Richard Childress Racing’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history at Richmond Raceway … Richard Childress has nine Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories as a car owner at Richmond Raceway – five with Dale Earnhardt, three with Kevin Harvick and one with Clint Bowyer. Additionally, in 171 starts at the Richmond, Va.-based track, RCR drivers have claimed 37 top-five and 70 top-10 finishes. Childress, a former driver on NASCAR’s senior circuit, contributed three of those top-10 finishes from 1976-1978.
RCR in the MENCS … In 2,936 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 48 pole awards,108 wins, 488 top-five finishes and 1,068 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 16.2. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships with Earnhardt in 1986, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’93 and ’94, six NASCAR Xfinity Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Menards Series title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.
#RCR50 … Richard Childress Racing celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary in 2019. Follow our social channels season-long to join in the celebration.
Interactive RCR … For up-to-date news and exclusive content, visit RCR’s corporate Twitter page – @RCRracing – along with the RCR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team Twitter page – @RCRCup, and driver Twitter pages @austindillon3, @TylerReddick and @DanielHemric. Information about the 15-time championship winning organization can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardChildressRacing and at www.RCRracing.com along with official driver pages – http://www.facebook.com/austindillon3 and www.facebook.com/DanielHemric.
Catch the Action … The Richmond 400 will be televised live Saturday, April 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
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This Week’s AAA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway … In 10 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Dillon’s best finish at the track is sixth in September 2018. He earned his best starting position of eighth in the September 2016 edition of the race. He also has 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond Raceway, acquiring seven top-10 finishes and one pole award.
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Cheering for Dillon … If you’re at Richmond Raceway, come shop the all-new Austin Dillon merchandise available track-side by visiting the RCR souvenir trailer in the fan midway.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
What do you think about some of the changes Richmond Raceway has made?
“I think Richmond Raceway has done a really good job moving the facility forward. It’s nice to see what a lot of the tracks on the NASCAR schedule are doing in terms of improvements. It puts us in competition with other sports that have impressive venues. Richmond Raceway is one of those venues that I enjoy going to now because of the additions that they have made to the track facility-wise. As far as racing at Richmond Raceway, in the past Richmond has not been one of my best tracks. I’ve qualified well there and ran well for a little while, but always seemed to struggle adjusting the car throughout the race. Last year, Richmond Raceway was a bright spot for us. We finished sixth the second race there and raced inside the top-10 the entire race. I was really pumped after last year to see what we were able to do because that was definitely an Achilles heel for me in the past. I had to get over it mentally because it beat me up pretty hard for a while. Now, I love going to Richmond Raceway. We figured something out. We’ve found a setup that works, so I’m pumped to get to Richmond.”
Will the new rules package make a big difference at Richmond Raceway since it’s a night race and the temperatures are, theoretically, much cooler?
“Yeah, it definitely should. That place falls off a lot. Tires matter the most there. Down force is big but at a place where you’re going a lot slower, it doesn’t come into play as much as the tires do. The tires are always the main factor when we get to Richmond Raceway, and figuring out how to make them hold on.”
Is that really the battle of this package – trying to get the right tire to make the car do what you hope it will do?
“I think it should race fine. I think our short track races have been good this year. Richmond Raceway always produces good races because of the falloff we see in the tires. You see a lot of guys come and go throughout that race. It’s a race that’s challenging to keep up with the handing of your car as track conditions change and rubber lays down. The movement around the track is key.”
Is Richmond Raceway different night versus day, or not so much?
“There are definitely big differences from night time to day time and how hot the track gets. At night as rubber lays down the track seems to mysteriously do things that you wouldn’t obviously think affect the car. I always try to do the opposite of what I think when I get to Richmond Raceway and it helps.”
Daniel Hemric and the No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway … Hemric will return to the site of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut for his second start at Richmond Raceway. Hemric completed 99.3 percent of the laps in his debut on April 21, 2018. In four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the Virginia short track, Hemric has an average start of 4.8, average finish of 9.8, a total of 85 laps led and one pole award.
Meet the Driver … Fans will have the opportunity to meet the driver of the No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the RCR merchandise hauler for an autograph session on Saturday, April 13, starting at 3:15 p.m. ET. The first 50 fans to purchase an RCR-related item will receive a wristband for the autograph session.
Meet the Press … Hemric is scheduled to meet with members of the NASCAR media corps during an availability session at the Richmond Raceway media center on Friday, April 12, starting at 3 p.m. ET.
