Jeff Gordon to Drive Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Indiana racing legend and five-time Brickyard champion #24-Jeff Gordon will drive a Corvette Z06 pace car to kick off the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500, on May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gordon, who grew up in nearby Pittsboro, Indiana, is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He won the first NASCAR race in the history of the famed 2.5-mile oval - the 1994 Brickyard 400 - and has won four more times, including last year. His 2014 victory made him the first five-time Brickyard champion and the only five-time winner of a major race on the IMS oval. Gordon's drive will mark the 13th time a Corvette has been the official pace car, dating to 1978, and the 26th time a Chevrolet has led the pack for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Corvette has served as the pace car more than any other vehicle in the race's history. "It's great to have Jeff Gordon serve as this year's pace car driver," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. "He is a true champion who has earned the respect and admiration of competitors and race fans alike. It will be very special to have Jeff lead the Indy 500 field to the green flag, behind the wheel of the most powerful and capable production car ever from Chevrolet - on a day he'll also be competing in the Coca Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte."(IMS)

GEICO 500 at Talladega Weekend Schedule

Friday, May 111:00 AM, NXS Winn Dixie 300 Final Practice, FS1
2:00 PM, NSCS GEICO 500 Practice, FS1
3:00 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
4:30 PM, NSCS GEICO 500 Final Practice, FS1
5:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub, Weekend Edition, FS1

Saturday, May 2
11:00 Am, NXS Winn Dixie 300 Qualifying, FS1
12:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub, Weekend Edition, FS1
1:00 PM, NSCS GEICO 500 Qualifying, FOX
2:30 PM, NXS Winn Dixie 300 Race, FOX

Sunday, May 3
11:30 AM, NASCAR RaceDay, FS1
12:30 PM, NSCS GEICO 500 Race, FOX

Thirteen teams to test at Indianapolis

Thirteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are scheduled to participate in an open test April 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Slated to take part in the one-day event are Jeff Gordon (Hendrick Motorsports), Kevin Harvick (Stewart-Haas Racing), Clint Bowyer (Michael Waltrip Racing), Carl Edwards (Joe Gibbs Racing), Sam Hornish Jr. (Richard Petty Motorsports), Brad Keselowski (Team Penske), Kyle Larson (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates), Casey Mears (Germain Racing), Paul Menard (Richard Childress Racing), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Roush Fenway Racing), Martin Truex Jr. (Furniture Row Racing), Ryan Blaney (Wood Brothers Racing) and J.J. Yeley (BK Racing). Gordon, Truex Jr., Hornish Jr. and Yeley are on tap to take part in a two-day Goodyear tire test at IMS Monday and Tuesday preceding the open test. According to IMS track officials, the Turn 2 viewing mounds (infield) and South Terrace grandstands will be open to fans. The Pit Stop Café next to the IMS Hall of Fame Museum will also be open during the test session. (NASCAR.com)

2015 Dale Earnhardt Day

Dale Earnhardt Inc. is proud to announce the 2015 Dale Earnhardt Day on Wednesday, April 29th, at the DEI Corporate Headquarters in Mooresville, NC. A celebration of the extraordinary life and legacy of Dale Earnhardt, this event is held annually on his birthday, and has become a time to reflect on the accomplishments of Dale, and share favorite memories and stories. An annual tradition of Dale Earnhardt Day, cupcakes will again be provided to in honor of "The Intimidator's " birthday. DEI will be welcoming guests from 10:00am until 5:00pm/et. Admission is free, and plenty of parking is available. Dale Earnhardt Inc. is located at 1675 Dale Earnhardt Highway #3, Mooresville, NC.(DEI)

