Ford Finishing Results:

3rd – Joey Logano

6th – Ryan Blaney

9th – Michael McDowell

10th – Kevin Harvick

12th – Chris Buescher

13th – Austin Cindric

15th – Todd Gilliland

17th – Ryan Preece

19th – Aric Almirola

23rd – Harrison Burton

24th – JJ Yeley

28th – Brad Keselowski

29th – Gray Gaulding

34th – Chase Briscoe

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang (Finished 3rd) – “I’m proud of the fight. We were mediocre – just outside the top-five all day long. There was a group of cars that were a tick better than us. Then we executed at the end and beat a few of them. We tried some new things from last year, and we learned some lessons. But overall: Good. We needed a solid run. We’ve been going through hell here lately. So, it’s nice to get a top-five, third place, and some points there in each stage. Good day.”

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford Mustang (Finished 6th) – “Yeah, we ran pretty good today. Won the second stage which was good, second in the first stage. Just kind of lost track position, lost the lead. Through a couple stops and restarts, we could just never really get it back. I thought that the No. 8, No. 11 and I were similar. It was just a matter of who was out front. I just got a bad restart at the end and fell to sixth. But overall, it wasn’t a bad day. It was a good points day too, and we’ll keep going.”

MICHAEL MCDOWELL, No. 34 FR8Auctions.com Ford Mustang (Finished 9th) – YOU STAYED ON A TWO-TIRE PIT STRATEGY THROUGHOUT THE RACE. DID YOU FEEL LIKE THAT STRATEGY WORKED AT THE END? “We kind of learned last year that track position is super important. Taking two tires was an option last year, so we knew it’d be one this year. We did it early on and got track position, but we got spun out. So, went all the way to the back and then we put four on, and then you’re just buried back there. So, we had to go for it again, put two on and just left two on. We never took four again. There were a lot of laps on the left-side tires, but track position was super important. We had a great FR8 Auctions Ford Mustang, so I knew we could kind of hold our ground. Those last few cautions kind of hurt us a bit, but still came away with a Top-10. So, it was a good day.”

FOUR CARS FELL VICTIM TO BROKEN BRAKE ROTORS THROUGHOUT THE RACE. WAS THAT EVER A CONCERN? “I don’t know exactly what happened to the other cars. Obviously, there were a lot of brake rotor failures, and I didn’t have any issues braking wise. But, this place you have really hard braking and really strong straightaways. So, you’re heating and cooling, and a lot of times that creates fractures – and those cracks sometimes explode. I think that’s what you saw today. I don’t know. I’m not an engineer. But, typically too much tape on the grill will get them hot and then too cold. We had a pretty good balance on brakes – never had any shake. So, there wasn’t any issues or concerns.”

CHRIS BUESCHER, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang (Finished 12th) – “That was a long day – long race. There were a lot of cautions and red flags. It really started yesterday. I was in a little bit of a hole after qualifying, and I just didn’t do a good job. I had to dig out of that today. We had pretty good speed in our Fastenal Ford Mustang. I was pretty happy with it, and at times, had to move around the track quite a bit. I figured out Gateway really quickly. Not being able to run here last year, I felt a little behind getting going. Definitely found something there at the end. Honestly wish it was a 600-mile race because I felt like we could have kept getting better.”

AUSTIN CINDRIC, No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang (Finished 13th) – “Yeah, definitely frustrating having a speeding penalty…I’m a little frustrated with myself with that. You think something at the end of Stage 1 isn’t going to affect your race, but it just put us behind. We tried a bunch of strategy calls to get our Freightliner Ford Mustang up there. Had some good restarts at the end and made the most of it, I feel like. Those restarts got really scrappy. Proud of the team effort, proud of the recovery. Definitely a lot to clean up on my end to maximize what I thought was a Top-10 race car.”

RYAN PREECE, No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang (Finished 17th) – “That was a really long day. I fought a tight race car all day long and every time we came down pit road, my guys made really strong adjustments. It just wasn’t enough to get us to the front and stay there. There were so many cautions there at the end, I was just trying to save the car. Overall, it wasn’t a terrible day for us after qualifying 29th. The fans were out in full force today, too, that was awesome to see. We’ve just got to keep grinding for better finishes.”

