Driver of the No. 43 Charter Ford, Aric Almirola says the keys to racing the Gen-6 car at the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway are track position and aggression. The No. 43 team hopes to have both to position them for the win in Charter's primary race with the No. 43 team.

Almirola has 13 NASCAR starts at the 2.66-mile track. In seven Sprint Cup starts, he tallied his best finish of 10th this spring. He has two Nationwide and four truck series starts at the high-banked track and posted his best finish of second in the truck races in 2009 and 2010. Crew Chief Todd Parrott has 33 starts at the Alabama track. He visited the winner's circle twice with Dale Jarrett in 1998 and 2005. In his 19 years as a crew chief, he tallied eight top-fives, 13 top-10s and three poles at the Superspeedway.

Comments from Charter Ford Fusion Driver Aric Almirola:

"You hear everyone talk about it, but Talladega is a complete crap shoot. You go out there, try to be as aggressive as you can and keep your track position, especially now with this new rules package. The days of laying back and getting big runs and driving up through the field are over. It doesn't really happen with this car. It will be important to have good pit stops, stay up front and try not to get shuffled out.

"You are going to have to be aggressive. We see it time and time again at Talladega and Daytona; you have to be tenacious. Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time, and sometimes, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hopefully, we are in the right place at the right time.

"Talladega is very mentally draining as well. That's the one race that when it is over I need a Goody's. I have a terrible headache. You are so focused on what you are doing, but then you are also focused on what everyone else is doing around you and it really wears on you. We'll stay after it all day, and hopefully, luck will be on our side and we get the Charter Ford into Victory Lane."

Comments from Charter Ford Fusion Crew Chief Todd Parrott:

"We definitely saw a bit of a different race here in the spring. It was really all about track position. You couldn't really lay back and be able to get a run to the front like we used to. That will make having a good starting spot and good pit stops really important. The drivers will really have to be aggressive on the track to get and maintain their position. We'll do our best to give Aric a good car and good stops, and I'm confident he can drive our Ford Fusion to the win."

RPM PR

The 18th race on the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway is one of two superspeedway races on the 22-race schedule. The Alabama track is the largest the series visits as well as one of NASCAR's top 10 fastest tracks on the circuit. The 2.66-mile Tri-oval holds the all-time NASCAR track record for an incredible fast lap of 212.809 produced by Bill Elliott in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying in 1987. It's also a track that most teams circle on their calendar as "The Wild Card."

Most drivers will tell you winning at Talladega takes a combination of skill and luck. Coulter proved he had the skill to run up front at Talladega earlier this season in the Nationwide Series, where he led three laps and was running inside the top 10 before a late accident relegated him to a 21^st-place finish. Now with another race of experience on the famed track and veteran crew chief Harold Holly, an Alabama native, providing solid strategy atop the pit box, all the No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports team needs is to get a little luck to go their way. With several misfortunes keeping them from collecting a win this season, the team is hoping that the tides will change on Saturday and they will roll to victory in the fred's 250 powered by Coca-Cola.

KBM PR

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway is a track where typically you don't need to start at the front to finish at the front. Kyle Busch has proven that over his five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, posting an average finish of 5.6 - including wins in 2009 and 2010, despite owning an average starting position of 17.4. Busch will be in search of Truck Series win number three at the famed track Saturday and series win number five this season, driving his No. 51 ToyotaCare Tundra in the fred's 250.

Busch has four career wins across NASCAR's top three divisions at 'Dega', two in the Truck Series and one each in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. His last win at the high-banked superspeedway was one of the most exciting races in Truck Series history. After "the big one" set up a dash to the checkered flag. On the final lap coming off Turn 4, Aric Almirola led Busch and Johnny Sauter down the frontstretch. The trio went three-wide at the stripe with "Rowdy" bringing home the victory by .002-seconds, the closest margin of victory in the Truck Series since electronic scoring was implemented.

Another win this season is just what the No. 51 ToyotaCare Racing team needs to stay in the hunt for the owner's championship. Despite leading the series with four wins and nine top-five finishes, including four runner-up results, a pair of DNF's early in the season put the team in a big hole. Eleven races into the season, the team was in third place, 53 points behind the No. 88 team. Over the last six races, sparked by wins in each of Busch's last two starts (Bristol Motor Speedway 8/21/13 and Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet 9/13/13) and a runner-up finish by rookie Chad Hackenbracht at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ont., the team has moved into second place in the standings and currently trail the No. 88 squad by 26 points.