Ragan in the #55 rest of the year, starting at Kansas

Michael Waltrip Racing announced that David Ragan will drive the #55 Aaron's Dream Machine for the remainder of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, beginning May 9 at Kansas Speedway. Brian Vickers had planned to race the Toyota fulltime in 2015, but heart surgery in December forced the Thomasville, N.C., native to miss the first two races of the season. Vickers returned at Las Vegas on March 7, but was sidelined two weeks later by recurring blood clots in his lungs. No timetable has been set for his return.
"Life has thrown a lot at MWR the first part of this racing season, but our team has stood tall and worked through it," said Michael Waltrip. "Our original plans for the #55 team have been challenged since December and we felt it was important for our employees and our sponsors to solidify the remainder of the 2015 season. The opportunity to bring David Ragan into the team is incredible for a number of reasons. He will bring experience, consistency and a lot of confidence based on how he has been running with our Toyota teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing. He also puts the #55 team and Aaron's right back into the Chase for the Sprint Cup contention, which is a very positive turn of events for that team. There is absolutely no question about Brian Vickers' ability, but there remains a question of his availability. We are going to remain very close with Brian while he works on his plan to return. We have told him that MWR is here when he has a clear picture about what the future holds, but we don't need to add any timeline pressures. He is working with a lot of medical advisors and once he has established his plan, we will sit down and discuss next steps. I'm really proud of the incredible job Brett Moffitt has done for us in the 55. He has been a big part of this organization for the last couple of years and he will continue in that role. With the limited number of starts Brett has in this industry, he has proven that he has the talent to be a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and we are still committed to helping him get that opportunity."(MWR)

NASCAR will investigate XFINITY race pit road fire

NASCAR plans to review the circumstances surrounding a pit road fire that occurred during Friday night's Xfinity Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Two Richard Childress Racing crew members and one member of driver Eric McClure's team were injured when fuel ignited at the rear of RCR driver Brendan Gaughan's car during a mid-race pit stop. A huge fireball erupted at the car, sending pit crew members scrambling. Safety workers extinguished the fire quickly. "We'll go back to Concord (N.C., the NASCAR Research and Development Center) and look at all the parts and pieces and try to recreate what happened," said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp. "We're in the initial stages of looking at all that." Shane Wilson, Gaughan's crew chief, told NASCAR.com the fire started because of a malfunction in the head of a gas can, preventing the nozzle of the can from sealing against the fuel intake. "We're not sure what happened yet," Childress said. "It looks like a piece of the fuel can came off. Until we look into it and know all the facts, it's hard to say." Childress, who said he would review video of the pit stop, said he planned to meet with NASCAR officials about the incident.(USA Today)

NSCS Recap: Kurt Busch dominates to win postponed race at Richmond, seals Chase berth

RICHMOND, Va. – Suspension to redemption.

After being suspended for three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races earlier this season after an alleged domestic violence incident, Kurt Busch won Sunday’s postponed Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway in a dominating performance, virtually locking up a spot in this year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

"It’s an incredible feeling," said Busch, who was reinstated March 11 and granted a waiver into the Chase. "It’s a total team effort. And the way that everything came together, it just seemed like we were building, building and building towards a great finish like this.

"I have this opportunity because of Gene Haas and everybody that’s a part of our family at Stewart-Haas. It’s an unbelievable feeling when you pull deep from within, you go through troubles and you know when you’re accused of something and things go sideways. Your personal life doesn’t need to affect your business life and I’m here in Victory Lane. It feels great to do it at Richmond."

Pole sitter Joey Logano led the first 50 laps of the race, until the scheduled competition caution waved allowing teams the opportunity to pit for fuel, tires and adjustments. The top 10 left pit road as they entered, but Jamie McMurray had to come down pit road a second time after being informed his team left lug nuts loose.

Logano led the field back to green and maintained the race lead through Lap 94, when Kurt Busch challenged and inherited the lead on Lap 95. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver pulled to an eight-tenths of a second lead by Lap 100 and extended it until a Lap 127 caution when Joey Gase wrecked on the backstretch.

Busch won the race off pit road and controlled the field through the halfway point with a 0.826 second advantage over Brad Keselowski in second. Through the long run, McMurray climbed through the field and momentarily challenged Busch for the top spot on Lap 259, but Busch reasserted himself a lap later.

McMurray regained control of the lead a lap later and led until green flag pit stops began on Lap 263 with McMurray pitting on Lap 265. Meanwhile, Keselowski stayed out and shuffled into the lead. Nearing the end of green flag stops, Brett Moffitt made contact with the wall in Turn 4 bringing out the fifth caution of the day, leaving only three cars on the lead lap.

Keselowski, Justin Allgaier and Busch all pitted under the yellow, with McMurray benefiting from the free pass, putting himself back on the lead lap. Fifteen cars behind them elected to take the wave around, putting 19 cars on the lead lap for the restart.