Ford Performance PR

McCallister Precision Marketing is excited to announce the signing of 16-year-old Dirt Late Model racer Tucker Anderson.

Anderson, from Blairsville, Georgia, is a regular competitor in 604 and 602 Dirt Late Model events across the Southeast region.

“We’re excited to welcome Tucker Anderson to MPM Marketing,” said Tonya McCallister, founder of MPM Marketing. “Tucker is a rising star in the Dirt Late Model world and we’re thrilled to be able to work with him as he continues his climb through the dirt racing ranks.”

Anderson has been racing since he was 10 years old and has recently begun to enjoy success on a regional level. He scored four 604 Dirt Late Model victories during the 2022 campaign and has one 602 Dirt Late Model triumph so far in 2023, which came at 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, Tennessee.  

In addition, Anderson is the youngest driver to win a Red Clay 602 Late Model Series event and he secured a third-place finish in the 602 Dirt Late Model class during the 2022 edition of the Bristol Dirt Nationals at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Anderson has also begun dabbling in the Limited Late Model class at Tri-County Race Track, North Georgia Speedway and Sugar Creek Raceway.

Anderson’s success at a young age has caught the attention of veteran Dirt Late Model driver and promoter Ray Cook, who has been offering advice and driver coaching to the young racer. 

“I am looking forward to working with Tonya and her staff at MPM Marketing,” Anderson said. “I have been wanting to be a part of MPM for a while now and I am thrilled to be officially a client.”

For the 2023 season Anderson plans to compete in a variety of 602, 604 and Limited Late Model events and series as he continues to gain experience.

Anderson would like to thank his family, Coltman Farms Racing, MPM Marketing, Beaverdam Trucking, Vinson Sims Construction, Ray Cook Racing and Wimpy Enterprises. 

To follow along with Tucker Anderson’s racing, like his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tuckerandersonracing.

MPM PR

If you're a fan of NASCAR and racing video games, you've probably come across various titles that claim to capture the thrill and excitement of the sport. One particular genre that focuses on NASCAR racing is the Speedway Racing video game.

But the question remains: Is it a good NASCAR adaptation? Let's dive into the world of virtual speedways and explore the pros and cons of these games.

Realistic Gameplay and Physics

One of the essential aspects of good NASCAR adaptations is realistic gameplay and physics. Players expect the game to accurately simulate the experience of driving a high-speed stock car on oval tracks. The gameplay should reflect the intricacies of drafting, handling, and strategizing typical of NASCAR races.

When it comes to Speedway Racing games, some titles excel in this area, offering impressive physics engines and realistic driving mechanics that make you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car. These games prioritise authenticity, ensuring that each race is an immersive and true-to-life experience. However, there are also some that do miss that mark.

Authentic NASCAR Experience

An excellent NASCAR adaptation should immerse players in the world of NASCAR, recreating the atmosphere, teams, drivers, and iconic race tracks. Speedway Racing games often strive to capture the essence of NASCAR by licensing official teams, drivers, and tracks.

This adds an extra layer of authenticity, allowing players to race as their favourite drivers, compete on famous tracks like Daytona International Speedway or Bristol Motor Speedway, and feel like they're part of the NASCAR universe. The attention to detail in recreating liveries, sponsorships, and team dynamics contributes to a more immersive and authentic NASCAR experience.

Variety of Game Modes and Features

A good NASCAR adaptation should offer a variety of game modes and features to cater to different player preferences. Speedway Racing games often provide an array of options, including career modes, quick races, multiplayer modes, and customization features.

Career modes allow players to progress through a racing career, starting in lower-tier series and working their way up to the top, while quick races provide an instant adrenaline rush for those seeking a quick NASCAR fix. Multiplayer modes enable online competition with friends or other players worldwide, adding a social aspect to the game.

The ability to customise your car, team, and paint schemes also enhances the overall experience, allowing players to put their personal touch on the virtual NASCAR world. The importance of this cannot be understated - other successful racing games (24 Hour Grand Prix - racing casino game for example) often place customisation as one of the top priorities.

