MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 25, 2017

PAUL MENARD, NO. 27 MENARDS CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his outlook for the season, his favorite NFL team being knocked from the playoffs, and racing on road courses. Full transcript:

CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE CHANGES TO YOUR CAR TO THE ENGINE OR AERO PACKAGE FROM RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING?
“Since 2014, when we debut this new car, we’ve taken downforce away every year. This is a big change for us for aero this year, and I think NASCAR is going to continue to tweak it. We want to put more downforce on next year if we see this isn’t the way to go. NASCAR isn’t afraid of making changes as we’ve all seen with the format and we’ve seen with the cars the past few years, and you have to stay up with current events and what makes for a good package on the racetrack. Personally, I’m a proponent for less downforce, maybe stickier tires that fall off. I think every driver is pretty much on board with that. The key is the tire combination with this low-downforce package is still have those big numbers on pole day and still see 190 mph qualifying speeds, but race at 160 to 170 mph. That would slow things down, make aero a little less important, and make for better racing.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Paul Menard →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 25, 2017

DALE EARNHARDT JR., NO. 88 AXALTA CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his return to the Cup Series, his recent marriage, and his expectations for the upcoming season and the remainder of his career. Full transcript: Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Dale Earnhardt Jr. →

EARLY ENTRIES FILL OUT GRID FOR SEASON TWO OF THE F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP

Kent Vaccaro set to join F4 United States Championship in 2017

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 25, 2016) – The first entry for the second season of the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda was secured by 15-year-old, series newcomer Kent Vaccaro of Plattsburgh, New York. As F4 bridges the gap from karts to cars, Vaccaro will get his first open-wheel experience while piloting the No. 16 machine. Continue reading EARLY ENTRIES FILL OUT GRID FOR SEASON TWO OF THE F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP →

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: How to Improve on Last Year’s Classic Finish?
Team focused on preparation, strong history at Daytona to run for another Rolex 24 trophy

Corvette Racing finished 1-2 in 2016, separated by just 0.034 seconds at finish
Gavin, Milner, Fässler enter as defending GTLM winners
No. 3 Corvette C7.R won GTLM class race in 2015
Team can become the first in nearly a decade to win three straight Rolex 24s
Chevrolet the most successful manufacturer at Daytona
Continue reading Chevy Racing–Corvette Racing at Daytona →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

MICHAEL MCDOWELL, NO 95 K-LOVE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the race format change, racing full time this year, his team goals, and more. Full transcript:

HOW HAS YOUR DAY BEEN SO FAR?
“My day has been great. I’m just enjoying it. It’s nice to be back here. Every time I get to this time of year, some people dread Media Day because there’s a lot happening, but I think about it as I’ve got one more year and another shot at it. And, I’m thankful for the opportunity to run full time this year.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Michael McDowell →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

CHRIS BUESCHER, NO. 37 COTTONELLE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed moving to a new team, his expectations for 2017, and what he learned from 2016 on the racetrack. Full transcript:

CAN YOU CLARIFY WHAT YOUR SITUATION IS WITH JTG AND ROUSH, AND ARE YOU STILL UNDER CONTRACT WITH ROUSH TO GO BACK THERE NEXT YEAR:
“We’re still under contract with Roush but for this year coming over to JTG we’re full-tilt ahead. We’re working on this season getting integrated with everybody over there. It has been a transition coming over to a new team for the second year in a row trying to get to know everybody. We have a new crew chief, a new manufacturer with Chevrolet, and I’m just really focused on getting through this year. We haven’t looked anywhere past that. 2017 is looking to be a great year, though. Looking at the momentum that AJ (Allmendinger) and the 47 team had in the second half of last year is very promising and makes us optimistic to get rolling to Daytona and especially past that once we get to Atlanta and that West Coast swing.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Chris Buescher →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 CATEPILLAR CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the format change, racing at the newly repaved Texas Motor Speedway, and the education program he and his wife run for youngsters. Full transcript:

CAN YOU ADDRESS THE CHANGES TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR AND HOW YOU SEE THAT PLAYING OUT:
“I think that the strategy of the races, the mixture of importance of a bonus point for a stage win in reference to how you race each stage and the last stage, which ultimately is still the most important points-wise, is unique and going to be fun to follow. It is going to be a challenge to learn the system, but I don’t think it’s a complex system. With the right technology, it can be easily adaptable to the fans, which to me is extremely important. And I think the thing we’ll talk about with this new structure will be the one point that goes into the Chase per stage and the still bonus structure that still goes into the Chase and is now cumulative throughout the Chase because we’re all racing for wins but the big trophy is always going to be that championship.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Ryan Newman →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

JAMIE MCMURRAY, NO. 1 MCDONALD’S CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his opinion on various aspects of the new race format, on seven-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, and on Carl Edwards’ stepping away from the sport. Full transcript:

COULD YOU JUST TALK ABOUT THE NEW FORMAT?
“So, is Jim Utter in here?
Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Jamie McMurray →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

TY DILLON, NO. 13 GEICO CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his thoughts about his first full season, being a member of a single-car team, and competing on a limited schedule in his Modified program. Full transcript:

