No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Camry (Brian Scott) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

No. 11 Shore Lodge Team Notes of Interest

· Brian Scott and the No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota team go into this weekend’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on a mission. After getting taken out of last week’s race at Phoenix International Raceway on the first lap, Scott lost a spot in the driver point standings and was prevented from contending for a win. The team will look to turn that around during this weekend’s 300-mile race in Homestead, Fla.

· The No. 11 Shore Lodge Team went into last weekend’s Wypall 200 with high expectations after performing so well in race trim during the practice sessions on Thursday. Scott qualified in the 24th place but was hit from behind on the first lap of the event and sent spinning into the inside retaining wall. The car was damaged beyond repair forcing the team to retire from the race without having completed a full lap of competition.

· The DNF in Phoenix dropped Scott a position in the driver point standings. He is now sitting in ninth place in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver point standings, a mere six points behind Michael Annett in eighth place.

· This weekend’s race in Miami will be only Scott’s second Nationwide Series start at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway. Scott made his lone Nationwide Series start at the track one year ago when he scored an 18th-place finish after starting from the 30th position.

· In addition to the one start in Nationwide Series competition at Miami, Scott has three starts in Camping World Truck Series competition at Miami. In three Truck Series starts at the track, Scott has finished no worse than 15th place and has a best finish of second place. Scott finished second during the Truck Series finale in 2008 after starting from the 15th position. Scott’s average Miami finish in Truck Series competition is ninth place.

· Chassis #122 is the car Scott will race during the Nationwide Series finale this weekend. Chassis #122 has been a successful chassis for the No. 11 Shore Lodge Team. This car most recently was used by the team a month ago during the Dollar General 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway where Scott scored a fifth-place finish. The car was also raced to successful results during the spring race at Charlotte (eighth-place finish) and Texas in April (10th-place finish). The backup car for the race will be Chassis #128. This car has been raced as a primary a handful of times in 2011 at tracks that includes Dover, Atlanta and Michigan.

· To access information on Brian Scott and No. 11 Team visit: www.joegibbsracing.com and follow twitter.com/bscottracing and twitter.com/joegibbsracing

Brian Scott - Photo Credit: Rainier Ehrhardt / Getty Images for NASCAR

What happened last week at Phoenix?

“Well, we had a fast car even though our qualifying effort didn’t show it. I got really loose making my run so that kind of put us behind a little bit and then, we go out on the first lap and get hit from behind and that ended our day. So we are going into this weekend’s race looking to get back that momentum this team has been building and use that going into the off season.”

Talk about this week’s race in Miami:

“I actually really like racing in Miami. It’s one of those tracks that I have just taken to and really seems to suit my driving style. Obviously I had some great runs in the Camping World Truck Series competition and that really gives me a lot of confidence going there this weekend with this No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Team. We’ve been working so well here this last half of the season and it just really pumps me up as a driver. I’m kind of bummed it’s the last race and we don’t get to go out and do what we love for a couple of months but it’s been a great year and with everything we have built this year I am just so excited to get back at it in Daytona in February.”

- Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release

No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Camry (Brian Scott) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

No. 11 Shore Lodge Team Notes of Interest

· Brian Scott and the No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota team travel to Texas Motor Speedway and look for more of the same in this weekend’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge. Scott has been on a bit of a roll that last saw the Boise, Idaho-native pick up a fifth-place finish when the NASCAR Nationwide Series last competed three weeks ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

· Scott has three previous starts at the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway and picked up his best Texas finish during his most recent race at the track. Scott started from the 13th position and raced to a 10th-place finish when the Nationwide Series raced at the track in April.

· When the NASCAR Nationwide Series teams take the track for practice on Friday morning in Texas, it will have been a full three weeks since the series was last on track. During the last three weeks, Scott made a trip to his hometown of Boise, Idaho, visiting with family and friends and participating in various outdoor activities and sports.

· Last Race: Scott picked up his second top-five finish of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season when the series raced at Charlotte Motor Speedway in mid-October. After starting from the eighth position, Scott battled some handling issues early in the running of the Dollar General 300 before settling into a comfortable pace during the second half of the race. Scott raced his way into the top five in the closing laps of the race to pick up the fifth-place finish which was his second top-five finish in the last four races of the schedule.

· After his top-five finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway three weeks ago, Scott heads to Texas Motor Speedway in eighth place in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver point standings. He currently sits 17 points behind Kenny Wallace in seventh place.

· Chassis #134 is the car Scott will race this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. This car made its debut at Kansas Speedway one month ago where Scott qualified fifth and competed in the top 10 the majority of the race before settling for a 17th-place finish. The backup car is Chassis #128. Chassis #128 has been used by the No. 11 team a handful of times during the 2011 season with the most recent race being the September race at Dover where Scott finished 11th.

· To access information on Brian Scott and No. 11 Team visit: www.joegibbsracing.com and follow twitter.com/bscottracing and twitter.com/joegibbsracing.

Brian Scott - Photo Credit: Rainier Ehrhardt / Getty Images for NASCAR

“It was good but I am bouncing off the walls, ready to be back on track. It feels like it has been a really long time since we were on track. We had a great run in Charlotte which makes me even more eager for the next race so it feels like it’s been even longer because I’ve been ready since the last race finished.”

How much momentum does your team have now?

“We’ve had some really good runs lately. We’ve been running at the front the last — seems like five races. We haven’t really finished up there a couple times — Kansas comes to mind and Dover comes to mind – but we were up there and in it. We’re capable of running up there and now we’re getting more finishes up there. We’ve got a lot of strength with this team and we’re going to end this year really strong and we’re going to go into next year representing Dollar General and try to win them a championship.”

- Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release

Richard Childress Racing (RCR)

RCR Post Race Report –

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
RACE: Charlotte 500
TRACK: Charlotte Motor Speedway
DATE: October 15, 2011

Race Highlights:

• RCR teammates finished sixth (Kevin Harvick), 17th (Paul Menard), 18th (Jeff Burton) and 24th (Clint Bowyer).
• Harvick gained two positions in the final 10 percent (34 laps) of Saturday night’s Charlotte 500, tying him for sixth in the NASCAR Loop Data category Closers.
• Harvick logged 328 out of 334 laps (98.2 percent) in the top 15, ranking him eighth amongst the 29 drivers to do so.
• With an average speed of 177.175 mph during the first two laps under green-flag conditions, Harvick ranked third in the NASCAR Loop Data category Fastest on Restarts while Menard’s average speed of 176.471 mph placed him sixth.
• Menard ran as high as seventh and as low as 28th, maintaining an average running position of 16.928 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
• Burton logged a total of 86 green-flag passes, according to NASCAR’s Loop Data statistics. the 15th-highest among all drivers.
• Burton’s average speed of 179.223 mph in traffic, ranked him 14th in that NASCAR Loop Data statistics category.
• Burton’s 18th-place finish marks his 17th top-20 of the 2011 NSCS season.
• Bowyer’s remains 13th in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings.
• Bowyer gained three positions in the final 10 percent (34 laps) of Saturday night’s Charlotte 500, tying him for fourth in the NASCAR Loop Data category Closers.
• The next NSCS race is the Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, October 23 and will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM Satellite Radio beginning at 1 p.m. EDT.

Paul Menard and the No. 27 CertainTeed/Menards Team Victims of Ill-timed Cautions;

Finish 17th at Charlotte

Paul Menard started the No. 27 CertainTeed/Menards Chevrolet from the seventh position in Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and finished 17th despite getting caught laps down to the leader with ill-timed caution periods falling immediately after green-flag pit stops. During the first run of the 500 miler, Menard battled a tight-handling machine and fell back to the 12th position. When he brought the No. 27 Chevrolet Impala to pit road on lap 43 for the first green-flag pit stop of the evening, crew chief Slugger Labbe called for four fresh Goodyear tires, a full tank of Sunoco E-15 fuel and a spring rubber removed from the left-rear spring to counter the tight condition. The result was a much-improved Chevrolet that only tightened up late in the ensuing long run. A caution for debris on lap 77 allowed the CertainTeed/Menards team the opportunity to make air pressure and chassis adjustments which, unfortunately, freed the car’s balance too much, causing Menard to fall as far back as 23rd in the running order with the loose-handling machine. Over the next 150 laps, Menard regained track position, running as high as 15th before settling in the 16th spot. The No. 27 team continued to make small air pressure and chassis adjustments, getting the car’s handling balanced for the Eau Claire, Wis., native. Following the lap 236 green-flag pit stop, the yellow flag was displayed only two laps later, trapping the 2011 Brickyard 400 winner two laps down to the leader who had not yet visited pit road. Menard restarted 17th and regained one lap as he took the wave around. To add insult to injury, it happened again on lap 287, with the caution flag appearing for fluid on the racing surface just as Menard returned to the track following another green-flag pit stop. Menard remained trapped a lap down through the end of the 334-lap race and, after falling back to 20th on a lap-303 restart, powered back to take the checkered flag in the 17th position.

