RCR Event Preview – Quaker State 400 Presented by Advance Auto Parts and Kentucky 300

Paul Menard, No. 27 Quaker State / Menards Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:

This Week’s Quaker State / Menards Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway … The Justin Alexander-led team will use chassis No. 510 this weekend at the 1.5-mile track. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet SS was utilized earlier this season at Charlotte Motor Speedway where the team started 23rd and finished 14th.

Kentucky Stats … The Wisconsin native has four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the Sparta, Ken.-based track. This includes one top-10 and three top-15 starts and two top-15 finishes. He also has five NASCAR XFINITY Series starts with four top-10 and one top-three starts as well as two top-five and three top-10 finishes.

Rookie Stripe … Justin Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 20 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to one top-five, 11 top-15 and 15 top-20 starts. He’s also collected 16 top-20, 13 top-15 and three top-five finishes. Alexander is also the first three-time winner of the MOOG Problem Solver of the Race award this season.

Double Duty … In addition to driving the No. 27 Quaker State / Menards Chevy, Menard is scheduled to compete in Friday night’s 300-mile XFINITY Series race in his Richmond / Menards Chevy Camaro. Watch at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC Sports Network.

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 quakerstate.com.

Where Do You Stand … Menard currently sits 12th in the Sprint Cup Series driver point standings, tied with the No. 11 team and just 20 points away from 10th.

Last Time in Sparta … The RCR team started last year’s June event at Kentucky Speedway from the 12th spot and fought a loose-handling condition throughout the duration of the race. A last-minute pit stop for two tires positioned Menard within the top 15 with 47 laps to go where he eventually crossed the finish line 15th.

PAUL MENARD QUOTE:

What are your thoughts heading into Kentucky Speedway with the new rules package NASCAR implemented for the race?

“I’m excited about it and ready to test it out. A lot of people, me included, feel that less downforce will make for a better racing, forcing the drivers to slow the car more and in turn being able to beat another driver back to the gas to initiate a pass. I’m looking forward to it.”

Ryan Newman, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS
Race Notes and Quotes:

This Week’s Caterpillar Chevrolet SS at Kentucky Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 504 in the Quaker State 400. This Chevrolet has been utilized four times this season at Auto Club Speedway (Start: 9/Finish: 5), Texas Motor Speedway (Start: 7/Finish: 12) and Kansas Speedway (Start: 15/Finish: 10) and Dover International Speedway (Start: 17/Finish: 18).

Newman in the Bluegrass State … In four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at 1.5-mile track, Newman owns two top-five and two top-10 finish. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of ninth and average finish of 14th.

Featured Caterpillar Dealer … Whayne Supply Company will be the featured Cat dealer on the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet this weekend at Kentucky.

Whayne Supply Company is one of the oldest and largest Caterpillar dealers in the U.S., based in Louisville, Kentucky. Whayne Supply Company has 16 locations across Kentucky and Southern Indiana serving the construction, mining, highway, ag and power industries.

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. 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.

“Drive Home a Winner” Sweepstakes … Back by popular demand, the Quicken Loans “Drive Home a Winner” sweepstakes is looking to once again make a lucky grand prize winner’s dreams come true with a year’s worth of mortgage payments and a brand-new Chevrolet Colorado. The sweepstakes, open to those 18 and older, is a collaboration between Quicken Loans and General Motors. For more information, or to enter, visit qlracing.com. Entries must be submitted before July 13.

Watch last year’s grand prize winner Stephanie Gaines of Dalhart, Texas be surprised at her home by No. 31 Quicken Loans Chevy and Richard Childress Racing driver Ryan Newman with a brand new Chevy SS and a year’s worth of mortgage payments.

Get to the Points … After finishing eighth in the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway, Newman is 14th in the championship point standings and holds a coveted spot with only nine more events before the cut off and start of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. In the first 17 Sprint Cup Series events in 2015, the No. 31 team has earned four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.

Last Time Around … After starting seventh, Newman and the Luke Lambert-led team raced in the top 10 for the entire 267-lap event. Utilizing several two-tire and four-tire pit stops to gain track position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the pit crew earned a total of five positions during stops. Such was the case on lap 78 when Newman was running sixth and pitted under caution taking fuel and four tires. He returned to action in fourth place, earning two spots on the stop. From that point on, he remained in the top-five pitting for the last time on lap 213. From there, Newman stayed in the top three and crossed the start/finish line in third place at the 1.5-mile oval. This was his best-career finish at the track.

RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:

What are your thoughts heading into Kentucky Speedway with the new rules package?