Busch checked out on the restart, ahead of Allgaier and Keselowski. Meanwhile, McMurray had to make another climb back through the field and made his way to the bumper of Allgaier on Lap 315 for second. Once past the HScott Motorsports driver, McMurray trailed Busch by more than four seconds.

With 50 laps to go, McMurray trimmed the lead down to less than three seconds, but the yellow flag waved a lap later, saving a number of the front-running teams from making their final planned stop under green.

The race resumed with 42 laps remaining and unchanged at the front. Two quick cautions set up for a 26-lap shootout between Busch, McMurray, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Logano.

Escaping the field quickly, Busch checked out, with the battle on for the runner-up spot. Harvick – aptly nicknamed the "The Closer" – made the pass on McMurray on Lap 382 and set sights on his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate for the win.

Harvick chipped away at his deficit, but the reigning champion was no match for Busch, putting a period on a stellar performance by claiming his 26th-career Sprint Cup Series victory and second at Richmond. The 36-year old led a race-high 291 of the event’s 400 laps.
"Tony Gibson is an amazing crew chief and I’m glad I’ve got the chance to work with him," Busch said. "We got it done today."

Behind Busch and Harvick, Johnson was third followed by McMurray, Logano, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr. to round out the top 10.(NASCAR Media)

New York State Legislature recognizes Watkins Glen International

Members of the Watkins Glen International team and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship driver Colin Braun traveled to the State capital this week to meet with legislators and open a New York State Motorsports Exhibit in the Empire State Plaza.

In a related move, both houses of the Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo acted on a joint Legislative Resolution to proclaim April 19-25, 2015 as “Motorsports Appreciation Week” across The Empire State.

State Senator Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, sponsors of the bill, and co-sponsor Assemblyman Chris Friend, were joined by WGI representatives and Braun to help celebrate the contributions of motorsports to New York’s economy and culture.

During a legislative session, “The Glen” was highlighted for being home to the state’s largest sporting event, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in August, which attracts fans from all 50 states and 16 different countries.

As part of the exhibit housed in the Empire State Plaza’s indoor concourse, a 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Camry, 1999 NASCAR Truck Series Bully Hill Vineyards Chevrolet Silverado (driven to victory at Watkins Glen International by Ron Fellows), Porsche Cayman, and a Utica-Rome Speedway Modified car will be on display until Thursday, April 30th.

“Motorsports Appreciation Week is a great example of the support that Watkins Glen International receives from New York State and Governor Andrew Cuomo,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “The exhibit housed in Empire State Plaza provides us with the opportunity to showcase The Glen, our events, and what attracts so many visitors to the Finger Lakes Region each year.”

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “We appreciate this opportunity to join our legislative colleagues to pay tribute to one of the world’s iconic sporting venues. Across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, we all take great pride in the fact that ‘The Glen’ has resonated so powerfully throughout the history of American motorsports for more than six decades. Watkins Glen International has long stood as a mainstay of our regional culture and economy. It’s one of New York State’s premier destinations, a backbone of our leading tourism industry, and a driving force for countless charitable, community service and economic development initiatives. Very simply, we’re fortunate to call Watkins Glen International one of our own.”(WGI)

Toyota Owners 400 Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 24
11:00 AM, NSCS Toyota Owners 400 Practice, FS1
12:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
1:00 PM, NSCS Toyota Owners 400 Final Practice, FS1
2:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
3:30 PM, NXS ToyotaCare 250 Qualifying, FS1
5:00 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
5:30 PM, NSCS Toyota Owners 400 Qualifying, FS1
7:00 PM, NXS RaceDay, FS1
7:30 PM, NXS ToyotaCare 250 Race, FS1

Saturday, April 25
6:00 PM, NASCAR RaceDay, FS1
7:00 PM, NSCS Toyota Owners 400 Race, FOX
11:00 PM, NASCAR Victory Lane, FS1

