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Sylvania 300

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

 

Richard Childress Racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … Richard Childress has four victories as a team owner at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Robby Gordon (2001), Kevin Harvick (2006) and Clint Bowyer (2007 and 2010). In 109 starts at the 1.058-mile oval, Childress also has two pole awards, 16 top-five and 38 top-10 finishes with 10 different drivers including Dave Blaney, Jeff Burton, Bowyer, Austin Dillon, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Green, Gordon, Harvick, Ryan Newman, Steve Park and Mike Skinner.

RCR in the NSCS … In 2,596 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 46 pole awards, 105 wins, 468 top-five finishes and 1,000 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 …Throughout this season’s 27 contested races, RCR’s Sprint Cup Series entries have collectively notched seven top-five and 20 top-10 finishes with drivers Austin Dillon, Ryan Newman and Paul Menard. Newman and Menard rank eighth and 14th, respectively, in the Challenger round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, while Dillon ranks 21st in the standings.

RCR Chicagoland Rewind … RCR teammates Newman, Menard and Dillon finished fourth, 17th and 43rd, respectively, in the MyAFibRisk.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.

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.

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 http://ift.tt/1FwjOh9 and at RCRracing.com along with official driver pages http://ift.tt/1LwLCIC, http://ift.tt/1KCCzXu and http://ift.tt/1FwjOxp.

Catch the Action … The Sylvania 300 will be televised live Sunday, September 27 beginning at 2 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Cheerios Chevrolet SS

This Week’s Cheerios Chevrolet SS at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 475 in the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This is the same Chevrolet SS that Dillon drove to an eighth-place finish at NHMS in July. He also earned a 27th-place finish at Richmond International Raceway in April and a 15th-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway using this Richard Childress Racing-prepared chassis. In 2014, Dillon raced this Chevrolet SS to a 21st-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in November, an eighth-place finish at Kansas Speedway in October, a 15th-place finish at Pocono Raceway in August, and a 30th-place finish at Michigan International Speedway in June.

Dillon at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … In three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Dillon earned an eighth-place finish in July 2015, an 11th-place finish in September 2014 and a 14th-place finish in July 2014. The 2013 NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion has made four XFINITY Series starts at the track, earning one second-place finish (July 2015) and two third-place finishes (2013 and 2012) among eight laps led. The 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion has three previous starts at the Loudon, N.H.-based facility in the Truck Series, earning his best finish of second in 2011. In two NASCAR K&N Pro Series East division starts at the track, both in 2008, Dillon has two top-five finishes and one pole award.

#CheerThe3 … Dillon continues a long-standing Richard Childress Racing tradition this weekend by carrying General Mills’ Cheerios brand on the No. 3 Chevrolet. General Mills has been an active sponsor in motorsports for more than 15 years, working with drivers including Austin and Ty Dillon, Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin and Johnny Benson. Both Dillon brothers made their Daytona 500 debut with General Mills, with Austin in the Honey Nut Cheerios Chevrolet in 2013 and Ty in the Cheerios Chevrolet in 2015. Cheerios has been a family favorite of the Dillon and Childress families for years. Its wholesome goodness is perfect for toddlers to adults and everyone in between. Made from whole grain oats, and without artificial flavors or colors, they’re naturally low in fat and cholesterol free. These wholesome little "o’s" have only one gram of sugar.

Playin’ Hoops for Kids … Dillon is scheduled to host a 3-on-3 celebrity basketball tournament presented by Dow to benefit the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at High Point University on Tuesday, Nov. 3. He’s enlisted help from celebrity friends to serve as captains in the 16-team, double-elimination tournament. The Childress Institute will auction two spots on each team for fans to purchase via http://ift.tt/1FwjMFW.

Get to the Points … Dillon ranks 21st in the championship point standings heading into the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

In the Rear View … Dillon started fifth and ran within the top 10 for the first half of the MyAFibRisk.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway before cutting a right-rear tire and making contact with the wall. The team spent time in the garage area making repairs and Dillon returned to the track, finishing 43rd in the American Ethanol Chevrolet.

Double Duty … In addition to driving the No. 3 Cheerios Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing this weekend, Dillon is scheduled to compete in the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet for GMS Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The UNOH 175 is live on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday, September 26 beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and marks the Camping World Truck Series’ 500th race.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

What are your thoughts on running at New Hampshire Motor Speedway?

