Race: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Las Vegas 400
Date: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Sunday, March 8, 2015
Location: Â Â Â Â Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … In 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolets have earned eight top-five and 18 top-10 finishes with seven different drivers – Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, Paul Menard and Mike Skinner.
RCR in the NSCS … In 2,510 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 460 top-five finishes and 980 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 15.9. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Sprint 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 Racing Series presented by Menards title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.
The Collective RCR …RCR’s three full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers rank 17th (Menard), 21st (Newman) and 25th (Dillon) in the driver championship point standings.
RCR Atlanta Rewind … In the Sprint Cup Series’ second race of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend, teammates Newman, Menard and Austin Dillon finished 10th, 13th and 39th, respectively.
Did You Know … Life threatening injury is the No. 1 killer of kids in America. Nearly 10,000 children lose their lives every year from serious injuries, and many more are treated in the emergency room. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to any child. The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma discovers and shares the best ways to prevent and treat severe injuries in children. The Institute funds research, education and advocacy to improve the care and treatment injured kids receive across the U.S. Visit www.SaveInjuredKids.org or find them on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
Interactive RCR … For up-to-date news and exclusive content, visit RCR’s Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Sprint Cup Series team Twitter pages – @RCR3ADillon, @RCR27PMenard, @RCR31RNewman, and driver Twitter pages @austindillon3 and @RyanJNewman. 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 – www.facebook.com/austindillon3 , www.facebook.com/PaulMenard27 and www.facebook.com/RyanNewmanNASCAR.
Catch the Action … The Las Vegas 400 will be televised live Sunday, March 8 beginning at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow Energy & Water Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Dow Energy & Water Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 477 in the Las Vegas 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In 2014, Dillon raced this Chevrolet SS to a 24th-place finish at Dover International Raceway in September, a 20th-place finish at Richmond International Raceway in September and a 14th-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July.
Welcome, Dow … Returning primary sponsor of the No.3 Chevrolet SS, Dow enters its second season with RCR and driver Austin Dillon. Together, both teams embrace the power of science, technology and safety as RCR tests Dow products under the most strenuous conditions. Dow also drives innovation to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems, bringing a broad range of sustainable products and solutions to customers in nearly 180 countries with more than 6,000 products manufactured across the globe. See our YouTube video “Dawn to Dusk” to see how Dow products touch the lives of everyone…from dawn to dusk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSspiG8DkOs). More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
Dow Energy & Water … The Dow Energy and Water Solutions businesses are uniquely positioned to solve the increasing industry challenges created by the convergence of the water-energy nexus across the value chain. Dow provides superior solutions by combining chemistry, physics, materials science and biology. As an innovative purification and separation leader, Dow is improving the quality of water, food and pharmaceuticals and industrial efficiencies. Dow works collaboratively to develop solutions that make traditional energy sources more efficient and environmentally friendly while also providing solutions that support new efficient, clean energy use all over the world. From lighter, more aerodynamic materials that improve the performance for cars, trains, and wind turbines to materials that utilize renewable energy to more efficiently power homes and trucks, Dow is helping make the future brighter for everyone.
RCR Salutes … The No. 3 Dow Chevrolet team pit box sports a patriotic theme this season in homage to the United States military, current service members and the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. On Sunday, the team honors NASCAR Troops to the Track airmen from Nellis AFB and Creech AFB. The service members are representing the 820th Red Horse Squadron, the 823rd Maintenance Squadron, the 99th Medical Group, 99th Mission Support Group and the 99th ABG.
One Year Ago … In his most recent appearance at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Dillon started fourth and maintained a top-10 running position in the beginning of the race, but developed a tight-handling condition in the middle portion losing track position and ultimately finishing 16th.