As he has done at Talladega in the Truck Series, Busch has proven that it's not where you start, but where you finish that matters this year in trucks. The Las Vegas native has yet to earn a pole in the Truck Series this season, in fact his best qualifying effort was a fourth-place starting position at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway in May. Although he hasn't started out front, that is where he usually ends up. Despite competing in just eight of the 17 races this season, Busch ranks third in laps led (287), having led seven or more laps in each of his starts.

So when qualifying is complete on Saturday, don't be worried if the No. 51 Tundra doesn't start up front, it's where you finish that matters. The talented wheelman will find a way to make it to the front and there is a good chance that is where he will end up. "Rowdy" has finished inside the top-two in six of his eight Truck Series starts this season and in his career has finished first or second in exactly half of his 112 career starts.

KBM PR

Ryan Blaney (@RyanBlaney22), driver of the No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150, will make his second career start at Talladega Super Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) during the Fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola, Saturday afternoon.

Last season Blaney started 19th and finished sixth after leading three laps in his first career start at Talladega while also driving for BKR.

Blaney finished eighth at Daytona earlier this season in the only other restrictor plate NCWTS race.

The No. 29 BKR team currently sits seventh in the NCWTS driver points standings, 92 points back from first.

"Talladega is always an exciting time for us, but also for the fans. I am proud of the adversity my Cooper Standard team has managed to overcome this season. We have been bringing fast Trucks to the racetrack all year and I look forward to getting these guys another win." - Ryan Blaney

BKR PR

Chad Kendrick, who won this race a season ago with Red Horse Racing, will be calling the shots for Chastain this weekend at Talladega.

The No. 19 BKR team now sits fifth in the NCWTS owner points standings, 56 points back from first.

"This will be a very good opportunity for the No. 19 BKR team to pick up some spots in the owners championship this weekend. This team has been on the verge of winning all year long and I will do everything I can to make it happen this weekend at Talladega." - Ross Chastain

BKR PR

With only five races remaining in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, the race for the championship is at fever pitch. But, it's not the only championship to be determined. Since February, fans have been voting daily for the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award. 

With nearly one million votes counted, there is still time for fans to push their favorite driver into the lead.  They are encouraged to visit www.MostPopularDriver.com and vote once a day for their favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup driver among the 39 eligible candidates.  All 39 will remain eligible for voting throughout the end of the Sprint Cup Series season. Voting will conclude Nov. 17 at 11:59 PM ET after the season's final race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway. The winner will be announced at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon in December.

This year marks the first year of eligibility for Sprint Cup rookie Danica Patrick. Her presence has been felt and she is one of the drivers in the top-10 of total votes. Other drivers within the top 10 of most votes are Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart.  Every driver eligible for the award has received votes.

Earnhardt Jr. notched his 10^th straight NASCAR NMPA Most Popular Driver award last season, tying a record for consecutive awards set by Bill Elliott.  Elliott holds the record for most overall awards with 16. 

"This race is always determined by the fans," said Kenny Bruce, president of the NMPA. "We encourage every fan let their voice be heard and vote for their favorite driver.  We have 39 eligible drivers and each one has received multiple votes.  It's a testament to the loyal fan base of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers."

The NMPA Most Popular Driver distinction has been awarded every year since 1956.  At one time, the contest was decided by a poll among drivers, taken at the end of the racing season. Later, members of the media determined the winner. Today, race fans from all over the world make the ultimate decision.

For more information and to vote on the NASCAR NMPA Most Popular Driver Award, visit www.MostPopularDriver.com.

NMPA

Watkins Glen International is proud to announce the Cheez-It™ 355 at The Glen weekend returns August 7-10 in 2014. The Glen hosts one of the pinnacle races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule leading into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The weekend also features the NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 on Saturday, August 9.

“Our world renowned road course continues to host one of the most exciting races of the season,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “Each year as wins become more important in the race to the Chase, we see drivers fighting for every position and producing outstanding racing with spectacular finishes for our loyal fans.”

Drivers continue to rave about the excitement at Watkins Glen International. 

“The Cheez-It™ 355 at The Glen is one of the most fun and challenging races in all of NASCAR,” said Roush-Fenway Racing driver Carl Edwards. “I can’t wait to go back!”

Edwards finished fourth at The Glen behind the wheel of the Cheez-It Ford Fusion in 2013.  He is also a past champion of the Zippo 200.

WGI PR

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series return to Richmond International Raceway twice in 2014 – on the weekends of April 25 & 26 and September 5 & 6.

RIR waves the green flag on its 2014 season April 25 & 26, highlighted by the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Fans who purchased tickets to last month’s NASCAR weekend at RIR will receive a renewal invitation in early November. Renewal benefits include a savings on each ticket purchased, opportunity to keep and add additional seats, or relocate seats before the general public. Tickets go on sale January 15, 2014, but fans who subscribe to receive promotional e-mails can purchase two days early. Click here to subscribe.