Graphics and Presentation

Visuals play a significant role in immersing players in the NASCAR experience. A good NASCAR adaptation should have impressive graphics and a presentation that brings the race tracks and cars to life. Speedway Racing games strive to deliver stunning visuals, from highly detailed car models to realistic track environments.

The attention to detail in recreating the stadiums, grandstands, and surrounding scenery enhances the overall immersion. Additionally, incorporating realistic weather effects, day-to-night transitions, and dynamic lighting further enhances the visual appeal of the game, making each race visually captivating.

Challenges and Depth

To keep players engaged, a good NASCAR adaptation should offer challenges and depth beyond simple racing. Speedway Racing games incorporate features such as car setup customization, tire management, fuel strategy, and race simulations that require strategic thinking and decision-making.

These elements add depth to the gameplay, allowing players to fine-tune their cars and employ race strategies similar to real NASCAR teams. The inclusion of challenges and career progression keeps the gameplay engaging, providing long-term enjoyment for players seeking a comprehensive NASCAR experience.

Critiques and Room for Improvement

While Speedway Racing games have their merits, they are not without their critiques. Some players argue that certain titles lack innovation and fail to bring significant improvements with each new release. There is a desire for more dynamic AI behaviour, enhanced damage models, and a deeper focus on car development and team management aspects.

Additionally, the absence of certain features, such as a robust online community or comprehensive modding support, may limit the game’s longevity and potential for community engagement.

In conclusion, Speedway Racing video games can provide a good NASCAR adaptation for fans of the sport. With their realistic gameplay, authentic NASCAR experience, variety of game modes, impressive graphics, and depth, these games offer an immersive racing experience.

While there is room for improvement in certain areas, the existing titles still provide hours of thrilling NASCAR action. So, buckle up, choose your favourite driver, and get ready to hit the virtual speedways in a Speedway Racing game that brings NASCAR to life on your gaming platform of choice.

RYE PR

Following another exciting night of racing action last Saturday, Grandview Speedway returns to action with another busy two-day race weekend this week.

Action begins on Friday, June 9 as another Outlaw Racing Series Enduro/Vintage double program will be presented along with the addition of the Xcel 600 Modifieds. On Friday, grandstand admission for adults is $10, children ages 12 and under are free, while pit admission is $30. Pit gates open at 2 pm. while grandstand gates open at 5:30 pm. and racing starts at 7 pm.

This will be followed by the Saturday night NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series double-header featuring the T.P. Trailer Modifieds and T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman. The race program will consist of qualifying races for both divisions leading into the 30-lap T.P. Trailer Modified feature and 25-lap T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman main event.

On Saturday, June 10 pit gates will open at 4 pm. with grandstand gates opening at 5:30 pm. warm-ups starting at 6:15 pm. and racing starting at 7:30 pm.

Adult grandstand admission is $20, students 10-15 with ID are $10, while children ages 9 and under are admitted free of charge. Pit admission is $35 for NASCAR members and $45 for non-members.

The Thunder on the Hill Racing Series is up next with the Amsoil USAC National Sprint Series Eastern Storm Jesse Hockett Classic on Tuesday, June 13 joined by the 358 Modifieds. The non-wing action of the USAC National series is always an annual must-see event.

Saturday, June 17 will be another NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series two-division program of T.P. Trailer Modifieds and T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman along with another fan participation Trivia night contest where fans can win prizes after answering questions about Grandview Speedway racing.

The following Saturday, June 24 will feature a trip back in time, as speedway management hosts 90’s night. Grandstand admission for this night will be rolled back to 1990’s pricing at just $10 for a program of T.P. Trailer Modifieds and T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman!

The thrilling month of June will go out with a bang heading into the Independence holiday with one of the biggest races of the season, as Grandview hosts the $10,000 to win Hodnett Cup, featuring the Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Car Speedweek Series along with the 358 Modifieds on Tuesday, June 27.

Jeff Strunk continues as the T.P. Trailer Modified point leader after some last lap moves to grab second place in the feature last Saturday night, however his lead is just 15 points over second place Brett Kressley, who remains in second position in the standings after scoring his second feature win of the year on Saturday. Craig Von Dohren sits third in points after grabbing a last lap third place at the finish line last week. Jared Umbenhauer sits fourth in points after losing a sure top ten finish with a last lap flat tire, and Doug Manmiller is fifth in points after recording another solid feature finish coming home in fifth spot.

