the Driver … Fans will have multiple opportunities to meet the driver of the No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet during the Kansas race weekend. Hemric is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR merchandise hauler in the Kansas Speedway fan zone on Friday, May 10, starting at 3:30 p.m. local time. He is also scheduled to make an appearance and sign autographs at the Cabela’s on 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, Kansas on Saturday, May 11, starting at 2 p.m. local time.

DANIEL HEMRIC QUOTES:
Kansas Speedway looks like a typical 1.5-mile track, but it seems to be coming into its own now that the asphalt has been worn in some. What makes Kansas unique and what do you like about going there?
“Kansas Speedway really is coming into its own now that the track is getting worn out. I was not a big fan of Kansas when I was in the Truck Series, because I felt like you had so much grip, but then going there in the Xfinity Series car I loved it more and more each time because the track starting loosing grip and gaining character. The racing groove gets so wide throughout a run – you can make a lot of time on the bottom at the start of the run and eventually move up to rim-ride around the top of the track. You have options. That’s the coolest thing about Kansas, every year we go back we have more and more options as to which groove to run. It is a lot of fun for us as drivers and I am looking forward to getting there with this No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.”

Tyler Reddick and the No. 31 Tame the Beast Chevrolet Camaro at Kansas Speedway … Tyler Reddick will be making his second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend at Kansas Speedway, after making his debut start in the Series earlier this year in the Daytona 500. Reddick has two previous NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the 1.5-mile speedway, collecting two top-five finishes and one pole award. The current Xfinity Series points leader also has two NASCAR Truck Series starts at Kansas Speedway as well.

Welcome, Tame the Beast … Tame the Beast® creates a complete line of men’s grooming products with arousing scents and energizing properties. Products include invigorating lotions, styling products and all-in-one washes with adventurous levels of superfood botanicals and Sasquatch testosterone, “down-there” care products like anti-chafing Nutt Butters, and more. Every Tame the Beast® product is produced in the U.S.A. Learn more about TAME the BEAST® at GetBeast.com.

Meet Reddick … Fans can meet Reddick when he takes part in a Q&A at the Kansas Speedway FanWalk stage in the infield at 4:15 p.m. local time on Friday, May 10. Reddick will also stop by the RCR merchandise hauler for an autograph session on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 3:30 p.m. local time.

TYLER REDDICK QUOTE:
How do you feel heading into your second start in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Speedway, a track that you’ve had success in the past in the Xfinity Series?
“I’m really excited to be making my second Cup start at a track like Kansas Speedway. Kansas is a track that really suits my driving style and has really grown since it’s repave a few years ago. I’m hoping to get out there and be able to run the high line to find speed like we all know guys like Kyle Larson will be doing. It helps going into the weekend with some solid past experience to fall back on. I can go in knowing that I know how to get around that place and can turn my focus to getting comfortable in the Cup car before Saturday’s race. I’m really looking forward to getting out there in the No. 31 Tame the Beast Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and helping spread the message to ‘Groom Boldly’.”

FORD PERFORMANCE NASCAR: KANSAS ADVANCE

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series will headline this weekend’s racing action at Kansas Speedway. Four current Ford Cup drivers have at least one series win at the 1.5-mile speedway while Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter have victories in the Truck Series.

FORD IN THE MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES AT KANSAS

· Ford has seven all-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wins at Kansas.

· Kevin Harvick is the defending champion of this weekend’s race.

· Logano, Ryan Newman, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski all have at least one Kansas win.

FORD IN THE NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES AT KANSAS

· Ford has four all-time NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck wins at Kansas.

· Matt Crafton has two series wins at Kansas while Johnny Sauter has one.

· Owner Jack Roush has three of Ford’s four series wins at Kansas.