Double Duty … Dillon is double-duty this weekend, competing in the XFINITY Series in the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet on Saturday and the Sprint Cup Series in the No. 3 Dow Energy & Water Chevrolet on Sunday. Saturday’s XFINITY Series race is live on FOX Sports 1 at 4 p.m. ET, while Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series race is live on FOX beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Meet Dillon … Dillon and his fellow Richard Childress Racing teammates are scheduled to sign autographs at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m. Local Time.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
How do you like racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
“I love Las Vegas. I love the atmosphere, I love the speed of the track and I love the bumps. I’ve won a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Las Vegas, so I like going there. We did qualify well there last year and that was my first 1.5-mile track in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with this team, so I think it was a solid run. We backed up a little bit from where we qualified, but if we can have another good qualifying run like we did last year and maintain our speed throughout the race it will be good. I remember Paul Menard was really fast at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last year for RCR, so we have some things we can build on for sure.”
Do you like to gamble?
“I do like to play a little bit of black jack. I plan to hang out at the South Point Hotel & Casino and you should all come join me.”
Paul Menard, No. 27 Quaker State/Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Quaker State / Menards Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 480 for this weekend’s 267-lap event at the 1.5-mile track in Las Vegas. This No. 27 Chevrolet SS has four previous starts from the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Vegas Odds … The Eau Claire, Wisc. driver has eight Sprint Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His best start of 17th came in 2013 and best finish of third came in 2014. Menard has one top-five and three top-10 finishes and has completed 2,133 of 2,154 laps (99 percent) of racing, nine of which he’s led.
About Quaker State … Quaker State® motor oil has a 70-year history as a leader in consumer automotive products and vehicle care. Quaker State is among the industry’s most innovative motor oil brands and offers a full line of products to meet every type of vehicle engine need. Quaker State is one of the first brands to develop high mileage engine motor oil. For more information about the full line of Quaker State products, visit www.quakerstate.com.
Where Do You Stand … Menard currently sits 17th in the Sprint Cup Series driver point’s standings after finishing 13th at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
What Happens in Vegas … The Wisconsin native scored his best finish of the 2014 season during NASCAR’s last visit to the 1.5-mile track. Menard started 21st and patiently worked his way through the field to cross the finish line third.
Meet The RCR Drivers … Paul Menard, Ryan Newman, Austin Dillon, Brendan Gaughan, Brian Scott and Ty Dillon will be holding an hour-long autograph session at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday, March 5 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT. Wristbands for the event will be given to the first 200 fans starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Grandview Lounge.
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
Is there anything you can learn from Atlanta Motor Speedway and take to Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
“They’re pretty similar in how the bumps are on the track and are both pretty rough tracks. Vegas is not nearly as abrasive, but it does have some fall off with the tires. We definitely take away some things from Atlanta to Vegas but they’re pretty different tracks in some aspects. They’re both fast mile-and-a-half tracks, so qualifying is going to be balls to the wall and the race is going to be pretty crazy.”
Ryan Newman, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Caterpillar Chevrolet SS at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 491 in Sunday’s Las Vegas 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This No. 31 Chevrolet SS is a brand new car and will take to the track for the first time on Friday when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams practice and qualify at the 1.5-mile speedway.
Newman in Sin City … In 14 Sprint Cup Series events, Newman owns one pole award (2005) along with three top-five and seven top-10 finishes. His best result of fourth place came in 2012 and 2002. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 12th and average finish of 17th. He’s led a total of 98 laps in competition.
Get to the Points … Newman ranks 21st in the championship point standings entering this weekend’s race event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Media Availability … Newman will be accessible to media in attendance at LVMS on Friday at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. The media availability will be held outside the No. 31 hauler in the NSCS garage.
Meet Newman … Newman is scheduled to participate in an autograph session at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday at 8 p.m. Pacific Time. On Saturday, he’s scheduled to stop by the Neon Garage stage courtesy of Coca-Cola at 10:30 a.m. PT for a question and answer session.