"I really like New Hampshire Motor Speedway. I’ve had a lot of success there in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and even some really good runs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but it’s a place I’ve never been able to win at before. In the July race we ran eighth and it was a really good finish, but I think we can improve on that. It was one of my first few races with Slugger Labbe and now that we have a few more races together, I think we have something to build off of. We’re bringing a fast car and we have nothing to lose."

Paul Menard, No. 27 Sylvania / Menards Chevrolet SS

This Week’s Sylvania / Menards Chevrolet at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … The No. 27 team will use chassis No. 488 this weekend for the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This Chevy SS was utilized earlier this season at Martinsville Speedway where Menard started 13th and finished 23rd.

New Hampshire Stats … Menard has 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the 1.058-mile track. He’s finished in the top 20 six times with four top-10 starts. He’s completed 99.2 percent of laps in competition, for a total of 5,071 laps around the Loudon, N.H.-based venue.

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Rookie Stripe … Alexander has impressive stats in his first year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief. In 31 races with Menard, Alexander has led the team to one top-five, 14 top-15 and 20 top-20 starts. He’s also collected 22 top-20, 18 top-15 and three top-five finishes. Alexander is the first three-time winner of the MOOG Problem Solver of the Race award this season. He’s also led Menard to his first-career berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

#MenardNation … The No. 27 Chevy team sits 14th in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings heading into this weekend’s event at the Magic Mile. Menard is just 25 points out of the top spot and four points away from 12th, which is the cut off position to advance to the next round.

Last Time in Loudon … Menard qualified ninth in last year’s September event and finished 21st after chasing adjustments all day. A top-20 finish wasn’t out of the question for the No. 27, but a loose-handling car caused the team to fall one lap down to the leader. It proved difficult to regain that back with 109 laps remaining, ultimately leading the RCR driver to a 21st-place finish.

PAUL MENARD QUOTE:

What are your thoughts heading into the second Chase for the Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway?

"New Hampshire is always a challenge for us. It’s probably our worst track in the Chase. It’s a one-mile track that races like a short track. It’s flat and hard to pass. We’ve had some decent runs, but it’s usually hit or miss for us. We have yet to find some consistency there. It’s a tough little track to manage your brakes and tires along with keeping the fenders on it. You have to have all three to have a good run."

Ryan Newman, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS

This Week’s Caterpillar Chevrolet SS at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … Ryan Newman will drive chassis No. 490 on Sunday at the Magic Mile. This Chevrolet has been utilized earlier this season in the fall Richmond International Raceway event (Start: 13 /Finish: 20) and at Martinsville Speedway (Start: 2/Finish: 27).

Career Stats at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … Newman will make his 504th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the series competes at the 1.058-mile oval where he owns three victories; the 2002 and 2005 fall events and the 2011 spring race. The "Rocket Man" also owns seven pole awards, seven top-five and 16 top-10 finishes, and has led 722 laps in competition. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 9.3 and average finish of 13.7. Plus he ranks eighth in most points earned in the last 10 races at Loudon.

Featured Caterpillar Dealer … Milton CAT will be the featured Cat dealer on the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet this weekend at NHMS.

  • Milton CAT is the Northeast Dealer for Caterpillar machinery, engines, and generators as well as a range of top name brands that complement the Caterpillar product offering – Metso mobile crushing and screening plants, Genie aerial lifts, and Sullair compressors. Milton CAT serves light to heavy construction, forestry, agriculture, governmental, paving, scrap, demolition, and waste, as well as marine, prime and stand-by power generation industries. Milton CAT maintains a huge fleet of machines and generators available for rent – and through rentmachines.com, daily and weekly machine rentals are available through Milton CAT Rental Alliances, a network of independent rental stores throughout the northeast. To learn more visit www.miltoncat.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. 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 http://ift.tt/1ojcFNa.

Cut to the Chase … Newman enters the second race, of three, in the Challenger 16 Round eighth in points. He is just 12 points out of the top spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

Media Availability … Newman will be accessible to media at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when he stops by the media center on Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Last Loudon … Earlier this season, Newman started 26th and after battling a tight-handling condition throughout the event, persevered to finish 11th.

RYAN NEWMAN QUOTE:

What is the key to running well at New Hampshire Motor Speedway?