Start – 7 Finish – 17 Laps Led – 0 Points – 21

PAUL MENARD QUOTE:

“We had a pretty solid car tonight and Slugger (Labbe, crew chief) and the No. 27 CertainTeed/Menards team did a good job adjusting on the handling as the race progressed. We just had bad luck getting caught two laps down when the caution flag came out after a green-flag stop. What’s crazy is that it happened twice with back-to-back green-flag stops. That was frustrating and at that point, we were just ready for the checkered flag to fly.”

Harvick Avoids Trouble to Claim Sixth-Place Effort at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet team avoided trouble in Saturday night’s Charlotte 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway to bring home a sixth-place finish and maintain the second position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. After starting from the 14th position, Harvick struggled with a car he said was “way too tight” on the first run. Crew chief Gil Martin called for a four-tire stop with air pressure and chassis adjustments on the first trip to pit road at lap 43. Once green-flag pit stops cycled through, Harvick was scored in the 13th position. The No. 29 Chevrolet was still too tight for Harvick’s liking when the caution flag waved for the first time at lap 76 and Martin called for a two-tire stop in an effort to gain valuable track position. The Bakersfield, Calif. native restarted in the second position at lap 81, but still felt the car was too tight as he slipped back to 11th before the team’s next pit stop under green-flag conditions at lap 122 for four tires and additional chassis adjustments. The caution flag waved for the second time at lap 146 and again the No. 29 team gambled with a two-tire stop. However, a number of other teams did as well, so Harvick lined up in the ninth position for the lap 152 restart. He was running 12th when the team pitted again at lap 193. On the ensuing run, Harvick once again noted the car was “too tight off.” Martin called Harvick to pit road again at lap 235, but spotter Billy Odea alerted him to stay out as a car was slowing on the backstretch. Two laps later the caution flag waved as another competitor was unable to make it to pit road. The spotter’s call kept Harvick on the lead lap, allowing the Jimmy John’s Chevrolet to restart in the 10th position after pitting for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. Harvick started out too tight, but the handling seemed to improve over the course of the run. The No. 29 team came back down pit road at lap 285 for four tires and fuel, and just two laps later the caution flag waved. Because the leader hadn’t pitted yet, Harvick was caught a lap down but was returned to the lead lap when he took the wave around. He was listed in the 12th position when the green flag waved at lap 292. Before the field completed a lap, three competitors in front of the No. 29 Chevrolet made contact and spun. Harvick went low through the grass to miss the melee and then a quick move back up the track allowed the 35-year-old driver to completely avoid the accident. The trip through the grass caked the nose of the Jimmy John’s Chevrolet with debris, requiring a trip to pit road on lap 295 for fresh tires, fuel and the ability to clean off the grille. Harvick restarted in the 10th position at lap 298 and gained two spots before the caution flag waved again a lap later. Once the field took the green again, Harvick worked his way up to the sixth position before the caution flag waved at lap 316. On the last run, Harvick climbed to fourth with 11 laps to go, but fell back two spots to sixth with as a tight-handling condition developed once again. He maintained the position in the remaining laps and took the checkered flag in the sixth position, scoring his fourth top-10 finish in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and his 17th of the season.

Start – 14 Finish – 6 Laps Led – 0 Points – 2

KEVIN HARVICK QUOTE:

“We made it through the first five Chase (for the NASCAR Sprint Cup) races this year. We have had a lot of goals that we wanted to achieve this year and that was one of the goals we wanted to achieve was to get through these first five races, with not too much damage, so five points, if you would have told me we would come out of Charlotte (Motor Speedway) with a only a five-point deficit going into the next five races, I would be really happy. Everyone did a great job on our Jimmy John’s Chevrolet. It wasn’t great, but it was better at the end of the race than it was in the first half.”

Caterpillar Racing Chevrolet Finishes 18th at Charlotte Motor Speedway

The No. 31 Caterpillar Racing team went from loose to good to tight to good and back to loose again before finishing 18th in the Charlotte 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeff Burton qualified 28th on Thursday night and would line up on the outside of the 14th row for Saturday night’s “home race” for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. The first half of the 334-lap race on Charlotte’s 1.5-mile tri-oval was a mixture of three caution periods and two green-flag pit stops. Burton ran as high as 15th before losing a lap to the leaders two-thirds of the way through the race. Five caution flags in the race’s final 100 laps allowed Burton and the Caterpillar Racing team to work on their car in an attempt to bring its handling under control. Attrition from late-race crashes allowed Burton to pick up a couple of spots before crossing the finish line in the 18th position. He maintained the 24th position in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings with five races remaining.

Start – 28 Finish – 18 Laps Led – 0 Points – 24

JEFF BURTON QUOTE:

“The Caterpillar Chevy started the race tight and then went to good, then loose and tight and good and back to loose again. It was a back and forth throughout the night but the Cat crew never gave up in the pits in an effort to make the car better.”

Bowyer Finishes 24th in Backup Car at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Clint Bowyer and the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet team finished 24th in the Charlotte 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in a backup car. After a solid 19th-place qualifying effort on Thursday, the Richard Childress Racing driver’s No. 33 Chevrolet became really loose with 20 minutes remaining in Friday’s final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice session and made significant contact with the outside retaining wall, forcing the “Helping Hands” pit crew to bring out the backup chassis for Saturday night’s 334-lap event. Starting from the rear of the 43-car field per the NASCAR rulebook, the four-time NSCS race winner worked his way up to the 28th position on the leaderboard before the first green-flag pit stop of the day at lap 43. After the pit stop, Bowyer reported to crew chief Shane Wilson that his red and yellow machine was tight on long runs and fell one lap down to the leader. Bowyer would receive the “lucky dog” award during a lap-78 caution-flag period to regain the lost lap and pitted for four fresh Goodyear tires and Sunoco E15 fuel with a chassis adjustment. Upon returning to the race track after a pit stop on lap 120, Bowyer reported to Wilson his left-rear wheel was loose and the team was forced to return to pit road for service, falling two laps down. For the next 150 laps, the Emporia, Kan., native ran around the 28th position, two laps down. Wilson decided to try some pit strategy on lap 287, coming down pit road early to gain a lap back, but as the 32-year-old driver exited his pit box the caution flag was displayed again, pinning the No. 33 Chevrolet three laps down in the 28th position with 42 laps to go. Over the final run, Bowyer was able to gain one more lap back under caution and passed four more competitors on the track before crossing the finish line in 24th-place. With the finish, Bowyer remains 13th in NSCS driver championship point standings.

Start – 19 (41) Finish – 24 Laps Led – 0 Points – 13

CLINT BOWYER QUOTE:

“It was just frustrating because we had a decent car before I got loose and wrecked it in practice on Friday. These guys worked hard to get the backup ready. We just couldn’t catch a break during the race and couldn’t recover after we fell a few laps down. Next weekend will definitely be more interesting in Talladega.”