Kansas Speedway to make safety improvements

Driver safety is always an issue for NASCAR, but it vaulted back into the headlines when Kyle Busch suffered a compound fracture in his right leg and a broken left foot in late February at Daytona International Speedway. Many drivers, including Sprint Cup points leader Kevin Harvick, who crashed into the same wall at Daytona a year earlier, went public with pleas for safer track conditions after Busch's wreck. Apparently, Kansas Speedway - which installed SAFER barriers, or Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers, along its track walls in 2004 - was listening, as it announced several safety improvement Wednesday ahead of next month's NASCAR races. After an internal review by Kansas Speedway's owner, the International Speedway Corp., in conjunction with NASCAR, two sand barrels will be installed at the leading edge of the pit-road exit, an additional tire pack will be installed at the pit-road entrance, and interior walls along turns two and three will be extended. More safety enhancements are planned before the season's second race weekend in October. "The safety of our guests and the competitors is, and always has been, our No. 1 priority," Kansas Speedway president Pat Warren said in a statement. "Ongoing facility evaluations will continue and we will provide updates as circumstances warrant."(Kansas City Star)

NASCAR Statement on Steve Byrnes

"NASCAR extends its condolences to the many friends, FOX Sports colleagues and family of Steve Byrnes. Whether you had the privilege of knowing him or if you watched him on television for the last three decades, Steve's work ethic and authenticity made him a beloved individual inside and outside the garage. His level of professionalism was matched only by the warmth he showed everyone he met. He battled cancer with tenacity, and was a true inspiration to everyone in the NASCAR family. Simply stated, we'll miss Steve dearly. Our thoughts are especially with his wife Karen and son Bryson during this difficult time." - NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France

Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown to be shown tap-delayed on NBCSN

The Denny Hamlin Foundation announced that the eighth-annual Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, presented by FedEx, has partnered with NBCSN to present the April 23rd celebrity Late Model charity race held at South Boston Speedway. Thursday's race is expected to air as a one-hour special in May amid the network's coverage of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Showdown, which features top NASCAR drivers competing against the best regional Late Model drivers, again serves as a weekday prelude to the weekend NASCAR races at Richmond International Raceway. Proceeds from the 200-lap Showdown go to support the Denny Hamlin Foundation, which has donated $150,000 in grants to help fund the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited Therapeutics Development Center at VCU. Last month, South Boston Speedway announced two new fan-friendly features for the Showdown, including a post-event fireworks show sponsored by Danville Toyota and Scion and a very limited special suite ticket package available to the first 25 people. The $200 package includes a suite ticket, invitation to the driver's meeting and the opportunity to attend a celebrity driver meet-and-greet and autograph session. General admission tickets are still available for $25 and children, ages six and under, will be admitted free with a paid adult.(South Boston Speedway)

NSCS Recap: Kenseth Breaks 51-Race Drought With Win At Rain-Soaked Bristol

BRISTOL, Tenn.—In a race delayed and interrupted by rain, and ended in overtime, Matt Kenseth broke a drought of more than a year’s standing in Sunday’s Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes at Bristol Motor Speedway.

In a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race that went 11 laps past its scheduled distance of 500 laps—making it the longest race in the history of the .533-mile short track—Kenseth crossed the finish line .287 seconds ahead of Jimmie Johnson, who recovered from a succession of issues to claim the runner-up finish.

Kenseth, who inherited the top spot when Kurt Busch pitted from the lead under the ninth caution on Lap 477, stayed out front the rest of the way. He was three car lengths ahead of third-place finisher Jeff Gordon when Carl Edwards got loose underneath Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet and ignited the wreck that brought out caution No. 11 and demolished Busch’s Chevy in the process.

After a brief delay because of a late shower, a far cry from the 3 hour 58 minute hiatus that came after the first 22 laps, Kenseth pulled away on a green-white-checkered-flag restart and was unchallenged to the finish, as Johnson got past Gordon for second.

The victory was Kenseth’s fourth at Bristol, his most at any track, and the 32nd of his career. Kenseth broke a 51-race winless streak dating to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire in September 2013. The win all but locks up Kenseth's spot in the Chase.

"It feels good to be back here," Kenseth said, sitting at the dais for the winner’s press conference. "Really, honestly, it does, it wears on you a little bit. We had such a good 2013 (seven victories), we came a little short of the ultimate prize there, but we had such a great season, and last year there were some races we had some chances to win and just things wouldn't line up for us.