Featured Caterpillar Dealers … Wyoming Machinery Company will be featured on the deck lid of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS this weekend in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway 400. Wyoming Machinery Company supports three of Wyoming’s major industries – mining, construction, and oil & gas – in addition to many others. Each of our five branches focuses on one or more of these major industries. The Casper branch serves the markets for mining, petroleum, on-highway trucks, construction, and governmental business. At the Cheyenne branch, the focus is on-highway trucks and general construction. The Rock Springs branch is similar to our Cheyenne branch with the addition of serving the oil & gas customers in southwest Wyoming. We now have two branches in Gillette serving the mining industry, as well as the oil & gas and heavy construction industries. For more information, visit www.wyomingcat.com.
About Caterpillar … For nearly 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2013 sales and revenues of $55.656 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments – Resource Industries, Construction Industries and Energy & Transportation – and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.
Race Rewind … Last season, Newman started fourth. During the event’s second and final green-white-checkered-flag restart, Newman raced the Caterpillar Chevrolet from eighth to a seventh-place finish. It was the team’s second-straight top-10 finish of the season. In total, the No. 31 team earned 16 top 10s in 2014.
RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:
What are the keys to getting around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
“In Vegas the bumps in turns one and two really dictate your lap speed and how much speed you can carry off Turn 2 down the back straightaway, which is significant. I believe the key is to just have a car that rides good over those bumps, which I assume have only gotten worse not better.”
You mentioned the bumps, is that the hardest part to figure out?
“It dictates your straightaway speed on the backstretch and that is a big part of it. Keeping yourself in contention to be able to pass somebody in turns three and four is a big part of it.”
Do you have any plans to visit anything? What is your favorite thing to visit out in Vegas?
“Usually for me it’s just good food, good people. I have some friends out there. I’m not a gambler.”
Do you have any plans to stay out West?
“The only plan I have is between Phoenix and Vegas. I’m going to go snowmobiling in Utah, that’s it.”
Are you ready for three weeks out West?
“I don’t know that it is guaranteed to be warm out there, but yeah something warmer than 45 degrees would be nice.”
Event: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Boyd Gaming 300
Date: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Saturday, March 7, 2015
Venue: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Las Vegas … In 32 XFINITY Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has visited victory lane twice; once with Kevin Harvick in 2004 and again in 2007 with Jeff Burton. Most recently, the Welcome, N.C., organization earned their third pole award at the 1.5-mile tri-oval with Ty Dillon and the No. 3 Chevrolet in 2014. RCR has accumulated 10 top-five finishes, 19 top-10 finishes, led 341 laps and averages a starting position of ninth and finishing position of 11th.
Recap of Atlanta Motor Speedway … Ty Dillon, Paul Menard, Brian Scott and Brendan Gaughan earned third, sixth, seventh and 12th-place finishes, respectively, in the XFINITY Series Hisense 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Meet RCR Drivers at South Point … The RCR XFINITY Series drivers, Brian Scott, Ty Dillon and Brendan Gaughan, will be joined by RCR Cup Series drivers Austin Dillon, Paul Menard and Ryan Newan on Thursday, March 5 at South Point Hotel & Casino for an autograph session. The session is scheduled to begin at 8p.m. in the Grandview Lounge. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., 200 wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Kids Need Special Care … Kids need age-specific expertise and equipment. Survival is increased 25 percent when children are treated at a pediatric trauma center because it has a full range of specialists and equipment available 24 hours a day. Yet only 10 percent of injured children are treated at pediatric trauma centers and only 50 percent of injured children are treated at any type of trauma center. More children die when they are treated in rural areas without access to trauma centers and specialized care. For more information, visit saveinjuredkids.org.
Social Media … To stay on track with the latest news and information and to view exclusive, behind the scenes content visit RCR’s Twitter account – @RCRracing, RCR’s NASCAR XFINITY Series team Twitter accounts – @RCR2BScott, @RCR3TDillon, @RCR33NXS and @RCR62BGaughan. RCR’s XFINITY Series driver Twitter accounts – @bscottracing, @tydillon, @austindillon3 and @Brendan62. For additional photos, news and video log on to rcrracing.com.
