May 10, 2013
- Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway have been made.
Pole sitter #78-Busch chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #48-Johnson took pit stall 21, the first pitstall behind the start finish line.
#18-Busch, who starts 3rd took the 7th pit stall, with an opening behind it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #88-Earnhardt, Jr, who starts 16th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(5-10-2013) - Kurt Busch wins Darlington pole: #78-Kurt Busch won the pole for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway with speed of 181.918mph, a new track record, for his 1st pole of 2013 and 16th of his career. #48-Johnson is on the outside pole, followed by #18-Busch, #5-Kahne, #56-Truex, Jr., #11-Hamlin, #20-Kenseth, #24-Gordon, #16-Biffle, and #29-Harvick. There were 43 cars entered so no one missed the race.
See the starting lineup, pole progression, qualifying results, qualifying order, qualifying rules on the Darlington Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(5-10-2013) - Qualifying Fast Facts – Darlington:
Kurt Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 64th Annual Bojangles’ Southern 500 with a lap of 27.032 seconds, 181.918 mph. This is a track record, which was previously set by Kasey Kahne in 2011 with a lap of 181.254 mph.
This is his 16th pole in 446 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and third top-10 start in 2013.
This is his second pole in 17 races at Darlington Raceway.
He was the youngest pole winner at Darlington Raceway when he won the pole in September 2001. He was 23 years and 29 days old.
Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his seventh top-10 start of 2013 and his eighth in 15 races at Darlington Raceway.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Darlington Raceway. It is his eighth in 11 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(5-10-2013) - Menard plans to stay with Childress: #27-Paul Menard says he is “close” to re-signing with Richard Childress Racing. Menard said he’s “looking forward” to making an announcement soon that he will remain in the #27 Menard’s Chevy. Menard, 32, is currently ninth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings. He’s remained in the top 10 for seven of 10 weeks this season and earned three consecutive top-10 finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway earlier this year. Since Menard and crew chief Slugger Labbe joined RCR as a package deal in 2011, the driver has experienced the best three seasons of his Cup career, a stretch that includes a victory at the Brickyard 400. In 2012, Menard finished a career-high 16th in the points standings with an average finish of 15.5. Labbe signed an extension two weeks ago. His contract runs through 2016.(Fox Sports)(5-10-2013)
- Final practice for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway is over after 45 scheduled minutes, the top 5, slowest and any notes:
#42-Montoya 177.070
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 176.809
#99-Edwards 176.543
#31-Burton 176.492
#78-Busch 175.993
slowest: #7-Blaney 166.953 & #36-Yeley 166.326. No speed: #87-Nemechek.
Notes: Qualifying will start at 5:10pm/et today and shown on SPEED. With 43 cars at the track, everyone will make the race.
See fastest kaps, best ten-lap average, laps run and more on the Darlington Practice 2 Speeds (pdf) page. - First Friday practice for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway is over after 120 scheduled minutes, the top 5, slowest and any notes:
#27-Menard 173.963
#15-Bowyer 173.626
#1-McMurray 172.936
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 172.596
#99-Edwards 172.481
slowest: #30-Stremme 166.444 & #35-Wise 166.337.
Notes: #16-Biffle got a Darlington stripe early in the session. The team repaired the car. #36-Yeley, #30-Stremme, and #24-Gordon also scraped the wall, with only minor damage. #10-Patrick hit the wall hard enough that she will have to go to a backup car.
See fastest kaps, best ten-lap average, laps run and more on the Darlington Practice 1 Speeds (pdf) page. - Qualifying Order for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #10-Patrick.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #51-Smith.