"We just couldn't get it to happen. Tonight was kind of the opposite. Everything worked out. We had a good car on the short run, not so good on the last 40 or 50 laps of the run, and we had all them cautions and short runs at the end that really benefitted us.(NASCAR Media)

Chevy returns at official vehicle and pace car at Bristol

Chevrolet, with more than a century of motorsports success, reunites with Bristol Motor Speedway in a multiyear deal as the official vehicle and pace car of the iconic short track. Beginning with this weekend's first race, Drive to Stop Diabetes 300, a red Chevrolet Camaro 1LE pace car will lead the field of 40 NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers down to the green flag. The Camaro will be the front-runner throughout the 160-mile contest as drivers duke it out at the World's Fastest Half-Mile. For the first time since 2008, a Chevrolet will serve as the pace car of the Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer. A sleek white Chevrolet SS will lead the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars to the start of the race and pace the field throughout the battle of the high banks. The Chevrolet pace car for the Food City 500 will be adorned with Steve Byrnes' name above the driver and passenger doors.(BMS)

Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 17
12:00 PM, NSCS Food City 500 Practice, FS1
1:30 PM, NXS Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 Practice, FS1
2:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
3:00 PM, NXS Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 Final Practice, FS1
4:30 PM, NSCS Food City 500 Qualifying, FS1

Saturday, April 18
8:30 AM, NSCS Food City 500 Practice, FS1
9:30 AM, NXS Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 Qualifying, FS1
11:00 AM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
11:30 AM,NSCS Food City 500 Final Practice, FS1
12:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
1:00 PM, NXS RaceDay, FS1
1:30 PM, NXS Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 Race, FS1
4:30 PM, NSCS Bristol qualifying re-air, FS1

Sunday, April 19
11:30 AM, NASCAR RaceDay, FS1
12:00 PM, NASCAR RaceDay, FOX
1:00 PM, NSCS Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer Race, FOX
6:00 PM, NASCAR Victory Lane, FS1

Ford selling Richard Petty limited-edition Mustang

When Ford launches a new Mustang, expect it to take over the SEMA show. Last year's edition of the aftermarket bacchanal in Vegas was rife with varying takes on Ford's latest iteration of its venerable pony car, not the least of which was a certain GT built by Petty's Garage. Buoyed by popular opinion, Ford teamed up with the King's operation and decided to churn out a limited series of the cars, available for order at your local Ford dealer on a first-come, first-serve basis. Limited to a total of 143 cars for 2015-100 Stage 1 examples and 43 Stage 2 cars-the Petty's Garage Mustang GTs churn out 627 horsepower courtesy of a Ford Racing/Roush blower bolted to the Coyote V-8. That, if you're counting, is within loogie-hocking distance of the recent 662-horse Shelby GT500. A center-exit exhaust system from Magnaflow takes care of noxious evacuation, while up front, a custom fascia suggests to the world that you roll with NASCAR royalty. Inside, you get Richard Petty's John Hancock on the dash, custom floor mats, and embroidered headrests. Twenty-inch HRE wheels shod with Continental tires round out the package. The run of 100 is available in any Mustang color. The Stage 2 builds on the Stage 1 cars with big Wilwood stoppers under three-piece HRE wheels. Stage 2s are also finished with a custom two-tone paint job; it features pearlized Ford Tuxedo Black over Petty Blue blended with crushed and tumbled glass. King Richard's omnipresent #43 is ghosted onto the hood and C-pillar. Example number one was purchased by a singing Englishman who joined a little Australian rock 'n' roll band 35 years ago and cut a few records. Yep, noted hat-wearer and car nut Brian Johnson of AC/DC has already splashed out for the first Stage 2 car, leaving a mere 42 up for grabs. The price? $62,210 for the Stage 1, roughly in line with the old GT500. If, however, you can't live without the three-piece wheels and fancy paint, be prepared to lay down $30,000 more.(Car and Driver)

FanVision renews deal with NASCAR

FanVision, the in-venue technology and content provider used at professional sporting events across the country, announced a four-year extension of an existing commercial license agreement with NASCAR. FanVision will remain NASCAR's exclusive handheld television in-venue race content broadcaster through the 2019 season. FanVision device and services offer fans customizable access to the live race broadcast, multiple in-car camera feeds, instant replays, in-depth statistics, and a digital scanner to listen to drivers and crews. Fans can rent or buy their own FanVision device trackside at any one of the company's eight retail locations at every race.(FanVision)

NSCS Recap: Texas tussle of champions: Jimmie Johnson outduels Kevin Harvick to win Duck Commander 500

FORT WORTH, Texas—Jimmie Johnson continued his recent domination of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday night, rallying after a late pit stop for a victory in the 19th annual Duck Commander 500.