Catch the Action … Coverage of this weekend’s Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 4 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 and broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.
Brian Scott, No. 2 Albertsons/Sanderson Farms Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Albertsons / Sanderson Farms Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 141 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Boyd Gaming 300. This chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable has an average starting position of third and an average finishing position of seventh. Scott collected back-to-back pole positions last year at Chicagoland Speedway with this chassis.
Sin City History … Scott will be making his sixth XFINITY Series start this weekend in the Boyd Gaming 300. In five previous starts, Scott has an average start of 6.6 and an average finish of 19. Scott captured his best starting position, third in 2013 and best finishing position, seventh last season in his Richard Childress Racing Camaro. Scott also has three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the 1.5-mile speedway.
Albertsons on Board in 2015 … This weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the No. 2 XFINITY Series team will be sporting fresh new colors. Albertsons and the Safeway family of stores, which combined is the second-largest supermarket chain in North America, has partnered with RCR, Scott and the No. 2 NASCAR XFINITY Series team in 2015. The stores operate under store banners Albertsons, ACME, Shaw’s, Star Markets, United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, VONS, Pavilions, Carrs and Safeway. With more than 2,200 stores, 250,000 employees and 27 distribution centers across 34 states, Albertsons rich legacy in the grocery business synchronizes with the roots of NASCAR and RCR.
Double Duty … In addition to competing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the XFINITY Series this weekend, Scott is scheduled to drive the No. 33 Whitetail Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, March 8 for Circle Sport Racing. This will be his debut in the Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas. The Las Vegas 400 is live on Fox at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Race Rewind … Scott and the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet team brought back their qualifying momentum from the 2014 season by starting on the outside pole Saturday afternoon at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Hisense 250. The team was served a penalty for too many men over the wall and restarted in the 10th position on the lap 86 caution. The Mike Hillman, Jr. led team adjusted correctly on Scott’s drive off the corners during the next pit stop, but handling of the car was too tight at the race’s end leading Scott to cross the finish line seventh.
Last Time At LVMS … The No. 2 Whitetail Chevrolet Camaro qualified fifth for the Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last season. The RCR team worked on loose conditions during the three pit stops made in Sin City. The hard work paid off for the No. 2 team as they gathered a seventh-place finish.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Meet the RCR Drivers … Scott, along with his RCR teammates, are scheduled to participate in an hour long autograph session from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific Time at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday, March 5. Wristbands for the event will be given to the first 200 fans starting at 7:30 p.m.
To The Points … Brian Scott is currently ninth in the XFINITY Series driver point standings after the second of 33 races.
BRIAN SCOTT QUOTES:
You finished seventh at Las Vegas last season. What are your thoughts on returning?
“I like Vegas. Vegas is always a track where I’ve had good speed, I’ve led laps and I feel like it can be a 1.5-mile track that I can win. I always look forward to Las Vegas. Especially this year with my new crew chief Mike Hillman, Jr. and the work we did in the off season really has me fired up.”
What is it specifically that makes you feel so confident?
“I feel like our equipment is at a good stage right now. I feel like our ECR Engines are good. Our bodies and our chassis have all improved. I think our performance is going to be there right out of the gates on the 1.5-mile tracks.”
What do you like to do while you’re in Las Vegas?
“Typically you would find me at a black jack table. But this year I am going to have my family with me and we have a three-month old son. So, we might be exploring the nature side of Nevada instead of the gambling side.”
Ty Dillon, No. 3 Prudential Overall Supply/Red Kap Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Prudential Overall Supply/Red Kap Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Ty Dillon will utilize chassis No. 159 for this weekend’s Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This brand new Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro will make its first competitive laps on Friday afternoon during NASCAR XFINITY Series practice.