About Bass Pro Shops … Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/.
DANIEL HEMRIC QUOTE:
You have a strong record in the Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway and made your Cup debut there last April. Where does that track rank for you and what does it take to be successful there?
“For me, you just chase grip at Richmond Raceway. Front grip, rear grip, overall grip is king. There is something that I have found there over the last few time races that have caused us to not necessarily qualify well, but really comes on 20-30 laps into the run. It will be key to find that early in the weekend and maintain that throughout the weekend and Saturday night’s race. With this new package, it is going to be a challenge to get back to the gas and have good forward drive off the corners. If we can get that feeling I’m looking for, Richmond is my personal favorite track on the schedule that we go to and hopefully when we get there this weekend, we can start to turn some of this bad luck around and have a solid day with the No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway … In 98 Series starts at the 0.75-mile raceway, RCR has captured six victories with drivers Kevin Harvick (2003, 2005, 2006 and 2012) and Clint Bowyer (2007). The Welcome, North Carolina organization has accumulated seven pole awards, 31 top-five finishes, 54 top-10 finishes, led 1,989 laps and averages a starting position of 11.1 and finishing position of 12.4. RCR has completed 23,486 laps of the 24,142 (97.3 percent) that they have competed.
Bristol Review … Tyler Reddick secured his fourth-consecutive top-five finish when he placed second during last weekend’s Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Hello, Kaz Grala … Kaz Grala will make his second of select NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for RCR this weekend at Richmond Raceway. Grala will pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro under the direction of crew chief, Justin Alexander.
Dash 4 Cash … The NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash is back. The top-four finishing Xfinity Series regulars from Bristol Motor Speedway will compete for a $100,000 bonus at Richmond Raceway this weekend. Tyler Reddick qualified for this segment of Dash 4 Cash with his second-place finish at Bristol.
The Points …Tyler Reddick remains the current Xfinity Series points leader.
Social Media … To keep up with the latest updates from RCR’s Xfinity Series teams, follow @RCRracing and @RCRNXS on Twitter. Updates can also be found via RCR’s Facebook Page and Instagram (@RCRracing).
Catch the Action … Coverage of this week’s Richmond 250 at Richmond Raceway will be televised live on Friday, April 12, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on FS1. It will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Satellite Radio, channel 90.
Tyler Reddick and the No. 2 Anderson’s Maple Syrup Chevrolet Camaro at Richmond Raceway … In three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Tyler Reddick has one top-10 finish, placing seventh at the 0.75-mile track in last fall’s race. The defending champion has completed all but one of his 750 laps attempted at the track.
About Anderson’s Maple Syrup … In 1928, Paul Anderson first shared the distinct taste of Wisconsin’s Northwoods by producing sweet pure maple syrup and starting a 90-year pure maple syrup tradition. Three generations later his grandson, Steve Anderson, still carries on this syrup making heritage by bottling pure maple syrup from the same sugar bush his grandfather tapped for so many years. Anderson’s Maple Syrup is pure, all natural and a healthy alternative for families. From its humble roots in Cumberland, Wisconsin; Anderson’s Maple Syrup is still made with the love your family would expect. Try Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup in coffee or tea as a sweetener, and on ice cream as a topping. Today, some of the top barbecue grillers and chefs in the country eye Anderson’s as one of the best ingredients and glazes for most meats, fruits & veggies for summertime use and ham glazes for the special occasions. From our farm to your kitchen Anderson’s can be found in grocery & specialty stores around the country. “Everything tastes better with Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup”. For more information on Anderson’s Maple Syrup, visit andersonsmaplesyrup.com, and follow Anderson’s Maple Syrup Racing on Twitter via @AndersonsMaple and on Facebook via AndersonsMapleSyrup.