"Loudon is flat and requires a lot of finesse. You have to qualify well there. It’s difficult to pass, especially when you are dealing with 15 people who do not want to let you go. So if you are that 16th qualifier of the Chase contenders, you have a lot of work to do. Qualifying in front of a lot of different people is important, and having good pit stops. At Loudon, we are only looking at three or four opportunities to come down pit road. Because of that, you have to be buttoned up before you even get started. Good news is, statistically, Loudon is one of my best tracks and it’s nice to know that I have wins at all three races in the Challenger Round."

 


 

VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300

Kentucky Speedway

 

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Kentucky Speedway … In 43 Series starts at the 1.5-mile track, RCR has captured four victories with drivers Kevin Harvick (2001), Austin Dillon (2012) and Brendan Gaughan (2014). The Welcome, N.C., organization has completed 8,413 laps of the 8,510 (98.9 percent) they have competed. RCR has accumulated four pole awards, 18 top-five and 30 top-10 finishes, led 793 laps and averages a starting position of 9.6 and finishing position of 8.8.

Chicago Review … Paul Menard finished fourth and was the highest finishing Richard Childress Racing driver in the Furious 7 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. Ty Dillon finished fifth, Brendan Gaughan 10th and Brian Scott was 17th.

The Points … With seven races remaining in the 2015 season, all three RCR XFINITY Series full-time drivers remain in the top 10 of the driver point standings as the Series heads to Kentucky Speedway this weekend. Ty Dillon is currently second, Brian Scott eighth and Brendan Gaughan is ninth. The No. 33 RCR team is fifth 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, @BrandonJonesRac and @Brendan62. For additional photos, news and video log on to rcrracing.com.

Catch the Action … Coverage of this weekend’s XFINITY Series event at Kentucky Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, September 26, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC Sports Network. It will also be broadcast live on Performance Racing Network 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. 141 in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300. This chassis from the Richard Childress Racing stable has an average starting position of 3.8 and an average finishing position of 11.3. Scott collected back-to-back pole positions last year at Chicagoland Speedway with this chassis. Most recently, Scott raced No. 141 at Richmond International Raceway where he started and finished third.

Blue Grass State Statistics … In nine XFINITY Series starts at the 1.5-mile track, Scott has finished 19th or better in seven of the nine events. The Boise, Idaho-native has an average starting position of 10.6 and an average finish of 16.0. 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.

Seven to go … After 26 XFINITY Series races this season; Scott has captured five top-five, 16 top-10 finishes, sits eighth in the driver point standings and has led 206 laps with an average starting position of 6.3 and an average finish of 12.7. According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Scott currently leads the XFINITY Series drivers with the highest average starting position of 6.3.

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.

Chicagoland Race Rewind … Scott and the No. 2 Jewel-Osco / Kraft Velveeta Chevrolet team qualified for the Furious 7 300 in the 13th position at Chicagoland Speedway. Scott led seven laps during the 200-lap affair and played fuel mileage strategy near the race’s end. Unfortunately, no caution was displayed and the team was forced to pit to top off on fuel, leading to a 17th-place finish.

Meet Scott … On Saturday, September 26, Scott is scheduled to participate in the XFINTIY Series autograph session that will take place in the Fan Midway at Kentucky Speedway at 3 p.m. ET.

Last Fall at Kentucky … Scott and the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet team topped off their weekend at Kentucky Speedway with a second-place finish in the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300. After being fast in both practice sessions on Friday, Scott backed it up with a fifth-place qualifying effort on Saturday afternoon.

BRIAN SCOTT QUOTES:

How do you like racing at Kentucky?

"Kentucky has always been a good place for RCR and ECR engine package. I like Kentucky, I look forward to going there. We’ve got a really strong group of races coming up that are good race tracks for me and for our No. 2 Shore Lodge team."

Is there something about Kentucky that fits RCR?

"I think it just fits our package that we run at the 1.5-mile tracks. I think it’s really suited for rough race tracks, flat race tracks. That would be the best thing I can contribute it to."

Are there places there you try to dodge, or do you make your car work over top of it and live with it?

"I feel like the best approach is to make you car work best right through the middle of it. If you can handle through them, you always know as a last resort you can try a different line and try to miss them. But, if you can drive right through them, you’ll beat a lot of cars."