Dillon at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… In two previous starts at the 1.5-mile speedway, Dillon finished 11th in both outings. The 23-year-old driver qualified first last season when the Series visited Las Vegas Motor Speedway, recording one of his three pole awards in 2014. In the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Dillon has one top-five finish, two top-10 finishes and won the pole in September 2012.
VF Imagewear partners with No. 3 team … VF Imagewear, Inc., a leading manufacturer of workwear apparel and a division of VF Corporation, the world’s largest apparel company, returns for the second consecutive season as primary sponsor for Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 XFINITY Series program and driver Ty Dillon. VF Imagewear’s brands, including Red Kap, Bulwark, Horace Small and Wrangler Workwear, will be featured as primary sponsors for select XFINITY Series races in 2015.
About Red Kap … Red Kap, the official work wear provider for RCR and ECR Engines employees, has been in business since 1923. Like RCR, Red Kap was started as a family company and today provides durable and dependable work wear. For more information go to redkapautomotive.com.
About Prudential Overall Supply … Since 1932, Prudential Overall Supply has provided best-in-class solutions for businesses with their uniform and textile programs. Prudential provides customers with the best possible products and services at a fair price, today and into the future. To learn more about Prudential Overall Supply, log on to prudentialuniforms.com.
Race Rewind … In the second of 33 races, Dillon drove the No. 3 WESCO Chevrolet Camaro to its second consecutive podium finish, crossing the finish line third at the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway. Crew chief Danny Stockman made the correct adjustments on each of the team’s four pit stops to propel Dillon to his second top-five finish. Dillon was the first XFINTIY Series regular to cross the finish line.
Last time out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Dillon qualified on the pole and led seven laps in last season’s race at LVMS. Dillon battled a loose handling race car, but battled back to finish 11th at the 1.5-mile speedway.
To the points … Ty Dillon is tied for first place in the driver point standings after two races.
Meet Ty Dillon … Fans have an opportunity to meet Ty Dillon at South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday, March 5 beginning at 8 p.m. Pacific Time. Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs with RCR teammates for the first 200 fans who receive a wristband. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis beginning at 7:30 p.m. PT.
TY DILLON QUOTES:
What are your expectations for this weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
“Last week our 1.5-mile program got off to a great start with a third-place finish. The conversations I’ve been having with Danny (Stockman, crew chief) have been positive and we feel good about this weekend. We’re bringing a brand new chassis for this weekend’s race and expect to run up front again.”
How has back-to-back third place finishes benefitted this team?
“We have all the momentum on our side and it’s obviously a fantastic way to start the season. Our theme this season is to believe in ourselves. We have all the tools to be a championship team and these past two races have been an example of how we want this season to go. Overall, it gives us a boost on the competition, but we’re definitely not going to sit back and relax. We’re full steam ahead and hope to turn third place finishes into wins.”
Austin Dillon, Â No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s Rheem Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 160 in the Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is a new Chevrolet Camaro that will be utilized for the first time this weekend.
Dillon at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Dillon, the 2013 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion, has made two XFINITY Series appearances at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, posting a pair of top-10 finishes (sixth after starting fourth in March 2013 and seventh after starting third in March 2012).
Performance Counts . . . RCR and Rheem understand that winning is the result of a commitment to unparalleled achievement and continuous improvement.  Rheem, a global leader in heating, cooling and water heating products is dedicated to keeping families and businesses comfortable through reliable, energy efficient products and systems customized to any lifestyle and budget. As at RCR, Rheem invests in talented professionals, advanced technology, R&D and world-class facilities that deliver Victory Lane performance. Rheem is . . . The New Degree of Comfort.
Last Time Around … The last time Dillon was in the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet, he earned the pole award at Daytona International Speedway and finished fourth.
Getting Loopy in Sin City … Dillon maintains the best average running position among all drivers entered for the Boyd Gaming 300, with an average running position of 5.208, and has spent 100 percent of his completed laps running in the top-15, leading all drivers.