Powered by Pure Fuel … The Anderson family eats, breathes, and sleeps Pure Maple Syrup. They have for over 90 years! When Steve Anderson’s sister started talking about the energy gels that she and her friends use during marathon training, he was listening. They’ve heard one common complaint – these gels are thick and even with plenty of water can be difficult to swallow and digest. It got him thinking. What is it that your body needs to keep you fueled when working out? A little research quickly revealed that the family’s passion is good for something other than breakfast. It turns out, Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup has the same nutrients that endurance athletes and mid-endurance athletes need but is easier to swallow and digest when working out. So, they put Anderson’s Organic Pure Maple Syrup in a gel packet and called it Pure Fuel. Pure because it is an All Natural, Organic Pure Maple Syrup with nothing added. It is straight from the tree to you. Fuel because it supports your performance with natural nutrients that your body needs like manganese, zinc and potassium, along with over 60 antioxidants. The most obvious source of Fuel for athletes is carbohydrate intake. Research shows that the most efficient way to replenish carbs while working out is with a combination of fructose and glucose, and guess what? Pure Maple Syrup and Pure Fuel are natural sources for these energy boosters! With Pure Fuel there is no need for chemical manipulation or additives. So, give Pure Fuel a try. The Anderson family think you’ll find that, just like Steve Anderson’s sister and her friends, this stuff works! Visit OrganicPureFuel.com to learn more.
Dash 4 Cash … Reddick qualified for this week’s Xfinity Racing Dash 4 Cash bonus after finishing second and being the top-four finishing Xfinity Series regulars during last week’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway. He will compete against Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Cole Custer for the $100,000 bonus at Richmond Raceway.
Meet Reddick … Fans have the chance to meet Reddick when he takes part in a Dash 4 Cash Q&A session at Richmond Raceway’s FanGrounds Stage beginning at 2 p.m. local time on Friday, April 12. Later that day, Reddick will also take part in a Dash 4 Cash autograph session at the Xfinity Zone beginning at 2:50 p.m. local time.
TYLER REDDICK QUOTE:
We visit another short track this weekend, Richmond Raceway. Do you prefer Richmond to Bristol Motor Speedway?
“I actually do, and I never thought I’d say that. I struggled with Richmond early in my career and couldn’t figure it out the first two times I raced there. Last fall, I don’t know exactly what happened, but something clicked for me at that track. I went in there with my team with a headstrong plan of running our own race and focusing on ourselves, and it ended up working out really well for us. Seventh isn’t necessarily the best finish, but at the time it was just what I needed and helped me build some confidence at that track. Being in this No. 2 Chevrolet this time around, I feel good about our chances. My crew chief, Randall Burnett, and the team had a lot of speed there during both visits last year. We’ve had a great start to the year, so I’m hoping at Richmond we can take it to the next step and get our first win of the year.”
Kaz Grala and the No. 21 HotScream Chevrolet Camaro at Richmond Raceway … Kaz Grala has one previous NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Richmond Raceway, as well as two NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts and one start in the 2013 Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown at the 0.75-mile track. His best start of fifth and best finish of eighth came in the 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at the track.
About HotScream … HotScream takes two concepts, dessert and spicy food, and combines them to form a product that can only be described as ‘HotScream The Spicy Ice Cream’. By taking ice cream with its cool creaminess and incorporating a spicy swirl, HotScream has created a new taste sensation, one that almost defies one’s own senses. At first, you taste the pureness of the vanilla, followed quickly by the sweetness of one of seven flavor swirls. As you continue to enjoy HotScream, things change: You feel a warming sensation that starts in the back of your mouth, creating a rush that only can come from spicy foods. The warming continues to linger but doesn’t engulf your mouth with fire. Taking another bite, you again taste the cool, creamy vanilla and the respective flavor profile while the heat dissipates, only to come back time and time again. HotScream will be available in Walmart stores from Maine to Texas, ACME Food stores, Big Y, select ShopRites and Stop & Shop in April. For more information, visit http://www.HotScream.com.
Meet Grala … Fans can meet Grala when he stops by the Xfinity Zone for a Q&A session on Friday, April 12, beginning at 1:45 p.m. local time. Stop by, ask a question and grab an autograph before he goes racing under the lights.
KAZ GRALA QUOTE:
Now that you have one race under your belt with RCR, what are your thoughts about getting back behind the wheel this weekend at Richmond Raceway?
“I feel really confident going into Richmond Raceway with the No. 21 HotScream team. We learned a lot about each other at Texas Motor Speedway, and definitely showed some strengths that we can build on. RCR already has a great baseline for Richmond, so I think our focus this weekend is going to be keeping up with the changing track conditions and making sure we are proactive with our adjustments. Luckily, my crew chief, Justin Alexander, has had some great success at Richmond in the past, so I’ll be looking to him for guidance throughout the day on Friday. Tire management over the course of a run has always been one of my strong suits, so I am looking forward to putting this No. 21 HotScream Camaro up front and hopefully capitalizing at the end of the night.”