The top ten in the T.P. Trailer Modified point standings are 1. Jeff Strunk – 1666, 2. Brett Kressley – 1651, 3. Craig Von Dohren – 1615, 4. Jared Umbenhauer – 1421, 5. Doug Manmiller – 1416, 6. Tim Buckwalter – 1338, 7. Eddie Strada – 1211, 8. Ryan Watt – 1148, 9. Bobby Trapper Jr. – 1132, 10. Ryan Grim – 1104.

The T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman continue to have great competition each Saturday night and again this past weekend, as Logan Bauman added his name to the winner’s list, becoming the sixth different winner in as many events this season. For Bauman it was his second career Grandview Speedway win.

Logan Watt scored a third place feature run last Saturday and continues to lead the T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman point standings. Kyle Smith followed last week’s feature win with a fourth place outing to remain second place in points, followed by Brian Hirthler who made some late race maneuvers to grab a second place feature result. Brett Gilmore moved up to fourth in points after an eighth place outing last Saturday, while Cody Manmiller sits fifth in points after just missing a top ten finish.

The top ten in T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman points are 1. Logan Watt – 1633, 2. Kyle Smith – 1496, 3. Brian Hirthler – 1386, 4. Brett Gilmore – 1240, 5. Cody Manmiller – 1238, 6. Logan Bauman – 1178, 7. Adrianna Delliponti – 1142, 8. Addison Meitzler – 1099, 9. Jesse Hirthler – 1072, 10. Ryan Graver – 1051.

Since the 1960’s, Grandview Speedway has been presenting exciting wheel to wheel NASCAR stock car racing every Saturday Night starting in April and running through October, plus special events. Grandview Speedway is located at 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, Pa. 19505, just off Route 100, ten miles north of Pottstown, Pa.

Information is always available at www.grandviewspeedway.com or on Facebook, or by telephone at 610.754.7688.

UPCOMING EVENTS –

Friday, June 9 – Outlaw Racing Series Enduro, Outlaw Racing Series Vintage, Xcel 600 Modifieds – 7 pm

Saturday, June 10 – T.P. Trailer NASCAR Modifieds, T.P. Truck Equipment NASCAR Sportsman – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, June 13 – THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES –JESSE HOCKETT CLASSIC EASTERN STORM – USAC National Sprint Tour, 358 Modifieds* - 7:30 pm - PIONEER POLE BUILDINGS NIGHT

Saturday, June 17 – T.P. Trailer NASCAR Modifieds, T.P. Truck Equipment NASCAR Sportsman plus TRIVIA NIGHT – 7:30 pm

Saturday, June 24 – BACK TO THE 90’S NIGHT - $10 GRANDSTAND ADMISSION - T.P. Trailer NASCAR Modifieds, T.P. Truck Equipment NASCAR Sportsman – 7:30 pm.

Tuesday, June 27 – THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES – 33rd annual Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Car Speedweek Series – $10,000 to win 410 Sprint Hodnett Cup, 358 Modifieds* - 7:30 pm - HVAC DISTRIBUTORS PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS NIGHT

Tuesday, July 25 – THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES – High Limit Sprint Car Series - $23,023 to win 410 Sprints – 7:30 pm - LEVAN MACHINE AND TRUCK EQUIPMENT PRESENT THE RICH MAR FLORIST HIGH LIMIT SPRINT NIGHT

Grandview Speedway PR

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) pit crew member Thomas Hatcher was evaluated and released from St. Louis University Hospital following Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Hatcher, who is a member of JGR’s pit crew department, was serving as the front tire changer on the No. 43 car for Legacy Motor Club when he was injured during a stop. After an initial evaluation in the Infield Care Center at the track he was transported to the hospital for further testing. Hatcher has been cleared and has returned home. He will undergo the NASCAR concussion protocol this week and his status for this week will be updated.

JGR PR

THE MODERATOR: We are now joined by the winner of tonight's NASCAR Cup Series race, Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.

We'll go right to questions.

Q. Out-dueling Larson on several late race restarts, where does this win do you feel like ranks among maybe some of your best driving performances?