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

RACE: Smith’s 350

TRACK: Las Vegas Motor Speedway

DATE: October 15, 2011

Race Highlights:

• RCR teammates finished 17th (Austin Dillon) and 22nd (Joey Coulter)
• Dillon started from the second position in the Smith’s 350, improving his average starting position on the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season to 4.6
• Despite only running one lap inside the top 15, Dillon was second in the Closer category of the NASCAR Loop Data statistics, gaining three positions over the last 10 percent of the race.
• Dillon ran as high as first and as low as the 33rd position in the Smith’s 350
• Coulter and Dillon were each credited with one Fastest Lap of the race according to NASCAR’s Loop Data statistics
• Coulter is second the Sunoco Rookie of the Year point standings, trailing the leader by one marker.
• Dillon leads the NCWTS standings by five points over Johnny Sauter with four races remaining in the 2011 season.
• Coulter dropped three positions, to ninth, in the standings, 17 markers out of sixth and 75 markers out of the top spot.
• Ron Hornaday earned his 51st career NCWTS victory and was followed to the line by Matt Crafton, Timothy Peters, Sauter and Todd Bodine.
• The next race on the NCWTS schedule is the Coca-Cola 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, October 22 and will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM Satellite Radio beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Dillon and Bass Pro Shops Team Increase Points Lead Despite Tough Day in Las Vegas

Austin Dillon and the Bass Pro Shops Racing Team battled back from a lap three accident to finish 17th in the Smith’s 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Saturday. Despite the disappointing finish, Dillon was able to pad his lead in the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship point standings and now holds a five-point margin over second place with just four races remaining on the season’s schedule. Dillon started the 146-lap race from the second position and while battling for position down the backstretch of the 1.5-mile track on lap two, felt a slight tweak in the rear of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. That slight tweak turned out to be the left-rear tire losing air pressure which led to a much larger problem coming out of turn four as the No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado lost grip, sending the 21-year-old driver spinning into the outside wall and coming to rest at the start/finish line on lap three. With heavy damage on the black and camouflage Chevrolet, the Bass Pro Shops team went to work on repairs and ultimately spent the remainder of the 146-lap event making numerous trips to pit road and the garage area for improvements on the No. 3 machine in an attempt to gain as many positions on the track as possible. Dillon & Co.’s never-give-up attitude paid off as they were able to maintain the points lead with the 17th-place effort, marking their 18th top-20 finish in the 21 races run so far in the 2011 NCWTS season.

Start – 2 Finish – 17 Laps Led – 0 Points – 1

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
“It was a tough day for our Bass Pro Shops team but I am so proud of everyone for their efforts. The guys worked so hard to get the truck repaired and back out on the track so quickly. It’s hard to believe we are still leading the points after a day like today. We didn’t have a good day but nobody gave up and we battled back to make the most of what we could, that’s what makes a championship team.”

Rookie Joey Coulter Finishes 22nd after Unfortunate Luck at LVMS

Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year contender Joey Coulter overcame an early incident to claim a 22nd-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After starting the Smith Brother’s 350 in the 18th position, the Miami Springs, Fla. native took full advantage of the early cautions to stay out and gain significant track position. Choosing not to pit for four of the first six cautions allowed Coulter and the No. 22 RCR Graphics Chevrolet Silverado team to move into a solid top-five spot by lap 40. However, while racing hard among the leaders on lap 54 and competing three wide, the 21-year-old Coulter got loose and made contact with the turn-four wall, bringing out the seventh caution of the event. Coulter brought the black and red Chevrolet to pit road to the attention of the Harold Holly-led crew for four tires as they quickly attempted to fix the damage. After returning to the track and green-flag racing, Coulter’s truck suffered from a right-front tire failure just two laps later. The severe damage required a trip to the garage for extensive repairs to the No. 22 machine. Once repairs were complete, Coulter headed back out on the track on lap 115, moving into the 23rd position and 57 laps down to the leaders. Three additional cautions during the remainder of the race allowed the No. 22 team to provide additional assistance to Coulter’s Chevrolet Silverado and ultimately gain positions on the track. A strong effort by both the driver and crew enabled the No. 22 RCR Graphics Chevrolet to finish in the 22nd position.

Start – 18 Finish – 22 Laps Led – 0 Points – 9

JOEY COULTER QUOTE:

“We were excited about the possibilities going into this race since we’ve had some strong runs on 1.5-mile tracks. It is unfortunate things turned out the way they did because we were anticipating a top-ten finish. Our guys worked really hard and we’re all disappointed. We’ll look ahead to Talladega Superspeedway where we’ll be unveiling the new Rip It Chevrolet Silverado. We have a lot to look forward to and will put this weekend behind us.”

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards

RACE: Federated Car Care 200

TRACK: Toledo Speedway

DATE: October 16, 2011

Race Highlights:

• RCR teammates finished second (Ty Dillon) and 17th (Tim George Jr.).
• Dillon was crowned the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Champion.
• Dillon started second and led for 52 laps.
• George started 20th and ran as high as 11th.
• George finished seventh in the ARCA Racing Series point standings
• Chris Buescher won followed by Dillon, Chad McCumbee, Tom Hessert, and Grant Enfinger rounded out the top five.
• The 2011 ARCA Racing Series season concluded at Toledo Speedway this weekend, and the banquet is scheduled for December 10 in Covington, Ky.

Tim George Jr. Finishes Seventh in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series Point Standings

Tim George Jr. and the No. 31 Applebee’s/Potomac Family Dining Group finished 17th in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season finale at Toledo Speedway after being involved in a late-race incident. Rain and grey skies greeted the Richard Childress Racing team for the final race of the 2011 season Sunday at Toledo Speedway. With persistent rain falling over the half-mile speedway, ARCA and track officials were forced to push the start of the race back by two hours. The initial start of the 200-lap event was given under green and yellow-flag conditions due a few rain showers still in the area. All green-flag racing began on lap 42 and George started his journey from his 20th starting position. George had improved his position into the top 15 when a caution flag slowed the field on lap 77. The New York, N.Y., native informed his crew that his car was developing a tight-handling condition, but opted to stay out during the ensuing caution to keep his track position. As the halfway point neared, George was closing in on the top 10 as another caution flag was displayed on lap 118. Crew chief Gere Kennon called the black and red No. 31 Chevrolet to pit road for four fresh Hoosier tires and one can of Sunoco fuel. The handling on the RCR entry improved over the next 25 circuits around the Toledo, Ohio-based facility when George experienced a flat left-rear tire. Kennon called for a two-tire pit stop before sending George back out onto the racing surface on lap 147. Again, the veteran ARCA driver clawed his way into the top 15 and was scored in the 13th position when a car in front of him lost control. George had nowhere to go and made contact with the spinning vehicle. The Pocono ARCA 200 event winner came to pit road for repairs on the right side of the No. 31 machine. He restarted in the 17th position when green-flag racing resumed on lap 176 but was unable to improve his position over the next 30 circuits, finishing out the season seventh in the point standings.

Start – 20 Finish – 17 Laps Led – 0 Points – 7

TIM GEORGE JR. QUOTE:

“It’s a disappointing finish to end our season with, but I have to thank Gere (Kennon, crew chief) and my RCR team for putting together a lot of great race cars this year. They worked really hard throughout the season. I wish we could have finished in the top five in points, but we’re seventh and that’s an improvement from last year.”

Richard Childress Racing’s Ty Dillon Crowned ARCA Racing Series Champion at Toledo

Ty Dillon concluded his rookie year of competition in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with his first career championship and earned a second-place finish in Sunday afternoon’s Federated Car Care 200 at Toledo Speedway. Dillon, 19, officially clinched the 2011 title by virtue of entering and competing in the 200-lap ARCA season finale. The start of the race was pushed back by two and a half hours due to rain. When track officials displayed the green flag just after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Sunday, they also displayed the yellow flag, indicating to the starting field to maintain a cautious pace as the track was still wet. Green-flag racing commenced on lap 42 and after starting from second position, Dillon drove to the inside of the race leader to take over the point position. He remained in the lead until lap 63 when the inside line was slowed by a lapped car, allowing several competitors to slip by on the outside. Dillon slipped to fourth in the running order, but was scored in the third position on lap 65. Just past the race’s halfway mark, he advanced to the second position. Dillon was running second when the caution flag was displayed on lap 118, prompting crew chief Scott Naset to direct his young driver down pit road for the team’s only pit stop of the race. The RCR team serviced the No. 41 Chevrolet with four fresh Hoosier tires and Sunoco fuel. Despite the fact pit road was quite slippery and wet due to early morning rain showers, the team completed a fast stop and Dillon restarted sixth on lap 125. The RCR entry was fast on fresh tires, allowing Dillon to quickly move forward in the running order, advancing to third on lap 133 and second on lap 135. Dillon made a pass for the lead on lap 164, but fell back to second on lap 197. The High Point University freshman attempted to regain the race lead on lap 198 of 200, but the race leader got loose in the middle of turns one and two and spun in the process, prompting ARCA officials to display the yellow flag. The caution extended the race past its advertised distance and set the stage for a two-lap shootout to the checkered flag. Dillon restarted the race in the second position on lap 200 but was unable to make the pass for the victory and,finished second in the No. 41 Bass Pro Shops/Hemelgarn Enterprises Chevrolet. Dillon was officially crowned the 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion during post-race ceremonies surrounded by his RCR team, his grandparents Richard and Judy Childress, and team sponsors Johnny Morris and John Paul Morris (representing Bass Pro Shops) and Ron Hemelgarn (representing Hemelgarn Enterprises). The championship represents the first non-NASCAR championship in RCR’s storied history and the 13th championship for the organization.