“I really believe we are doing the right thing competition wise and race wise to get downforce off the cars. It will get us some difference in speed in the straightaways and in the corners. We tested there for three days back in April (13-15) and with this new package, it will totally be different. We are talking about a big difference in the aero package and hundreds of pounds of downforce difference. In the end, we’ll see. It’s a bit of a science experiment. It’s an educated guess so I think it’s going to be a good thing.”

Do you see any issues with changing the rules now versus doing it at the start of the season?

“It’s fine. Everybody still has an equal opportunity. The only unfortunate thing is we tested at Kentucky before the change so in reality, it wasn’t necessary. If making this change now is for the greater good of better racing then that’s what we need to do.”

What has been the key to Kentucky Speedway?

“Kentucky is pretty bumpy even if it’s on the straightaway, it abuses your tires. It’s a big circle so-to-speak with a little straightaway in the back. I find entry into Turn 3 to be the trickiest part of the track and it’s what you need to figure out in order to have a good night. It is typically loose in but you pretty much pick up the throttle before the center and then it carries through the whole big arc of the front straightaway so getting through Turn 3 allows you to make so much speed down the straightaway.”

Event:               Kentucky 300
Date:                 Friday, July 10, 2015
Venue:              Kentucky Speedway, Sparta, Kentucky

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Kentucky Speedway … In 39 NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Kentucky Speedway, the Welcome, N.C. organization has visited Victory Lane on four occasions (Kevin Harvick – June 2001, Austin Dillon – June 2012 & September 2012, Brendan Gaughan – September 2014). RCR has accumulated 18 top-five finishes, 28 top-10 finishes, led 777 laps and averages a starting position of 10.1 and a 8.5 finishing position at the 1.5-mile speedway. Last season, Richard Childress Racing finished 1-2-3 in the September event.

RCR’s 1-2-3 Finish … Last September at Kentucky Speedway, Brendan Gaughan drove to Victory Lane en route to a 1-2-3 finish for RCR’s Nationwide Series programs. Gaughan’s win was his second-career XFINITY Series victory and first at Kentucky Speedway. It was the first time RCR recorded a 1-2-3 finish since the 2008 Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Daytona International Speedway Recap … In the Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola, Austin Dillon posted his third victory of the season and first-career win at Daytona. Brian Scott, Brendan Gaughan, Ty Dillon posted, 23rd, 25th and 26th place finishes, respectively.

The Points … Ty Dillon is currently third in the driver point standings, nine points from second. Brian Scott is seventh and Brendan Gaughan is ninth. The No. 33 RCR team remains third in the owner point standings.

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 SaveInjuredKids.org or find them on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.

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, @RCR33NNS and  @RCR62BGaughan. RCR’s XFINITY Series driver twitter accounts – @bscottracing, @tydillon and @Brendan62. For additional photos, news and video log on to rcrracing.com.

Catch the Action … Coverage for the XFINITY Series Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway will begin with both practice sessions on Thursday, July 9 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time and 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Qualifying will also be showcased live on NBC Sports Network on Friday, July 10, at 3:30 p.m. ET and race coverage will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. It will also be broadcasted live on PRN and SiriusXM channel 90.

Brian Scott, No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:

This Week’s Shore Lodge Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway … Brian Scott will pilot chassis No. 156 in the Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Kentucky 300. This chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable was brand new to the fleet at Atlanta Motor Speedway and has since raced at Auto Club Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and most recently at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Blue Grass State Statistics … In eight XFINITY Series starts at the 1.5-mile track; Scott has finished 17th or better in six of the eight events. The Boise, Idaho-native has an average starting position of 10.8 and an average finish of 15.6. He is also credited with one lap led, which was during the Series’ visit to the Speedway in 2013. In addition to his XFINITY Series starts, Scott has three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts with one top-five and two top-10 finishes along with 43 laps led.

2015 at A Glance … After 15 XFINITY Series races this season, Scott has captured two top-five, 10 top-10 finishes, sits seventh in the driver point standings and has led 131 laps with an average starting position of 5.3 and an average finish of 14.2. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Scott currently leads the XFINITY Series drivers with the highest average starting position of 5.3.

Summertime at Shore Lodge … Life is more exciting when you are on the water! Shore Lodge, located in spectacular McCall, Idaho, just 100 miles north of Boise, puts you right on the waterfront…literally! Right outside our guest rooms sits a 5,330-acre expanse of pristine glacial water known as Payette Lake. Swim, boat, water ski and lounge at the lake before retiring to one of our 77 luxurious guest rooms. Visit ShoreLodge.com or Call 800.657.6464 for reservations.