KYLE BUSCH: Yeah, no, I mean, I guess I had a lot of experience of doing the same stuff last year, and unfortunately didn't make the most of it there at the end and get the win last year. Was able to do it this year just racing against a few of those guys. Larson was up there, Denny was up there, Blaney, all the guys that were fast all day. So I knew it wasn't going to be easy.

Just the restarts kind of went our way. We were able to get through on the outside on that one and push Larson out, then he took bottom of three and four, I was able to carry the momentum around the high side to take the lead. That was really important. I think that was kind of the key moment of us being able to win today. Being able to control the rest of the restarts for the rest of the race.

Kyle is one of the best. It's good to be able to sit up here and race hard with him, being a Team Chevy partner. He gave me great respect, I appreciate that. That will be given back down the road.

Q. Did you anticipate this level of success so early when you made the move to RCR?

KYLE BUSCH: I'm sorry, one more time.

Q. Did you anticipate this level of success so early?

KYLE BUSCH: Yeah, no, we've had some really good runs. We've had three wins obviously, which is great. But we've also had some of the dismal days as well. We've had peaks and valleys so far this year.

We just got to find the greater planes, if you will, and level this thing out a little bit. It's great to be able to score a win here in St. Louis for Randall's hometown, that's really good. So the team is really on a high. The whole organization has been really fighting hard, doing a great job.

Everybody back at RCR, at the shop, ECR, the engine shop, has been doing great. Just been so welcoming and really cool to be able to go out there and succeed for them and to give them back what all the hard work they're putting in is doing.

Q. Do you kind of feed off of that? It's like after what you went through last year with Gibbs, to go someplace that just so thoroughly wanted you there, and they're feeding off of your talent and your success, it just has to pull an organization in the right direction.

KYLE BUSCH: Yeah, I mean, it all kind of stems, too, on the horse you're riding, right? We were horrible at the All-Star Race. That was probably our worst roll. Being able to come out here and have a good run at a short track, although it was still the normal aero package, if you will. But just goes to show that we're really putting our head down and digging in and trying to figure out what it's going to be able to take to get me comfortable to make me fast, right?

You got to have a good horse to ride. So far this year we've had a few. Guys have been doing a great job. Last week at Coke 600, we were fast as well. I think I kind of hurt the car a little bit when I spun out. We still drove back to second. Didn't have anything for the 12. Was a great night for us. Just continuing to show good speed each week.

Q. Now you've won in the Cup, Xfinity Series here at Gateway. Is it now a goal to win in the Truck Series?

KYLE BUSCH: Depends on the rules and regulations and stipulations of locking me out. This was a triple truck challenge race. I can't run in those. It's a matter of being able to open up the playbook to have more races to choose from. It's limited on which ones I'm allowed to go do.

Years ago I was slated to run a late model race or something, I think it got canceled or something. I don't know what it was. Didn't get a chance to do that one either, but that would have been fun.

Q. You led the most laps in both races here, two different teams, two different makes. Is there anything in particular at this track that you feel you've figured out or...

KYLE BUSCH: Yeah, I don't know. I don't know what that really is. I've been fast here back in the Xfinity days when I raced with JGR, and the Hendrick days I think we had top five runs here, something like that. This has always been a good place for me. Always fun to come out to Gateway and the St. Louis area and have a good race.

Not sure exactly what it is or what makes me run well here. It's a fun place to race, so you just go out there and attack it and enjoy it.

Q. On this day 12 years ago, you and Richard had your physical altercation. Richard said he's put it behind him, you guys have moved on, he's been proud to have you as part of his team. Wanted your thoughts of how you've grown and learned from that, now being a part of this team, to not only be the leader of this team but the face of the biggest threat for the championship?

KYLE BUSCH: Yeah, I mean, people change. People grow up. Whatever happens. The relationship that I have now, and the effort that's gone into securing me, to get me to go to RCR, the discussions and talks that happened there. Obviously being able to get there and have some really strong runs, winning right out of the gate at Fontana was big for us, a good morale booster. Just proves them right, right? Gives them greater satisfaction in me being part of the team.