Start: 2 Finish: 2 Laps Led: 52 Points: 1

TY DILLON QUOTE:

“I can’t believe it, the youngest champion in ARCA history. Somebody needs to pinch me or something. That just says how great this team is. I can’t thank my grandpa, my dad, and everybody enough for the opportunity. This Chevrolet was fast. Bass Pro Shops and Johnny Morris came on board for the last race and we put on a good show for them. I’m proud of my team and proud of winning this championship. Running the entire ARCA season has been very beneficial to my career because I have learned things that will help me next year and beyond. I know I will always remember this moment.”

- Richard Childress Racing, Press Release

TaxSlayer.com

Two of the 14 races will be with driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a third JR Motorsports entry. He will drive TaxSlayer.com television ad campaigns that emphasize the affordability and efficiency in TaxSlayer.com, president Jimmy Rhodes. “Fans are extremely loyal to Dale Jr. and his business interests, and we were able to use his immense reach and influence to market our product effectively. We are looking forward to continuing the momentum in 2012.”

Aric Almirola will complete the 14-race slate by driving a TaxSlayer.com, -sponsored No. 88 Chevrolet in 12 races. Almirola is currently fourth in the Nationwide Series point standings with four races to go. He enters the Dollar General 300 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway 10 points behind third-place Reed Sorenson.

“In just a short amount of time we’ve built something pretty special with TaxSlayer,” said Earnhardt Jr. “They’ve become a cornerstone partner of JR Motorsports and a valuable ingredient to this race team. I think both sides saw tremendous benefits to this association in 2011, and the best part is we’re just getting started.”

TaxSlayer debuted with JR Motorsports on Feb. 26 at Phoenix International Raceway. Earnhardt Jr. drove TaxSlayer to a third-place finish at Bristol on March 19, and Almirola put the TaxSlayer Chevrolet on the pole for the June 4 race at Chicagoland Speedway en route to a fourth-place finish.

TaxSlayer is based in Evans, Ga., and provides forms, calculations, and communication links to allow customers an easy avenue to filing tax returns electronically for only $9.95.

Also at today’s press conference, TaxSlayer.com, announced a title sponsorship of the Motorsports Journalism Awards of Excellence presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway. The awards are given out each January to individual winners in five journalism categories. TaxSlayer.com will make a $1,000 scholarship contribution in their name to a charity of their choice.

About JR Motorsports:

JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s eight-time Most Popular Driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races. JR Motorsports competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The JR Motorsports facilities are based out of Mooresville, N.C., and include the JR Nation retail store, Hammerhead Entertainment, and JRM Licensing. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit www.JRMracing.com.

About TaxSlayer.com:

TaxSlayer.com is an established firm with a solid reputation and over 40 years in the Tax Preparation business. TaxSlayer has the full expertise of a professional tax service behind it. TaxSlayer.com is an online tax preparation and e-file service providing free services to the active Military Duty Personnel. TaxSlayer’s focus is on supporting young adults offering affordable and reliable tax services in a digital environment conducive to young active lifestyle. TaxSlayer is proud to assist you in preparing and e-Filing your taxes.

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For more information about TaxSlayer.com, go to www.TaxSlayer.com or on facebook www.facebook.com/taxslayer1 or on twitter @taxslayer

- JR Motorsports Press Release

Carl Edwards, driver of the #60 Fastenal Ford, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. - Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

Roush Fenway notches 297th NASCAR win; Stenhouse Jr. maintains point lead

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 14, 2011) – Carl Edwards rebounded from hard contact with the outside wall early to score his eighth Nationwide victory of the 2011 season. Edwards led three Roush Fenway Ford Mustangs in the top 10, being joined by Trevor Bayne in third and points leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in ninth. The win moved Edwards’ No. 60 Ford Mustang to within three points of the Nationwide Series owner’s point lead.

“This is huge,” said Edwards of the comeback victory. “I hit the wall really hard and messed the right side of the car up early. This is a big week for Ford. Henry Ford won a race for Ford 110 year ago (this week) and we are leading the Nationwide points, the Sprint Cup points and we are winning with these Ford Mustangs – so that is huge.”

Edwards, who led only five laps in the race, fell back as far back as 27th, before steadily rebounding for the victory. Bayne was strong the entire race, tying his career-high with the third-place finish. Stenhouse ran inside the top five the majority of the race – leading 21 laps – and contending for the win late, before struggling on a late restart and settling for the ninth-place finish.

“I was hoping for a Roush Fenway one-two-three (finish), but we still got a first and a third and Ricky was top 10,” said Bayne. “I was really hoping we could get a win tonight and we had a really good car at the end. We finally got it dialed in at the end when it counted. The pit crew did a great job and we were able to put it all together. It was fun helping push Carl to the win at the end and it was great to get Fastenal a first and a third-place finish.”

With only three races remaining in the 2011 Nationwide Series season, Stenhouse leads second place Elliot Sadler by 15 points. The No. 60 trails the No. 18 in the owner’s points by just three points.

With the win, Roush Fenway closes in on NASCAR win number 300, with a total of 297 victories. The win is Edwards’ 37th career Nationwide win; good for third best all-time. The win is Roush Fenway’s 11th in the Nationwide Series in 2011 and its 14 NASCAR win in 2011.

Roush Fenway continues to lead both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series point standings. With the win Roush Fenway sweeps this season’s Nationwide schedule at Charlotte.

Roush Fenway returns to action at Charlotte Motor Speedway for tomorrow night’s Sprint Cup event. The race is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised live on ABC. Roush Fenway has won seven times in Sprint Cup action at CMS.

- Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release

2011 NNS Carl Edwards in Victory Lane - Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

This was Edwards’ 8th series win of the 2011 season, his 37th series career win and his 2nd series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Following Edwards and Busch to the drop of the checkered flag were Trevor Bayne finishing in third, Elliott Sadler (who now trails Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., by 15-points for the series points lead) finishing fourth and Brian Scott finished in the fifth position.

The 2010 series champion, Brad Keselowski (who led the most laps – 119 out of 200) finished in sixth, while Justin Allgaier finished seventh, Paul Menard eighth, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ninth and Brian Vickers rounding out the top-ten finishing positions.

RACE NOTES:

Average Speed: 134.195 MPH
Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 14 Mins, 08 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.223 Seconds
Lead Changes: 11 among 7 drivers
Cautions: 7 for 31 laps
Attendance: 45,000

Unofficial Top-Ten in the Point Standings: 1. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 1100 (Leader) 2. Elliott Sadler – 1085 (-15 Points Behind the Leader) 3. Aric Almirola – 1013 (-87) 4. Justin Allgaier – 1009 (-91) 5. Reed Sorenson – 1006 (-94) 6. Jason Leffler – 949 (-151) 7. Kenny Wallace – 894 (-206) 8. Brian Scott – 877 (-223) 9. Steve Wallace – 870 (-230) 10. Michael Annett – 859 (-241)

Next Up: The teams will have the next two weekends off and will not return to competition until Saturday, November 5th, for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. The green flag is expected to fly around 1:15 PM (ET) and ESPN2 will begin their television pre-race coverage at 12:00 PM (ET).

2011 NNS Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage Race Results

(i) Ineligible for Points in this Series
# Denotes Rookie

Joey Logano - Photo Credit: Motorsports Images and Archives

The 2010 series champion, Brad Keselowski, was second fastest with a lap speed of 181.886 mph, and was followed by the current series points leader, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (181.360) who was third fastest, Josh Wise (180.717) fourth fastest and Kyle Busch (180.421) who was the fifth fastest.

Paul Menard, who was the fastest in the first session, was sixth fastest with a lap speed of 180.373, while Brian Vickers (180.301) was seventh fastest, Carl Edwards (180.030) eighth, Jason Leffler (179.976) ninth and Sam Hornish Jr. (179.916) rounds out the top-ten fastest in “Happy Hour.”