Ty Dillon, No. 3 WESCO Chevrolet Camaro

This Week’s No. 3 WESCO Chevrolet Camaro at Kentucky Speedway … Ty Dillon will pilot chassis No. 157 for this weekend’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro last saw track action on August 1 at Iowa Speedway where Dillon finished fourth. Chassis No. 157 was raced to a 16th-place finish at Kentucky Speedway in July by Dillon.

Dillon at Kentucky Speedway … In two NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the 1.5-mile speedway, Dillon has recorded two top-10 and one top-five finish. Last September at Kentucky Speedway, Dillon won the pole award and led 155 laps en route to a 1-2-3 finish for RCR in which Dillon finished third. He also made his NASCAR debut at Kentucky Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on October 1, 2011 and visited Victory Lane in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado in 2013.

Welcome back, WESCO … WESCO International, Inc. has returned for its fourth season as a primary sponsor on the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro. WESCO, a leading provider in electrical, industrial and communication supply, began its relationship with RCR in 2012. WESCO employs approximately 9,400 people, maintains relationships with over 18,000 suppliers, and serves over 65,000 active customers worldwide. Its 2014 annual sales were approximately $7.9 billion.

Race Rewind, Chicagoland Speedway … Last weekend, Dillon drove the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro to a fifth-place finish, recording the team’s eighth top-five finish of the season. The team qualified fourth earlier in the afternoon and battled back from a pit road speeding penalty in the middle part of the 200-lap race.

To the points … Dillon moved back into second place in the driver championship point standings trailing the leader by only 25 points with seven races remaining.

Meet Ty Dillon … Dillon will sign autographs for fans in the XFINITY Series autograph session on Saturday, September 26 beginning at 3 p.m. in the fan midway. Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis Saturday morning.

TY DILLON QUOTE:

What should the fans be looking forward to this weekend?

"This is always one of the most exciting races of the season. Kentucky Speedway is one of my favorite race tracks to visit, mainly because it’s competitive, a worn out surface and I’ve been able to win here before. Last season we had a dominant race car leading 155 laps and having RCR finish 1-2-3. This will be a critical race for our team and a great opportunity to put one in the win column. There’s a lot riding on this race and I’m sure the fans will really enjoy watching."

Brandon Jones, No. 33 Barrett Jackson Auto Care/Menards Chevrolet Camaro

This Week’s Barrett Jackson Premium Auto Care/Menards Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway … Brandon Jones will pilot Chassis No. 150 in the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro has been raced on six previous occasions between drivers Paul Menard, Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon and Jones. Combined, the four drivers have earned an average starting position of eighth and an average finishing position of 6.5.

Kentucky Nuggets … Jones has one previous start at the 1.5-mile track in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series collecting a 10th-place finish. In his lone start at the Sparta, Ky.-based track, the 18-year-old driver wasn’t able to practice or qualify because of inclement weather and started the race without any prior track time.

1.5-Mile Details … Jones has accumulated 13 starts on tracks one to two miles in length across the Camping World Truck Series and K&N Pro Series East. In those 13 starts, Jones has garnered one top-five and four top-10 finishes with 14 laps led. This weekend will mark Jones’ first 1.5-mile start in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.

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Available at Menards … Menards carries the tools, materials and supplies for all of your home improvement projects from just needing a light bulb, gallon of paint or household items to building a deck, fence or new home! A family-owned company started in 1958, Menards currently operates 287 home improvement stores located throughout 14 Midwestern states. Menards is known throughout the home improvement industry as the low price leader; it’s no wonder their famous slogan – "SAVE BIG MONEY" – is so widely known and easy to remember. Menards does things right, the company’s strength and success can be seen in the well-stocked and maintained stores, the lowest prices in town, and the way guests are always treated like family.

33 Team by the Numbers … So far this season, the No. 33 team has accumulated some impressive stats with Jones, Austin Dillon and Paul Menard behind the wheel. In 26 races, the RCR team has garnered four wins, five pole awards, 13 top-five and 19 top-10 finishes with 437 laps led.

Last One … This weekend’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 marks Jones’ final XFINITY Series race for the 2015 season. To date, Jones has entered four events this year earning one top-10 finish. Jones has completed 100 percent of his contested laps and captured a 10.2 average starting position coupled with a 17.5 average finishing position.

