Brendan Gaughan No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week’s South Point Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway …Brendan Gaughan will pilot Chassis No. 089 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable. This Chevrolet was utilized by RCR teammate Elliott Sadler at Auto Club Speedway in March where he started fifth and finished 10th.
Gaughan in the Driver Seat … As the Nationwide Series travels the Sparta, Ky.-based facility, Gaughan will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 33 RCR Chevrolet for his seventh of 10 scheduled Nationwide Series appearances this season. In his first six Nationwide races with RCR in 2012, the Las Vegas native has earned one top-five and three top-10 finishes.
Kentucky Bound … Saturday’s 200-lap event marks Gaughan’s third Nationwide Series appearance at the Sparta, Ky.-based facility and 78th-career Nationwide Series start. In two previous series starts at the 1.5-mile tri-oval, Gaughan completed 100 percent (400 of 400) of the laps contested. He holds an average starting position of 13th and has a fourth-place average finishing position.
In the Loop … According to NASCAR’s Data Loop Statistics, Gaughan maintains an average starting position of 13th and an average finishing position of fourth at Kentucky Speedway. During the 37-year-old’s two previous starts, he has made 77 Green Flag Passes, posted seven of the Fastest Laps Run and spent 385 Laps In the Top 15. Gaughan is credited with 68 Quality Passes, ranking him secondin the category.
To the Points … The No. 33 RCR Chevrolet team sits sixth in the Nationwide Series owner’s championship point standings, 67 points behind the No. 18 team. The No. 33 team has earned one win (Kevin Harvick, Richmond International Raceway) 11 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes between six different drivers (Ty Dillon, Gaughan, Harvick, Paul Menard, Max Papis and Tony Stewart) thus far this season.
South Point Hotel & Casino … South Point Hotel & Casino will serve as Gaughan’s primary sponsor for the No. 33 Chevrolet this weekend. Located in the heart of the premiere southwest Las Vegas valley, minutes away from the famous Las Vegas Strip, South Point Hotel & Casino amenities include a 16-screen century theatre movie complex, 64-lane bowling center and a handful of restaurants that cater to all appetites and tastes. The casino features a large selection of table games and the latest slot and video poker machines. The distinctive hotel features spacious rooms and suites with 42-inch LED televisions, Point Plush mattresses and wireless fidelity throughout. A unique feature to this property is its Equestrian Center, which is the finest horse facility in the country. South Point also has a fabulous 400-seat showroom that features headliner entertainment and dancing to live bands on weekends.
Meet the Driver … Fans will have the opportunity to meet Gaughan during the Nationwide Series at-track autograph session on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time in the Infield Fan Zone.
In the Rearview Mirror: Chicagoland Speedway … Menard and the No. 33 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet rallied to a top-five finish in Saturday afternoon’s Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola after battling handling issues at Chicagoland Speedway.
BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on returning to Kentucky Speedway?
“Kentucky (Speedway) has always been one of my best 1.5-mile tracks, even during my worst season I ran well at Kentucky. The track is flat and bumpy and you lose grip very quickly, which suits my driving style just fine. I miss that style of racing where the tires wear out quickly and the driver’s skills come into play. I think Kentucky still has that “old school” feel and I can’t wait to get back there with the guys on the No. 33 team and see what we can do.”