Double Duty … In addition to Saturday’s Boyd Gaming 300, watch Dillon in the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet SS in Sunday’s Las Vegas 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, which airs live on FOX at 3 p.m. ET.
Meet Dillon … Dillon and his fellow Richard Childress Racing teammates are scheduled to sign autographs at the South Point Hotel & Casino on Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m. PT.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
You’re going to be double-duty when you go on this West Coast swing of races …
“I’m looking forward to all of the NASCAR XFINITY Series races I have with Rheem and the No. 33 team. We have a shot at the owner’s championship in that series, too, so I’m looking forward to that. Of course, I’m extremely focused on running up front in the Dow Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but we have some really cool opportunities this year with the XFINITY car to learn.”
Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:
This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 158 this weekend in Sin City. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro is a newly added chassis to the stable and will see on track action for the first time during Friday morning’s NASCAR XFINITY Series practice.
Last year at LVMS … Gaughan qualified in the 16th position for last year’s XFINITY Series race at LVMS. The No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro battled a loose race car from the start of the race. Gaughan began to work his way through the field, but the team received a restart violation forcing him to serve a stop-and-go penalty on pit road. The team finished the day in the 16th position.
Gaughan’s Hometown Stats … The Las Vegas native is scheduled to make his fifth start at his hometown track during Saturday’s Boyd Gaming 300. In Gaughan’s four previous XFINITY Series starts at the 1.5-mile tri-oval he has earned one top-five finish, two top-10 finishes, led seven laps, averages a starting position of 16th and a finishing position of 10th. Gaughan also has 13 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at LVMS, earning one victory in 2003, leading 137 laps, two top-five and five top-10 finishes.
Double Duty … Along with Saturday’s XFINITY Series race, Gaughan is scheduled to make his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start of the 2015 season in the No. 62 Premium Motorsports entry.
Visit the South Point while in Town … South Point Hotel offers more than 2,100 guestrooms and overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip. The Casino offers top-of-the-line gaming technology, more than 60 table games and a race and sports book area; a fabulous 400-seat showroom featuring headliner entertainment; a 16-screen Cinemark movie complex; a state-of-the-art, 64-lane bowling center; and a 165,000-square foot convention center; South Point Arena and Equestrian Center features more than 1,200 climate-controlled stalls and plays host to some of the country’s most unique events. For more information, call (702) 796-7111 or visit www.southpointcasino.com.
In the Rearview Mirror: Atlanta … The No. 62 Richard Childress Racing team qualified sixth for the XFINITY Series Hisense 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Gaughan battled a loose-handling Chevrolet Camaro for a majority of the 163-lap event. The 39-year-old driver crossed the finish line in the 12th position.
To the Points … After two of 33 XFINITY Series events, Gaughan currently sits 12th in the driver point standings as the Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Don’t Miss You Chance to Meet the Las Vegas Native … On Thursday, March 5 Gaughan is scheduled to participate in an autograph session at South Point Hotel & Casino with some of his RCR teammates. The session is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m Pacific Time. Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Grandview Lounge on a first come, first served basis. On Sunday, March 8 Gaughan is scheduled to sign autographs beginning at 9 a.m. at the South Point booth in the Midway at LVMS.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTES:
How does Las Vegas Motor Speedway compare to racing last week at Atlanta Motor Speedway?
“My Richard Childress Racing team and I will be using a completely different car this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We will go from the high banking and high speeds of Atlanta to the parabolic banking and super bumpy Las Vegas Motor Speedway. They are two completely different race tracks, even though they are similar in shape and mile-and-a-half.”
Being your hometown track, will this be a fun weekend for you?
“Las Vegas is fun, but is also one of the most busy and stressful weekends of the year. Everyone wants to come to the race, so I eventually just have to turn my phone off so I can get focused and put my game face on.”
