No. 19 McDonald’s Dodge taking part in DirecTV’s Hot Pass for Dodge Challenger 500

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Elliott Sadler and the No. 19 McDonald’s Dodge team will take to the track together again this weekend. This time, things are a little different with a newly-paved Darlington Raceway waiting and exclusive team coverage for DirecTV Hot Pass subscribers.

In conjunction with McDonald’s launching of Southern Style Chicken on May 15, DirecTV’s Hot Pass will cover the No. 19 team. The dedicated announcer and pit reporter will follow Sadler, Team Director Rodney Childers and crew member pit stops throughout the race.

With the recent resurfacing of the track “Too Tough to Tame” all teams are waiting to see who will be taming whom this weekend.

Elliott Sadler quotes

What are you expecting with the new racing surface: “I talked to Jeff Gordon after he tire tested there a few weeks ago and he was going 203 mph heading into turn three. That is about 25 miles faster than any of us have normally gone there in the past. I know they did another tire test, but if we’re going anywhere near that fast on that track it’s going to be interesting.”

What type of racing can we expect? “Like any new surface, it takes a while for a track to get seasoned and worn in a bit for real good racing. There’s going to be a lot of grip in the track and it won’t be as slick as it was before. So, you’re probably going to see a one-groove track when we all get out there this weekend. Darlington is a rhythm track where you have to hit your marks every time or you’re going to get penalized if you miss them.”

About the history of Darlington: “Just like Richmond, I grew up coming to places like Darlington and Bristol. There are so many great drivers who have dominated Darlington and I think it’s great I get to race where they did years ago. I’ve had some good runs at Darlington and hope to have a great one on Saturday night. It would make a good Mother’s Day present, be great for Dodge since their name is on the race title and for McDonald’s with Hot Pass.”

Car Info: Childers and crew will use GEM No. 208; new body since last used at California Speedway.

Sadler at Darlington: Has made 15 starts earning one pole, two top-fives and four top-10s. Four of the last seven starts have been in the top-five; six in the top-10. He completed 4,781 of 4,799 laps for an impressive 99.6% rate leading 13 laps in two races.

Best Start – First, spring 2003 Best Finish – Second, spring 2002

This race last year: Started 17th and finished 27th while leading one lap

Sadler Season: Currently 25th in points trailing 24th by five points and 20th by 35. In 10 starts, has one top-10 with best start of second.

Sadler Career: In 331 Sprint Cup Series starts, has won three races while earning 16 top-fives, 56 top-10s and seven poles.

Sadler Family Featured on Speed TV’s Race Day: Elliott, brother Hermie, sister Missy and parents Herman and Bell Sadler will be featured in this week’s edition of “Real Deal” on Speed TV’s pre-race coverage.

Tune in: After two practice sessions on Thursday and one early Friday, qualifying starts at 5:15 p.m. (ET) on SPEED TV and MRN Radio. Race time on Saturday is 7:20 p.m. with Fox-TV and MRN Radio covering all .

Get out the vote, for All-Star Race: “I’ve been in the All-Star Race before, but I would very much like you to vote my team in this year,” Sadler said. “A lot of my guys have never been in the All-Star race and they have worked so hard this year giving us great cars. So, don’t vote for me – vote for my team.” Sadler isn’t eligible for the upcoming race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, but fans can help make it happen. Sprint is offering two ways for fans to get their favorite driver in the race. Text “NASCAR” to 7777 and follow the directions, go to a participating Sprint store or visit the Sprint Experience at an any NASCAR race. Or, vote via www.NASCAR.com online.

Autism Helmet Auction is underway: The specially-designed Autism Awareness helmet Sadler wore at all tracks in April is still up for the bidding. Closing on May 19, bids are accepted via www.sadlerfoundation.org for the autographed helmet donated by Impact Racing. All funds go to raising the awareness and research of autism. Bid now, big big – and win.