HARVICK GOING FOR KANSAS REPEAT

Kevin Harvick passed Martin Truex Jr. coming to the white flag and held on to capture his fifth victory of the season after winning last year’s KC Masterpiece 400. Harvick, who started on the pole, had a competitive car all night as he led five times for 79 laps and finished second the first two stages. A series of late-race cautions set the stage for Harvick to rally after a red flag with 14 laps remaining reset the field. Even though Truex built a good-sized lead, Harvick was able to close the gap with three laps to go before making the decisive pass. The win gave Harvick back-to-back Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wins for the second time in 2018, a year that saw him win eight times overall.

KANSAS BACK-TO-BACK

Joey Logano became the first driver to automatically advance to the Eliminator Round of the Chase in 2014 as he took the lead from Ryan Newman with 29 laps to go and held off Kyle Larson to get his career-best fifth win of the season. In 2015, Logano ended up dueling with Matt Kenseth in a well-documented battle that resulted in contact as the two entered turn one with five laps to go. That controversial finish marked Logano’s second straight win in the Chase and led to a sweep of the Contender Round as he took the checkered flag the following week at Talladega Superspeedway.

UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS

A couple of rain delays and impending darkness couldn’t keep Greg Biffle from winning a shortened Lifelock 400 on Sept. 30, 2007. The race was delayed for more than three hours and NASCAR decided to shorten the distance from 267 laps to 210 laps when it became evident there wouldn’t be enough daylight to finish the event. Biffle passed Kevin Harvick on lap 274, but when Juan Pablo Montoya blew a tire to bring out the caution with four laps to go it appeared he would have to survive a green-white-checker finish in order to win. NASCAR, however, decided to end the race under caution due to darkness. The win was Biffle’s first of the season and snapped a 32-race winless drought.

ON THE MARK

Ford went to victory for the first time at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 9, 2005 when Mark Martin took the checkered flag in what was a Roush Fenway Racing runaway with teammates Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards finishing second and third, respectively. Martin led a race-high 139 laps, including 81 of the final 83 circuits, to win by one-half second. It marked the second time in as many months that RFR swept the top three spots, a feat it did two more times during that season. In addition, the victory ended up being Martin’s last with Ford. His 35 series wins with the manufacturer ranks third all-time behind leader Ned Jarrett (43) and second-place Bill Elliott (40).

FORD MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP WINNERS AT KANSAS
2005 – Mark Martin
2007 – Greg Biffle
2010 – Greg Biffle
2012 – Matt Kenseth (2)
2014 – Joey Logano (2)
2015 – Joey Logano (2)
2018 – Kevin Harvick (1)

FORD NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT KANSAS
2003 – Jon Wood
2004 – Carl Edwards
2006 – Terry Cook
2007 – Erik Darnell

Team: No. 6 Performance Plus Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Twitter: @Roush6Team, @RoushFenway and @RyanJNewman

Digital Ally 400 – Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

ADVANCE NOTES

Newman at Kansas Speedway

· Newman will make his 27th Cup start at Kansas on Saturday. In 26 prior starts, Newman has an average finish of 18.5 with seven top-10 and three top-five finishes, along with one win.

· Newman’s win at the 1.5-mile track came back in 2003, a year in which he won eight races. In that event he started 11th and led the final 28 laps holding off Bill Elliott and Jeremy Mayfield for the victory.

· Prior to the win in 2003, Newman finished runner-up in each of his first two Cup races at the track (2001, 2002). He also finished inside the top-10 in 2010 (ninth), 2014 (sixth), 2015 (10th) and 2016 (seventh).

· Newman has an average starting position of 13.8 with nine starts overall inside the top-10.

· He also has one start at Kansas in the truck series, finishing second after starting fourth back in 2015.

Scott Graves at Kansas Speedway

· Graves has five MENCS races at Kansas under his belt, with a best finish of seventh with Daniel Suarez in the spring 2017 race. He also finished 11th with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., in 2013.

· Graves also has three races atop the pit box in the Xfinity Series, finishing third with Suarez in 2016 and sixth with Chris Buescher in 2015.