It's been fun to have that group around. They know when we go to places, we struggle at places, that we all want to get better, right? I could do a better job most of the time. Randall and the guys can do a better job as well.

We just all continue to strive and work hard and bounce off of each other in order to make sure we can come out and have the best possible stuff every time we hit the racetrack.

Q. Tell us about your thoughts of having Braxton in the car going around. A big smile on his face.

KYLE BUSCH: It was. Thank you. Braxton is a huge fan of mine, a great supporter obviously. It's really fun when your son is there to kind of celebrate and have a great time, being able to jump the wall and come out. I was shocked when he got there. Asked the NASCAR guys if he could go for a ride. We did that in 2009 when I won the championship. That's a moment we will never forget. We will cherish that one forever. It was really fun, really cool.

Did it again today. Tried to accelerate down the backstretch to give him a little bit of pull on the race car. The rear tires were smoked, so all it wanted to do was spin out. Thankfully I kept it straight.

We had fun. He likes that. So one of these days I'm sure he'll be reaching for the pedals himself.

Q. This is looking ahead. You led 54 laps last year at Nashville, couldn't close the deal. Hendrick's won the last two races. Being part of the key Chevrolet groups, does that give you additional data that might help you win when you go back there in two or three weeks?

KYLE BUSCH: Certainly I would like to think so. I think the 8 car there last year was decent. Not as good as the Hendrick 9 or the 18 where I was. Like you said, we weren't quite able to close out the deal.

It would be nice to go back there and lean on some of those notes. That's been a key thing for us to be able to do. It didn't necessarily bode well at the All-Star Race. Maybe we showed them what not to do. Here this weekend, we were able to excel and we had the good stuff this weekend, if you will.

Look forward to all the weeks ahead, kind of this final stretch before the Playoffs.

Q. (No microphone.)

KYLE BUSCH: It is, but it's nowhere near the same. Entirely different racetrack. Concrete surface, banking in the corners. Corners more similar, one, two, three, four. So yeah. Fun track, though.

Q. I'm not sure if this is a buzz kill or not. Did you have any concerns about brakes? Was there a big concern or you have a bunch of red flags at a track you don't have a lot of data on, guys are pushing it, we should have expected some of that today?

KYLE BUSCH: Yeah, I obviously don't know what package they ran. I'm sure they would run the short track package here for brakes.

I never felt any vibration, never had any issue, never had any long pedal or nothing with mine. I was confident in our stuff and what we had going.

I felt like that was actually a really strong suit for me today, was on the brakes, get in the corner, get whoa'd up in time for the rest of the corner.

NASCAR PR

THE MODERATOR: We are now joined by our race-winning team owner, Richard Childress, team owner of Richard Childress Racing.

RICHARD CHILDRESS: It's great to be back in the winner's circle and come here and see all the great media folks that come here and help our sport be what it is today.

Q. You said over the radio after Kyle took the checkered flag, there's no one I'd rather have in that position than you. What has he meant to the organization?

RICHARD CHILDRESS: Well, he's helped us all around. Number one, he's winning races, showing we can win races. He's helped Austin a whole lot. Austin has had some really good runs. He had drove up to about 10th until the 2 car wrecked him in there on purpose, sort of a payback.

But you know, Kyle has been really -- he's such a pleasure to work with. Everybody says, man, how y'all going to get along. Same question they asked me about you and Dale won't last six months. We lasted 20 years. I want to keep Kyle there, and hopefully we can end his career when he gets ready to.

Q. Was there any concern with your organization with brake rotors when it started to creep in there with a few of the cars? I think we had four broken rotors today?

RICHARD CHILDRESS: You're talking about breaking rotors?

Q. Yeah, the brake rotors were breaking and there were four broken rotors today. Was there any concern among the RCR cars?

RICHARD CHILDRESS: Yeah, I was really concerned on the 3 because he's really hard on the brakes. Kyle didn't seem to use it that much, and Austin quit using his a whole lot there at the end. These long straightaways, they have so much time to cool off, and then you get them so hot in the corner -- here comes Randall Burnett, the winning crew chief, from local boy from right here in Missouri, St. Louis.

I hope that answered your question.

Q. Mr. Childress, three wins in the first 15 races of the season. From your perspective when was the last time it felt like RCR was this dangerous, to be a winner on such a regular basis?