The teams will return to the track Friday afternoon for their 3:05 PM (ET) scheduled qualifying session, which will determine the starting lineup for that evening’s race (which is set to get underway approximately around 7:50 PM  ET) and ESPN2 will begin their (pre-race) coverage at 7:00 PM (ET).

2011 NNS Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage Final Practice Session Speeds

(i) Ineligible for Points in this Series
# Denotes Rookie
* Required to Qualify on Time

Carl Edwards - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion, leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings by one over Kevin Harvick. Edwards spoke about his position in the Charlotte Motor Speedway infield media center after practice.

CARL EDWARDS – No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS WEEKEND? “I hope we come out of here on Saturday with a win. We have not run well at this race track. This has been one of my tougher race tracks, but this year I feel like we turned a corner with our All-Star win and our run in the 600. Our car was very fast. Practice went really well for all the Fords. I feel like we’re gonna be pretty stout in qualifying and we’re, hopefully, gonna race really well. We’ve got the same kind of theory for setup and some of the same approaches for our car and our suspension as we had in the All-Star Race, so I’m just excited to get to practicing and I hope this is the race we can turn it around and win a points race here. That would be huge.”

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE NATIONWIDE SERIES? “I don’t know what can be done to make the Nationwide Series better. I’ve really enjoyed running the Nationwide Series. For me, there are a lot of race tracks – it’s just my opinion. I haven’t thought about this more than since you just asked the question, but there are a lot of race tracks out there that are really neat race tracks around the country and I think people would be really excited to see the Nationwide cars run. It’s my opinion that the future of the Nationwide Series is probably going to be a little more geographically separated from the Cup Series. We’ll be running at places like ORP and Memphis and tracks like that that maybe don’t have a Cup race going on the next day. If you go to Iowa, it is an unbelievable event. There’s not a Cup race anywhere near there, so for the Nationwide Series to go to that track and pack the stands and have people really excited about NASCAR racing, we’re gonna have to kind of create that demand with the schedule. I just think people are being more choosy with where they go watch the races. They might not want to watch a race one day and then the next day at the same race track. That’s just my opinion.”

THE WAY YOU REBOUNDED LAST WEEK WAS SIMILAR TO WHAT THE 48 HAS DONE IN PAST YEARS. DOES THAT SHOW MATURITY ON YOUR TEAM’S PART? “First of all, last week we got very lucky to get the breaks we got, but we did come back and we didn’t lose our heads and I believe that comes from the maturity that we’ve built through a lot of pain and frustration through the last couple of years. It reminded me, when I watched Jimmie do one of his interviews afterwards, it reminded me of 2008. We won Atlanta and Jimmie was having a terrible day. I thought, ‘Man, we smoked him in the points today. That’s awesome,’ and then I looked up at the scoreboard and I think he finished second. I was like, ‘How in the heck did he finish second? Things were going terribly.’ But they came back and I could see that look in Jimmie’s eyes like, ‘Man, I didn’t know they finished fifth (meaning Carl at Kansas last week).’ They were probably really counting on putting a pretty good beating on us in the points, so I think to win the championship you have to not have bad days, and I think our team is better prepared to recover from some days like that than we have been in the past. I don’t know if that answers your question, but I was very proud of it. That’s the best way to put it.”

WHERE IS YOUR CONFIDENCE LEVEL AT THIS PLACE? “The All-Star Race helped a lot. That car was very good. Our car the next week was really good, too. We didn’t finish very well. I think we had a pit strategy issue like a lot of guys did, but I think we came back here and, like I said, we’ve been relying on what we ran at that race. If you look at the scoreboard just for qualifying practice there are a lot of our cars up there. They’re all pretty fast. The proof will be how we run on Saturday night, but I do have a lot more confidence here than I’ve had in years past. I mean, we’ve come here and been lost – just terrible – and I feel like we have a lot better shot now. I felt like that on Friday at Kansas too, but I do feel we’re looking pretty good here.”

WHAT KIND OF STRATEGY DO YOU HAVE FROM A CHASE PERSPECTIVE? “I want to have the biggest lead I can get. Right now, it’s one point, but I’d like to leave here with a bigger lead and then have a little bit of insurance for that bad day that’s inevitably gonna happen. You go to Talladega, Martinsville, the new Phoenix surface, I mean, nobody knows what’s gonna happen and you need as many points as you can have so that you can absorb that bad day. We led the points for a bunch during the regular season, but we had some bad days that used up a ton of points. I think at one point we had a 40-point lead or something like that and one broken valve was all it took to wipe that away. So I’d much rather be out front.”

ANY IDEA HOW IT WILL PLAY OUT AT TALLADEGA? “I don’t know how Talladega is gonna play out. We’ve been talking about it a little bit, but I think it’s going to be tougher. There’s gonna be more of a chance for mistakes, more of a chance for having wrecks and engine trouble. I think it’s just gonna be more difficult because you’ll have to swap the lead more and there will just be more guys trying to match their bumpers up and getting frustrated. So I think it’s gonna be more in the driver’s hands too, so I think that’s good. I think it’ll be better. The harder it is at Talladega, the better it is.”

BUT WE’LL STILL SEE TANDEM RACING? “Yeah. That race will be won by two guys teamed up together, it’s just putting yourself in the position to have that opportunity at the end, I think, is gonna be a little tougher.”

DO YOU FEEL THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THE CARS HAVE MADE THIS CHASE MORE STRESSFUL AND WILL YOUR STUNT DOUBLE BE WEARING YOUR UNIFORM WHEN HE DOES THE HUMAN CANNONBALL THIS WEEK? “I think that’s a good way to put it, it is more unpredictable. I truly went into Kansas thinking, ‘Boy, I sure hope we don’t finish second or third in this race. I’m here to win this race.’ And then about 15 laps in I thought, ‘Man, I’d give anything to finish second or third in this race.’ So you just don’t know what to expect. You don’t know what’s gonna happen. Your best race track could end up being your worst nightmare. You just don’t know. I’m glad to hear that’s stressing Jimmie out. That’s good news. As far as the cannonball shot, I don’t know what the man will be wearing.”

DO YOU LOOK AT THE COMPUTER AND TRY TO BREAKDOWN WHAT’S GOING ON? “Yeah, we have a pretty good group of engineers and we talk quite a bit about where we’re losing time on the race track and things that we can work on. I think this sport is probably headed more and more in that direction. When the gains are so tiny that they’re almost imperceptible, it gets really tough to just go out there and do it by the seat of your pants. You’ve really got to understand where you’re slow.”

YOU’RE THE ONLY GUY WITH FOUR TOP 10’s IN THE CHASE. SOME THINK IT MAY COME DOWN TO YOU AND JIMMIE AT THE END. CAN YOU BEAT HIM THE LAST WEEK IF IT COMES DOWN TO THAT? “Of course we can beat him. We beat him in 2008, he just beat us before that race. We beat him last year. We can do it. The trick is getting to that point and being in a position to capitalize on that race track. That’s a race track – Homestead – where we feel we can go to and win every year that we go there. It’s a great track for Roush in general. The Fords seem to run really well there. I don’t know if the marketing campaign with Ford weekend helps that or not. I don’t know what they’re doing, but I’m glad for it. The thing that he does is he puts himself in a position to win and he doesn’t take himself out of the championship, ever. That’s what we have to go do and we have to do it better than him. I hope he’s the only guy I’ve got to worry about though. I think there might be more.”

WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION WITH SOME OF YOUR TEAMMATES WHO AREN’T IN THE CHASE. SHOULD THEY LET YOU BY TO GAIN POSITIONS? “I don’t really have an expectation. I hope that they would help out and I think they will, but everyone is racing for different things. They’re racing for wins and sponsorship and you’ve got to do the best you can. Put it this way, if I’m out of the picture and Matt’s in it and there’s something I can do to not hold him up, then I’m gonna do that. I’m gonna do the best I can to make sure I don’t hurt Matt’s chances. We’ve got a pretty tight group over there. Everybody seems to want to help each other. We’ve been through a lot together and I feel really good about my teammates.”