Johnson, the six-time NSCS champion, took the lead on Lap 321 of the scheduled 334 when he drove under and past Jamie McMurray and Kevin Harvick exiting the dogleg of TMS’ high-banked, 1.5-mile quad-oval. The final 14 laps featured a battle between Johnson and Harvick, the reigning NSCS champion, who finished second despite scraping the Turn 4 wall on Lap 331.

Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Pro Services Chevrolet SS, finished 1.107 seconds ahead of Harvick and his No. 4 Budweiser/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet SS. Johnson, of Hendrick Motorsports, posted his 72nd career victory in 478 NSCS starts and seventh for team-owner Rick Hendrick.

"The end of the race was nutty," said Johnson, who said he woke up sick Saturday morning and addressed the media post-race through a scratchy voice. "Those last three pit stops with the varied tire strategies, our car wasn’t handling like it did when we were leading. The third one (on Lap 310), our car was really, really good and I was able to work our way forward. The No. 4 was having trouble with the No. 1 (of McMurray) and slid up…and I thought I had it under control. Just a lot of great racing; the (worn-out) surface of this racetrack allows that to happen."

Johnson scored his fifth win at TMS and third in his last six starts, but his first victory in the spring event. Johnson earned his first win of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a sister 1.5-mile layout to TMS, in the second race on the schedule.

"I think the tracks with high-wear and bumps…I think the surface fits my style and Chad’s style and what we do together," Johnson said in reference to crew chief Chad Knaus.

"This is a racetrack that falls into Jimmie’s liking," said Knaus, still sporting his Victory Circle Stetson. "Do we always race at night (here) in the spring? We’ve run very, very well here in the spring race so I think it was just circumstances that we hadn’t been able to pull it off previously. Nothing specific."(NASCAR Media)

Buescher to remain in the #34 at Bristol & Talladega

Chris Buescher carries some good news with him to his home track of Texas Motor Speedway this week. The 22-year-old driver will pilot the #34 CSX "Play It Safe" Ford for fan-favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 19 and Talladega Superspeedway on May 3. The arrangement will extend Buescher's run with Front Row Motorsports' #34 team to five races. He has been filling the seat for Front Row regular David Ragan, who continues to sub for the injured Kyle Busch in the #18 car. Buescher is welcomed by CSX as an additional spokesperson for the transportation company's safety campaign, which reminds people to "Play It Safe" around railroad tracks and to brake for trains. CSX, with its network covering 21,000 miles of railroad tracks in 23 states, has partnered with Front Row Motorsports and the #34 team for three consecutive seasons, targeting males age 18 to 34 with its safety message.(Front Row Motorsports)

New permanent high-def video boards at Talladega

The fan experience at Talladega Superspeedway just got bigger and better for the upcoming GEICO 500 and Winn-Dixie 300 weekend, May 1-3. Some of the Sprint Vision Digital High-Definition Video Screens that line the frontstretch, giving those in attendance a spectacular view, have increased in size while some will be permanent structures at NASCAR's Most Competitive track. The large video boards, which were introduced at Talladega a year ago as part of an International Speedway Corporation (ISC) initiative (multi-phase plans are to implement video boards at other ISC facilities over the next few years), will showcase pictures that will be bigger, brighter, crisper and clearer. In addition to the five screens on the frontstretch, a video screen will be placed along the Alabama Gang Superstretch. Two of the video boards will now be mammoth 40' x 80' in size and will have permanent homes behind pit road in the tri-oval area - one atop Gatorade Victory Lane and one in front of the Media Center. The other permanent structure will be a 26' x 52' video board which will be located at the exit of Turn Four near the Care Center. Other locations include the Start/Finish Line (26'x '52) and Turn One (18' x 33'), along with the Alabama Gang Supersptretch (20' x 27'). Both the 40' x 80' video screens have 5,120,000,00 LED Pixels (X7mm HD) and are 28,000 pounds each while the 26'x52' structures have 1,263,600,00 LED Pixels (X10mm HD) and are 16,000 pounds each.(TSS)