RICHARD CHILDRESS: You know, we won a lot with Harvick, won a lot with Earnhardt. Our plans is to win a lot with Kyle, and not only be a contender for that championship. If we make the Final Four, we'll have a shot at winning it for sure.

Q. Richard, I know it's been a short time, but was that the best race you've seen Kyle drive for you?

RICHARD CHILDRESS: You know, anytime he gets in the car, I think he drives a really great race. Anytime we can give him a car capable of winning, he's going to win with it. I think he just did a great job today.

Those last three or four or however many it was restarts, I felt they were pretty tough, but I knew he would be able to do his job.

Q. For Randall, following up on the brake rotors, did you have any concerns, and is it just something that -- red flags and not a lot of data on this track, makes that more challenging?

RANDALL BURNETT: I think people probably came back -- I think teams last year came here a little more conservative last year not knowing, and I think we all took data from that and went home and looked. We get options on heavy-duty rotors or light-duty rotors, so we can choose that, and we can obviously choose how much cooling we run to them.

Like Richard said, it's kind of a tough place because the straightaways are so long and you're off the brakes for such a long time, and then you apply them really hard at the end of the straightaway, so the cycles of getting really cool down the straightaways and then really spiking up the heat, it takes a toll on the rotors.

We were fortunate enough with the 8 car, we were kind of in the top 5 most all day long, and when you get back further a little bit in the pack, too, and have to work your rotors harder, using brakes, racing people a lot harder, those things happen.

I'm sure everybody will take a look at that and try to understand what happened with those cars.

Q. Richard, 12 years ago this was the day when you and Kyle got into the physical altercation. Talk about how you've seen him grow and mature, kind of evolve in the sport, and now racing for you and putting you as probably one of the top teams to be the threat for the championship this year.

RICHARD CHILDRESS: Yeah, we put that totally behind us. We talked about it. That was one of the first things we talked about. That's history. We've both grown a lot. I know I've grown up. I've grown older, but I've grown up, too. There's an old song out there, I'm still growing up but I'm getting older.

Q. Randall, winning in your home track here in St. Louis, you being a St. Louisan, do you have any initial memories of being here at Gateway and all the tremendous improvements Gateway has made?

RANDALL BURNETT: Yeah, I was here, I was still in St. Louis, living here when this place -- it used to be a road course here and part of the dragstrip was a road course, and I actually raced karts on that track a handful of times, and then they built this place, and I'd come watch INDYCARs when they would come, any events they would come here. So we always came over for that when I was a kid.

I was fortunate enough to run some shifter karts here on this track through the road course on the infield and then part of the big track.

It means a lot to me to come home. I moved away from here when I was about 20 years old and moved to Charlotte to do what I'm doing, to go race, and I did some driving down there and grew up racing go-karts here with my mom and my dad, off Telegraph Road at Woodman Raceway Park, the St. Louis Karting Association my father and some of them built down there for us to have a place to even go race.

To come home and win here, it means a lot. It's a pretty big deal for me.

Q. Randall, can you look at just the first 14, 15 races and have an idea or a sense what the potential is for that team?

RANDALL BURNETT: I think we've got a lot of potential. I think we've got a lot to clean up, too, and we talk about it repeatedly. We've had some really fast cars and taken ourselves out of races with some mistakes and things like that, me and Kyle, and our whole group have talked about it, and we know we've all got to clean it up on our end, especially if we're going to compete for the championship.

We are fast with this intermediate package. We've struggled really bad on the short tracks, haven't got the feel for him of what he needs in a car on a short track yet, so that's one of our biggest hindrances right now I would say as a team to be where we really want to be.

But really proud of this 8 bunch. They dig in hard. Great group of guys, great group of racers, and Kyle has fit right in with them. He's done a great job of adapting over here and lent plenty of insight on his side to how to make things better, as well, so we're all working together towards that.

RICHARD CHILDRESS: I want to say one other thing. Chevy has really supported us a lot, and I don't think we could do what we do today without all the support -- all the manufacturers support the teams, but I feel like Chevrolet gets behind us stronger than anybody else, all the three key partners.

NASCAR PR

GM PR