AT WHAT POINT THOUGH DOES THE CHAMPIONSHIP BECOME A PRIORITY? “All situations are different and no one likes to hear about team orders. Fortunately, all of us are competitive enough that you don’t hear about it very often. There aren’t many times people are really trying to help someone else, ever. And there are only a couple times when a guy can really help you, but I believe my teammates would do the same thing I would do for them. If they need something and there’s a way I can help them with it, then hopefully they’ll do it. There’s a fine line. You don’t really want to help a guy, you just don’t want to hurt him. That’s the thing. I think with a teammate I’m more cautious just to be a little more careful around them. New Hampshire was a good example. I was being too aggressive. I got into Matt and spun him out and we need to be doing the opposite of that. That was a good reminder for me of how much is on the line and we talked about that – my team and I did – and I think everybody is conscious of it.”

SHOULD THERE BE REGULATIONS ON THAT DOWN THE LINE FROM NASCAR AS FAR AS HELPING TEAMMATES? “I think there are limitations. If people are bringing out cautions on purpose, stuff like that. I think NASCAR is very, very aware of that possibility and I think they’re watching it very closely. I don’t know what they would do, but that possibility is there and it’s real. We haven’t asked any of our teammates or entered into any of those discussions, but if you can affect the outcome of a race or a championship by doing that, there are gonna be people who try it and people who do it. I just hope that NASCAR keeps that out of it because once you start going down that road, I think it becomes very difficult to run your race. I hope that doesn’t become a part of it.”

- PCGCampbell for Ford Racing, Press Release

No. 33 Rheem / Menards Chevrolet Impala

Second fastest and with a lap speed of 181.044 mph, was Ricky Stenhouse Jr., followed by Trevor Bayne (180.905) who was third fastest, Elliott Sadler (180.590) fourth fastest and  Brad Keselowski (180.264) was fifth fastest.

Rounding out the top-ten fastest during practice were Justin Allgaier (180.060)  who was sixth fastest, Brian Vickers (179.796) seventh, Joey Logano (179.760) eighth, Sam Hornish Jr. (179.706) ninth and Kasey Kahne (179.689) posting the tenth fastest lap speed.

The teams will return to the track later this evening for their 6:10 PM – 7:00 PM (ET) scheduled “Happy Hour” (final) practice session, and then return on Friday afternoon for their 3:10 PM (ET) qualifying session to determine the starting lineup for that evening’s race (which is scheduled to get underway approximately around 7:45 PM – ET).

2011 NNS Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage First Practice Session Speeds

(i) Ineligible for Points in this Series
# Denotes Rookie
* Required to Qualify on Time

No. 40 PRECISIONWERX/Key Motorsports Chevrolet

Mooresville, NC (October 12, 2011)

“We are very excited about our sponsorship of the Key Motorsports race team in Friday night’s race,” said a PRECISIONWERX spokesperson. “Race fans have a tremendous loyalty to the sport and to introduce our capabilities to the NASCAR audience is a great opportunity for PRECISIONWERX.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with PRECISIONWERX again and for the Charlotte race in particular,” said team owner Curtis Key. “Charlotte is a great venue to showcase the unique abilities of PRECISIONWERX and we are thrilled to have them back on board this weekend.”

Charles Lewandowski will strap into the No. 40 PRECISIONWERX Chevrolet for the 300-mile contest on the high-banked 1.5-mile oval near Charlotte, North Carolina. The twenty-six year old Connecticut native looks forward to getting back in the PRECISIONWERX Chevrolet.

“We are glad to be driving the PRECISIONWERX Chevrolet at Charlotte and want to welcome PRECISIONWERX back with Key Motorsports this weekend,” said Lewandoski. “Curtis has gone all out, we have a new engine in the car and Gary Showalter (Key Motorsports crew chief), along with all the guys on the crew, have spent a lot of hours in the shop preparing for this race. Hopefully we will have a good showing for PRECISIONWERX.”

Friday night’s Nationwide Series race will be broadcast live from the Charlotte Motor Speedway on ESPN2 at 7:30 ET.

- Key Motorsports, Press Release

NASCAR Logo

Upcoming Race Weekend Features Multiple Industry Initiatives

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2011) — In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NASCAR is “going pink” with concentrated efforts during this weekend’s activities at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway to build awareness and raise funds for breast cancer-aimed charitable organizations.

NASCAR will add pink accents to its NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series vehicles during the upcoming race weekend – which includes Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Bank of America 500 and Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage; and Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Smith’s 350.

Included among the many race weekend initiatives are:

• · Race cars and trucks will carry a NASCAR Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon logo on A-posts
• · NASCAR officials will wear pink lanyards and gloves in the garage area throughout the weekend
• · NASCAR officials’ fire suits will carry NASCAR Breast Cancer Awareness patches
• · NASCAR partner Mechanix Wear will provide pink gloves that will later be signed by drivers to auction off on the NASCAR Unites website (NASCAR.COM/Unites)

Coinciding with the at-track elements, the NASCAR Unites website (NASCAR.COM/Unites) will feature a number of opportunities for NASCAR fans to unite in support of kids who have been affected in some way by breast cancer through initiatives like the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® College Scholarship program. Each year, Susan G. Komen provides scholarships for up to $100,000 a year for four years to college-bound students who have lost a loved one to breast cancer or have been diagnosed themselves under the age of 25.

In 2008, The NASCAR Foundation funded a Komen college scholarship awarded to Neal Simon, who lost his mother – a single parent – when he was 11. Neal attended the University of Texas where his numerous community service achievements led to him being nominated by Komen for the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

”Breast Cancer Awareness month is one of those unique opportunities in which the NASCAR industry and NASCAR fans rally together for such a special and important cause,” said Sandy Marshall, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “Each year the program gets bigger, which means that awareness is growing across the board.”

Industry efforts take center-stage during Friday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage race, which has a pink theme. Fans attending the race are encouraged to participate in a “pink out” – wearing pink to show their support of breast cancer awareness.

Dollar General 300 event tickets, the frontstretch grass, the start/finish line, and the official Toyota Camry pace car will all incorporate the pink motif for Friday’s race. To celebrate survival in the fight against breast cancer, dignitaries for the race will be Dollar General employees affected by the disease and serving as Honorary Race Director is 101-year-old Nanny Sue Neal, of Waxhaw, N.C., the oldest living survivor in North Carolina. In addition, a group of 300 survivors will be recognized in a special “ring of survivors” as part of pre-race ceremonies.

Ticket packages are also on sale by Charlotte Motor Speedway that include a frontstretch ticket, a pink event t-shirt and a donation to Komen and Speedway Children’s Charities.

A number of NASCAR Nationwide Series race teams will sport pink paint schemes and accents on cars, including the Turner Motorsports’ No. 32 Dollar General Chevrolet driven by Brian Vickers, the Kevin Harvick Inc. No. 2 Chevrolet driven by Elliott Sadler, and the MacDonald Motorsports No. 81 Daystar.com Dodge driven by Blake Koch. Both Sadler’s and Koch’s mothers are survivors of breast cancer.

Several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are also planning to run special pink paint schemes or accents during Saturday night’s race, including the Michael Waltrip Racing’s No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota driven by David Reutimann, which will feature a full pink color scheme.

Support for Breast Cancer Awareness has been a month-long initiative across the industry. Among those raising awareness was the Richard Childress Racing’s No. 29 Rheem Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, which featured a special pink Rheem “Chasing the Cure” paint scheme at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway on Oct. 2. Chevrolet has also featured several pink pace cars leading up to the month of October to drive awareness and fund-raising in advance.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America’s premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the U.S., races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. Also part of NASCAR is Grand-Am Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Bank of America 500 Charlotte Motor Speedway, will air Oct. 15 on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support non-profit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation.

- The NASCAR Foundation/NASCAR, Press Release

Roush Fenway Racing

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 12, 2011) –

The organization will roll out a complete plan for the silver anniversary in the coming months, but 25th anniversary memorabilia is being introduced to the public via the official Roush Fenway store for the first time this week. The items will feature the official Roush Fenway 25th anniversary logo, commemorating 25 ‘winning years’ of Roush Fenway Racing in NASCAR’s top divisions.

Jack Roush launched his NASCAR operations from Liberty, N.C. in 1988 and in the subsequent 24 years built the team into one of the most successful franchise in sports history. To date, Roush Fenway Racing has accumulated almost 300 NASCAR wins, spread across 24 years and 14 different drivers, while earning five championships in NASCAR’s top divisions. No other team in motorsports racing boasts the consistent and wide ranging success of Roush Fenway Racing.

“I think our success over two and half decades speaks volumes about the organization that we have been able to put together,” said Roush. “Not only have we been able to recruit and attract the type of talent that can compete at the highest level week in and week out, but we have also been successful in hanging on to those guys for a prolonged period of time.