QUOTE WORTHY

Newman on racing at Kansas:

“Kansas is a place where we carry a lot of speed which makes for some high energy racing. Anytime you race under the lights it adds an extra element of excitement, so we’re looking forward to getting our Performance Plus Ford on track this weekend to have a great run.”

On the Car
Performance Plus makes its second appearance on board Ryan Newman’s machine in 2019 as the primary partner. Performance Plus has served as Roush Fenway’s official oil since 2014, and teamed up as the primary partner on the Fords of NASCAR Champions Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle, and now with Newman.

About Performance Plus
Performance Plus is a premium brand of lubricants that provide superior quality and unmatched performance at a competitive price. Produced and distributed by Safety-Kleen, a subsidiary of Clean Harbors (NYSE: CLH), Performance Plus products use conventionally refined oils and proprietary twice-refined oils, blended with industry-leading additives, to meet and exceed industry certifications, licenses, approvals and OEM warranty requirements. With more than 30 years of innovation, research and testing, Performance Plus formulations are relied on by some of the largest commercial fleets and U.S. military combat vehicles, as well as race teams at events across North America. Visit PerformancePlusOils.com.

Recapping Dover
In a race postponed to Monday due to rain, Newman battled in what turned into a track position race to cross the line 18th in his Wyndham Rewards Ford.

Team: No. 17 SunnyD Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Brian Pattie
Twitter: @Stenhouse17Team, @stenhousejr, and @roushfenway

ADVANCE NOTES

Stenhouse at Kansas Speedway

Stenhouse has 12 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) starts at Kansas Speedway with an average starting position of 14.3 and average finishing position of 18.5.

Stenhouse knows how to get to victory lane at Kansas. He overcame being two laps down with less than a 100 laps remaining to persevere to claim his sixth win of the 2012 NASCAR Xfinity season at Kansas Speedway.

One Year Ago at Kansas

As green flag pit-stops began to cycle through in stage three, Pattie chose to long pit keeping Stenhouse out as long as he could in hopes that the SunnyD Ford would have fresher tires if the race stayed green. The strategy call paid off allowing Stenhouse to lead ten laps.

Shortly after taking the wave around to get back on the lead lap with 31 laps remaining, the caution waved allowing Stenhouse to pit for four fresh tires and splash of fuel. The SunnyD Ford lined up in the 13th position for the final 25-lap shootout. On the restart, Stenhouse was able to slide thru as a multi-car accident occurred ahead of him.

After the red flag was lifted, Stenhouse lined up in the 10th position for the final nine laps but lost one spot forcing him to settle with an 11th-place finish.

Fifth Third Day

Every year Fifth Third celebrates 5/3 day on May 3rd by volunteering at local food banks and hosting food drives, among other charitable acts.

With the team in Dover on May 3rd, Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 17 team will be going to Second Harvest Food Bank today, May 7, to help support the Fifth Third initiative of helping the local communities.

On the Car

Iconic brand and thirst quenching favorite SunnyD will return to the No. 17 this weekend as the primary partner on the No. 17 Ford Mustang.

Stenhouse Jr. on racing at Kansas:

“Kansas is a fast, smooth track and is a lot of fun to race at night. I feel like our intermediate program this year has shown some strength so I’m looking forward to this weekend. The past couple of weeks we have struggled with our finishes so overall we just need to have a solid weekend with no mistakes.”

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 7, 2019) – OutWest Express, one of the top providers of transportation services in the Southwest, will join Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and Matt Tifft for the “Digital Ally 400” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend at Kansas Speedway.

Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, OutWest Express provides cost-effective and dependable transportation services, including 24-hour dispatch, expedited freight transit and company-owned tractors and trailers. Featuring performance-based engine monitoring systems and aerodynamic equipment designed to promote fuel efficiency, OutWest Express’s top-of-the-line fleet is ready and well-equipped for all types of transportation situations.

“We are excited to team up with Matt Tifft and Front Row Motorsports this weekend at Kansas Speedway,” said Zachary Chilson, VP of OutWest Express. “Kansas City is a major hub for our fleet and we are proud to provide stable job opportunities to the community. Teaming up with the 36 car is a great way to show NASCAR fans across the country who we are and what we can do.”