WHEN YOU SIT DOWN AND THINK ABOUT IT, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AT THIS LEVEL:
“It means a lot, obviously, growing up in this sport and being around all my heroes, who are all Cup drivers, all my whole life, and once I got into Cup racing and knowing this was my goal and where I wanted to be. That moment when the deal was done to be officially be driving for Germain Racing in the Geico 13 Chevy was surreal. I remember driving down the road and first called my wife and told her it was a done deal and just starting balling on the phone. And I called my mom and balled. Just to have this opportunity, I love this sport, and just to have the chance to be one of the top drivers and chase my dream. I know you say I’ve made it, which is obviously a big moment for me in my life, but I still have a lot to accomplish. My grandfather said the other night that he feels like he still hasn’t made it, and that’s how I kind of feel. I’m not going to be satisfied until I win races and championships, and then maybe be back here like he was.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Ty Dillon →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 47 KROGER CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the prospects of a road-course race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, adjusting to having a teammate in 2017 and other motorsports items that are of a personal interest. Full transcript:

WHAT WERE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF USING THE STOCK CAR ON THE ROAD COURSE AT CHARLOTTE. WHAT WAS GOOD AND WHAT WAS A CONCERN?
“I had heard a rumor there was a stock car test going on around Charlotte! I was golfing that day. Shot an 86. I four-putted the first green. It was terrible! I’ll just say that we were out there collecting data. I had a lot of fun. It would be something I would enjoy. It was better than my golf game, let’s put it that way. I had 43 putts that round. Do you know how bad that is? It’s horrible! But I didn’t throw the putter so I’m growing in maturity as a person.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–AJ Allmendinger →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media Tour and discussed the new race format, including strategy, points, and pit stops, spending the winter in Aspen, safety, pressure to win another championship and more. Full Transcript:

WITH THE CHANGE IN THE WAY THE CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE DECIDED, CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT? YOU ARE THE ONLY CHAMPION THAT’S HAD TO DO IT SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.
“The championship piece, we still get to Homestead and it’s very similar for that event itself. How you get there is a bit different. The big takeaway I have is when you put all the smart people in the room and let everybody decide what it could and should look like, from TV owners, NASCAR, and driver representation, I think that’s a smart move. And, I feel that knowing our environment and knowing how to take the best from each of those folks in the room, all the major stakeholders, and come up with this system, I have a lot of faith in that. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–Jimmie Johnson →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 24 NAPA AUTO PARTS CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed a new sponsor for 2017, improvements in his second full season of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition, the series’ new championship format and other topics. Full transcript:

YOU’VE ADDED A SPONSOR THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE ARE FAMILIAR WITH IN HOOTERS. TELL US ABOUT THAT RELATIONSHIP:
“I had a lot of fun with it, and they’re a fun group of people. Not just the brand but the people they have to work with behind the scenes were easy and great to work with. I got to stare – I didn’t get to eat – at a lot of chicken wings yesterday, which was tough but probably a good thing. I need to get back in the gym. But it was a lot of fun and I’m glad to have them on board. Their history with Alan Kulwicki is long, and he and my dad obviously had a great championship battle in 1992. That’s obviously kind of ironic to see that but very good. I know my dad had a lot of respect for Alan and what he did. Both my parents did. I think it’s pretty neat to carry the Hooters colors this year, so I’m looking forward to that. It’s definitely something different and something to be excited about.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–Chase Elliott →

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Magnussen Sets Early GTLM Pace

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2017) – Jan Magnussen in the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C7.R posted the fastest GT Le Mans (GTLM) time on the first day of the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Raceway.

The 2015 Rolex 24 At Daytona GTLM co-winner set Friday’s best GTLM lap of 1:44.760 (122.3 mph) in the Corvette that he will share with Antonio Garcia and Mike Rockenfeller. The trio finished second in last year’s Rolex 24 – just 0.034 seconds behind the No. 4 Corvette C7.R of Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner and Marcel Fässler.

The Roar Before the 24 continues Saturday and Sunday.

JAN MAGNUSSEN, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7.R: “We had a good test in the middle of December and got to try some stuff that we thought might work here. Tomorrow and Sunday we are going to try and put all of that together to see if we can improve on the racecar. In the past the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R has been a good car, a fast car here at Daytona. Hopefully we can improve a little bit on that and see what that gets us. So far, the feeling is good. I think everyone in the team is quite happy with the progress that we are making and hopefully, we can make a little bit more even though tomorrow looks a little iffy weather-wise.”

ON SETTING FAST TIME IN THE MORNING SESSION: “I think this morning it was a little cooler and maybe there was a little bit more wind, which gave a better top speed across start/finish. That was the same for everybody. I got to go in the car right at the end of this afternoon session, but it wasn’t a real attempt; it was just a chance for me to feel the changes that had been made this afternoon. It’s difficult to say. It cooled down again but to me, the track felt similar. I think in general and also in the December test, the track did feel faster in the morning.”

ON THE COMPETITION IN THE GTLM CLASS: “It seems to me that every year we think it’s the toughest field out there and then the year after it just gets even tougher and that is also what has happened this year. The field is very close together. This time we are dealing with four Fords and they are all fast. This is early days. There are two more days of testing and then it’s the race week, but I do think that we are going to have a race like we have had in the last couple where the GTLM field is going to be right there with each other for the majority of the race.”