“We can do this because we work hard and efficient across the board and every person in this organization, from the drivers and crew chiefs to the mechanics, fabricators and painters, expects each of our teams to consistently run up front, and compete for wins and championships year in and year out.”

Roush Fenway currently leads the points in NASCAR’s top-two series. Carl Edwards leads the Chase for the Sprint Cup by one point, with six races remaining, while Ricky Stenhouse Jr., leads the Nationwide Series standings by 20, with four races remaining.

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series with drivers Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, David Ragan, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Trevor Bayne. Celebrating 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions with its exclusive RoushFenwayOnTrack sponsorship measurement services, motorsport’s only team-focused TV show, and its social marketing channel RickyvsTrevor.com bringing unmatched brand opportunities to sponsors. Visit www.RoushFenway.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries call John Younger at 704.720.4620.

- Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release

Toyota Motorsports Logo

KANSAS RECAP:

CHASE RACE FOUR: Sunday’s NSCS race at Kansas marked the fourth of 10 playoff races in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Camry drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are both competing in this year’s Chase. Busch’s 11th-place result at Kansas dropped him to 20 points behind current leader Carl Edwards, and he remains eighth in the standings. Hamlin currently sits 12th in the point standings and is 79 points behind the leader with six races remaining.

CLINT COMING OVER: On Friday in Kansas it was announced that Clint Bowyer would join Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) for the 2012 NSCS season. Bowyer will drive the No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry. The 32-year-old Emporia, Kan., native has competed in the NSCS for seven years and has four wins, 30 top-five results and 91 top-10 finishes. He has also contended for the Chase for the Sprint Cup in three of those seasons with his best result of third coming in 2007.

CAN KYLE CATCH CHARLOTTE CHECKERS?: Busch has 23 career NSCS race wins, but a victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) has eluded the 26-year-old racer. Busch has earned one pole (May 2008) at the speedway, along with five top-five results and eight top-10 finishes in 15 career starts. However, the 1.5-mile oval is one of only six circuits on the current 23 track NSCS schedule where Busch has yet to take a victory bow following a Sprint Cup event.

REUTIMANN REVELED IN RAIN: David Reutimann earned his first career NSCS victory — and gave MWR its first series win — in the 2009 rain-postponed and shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Reutimann’s crew chief Rodney Childers elected to keep the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Camry out on the track during a caution just past the halfway point (lap 222), where he led five yellow flag laps before the race was red-flagged due to heavy rain — and never restarted. The victory marked the first Sprint Cup win for a TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)-built engine since Toyota joined the series in 2007.

FOLLOWING FAMILY: Growing up watching brother Martin Truex Jr.’s NASCAR success, 19-year-old Ryan Truex has now made the NASCAR ranks. After competing for Pastrana-Waltrip Racing (PWR) earlier this season, Truex signed a six- race NASCAR Nationwide Series deal with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and earned his career-best NNS finish of fourth-place last month at Richmond International Raceway. Truex will compete at Charlotte driving the PWR No. 99 Camry. Truex, whose father Martin Truex, was a race-winner in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, won the 2009 and 2010 K&N Pro Series East championships and posted 15 top-five finishes in 22 races over three seasons.

LOOKING TO LAS VEGAS: Tundra drivers have recorded three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In 2005, Todd Bodine started third and led 114 laps (of 152) en route to victory lane. He also won the pole at the 1.5-mile oval in 2009. The 47-year-old Chemung, N.Y.-native has 21 career victories — all in a Toyota — and is the 2006 and 2010 series champion. Mike Skinner, who started one series race earlier this year, captured the Las Vegas checkered flag twice (2006 and 2008) in a Tundra and also swept pole positions in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

NOTES, QUOTES & NUMBERS

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS): Since the start of the 2011 season, Toyota drivers have combined for five victories, 32 top-five results, 61 top-10 finishes and have led 2,146 laps … The 2011 Waltrip Brothers’ charity golf tournament will take place in Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 19 and 20 to benefit Motor Racing Outreach and Victory Junction … The ‘Better Half Dash’ to benefit Motor Racing Outreach and Speedway Children’s Charities will take place on Saturday night prior to the start of the NSCS race with wives and girlfriends of NSCS drivers and crew chiefs competing in Bandelero cars on the quarter-mile track on the frontstretch of CMS … There will be several participants in the ‘Better Half Dash’ with Toyota connections … Jami McDowell (wife of Michael McDowell), Tricia Mears (wife of Casey Mears), Angie Skinner (wife of Mike Skinner), Sabrina Simpson (girlfriend of Joey Logano) and Nan Zipadelli (wife of crew chief Greg Zipadelli) are all competing in the charity race.

KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Do you enjoy the night race at Charlotte? “Charlotte is always fun because it’s cool for us. It’s my favorite track, but it’s cool for a lot of teams because it’s kind of ‘close to home.’ I like going there. It makes things interesting with the night race — practicing during the day and racing at night with the cooler temperatures. You’ve got to put your best foot forward and work as hard as you can.”

DAVE ROGERS, crew chief, No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Are you looking forward to Charlotte and the remaining Chase races? “We’re excited for the rest of the Chase. When we saw the schedule this winter we knew that the first four races — Dover we’re typically pretty good at — but Loudon, Kansas, Chicago, those were the tracks that we were the most concerned with. We had a good opportunity to make up some points at Kansas and should have, but we didn’t capitalize. I’m really optimistic going forward to Charlotte.”

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

What is it like to have Charlotte as the only Saturday night race in the Chase? “We look forward to Charlotte. It’s a home race for us. Even though it’s not the All-Star race, it’s got an All-Star type feel to it. Obviously, a night race in the Chase is big for any race track, but especially big being in the backyard of everyone’s house. I just look forward to it. We run well there so I’m excited to go.”

Is your team more worried about wins or consistency in the final races? “We’re not worried about consistency at all at this point. I’m sure you’re going to see us very spiky over these next few weeks trying a lot of different things to work on different packages to get better. I feel like there’s some stuff within our cars that we need to work on, but we’re not going to get to that until next year. It takes a long process to develop cars when drivers want to change them. It takes a long time to get it done. So, I feel like we’ve got some good things in the works. As long as everyone is open-minded at the shop these next weeks to a bunch of radical changes, I think that we have the potential to head in the right direction. I think that you’ll see in the next two to three weeks that we will be heading in the right direction.”

KASEY KAHNE, No. 4 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Red Bull Racing Team

How would you like to finish the year with the Red Bull team? “The biggest thing to me would be to leave on a good note. There’s a lot of people there working really hard and unsure about maybe their future and where they’re going to work next year, and they’re still putting everything they have into our race cars each week. That’s pretty awesome on their part. Kenny Francis (crew chief) just always is looking, him and Keith Rodden (engineer), they’re always looking to make the car just a little bit better, how can I do this, how can I do that, so we’re always working together trying improve.”

NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS): During the 2011 season, Toyota drivers have combined for 10 wins, 33 top-five results, 76 top-10 finishes and have led 1,578 laps … Kenny Wallace (seventh) is the top Toyota driver in the NNS point standings … Steve Wallace (eighth), Brian Scott (ninth) and Michael Annett (10th) are also in the top-10 … In May, Kyle Busch earned his sixth career NNS victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in his 14th Nationwide Series start at the track … Ryan Truex will compete in the $100,000 Nationwide Insurance ‘Dash 4 Cash’ after qualifying with his fourth-place finish at Richmond.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS): Since the start of the 2011 NCWTS season, Tundra drivers have registered nine wins, 31 top-five results, 60 top-10 finishes and have led 1,026 laps … After 20 races, Timothy Peters (fourth) is the top Toyota driver in the NCWTS points standings … Tundra drivers Todd Bodine (ninth), David Starr (12th), Brendan Gaughan (13th) and Miguel Paludo (15th) are also in the top-15 in the points … Gaughan grew up in Las Vegas and returned this season to the NCWTS where he has enjoyed success over the years … In 181 career NCWTS races, Gaughan has eight wins, 33 top-five finishes, 60 top-10 results and three pole positions.