Looking Ahead … Following this weekend’s 200-lap affair at Kentucky Speedway, Austin Dillon will return to the No. 33 Chevrolet for the final six races of the 2015 season.

Double Duty … Aside from his racing duties in the No. 33 Barrett Jackson Auto Care/Menards Chevrolet, Jones will also pilot the No. 25 Ansell/Menards machine in the ARCA Racing Series race on Friday, September 25.

BRANDON JONES QUOTES:

What do you think you can take away from your start at Kentucky Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series that you’ll be able to use this weekend in the XFINITY Series race?

"I actually didn’t get any practice time in the truck because weather cancelled our practice session, so we had to start fresh for the race. That was a little different for me, but we got a lot of laps in during the race. I ran behind people and in the top-five for a little bit. I think just being able to have laps under my belt will help in this XFINITY Series race. Hopefully this time, we’ll be able to practice."

It’s said Kentucky Speedway is one of the tougher tracks to race. What are your thoughts?

"Yeah, it was a little tough. I’d say, personally, Kansas Speedway has been the toughest 1.5-mile track with no banking anywhere on the track. I haven’t run on many 1.5-mile tracks, but logging laps at them helps when I get back into the Barrett Jackson Premium Auto Care/Menards Chevrolet with RCR."

Brendan Gaughan, No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Camaro

This Week’s South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Kentucky Speedway … Brendan Gaughan will pilot chassis No. 165 this weekend at Kentucky Speedway for the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300. This Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolet Camaro last saw action with Paul Menard behind the wheel at Michigan International Speedway in June where he started fifth and finished 18th.

Blue Grass State Stats … In six XFINITY Series starts at Kentucky Speedway, Gaughan has completed 100 percent of the laps he has competed. The Las Vegas native has garnered one victory, four top-five and six top-10 finishes. He is credited with 29 laps led, an 8.3 average starting position and a 4.5 average finishing position.

Gettin’ Lucky in Kentucky … Gaughan qualified third for the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 in 2014 and jumped to the lead on lap 10. When a caution fell on lap 23, the Las Vegas-native reported the handling of his Camaro was loose in the center of the turns. The Shane Wilson-led team elected to take four Goodyear tires and Sunoco fuel only, pushing them back to 12th on the restart. Gaughan fought to make up track position and by lap 100, had returned to the top five. During the final pit stop of the night on lap 115, Shane Wilson made the call for four fresh Goodyear tires. This pit road decision would ultimately give the No. 62 team the upper hand in the final laps of the race. On the final restart, with only seven laps remaining, the 40-year-old driver took the lead giving him his second-career XFINITY Series win.

This Week at South Point … South Point Hotel & Casino will host the American Quarter Horse Association Level One West Championship September 30 – October 4 in the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center. For more information about the championship event, please visit southpointcasino.com.

In the Rearview Mirror: Chicago … Gaughan started the 200-lap event from the 11th position and quickly reported he was too tight in the center of the corners. The Wilson-led team utilized five pit stops throughout the course of the race to make adjustments to the gold and black Chevrolet. The veteran driver was able to run as high as sixth but continued battling a temperamental machine as it switched from tight to loose with the changing track conditions. On the final restart of the night, Gaughan raced his way into the 10th position before taking the checkered flag.

Season in a Loop … According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Gaughan ranks sixth in Quality Passes with 931 passes so for this season. He also ranks eighth in Driver Rating with an 88.3. Gaughan has spent 80.3 percent of his contested laps competing in the top 15 of the running order in the first 26 events this year.

To the Points … Gaughan is currently ninth in the driver point standings as the XFINITY Series heads to Kentucky Speedway this weekend.

Meet the Driver … Gaughan is scheduled to participate in the XFINITY Series driver autograph session on Saturday, September 26 beginning at 3 p.m. in the fan midway at Kentucky Speedway.

BRENDAN GAUGHAN QUOTE:

You won a trip to Myrtle Beach last year after winning this race, safe to say you’re excited to go back to Kentucky Speedway?

"I love Kentucky. I was excited to be there earlier this year, but I love going back for the night race. It’s the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 again this year, so I’d love to go back and defend our win. RCR is pretty strong at a place like Kentucky. Its super-duper bumpy and super-duper-duper rough. I hope they don’t ever repave it, I love racing there."