Fastest in second Friday practice, #42-Montoya, is scheduled to qualify 6th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Darlington Qualifying Page.(5-10-2013) - RK Motors sponsoring Bowyer UPDATE: Clint Bowyer will make his eighth Sprint Cup start at Darlington Raceway in the RK Motors Charlotte Toyota Camry. In seven previous starts, Bowyer has one top-10 (ninth in 2007). He won the pole in 2007 in only his second start at the track. It is one of two career NSCS pole awards that Bowyer has won – the other came at Loudon in 2007. RK Motors Charlotte is the country’s leading retailer of investment-grade classic and collector cars. Founded in 2010 by Robert Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and Joseph M. Carroll, founder of Best of Show Automotive, RK Motors Charlotte’s 80,000 sq./ft. facility features a 200-vehicle, state-of-the-art showroom complete with digital media studio, full restoration / customization shop and a full service area.(MWR)(5-10-2013)
UPDATE: At some point this weekend at Darlington Raceway Clint Bowyer is sure to look into a television camera and say: “I Ate The Bones.” That’s because Bowyer’s #15 Toyota will carry Kentucky Fried Chicken’s “I Ate The Bones” paint scheme Saturday night when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the 1.366-mile South Carolina track. Last month, KFC launched its revolutionary new Original Recipe Boneless chicken and accompanying “I Ate the Bones” advertising campaign to respond to an increase in consumer demand for boneless menu items.(MWR), see an image of the car on the #15 team paint schemes page.(5-10-2013) - Wally Brown to serve as Kenseth’s crew chief: Two former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chiefs and an engineer will begin interim roles atop the pit box this weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway. Kevin Buskirk and Steve Reis have been named to fill the crew chief roles for Penske Racing’s two Cup teams beginning with this week’s Bojangles’ Southern 500. For Joe Gibbs Racing, former Cup crew chief Wally Brown will be calling the shots for the #20 team and driver Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR.com)(5-10-2013)
- Hamlin plans to run full race at Darlington: After running just 24 laps last week at Talladega, #11-Denny Hamlin says he is fully healed and prepared to run the full 500 miles Saturday night at Darlington Raceway. Hamlin missed four Sprint Cup races and only started the race last week at Talladega after suffering a compression fracture in his lower back in a March 24 crash at Auto Club Speedway. He tweeted Wednesday, however, that he has been fully cleared by his doctors and plans to run the full race in Saturday’s Bojangles Southern 500 at Darlington, a race that he won in 2010. Hamlin tweeted: “More good news after this weeks scan. Healing is going really good and I’m ready to go the distance this week. #makethechase”(Sporting News)(5-10-2013)
- Kurt Busch passes Indy rookie test: Kurt Busch wants to race an IndyCar at Indianapolis. Just not now. The 2004 Sprint Cup champion kept Ryan Hunter-Reay’s primary car out of trouble Thursday, topping 218 mph on one of the world’s most prestigious tracks. He became the first driver to pass this year’s rookie test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, likely creating a rumor-filled month of May. “I really couldn’t do it this year because of the stamina,” Busch said. “My hands were tense and firm and that was only after 10 laps. Michael (Andretti) wants to do it, but they’ve already got five cars committed this year, so I think the proper thing would be to get some experience with this car at another track. There’s going to be a lot of swirling that goes on after day like today, after reaching 218 on your first day around this place,” Busch said after posting a fast lap of 218.210 mph. “But that doesn’t mean anything because I need more time.” Andretti acknowledged that’s a possibility later this year, if Busch can work out the details with his Cup schedule.(Associated Press)(5-10-2013)
- Sport Clips sponsoring Hamlin at Darlington: This weekend Denny Hamlin will return to the #11 Sport Clips Toyota for his first full race since being sidelined after a late-race accident at Auto Club on March 24. Denny Hamlin will make his eighth Sprint Cup Series start at the track ‘Too Tough Too Tame’ on Saturday night when he climbs back into the #11 Sport Clips Toyota. Last year Hamlin finished second in the Bojangles’ 500 driving a retro Sport Clips paint scheme honoring Cale Yarborough and his induction in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This year Hamlin is back looking to finish one position stronger and earn his first win of the 2013 season for the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing team.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(5-10-2013)
- RK Motors sponsoring Bowyer: Clint Bowyer will make his eighth Sprint Cup start at Darlington Raceway in the RK Motors Charlotte Toyota Camry. In seven previous starts, Bowyer has one top-10 (ninth in 2007). He won the pole in 2007 in only his second start at the track. It is one of two career NSCS pole awards that Bowyer has won – the other came at Loudon in 2007. RK Motors Charlotte is the country’s leading retailer of investment-grade classic and collector cars. Founded in 2010 by Robert Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and Joseph M. Carroll, founder of Best of Show Automotive, RK Motors Charlotte’s 80,000 sq./ft. facility features a 200-vehicle, state-of-the-art showroom complete with digital media studio, full restoration / customization shop and a full service area.(MWR), see an image of the car on the #15 team paint schemes page.(5-10-2013)
- Time Warner Cable returns to the #5: Time Warner Cable will adorn the hood of Kasey Kahne’s #5 Chevy SS this weekend at Darlington Raceway and will be the primary sponsor on the car for two more Sprint Cup Series events this year: Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26 and Kansas Speedway on Oct. 6. Kahne welcomed Time Warner Cable on the hood of his #5 Chevy for the first time at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Sprint Cup Series event on Oct. 13, 2012.(Hendrick Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #5 team paint schemes page.(5-10-2013)
- Geek Squad back on the #99: Geek Squad returns to the track for their second primary race of the season. #99-Carl Edwards last ran the Geek Squad paint scheme in Richmond, where he started in 26th-place and drove to a sixth-place finish.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on the #99 team paint schemes page.(5-10-2013)
- Busch wins at Darlington:#18-Kyle Busch won the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway, for his 5th win of the year and the 56th of his Nationwide career. #11-Elliott Sadler finished second followed by #20-Brian Vickers, #22-Joey Logano, #18-Matt Kenseth, #32-Kyle Larson, #7-Regan Smith, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #5-Kasey Kahne, and #31-Justin Allgaier. There were 4 cautions for 17 laps and 10 lead changes among 8 leaders. Complete results are on the Darlington race results page (pdf).(5-10-2013)
- Darlington Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the 31st Annual VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200, his 56th victory in 252 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his fifth victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in nine races at Darlington Raceway.
This is the 13th NASCAR Nationwide Series race to be won from the pole (or 1st starting position) at Darlington Raceway. He was the last driver to accomplish this feat in May 2011.
