RCR heads back to Kentucky as defending XFINITY winner

Kentucky 300

Friday, July 10, 2015
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.

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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

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.

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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."

Paul Menard, No. 33 Richmond / Menards Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:

This Week’s Richmond / Menards Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway … Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 163 in the Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro is new for the 2015 season and was last utilized by Ty Dillon at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Michigan International Speedway earlier this year where he finished seventh and 13th, respectively.

Bluegrass State Nuggets … The Eau Claire, Wis., native driver has made five NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the Sparta, Ky.-based track, collecting two top-five and three top-10 finishes. Menard has an average starting position of 9.2, an average finishing position of 12.8 and four laps led.

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Rearview Mirror: Daytona … Last weekend, the XFINITY Series celebrate the Fourth of July under the lights at Daytona International Speedway. Austin Dillon endured multiple restarts and pack racing to bring home his third XFINITY Series victory of the 2015 season with the No. 33 team.

33 Team by the Numbers … So far this season, the No. 33 team has accumulated some impressive stats with Menard, Austin Dillon and Brandon Jones. In 15 races, the RCR team has garnered three wins, five pole awards, nine top-five and 12 top-10 finishes with 411 laps led.

Looking Ahead … Following this weekend’s 200-lap affair, Austin Dillon will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 33 Chevrolet at New Hampshire International Speedway for the July 18 event.

Double Duty … In addition to Friday’s Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway, watch Menard in the No. 27 Quaker State / Menards Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400, which airs live on NBC Sports Network Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
This will be your first race with Danny Stockman as the crew chief. What are your thoughts heading into the weekend?
"I’m looking forward to working with Danny and the boys this weekend in Kentucky. It’s a unique track with the surface. It’s one of the oldest surfaces we go to with the bumps that are characteristic of an old, worn out track. It’s real flat, very wide. The fact that it is so multi-grooved makes it a fun track. You can run the middle, years ago we ran by the fence which has gone away a little bit but you can run all over the place."

Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro
Race Notes and Quote:

This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will utilize chassis No. 125 Friday night at the 1.5-mile speedway. Gaughan has piloted this Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Dover International Speedway, averaging a starting position of 8.5 and finishing position of 9.5.

Gaughan’s Bluegrass State Stats … In five NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the Kentucky Speedway, Gaughan has accumulated four top-five and five top-10 finishes. The Las Vegas native earned his second victory of the 2014 season at Kentucky Speedway in September. Gaughan has led 29 laps, averages a starting position of 9.4 and finishing position of 3.6 and has completed 100 percent of the laps competed in.

Last Visit to Kentucky … Last September, the Richard Childress Racing team brought home their second victory of the 2014 XFINITY Series season. After qualifying third for the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300, Gaughan showed the horsepower of his RCR-prepared Chevrolet and jumped to the lead on lap 10. On the first caution, the Shane Wilson-led team elected to take four Goodyear tires and Sunoco fuel, restarting the team in 12th. Gaughan fought to make up track position and by lap 100, had returned to the top five. On the final restart, with only seven laps remaining, the 39-year-old RCR driver slipped by teammate Ty Dillon and competitor Chase Elliott. That maneuver put Gaughan in the lead, where he remained for the final laps giving him his second-career XFINITY Series win.

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Happy Birthday, BG! … Driver of the No. 62 RCR Chevrolet, Brendan Gaughan will celebrate his 40th birthday on Friday, July 10!

In the Rearview Mirror: Daytona International Speedway … The No. 62 South Point team earned their 10th top-10 qualifying effort of the season on the Fourth of July at DIS. After a rain-delayed start to the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola. By lap 75, Gaughan was racing inside the top 10 in the eighth position. With only eight laps to go in the scheduled 100-lap event, Gaughan was collected in a 12-car accident that brought out the red flag. The RCR team was able to get Gaughan back on track and salvage a 25th-place finish.

To the Points … As the XFINITY Series heads to Kentucky, Gaughan is currently ninth in the driver point standings.

BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:
Does the No. 62 team have what it takes to return to Victory Lane at Kentucky Speedway?
"I think Richard Childress Racing continues to provide us with the equipment we need to return to Victory Lane. We have been caught up in bad luck a few times this season, but Kentucky Speedway, statistically is one of my best, if not my best track. I would love to rebound from our weekend in Daytona and get the South Point Chevrolet back to Victory Lane. Last September the RCR cars showed just how powerful our ECR Engines are with our 1-2-3 finish. Ready to get back out there and do it again."