Duck Commander 500 Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 10
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, NSCS Duck Commander 500 Practice 1, FS1
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, NSCS Duck Commander 500 Final Practice, FS1
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM, NXS Texas qualifying, FS1
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM, NASCAR Race Hub - Weekend Edition, FS1
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, NSCS Duck Commander 500 Qualifying, FS1
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM, NXS O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 Race, FS1

Saturday, April 11
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, NASCAR RaceDay, FS1
7:00 PM - 11:30 PM, NSCS Duck Commander 500 Race, FOX
11:30 PM - 12:00 AM, NASCAR Victory Lane, FS2

Testing at Richmond on Tuesday & Wednesday

Ever seen a movie preview that made you want to go see the main feature? Are you staying in town and wondering what to do during Spring Break? Richmond International Raceway has just the thing. We want you to join us as we preview some of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' biggest names on Wednesday, April 8 when they take to the track to prepare for the main feature, the Saturday, April 25 TOYOTA OWNERS 400. Check the full guest list: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Austin Dillon, Trevor Bayne, Aric Almirola, Casey Mears, Martin Truex Jr, and AJ Allmendinger. Fans are invited to attend testing on Wednesday, April 8 from 10:00am-5:00pm. Sit in the grandstands and enjoy a sneak peek of what's to come in a few short weeks. To access the grandstands, enter through the Main Gate on the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. Once in the gate, park near the Virginia is For Lovers Frontstretch Gate and Gate 70, located in Turn 4. Fans can enter the grandstands through Gate 70 only.(RIR)

RCR heads back to Goodwood Festival of Speed

Richard Childress Racing has once again been invited to participate in the world's biggest and most diverse celebration of motorsports history - The annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. The four-day festival runs June 25 to 28 and features race cars from around the world, past and present. Vehicles of walks of motorsports participate in both demonstration and competition runs up the nine-turn, 1.16-mile hillclimb circuit. Since its inception in 1993, the festival has been held on the English estate of Lord Charles March, West Sussex, England, and RCR is providing a pair of stock cars to be driven at this year's hillclimb. Kerry Earnhardt will once again drive his father's 2000 #3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which Dale drove at Atlanta Motor Speedway, narrowly beating Bobby Labonte to take the checkered flag that year. Bobby Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup Series Champion, will make his first appearance at the festival and pilot the #3 DOW Chevrolet for the hillclimb circuit competition. This Chevrolet is regularly driven in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series by two-time NASCAR Champion Austin Dillon. Both cars participating in the Goodwood festivities will be prepared by and cared for at the festival by Danny Lawrence, an award-winning engine builder and long-time employee of RCR and ECR Engines. In 2014, Lawrence was honored at the closing ceremonies by Lord March himself for his continuous support of the festival and for playing an integral role with NASCAR's participation year after year at the Festival of Speed.(RCR)

BMS to add SAFER before April race

Statement from Executive Vice President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, Jerry Caldwell, regarding the additional installation of SAFER barrier walls at Bristol Motor Speedway: "The safety of our fans and competitors continues to be a focal point for Bristol Motor Speedway," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway. "SMI engineers and NASCAR reevaluated the track and made additional recommendations. We've been able to secure an additional 600 feet of SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers and will complete the build out of the front and backstretch outside walls before the Food City 500 race weekend."(BMS)

Watkins Glen President, Michael Printup assumes Americrown role, to continue as President

International Speedway Corporation announced that Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup will assume additional responsibilities within the company, including managerial oversight of Americrown, effective immediately. While continuing in his current role with the historic New York road course, Printup will lead the Americrown team in strategy for profitability, a successful execution of Daytona Rising food and beverage, and enhancing overall value and operations. Printup will also continue with his oversight of Michigan International Speedway, according to an ISC release. "I am very excited to take on this additional responsibility within ISC," Printup said. "I look forward to working closely with all of those involved with Americrown, while moving forward with my role at Watkins Glen International." Americrown, formed in 1989, is the leader in motorsports catering, concessions and merchandise sales and service. Operating at 12 NASCAR-sanctioned tracks nationwide, Americrown serves millions of race fans annually.(WGI)

Statement from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates regarding Kyle Larson

"After extensive testing and observation over the last few days, Kyle Larson was released from the hospital last night and has finished up final tests today. He is currently waiting for final doctor recommendations in order to clear him to return to all NASCAR related activities."(CGR)