“Even though there is still a month left in the 2013 NASCAR season, everyone at Richmond International Raceway is already looking forward to the 2014 season,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “We have some great renewal benefits for our returning fans and can’t wait to welcome some new fans to America’s Premier Short Track.”

The September 6, Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is once again “One Last Race to Make The Chase,” as the field will be set for the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup once the checkered flag flies. This is one of the most anticipated races of the year, and calling it “unpredictable” can be an understatement. The September weekend begins on Friday, September 5, with the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250.

When Richmond International Raceway plays host to these two NASCAR weekends in 2014, fans are treated to more than just the on-track racing. There’s much more to see and do, including the Virginia529 Kids Zone; Midway, featuring interactive displays and free giveaways; driver appearances and autograph sessions; and the best tailgating around. Don’t forget parking is free, and fans are allowed to bring their own food and beverages inside the grandstands in approved containers.

RIR PR

NASCAR announced today the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule for the 2014 season, the 66th year of racing for the sport’s premier series.

In addition to the schedule unveiling, NASCAR announced that its revolutionary Air Titan track drying system will be available at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend throughout the 2014 season.

For the 13th consecutive year, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule will consist of 36 points races as well as two additional weekends featuring non-points events. The Sprint Unlimited (Feb. 15) and two Daytona 500 qualifying races (both on Feb. 20) will take place before the season officially gets underway. The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will take place on May 17, broadcast on FOX Sports 1.

“This season has delivered plenty of drama and excitement, and we’re anticipating even more for our fans in 2014 now that the Gen-6 car has competed at every track,” said Steve O’Donnell, senior vice president of racing operations. “Having the Air Titan at each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend allows us to meet a very important goal set by our Chairman and CEO, Brian France: to drastically decrease track-drying time to the best of our ability and ensure our fans in the stands and those watching on TV get to see each race on its scheduled day.”

The season will open with the 56th running of the Daytona 500 live on FOX on Feb. 23 before moving west to Phoenix International Raceway (March 2) and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 9). Four tracks will undergo spring date changes: Texas Motor Speedway will hold its event one week earlier and move from Saturday to Sunday (April 6). Darlington Raceway will feature its race on April 12. Kansas Speedway will hold its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Saturday night race, with its event shifting to May 10, while Martinsville Speedway will host the series on March 30, a week earlier than in 2013. 

For the fourth consecutive season, the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will start at Chicagoland Speedway (Sept. 14) and conclude live on ESPN on Nov. 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Developed in-house at NASCAR’s R&D Center, the Air Titan progressed quickly following France’s directive to improve the racing product and fan experience in every form. Following testing in the summer and fall of 2012, Phase 1 of the technology was on-site at Daytona International Speedway in February. The 2012 Daytona 500 was the first to be postponed to the following day because of inclement weather.

Its race event debut was in April at Martinsville where it successfully decreased drying time in order to hold NASCAR Sprint Cup practice rather than have it cancelled. Air Titan’s biggest save to date was at Talladega Superspeedway’s rainy spring races where it shaved nearly an hour off drying time for both the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, allowing those events to be completed on their scheduled days. It also was in use Oct. 3 at Kansas for track conditioning purposes while also trimming nearly 45 minutes from drying time prior to the Goodyear zone tread tire test.

2014 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SCHEDULE

NASCAR PR

Drivers have little time to get into the flow of the new 2014 season before tackling the challenges of Bristol Motor Speedway as The Last Great Colosseum welcomes NASCAR March 14-16 and August 20-23 officials announced today.

“We want our fans to have as much time as possible to plan their trips to Bristol Motor Speedway next year,” said BMS General Manager and Executive Vice President Jerry Caldwell. “The Food City 500 in March will be here before you know it. People are putting together their 2014 plans right now, and we are ready to welcome folks to Bristol.”

The March date makes the Food City 500 the first short-track NASCAR Sprint Cup race of the season and starts with Ford Fan Friday March 14. Packed with practice and qualifying for both the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series and topped off with Food City Race night in the BMS hospitality area, it is a fan-favorite day at BMS and one of the most affordable on the tour. Saturday, March 15 is home to Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 Nationwide and the 125-lap K&N Series event with the weekend topped off with the March 16 Food City 500.

The popular mid-week double-header returns August 20 kicking off with the Titan Roof 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified and capped by the UNOH 200 Camping World Truck Series event. Friday night, August 22 is the Food City 250 Nationwide race and the IRWIN Tools Night Race is August. 23.

BMS PR