“It’s always great to team up with a new partner, especially a company like OutWest Express, whose core values resonate so well with the NASCAR fanbase,” said Tifft. “I’m proud to have them on the car this weekend and I’m glad we can help carry their message on track.”

The No. 36 OutWest Express Ford Mustang will make its debut at Kansas Speedway on Friday, May 10 for practice and qualifying. The “Digital Ally 400” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race will air Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

For more information about OutWest Express, visit OutWestExpress.com and follow OutWest Express on Facebook: Facebook.com/outwestexpressllc.

About Front Row Motorsports
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields three full-time entries – the No. 34 of Michael McDowell, the No. 36 of Matt Tifft and the No. 38 of David Ragan – from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. The team’s partnership base includes CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Ford Performance, Love’s Travel Stops, Select Blinds, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Surface and Speedco. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at Facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Tame The Beast, an Emerging Leader in Men’s Grooming Products, to be aboard Reddick’s No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Kansas Speedway

WELCOME, N.C. (May 7, 2019) – Tame the Beast®, a trendsetter in the men’s grooming industry that creates products with arousing scents and energizing properties, will make its NASCAR debut through its partnership with Richard Childress Racing on Tyler Reddick’s No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway this weekend.

Tame the Beast encourages men to embrace their inner beast with their uniquely masculine grooming products. Products include a variety of scents and purposes, such as the Extreme Yawp Hair, Beard & Body Wash, Nutt Butter, and Caffeine Conditioner. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company uses all-natural, intense botanicals, including eucalyptus, ginseng, and pomegranate, in all of their products.

“We’re thrilled to support Tyler,” said John Cascarano, founder of Tame the Beast. “We’re all about helping men perform at their peak, and clearly Tyler is racing at the top of his game.”

Reddick made his NASCAR Cup Series debut earlier this year in the Daytona 500, finishing 27th after being caught up in a major wreck late in the race. The defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion is currently leading the points in the 2019 Xfinity Series season, capturing one win, two pole awards, eight top-five and nine top-10 finishes so far this year.

Tame the Beast, whose motto is to “Groom Boldly™,” has found a great match in Reddick, who is known for his aggressive driving style and giving each lap everything he’s got.

“Tame the Beast is an edgy, bold brand that’s making noise in the men’s grooming industry,” said Reddick. “I think that fits well with my driving style and the attitude of my RCR team this season. We’re out there every weekend, going hard to get every spot we can and often driving on the edge to get it. I’m excited to be partnering with Tame the Beast and helping spread their message to groom boldly.”

This will be Reddick’s first Kansas Speedway start in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The 22-year-old driver has two starts at the 1.5-mile speedway in the Xfinity Series, collecting one pole and two top-five finishes.

To learn more about Tame the Beast, please visit getbeast.com.

For additional information on today’s announcement, and all that’s happening at RCR, please visit rcrracing.com.

About Tame the Beast®:
Tame the Beast creates men’s grooming products with arousing scents and energizing properties. Products include invigorating lotions, styling products and all-in-one washes with adventurous levels of superfood botanicals, Sasquatch testosterone and more. Every Tame the Beast formula is produced in the U.S.A. Learn more about TAME THE BEAST® at GetBeast.com.

About Richard Childress Racing:
Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR celebrates 50 years of racing in 2019 and has earned more than 200 victories and 15 championships, including six in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2019 Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Dow/American Ethanol/AAA/Symbicort/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) along with Rookie of the Year contender Daniel Hemric (No. 8 Caterpillar/ Bass Pro Shops/Liberty National Life Insurance/Cessna/VF Workwear Chevrolet). Its Xfinity Series program includes defending Series Champion Tyler Reddick (No. 2 Hurdl/Pinnacle Financial Partners/Anderson’s Maple Syrup Chevrolet) as well as select races with Kaz Grala and Joe Graf, Jr. (No. 21 Camaro).