Last Summer at Kentucky … Scott and the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro team started the John R. Elliott Hero Campaign 300 presented by Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over in the fifth position at Kentucky Speedway. In the opening laps of the 300-mile race, the team battled a tight Camaro for the majority of the race and crossed the finish line eighth.

Daytona Race Rewind … As America celebrated the Fourth of July, so did the XFINITY Series at Daytona International Speedway. After rain delayed the start of the Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola, Richard Childress Racing driver Brian Scott dominated the field during the 100-lap race, leading 84 laps of the event. With two laps to go, Scott was fighting for the win when he was collected in an on-track accident. The patriotic red-white and blue No. 2 Shore Lodge team made extensive repairs to the Chevrolet, returned to action and finished the race in 23rd place.

BRIAN SCOTT QUOTES:

What about Kentucky is so good for the RCR team?

“For whatever reason, there seems to be certain tracks that really fit certain companies. Kentucky has always been that track for RCR. We had a really strong run there last year between all of the XFINITY cars. It’s a place that the whole company gets really excited about going too and team morale and spirits all seem to be up, which I think plays a part in it. Hopefully we can go there and finish one spot better this year.”

Describe racing on the Kentucky surface?

“I’d call Kentucky the roughest track on the schedule. Kentucky has a lot of grip and a lot of bumps which is an interesting combination. It’s fun. You have to decide if you want your car to handle through the bumps; it helps you in the race. But, if you can miss the bumps you can normally get some more speed out of your car and it becomes really a driver preference track. It opens up a couple different grooves to race and pass cars. Strategy comes into play and it’s just a fun race.”

Ty Dillon, No. 3 Red Kap / Alsco / Larry Miller Dealerships Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quotes:

This Week’s Red Kap / Alsco / Larry Miller Dealerships Chevrolet Camaro at Kentucky Speedway… Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 157 is this weekend’s Kentucky 300. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro last saw track action at Dover International Speedway where Austin Dillon drove the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet to a fourth-place finish. Teammate Paul Menard drove chassis No. 157 to a sixth-place finish earlier this season at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Dillon at Kentucky Speedway… Dillon has two NASCAR XFINTIY Series starts at Kentucky Speedway, both coming during the 2014 season. He finished seventh in the June event and finished third in the September race after winning the pole and leading 155 laps. Dillon made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway in the No. 21 Chevrolet Silverado. Overall, Dillon has three top-five finishes in four starts and recorded a victory in June, 2013 at Kentucky Speedway.

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 visit redkapautomotive.com.

About Alsco … Alsco (alsco.com) is a family owned and operated business, founded in 1889, that was recognized by the world-renowned Hohenstein Institute for having invented the linen and uniform rental industry. Alsco provides linen and uniform services to customers that range from restaurants and healthcare clinics to automotive repair and industrial manufacturing facilities. With over 150 locations, Alsco provides world-class service to over 250,000 customers on five continents.

Points Update … Dillon is currently third in the XFINITY Series driver point standings, trailing second place by only nine points.

Race Rewind … Dillon drove the No. 3 Yuengling America’s Oldest Brewery Chevrolet Camaro to a 26th-place finish last Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. He qualified sixth earlier in the afternoon and ran inside the top five for 90 of the race’s 100 laps, at times competing for the lead. A late-race incident collected the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro causing significant damage to the nose of the race car. Crew chief Nick Harrison, atop the No. 3 pit box for the first time this season, and team repaired the damage to the best of its ability to salvage a 26th-place finish.

TY DILLON QUOTE:

What will it take to get back to Victory Lane at Kentucky Speedway?

“Kentucky Speedway is such a great place to race and a great place for fans to watch racing. The racing surface makes for an exciting race because of all the passing and side-by-side racing. We had a heck of a run there last September leading over 100 laps and the having a 1-2-3 RCR finish. We’ve had a lot of success in the Truck Series at Kentucky Speedway. I’d love to get back to Victory Lane this time around and win one of those sweet Crosley Jukeboxes, too.”

What are your thoughts on safety inside the race car?

“NASCAR has come a long way with keeping its drivers, crew members and fans safe during the race. Our sport is second to none when it comes to safety procedures and protocols. I think last weekend’s events at the end of the Coke Zero 400 is a testament of how advanced our safety is not only throughout NASCAR, but also at Richard Childress Racing. We have incredible talented crew members at RCR that double and triple check the smallest details of our race cars to make sure they are comfortable and safe. From our Sparco firesuits to our helmets and HANS devices, I feel very safe inside a race car.”