Elliott Sadler (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in ten races at Darlington Raceway. It is his fifth top-10 finish in 2013.
Brian Vickers (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in nine races at Darlington Raceway.
Kyle Larson (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Regan Smith leads the point standings by 28 points over Sam Hornish Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(5-10-2013) - Driver standings following Darlington:
1) #7-Regan Smith, 342
2) #12-Sam Hornish Jr., 314 -28
3) #11-Elliott Sadler, 300 -42
4) #31-Justin Allgaier, 299 -43
5) #20-Brian Vickers, 293 -49
6) #3-Austin Dillon, 290 -52
7) #77-Parker Kligerman, 287 -55
8) #2-Brian Scott, 284 -58
9) #99-Alex Bowman #, 258 -84
10) #32-Kyle Larson #, 248 -94
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(5-10-2013) - Owner Standings following Darlington are posted (pdf).(5-10-2013)
- Busch on pole at Darlington: #54-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole for the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway with a speed of 172.584mph. #11-Elliott Sadler will start second. The rest of the top 10: #18-Matt Kenseth, #20-Brian Vickers, #31-Justin Allgaier, #5-Kasey Kahne, #32-Kyle Larson, #3-Austin Dillon, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., and #6-Trevor Bayne. Did Not Qualify: #47-Jason Bowles & #73-Derrike Cope. The starting lineup is posted on the Darlington starting lineup page (pdf).(5-3-2013)
- Fix-A-Flat sponsoring Bliss at Darlington: The #1 brand in tire repair, Fix-A-Flat, will debut on Mike Bliss’ Toyota Camry for tonight’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Darlington Raceway. On a track that is notorious for ‘eating-up’ tires, the timing of Fix-A-Flat’s first appearance with TriStar Motorsports seems perfect. Invented in 1970 by Snap Products, Fix-A-Flat became the first emergency aerosol flat tire sealant and inflator. In 2011 Fix-A-Flat was acquired by Illinois Tool Words (ITW) and joined the Accessories Marketing family of brands under ITW in March of 2012. With the launch of several new and exciting products under the well-known Fix-A-Flat brand, 2013 has been a cutting-edge year.(TriStar Motorsports)(5-10-2013)
- Vickers fastest in practice: #20-Brian Vickers was fastest during the only Nationwide Series practice at Darlington Raceway with a speed of 171.124mph. #11-Elliott Sadler was second, followed by:#7-Regan Smith, #3-Austin Dillon, #6-Trevor Bayne, #32-Kyle Larson, #54-Kyle Busch, #18-Matt Kenseth, #2-Brian Scott, and #77-Parker Kligerman. See complete results on the Darlington practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(5-10-2013)
- Efland in the #74 at Darlington: Danny Efland will return to the Nationwide Series after a brief hiatus to pilot the #74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevy in the VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway. Joining Efland in his return to the Nationwide Series is new sponsor the Las Vegas based Eurasia Resorts International, Ltd. The Future EURASIA Live Entertainment Hotel Mega Resort will feature a variety of 39 boutique country-specific themed hotels along with the “world’s largest” 15,000,000 square foot Las Vegas Dream Shopping Mall featuring live entertainment and amusement attractions featuring cirque style production with animated characters from a major Hollywood animation company. Eurasia in Las Vegas will also be home to the “world’s largest” convention center featuring 6,000,000 square feet of meeting space.(Efland PR)(5-10-2013)
- Sheryl Crow to perform pre-race concert for Coke Zero 400: Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, whose long list of hits include “All I Wanna Do,” “Soak Up The Sun” and her latest single “Easy,” will perform a hour-long pre-race concert prior to the 55th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Through a special VIP Ticket Package, race fans can get unprecedented access to the 60-minute pre-race concert that will be staged on pit road in the tri-oval area of the “World Center of Racing.” With packages starting at $115, the VIP Ticket Package includes: A reserved grandstand ticket for the Coke Zero 400, Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access, Admission to the VIP viewing area in front of the stage for the pre-race concert by Crow. VIP Ticket Packages can be purchased online.(DIS)(5-10-2013)
- Keselowski, Kenseth, Kahne and others headline NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Party: Brad Keselowski will join NASCAR stars Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne, legends Bobby and Donnie Allison and team owner Joe Gibbs for appearances at a one-of-a-kind infield Pit Party sponsored by the NASCAR Hall of Fame at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Party will be a fan-friendly event taking place on pit road from 12:30pm-4:15pm before the only 600-mile race on the NASCAR circuit. The party will feature driver appearances, live music from national recording artist Benton Blount, concessions, racing displays and more. Access to the Pit Party is included with the purchase of a pit pass or a driver introduction pass. In addition to fan forums with Keselowski, Kenseth, Kahne, the Allison brothers and Gibbs, the Pit Party will feature vintage military vehicles and displays from the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Pit passes are $100 for adults, $50 for children 14-18 and free for kids 13 and under with a paying adult. Driver introduction passes are $150 for adults and $75 for kids 13 and under. Pit passes must be purchased in addition to a race ticket.(CMS)(5-10-2013)
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