BRENDAN GAUGHAN, No. 62 Big O Tires Toyota Tundra, Germain Racing

How do you feel about an afternoon race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway? “The Vegas race is on Saturday afternoon. It’s the first time that I can remember it being an afternoon race, so it will be a different setup than what we normally run. Our strong run at New Hampshire is our precursor for heading to Las Vegas. We’re taking the New Hampshire truck to Vegas. It has been to the wind tunnel recently and it has a different downforce balance than our other chassis. I think I’m gonna like the truck there. Obviously for me, it’s one of the more important races on the schedule and I know this 62 team is hoping to see their Tundra up front. It will be a red, white and blue paint scheme for the Big O Tires service centers — so it will be a fresh look for us and all of our the fans out there.”

- Toyota Motorsports, Press Release

Fans in attendance will include Harold Barnhardt from Lexington, N.C.; Thomas Connor from Shelby, N.C.; Ted Hall from Charlotte, N.C.; Tommy Helms from Rock Hill, S.C.; Robert Misenheimer from Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Ron Pender from Cary, N.C.; Riley Rau from Woodstock, Va., and Ray Warren from North Wilkesboro, N.C.

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 11, 2011) –

Eight of these fans will be on hand at the speedway and will be recognized on the pre-race stage and all 29 fans will be recognized on the world’s largest HDTV before the green flag flies for the only night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Fans in attendance will include Harold Barnhardt from Lexington, N.C.; Thomas Connor from Shelby, N.C.; Ted Hall from Charlotte, N.C.; Tommy Helms from Rock Hill, S.C.; Robert Misenheimer from Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Ron Pender from Cary, N.C.; Riley Rau from Woodstock, Va., and Ray Warren from North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Each of the 29 50-Year fans has been attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway since 1960, when the first World 600, now Coca-Cola 600, was run at the legendary superspeedway.

“I have introduced my wife, kids and my grandkids to the sights and sounds that is Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Pender. “I think the way Mr. Smith has kept improving the track and doing what needs to be done to make Charlotte the best track on the circuit is what keeps me coming back every year.”

“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years and they’ve all been for the good,” said Rau. “It always seems to get a little better at Charlotte.”

“I have enjoyed every minute of coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway and being a part of the growing crowds and excitement for 50 years,” said Misenheimer. “I know that I am biased, but after having attended races at many of the big well known tracks, there is no place like Charlotte Motor Speedway, it is the very best.”

In addition to participating in the pre-race festivities, each of the 50-Year fans will receive an official 50-Year Fan credential and commemorative lanyard.

The 50-Year fan acknowledgement is part of a new initiative by Charlotte Motor Speedway to recognize and reward repeat fans. First-time fans will receive a yellow “Rookie” lanyard and First Time Fan pack which includes maps, an informational DVD and an “Only in Charlotte” list of must-do activities for race week. Other long-time fans who have been coming to events at Charlotte Motor Speedway for five, 10, 20 years and more can expect additional details to come on the new recognition program when it officially launches in 2012.

“We have the best and the most devoted fans in all of motorsports,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “There are so many fans that make Charlotte Motor Speedway a big part of their yearly vacation and entertainment plans. It’s time we recognize them for coming back year after year.”

Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). It’s a great time to take the whole family to the races, with Charlotte Motor Speedway’s new smoke-and-alcohol-free Family Seating Section, where kids’ tickets start at just $10 for the Bank of America 500 and just $1 for Bojangles’ Pole Night and the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage.

For daily updates on October race activities, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.

- Charlotte Motor Speedway, Press Release

No. 20 GameStop Toyota Camry (Joey Logano) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

· “BEAST OF THE SOUTHEAST” A FEAST (OR FAMINE) FOR LOGANO: Joey Logano has said it before. Ask him on any given weekend and he’ll tell you the same answer. What is his favorite track? It’s Charlotte Motor Speedway. Logano will make the seventh NASCAR Nationwide Series start of his career at Charlotte on Friday night in the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage. Logano’s previous track record at Charlotte has been feast or famine. In six previous starts, Logano has scored three top-five finishes and three top-10s. His best career finish came in the spring race last season where he crossed the line in third place. Logano also has finishes of fourth and fifth at the track. In the spring race this season, Logano started 11th and finished 11th. His other two finishes at the track have both been 14th place efforts.

· “BIG GAME HUNTER” FOR THE BIG RACE: Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2012 will ride with Logano and primary sponsor GameStop on track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. With the world as their playground, players will explore a vast expanse of mountains and valleys with unprecedented choices in direction never before seen in a Cabela’s hunting game. Players can climb an area to get a better angle for the shot but risk being spotted, or they can take a low elevation route with poor visibility but plenty of concealment. In order to bag the trophies, players will have to avoid detection through cunning, skill, and deception. They must also utilize master hunting skills such as advanced stalking techniques so they can quickly move through cover and close in on their targets. With new multiplayer modes, gamers can enjoy playing with friends and family. Up to four people can take turns, work together or challenge each other in different arcade shooting galleries. With new modes such as Reflex and Target Shooting, Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2012 has enough fun to keep players hunting with friends for a long time! The game was released on Sept. 27 and is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii video game consoles.

· EPIC REWARD FOR GAMESTOP EPIC REWARD WINNER: Joey Logano and the No. 20 GameStop team will have a special guest this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Shari and George Stettner of Texas will head to Charlotte for winning the NASCAR experience as part of GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards program. The PowerUp Rewards program rewards the most passionate of GameStop gamers by offering savings on purchases while also providing members-only specials, discounts and news emailed directly to users. Shari and George will come to Charlotte, have a private tour of the Joe Gibbs Racing shops, go go-karting with Joey and the entire No. 20 GameStop team, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, attending Joe Gibbs Racing’s Fan Fest, and get a chance to watch the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage up close by sitting on the pit box of the No. 20 team for Friday night’s event. Other Epic Reward winners have gotten tank driving experiences, trips to Rome, a behind the scenes look at Comic-Con and private tours of various video game companies.

· BACK HOME AGAIN… WITH THE No. 20: Logano spent the last three NASCAR Nationwide Series events behind the wheel of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in an effort to help that team win the Nationwide Series Owner’s Championship. This weekend, Logano returns to the seat of the car he’s most accustomed to driving in the Nationwide Series, the No. 20 GameStop Toyota. He will also be back with his regular crew, led by Crew Chief Adam Stevens, who last week guided rookie Ryan Truex to a 10th place finish at Kansas Speedway.

· CHASSIS: The JGR team will bring chassis #127 to Charlotte for the Dollar General 300. The car has raced just one other time this year, coming back at Michigan International Speedway, where Logano finished sixth. Chassis #132 will serve as the team’s backup.

· STAT OF THE WEEK: 17,000. In all likelihood, Logano will surpass the $3,000,000 career earnings plateau this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Logano needs a little more than $17,000 to become a $3,000,000 man.

· THE RACE: The Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Concord, NC; 1.5-mile tri-oval) is set for Friday night, Oct. 14, 2011. The race will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with radio coverage on PRN starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Joey Logano - Photo Credit: John Harrelson / Getty Images for NASCAR

“Charlotte is always a crazy week. Not only is there a lot going on at the track, but being ‘home’ for everyone, there are plenty of things going on away from the track and that really keeps you busy. This is one of those weeks that you need to find a good balance between doing your stuff away from the track and also focusing on the job at hand when you get in the car. And it’s not just like that for me, it’s like that for all of the guys. It’s a lot of fun to be close to home and to get to sleep in your own bed at night, but you’ve got to focus more this week than any other really.

“As a driver, you always get asked by fans and media what your favorite track is and Charlotte is always my answer. A lot of guys will say it’s a track they’ve won at a lot or a track they are always running up front or maybe a track that is close to their hometown, but I just love Charlotte. The track is unique and it changes so much during the course of a race. There are always several different lines and grooves that work their way in during the race and you’ve got to be able to move your car around to match the way it’s handling. It’s fast, but you really need to focus on handling here. The restarts can be crazy too. Overall, it’s just a fun track to race on and we have such great fan support here.

“One of my off-track activities this week will be visiting with the GameStop Epic Rewards winner which will be a lot of fun. Last year, the guy that was here had a blast doing all of the stuff they got to do. This year, we’re doing the same thing. Getting to race against them in go-karts is a lot of fun. Plus, I love racing karts and I’ll take all of the extra track time I can get. But really, it’s just great to be able to bring someone to the track who doesn’t really get the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes and watch them enjoy it all. It’s a great reward if you ask me. When I was a kid, I would have loved to have won something like that.”

- Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release