Almirola Set To Double Dip At Richmond

Aric Almirola and Smithfield Foods will team up with Biagi DenBeste Racing for Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Almirola will pilot the No. 98 Smithfield Ford in his third NXS race this season at Smithfield's home track. He is scheduled to race five more XFINITY races in the No. 98 Biagi DenBeste Racing Ford.

Almirola raced the No. 98 Ford at Daytona International Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway earlier this year, where he scored two Top-11 finishes. Almirola has five career starts at Richmond in the NXS and an average finish of 16.4, with a highest finish of seventh.

"I'm really excited to run the XFINITY race in Richmond," said Almirola. "It's a hometown race for Smithfield, so we'll have a lot of people cheering us on. It's also a night race which always has added excitement. I've had some success there in the past, so hopefully, we'll be fueled by bacon all the way to the Winner's Circle."

Located just down the road from Richmond, Smithfield considers Richmond International Raceway its "home track." Founded in Smithfield, Virginia in 1936, the company is a leading provider of high-quality pork products such as ham, bacon, ribs, sausage, and pork chops. The Virginia-based company will also adorn the hood of the No. 43 Ford with Almirola in Saturday night's Sprint Cup Series race.

"We're thrilled to have added exposure at our home track, Richmond International Raceway," said Dennis Pittman, Smithfield Senior Director of Corporate Communications. "We're looking forward to a shot at Victory Lane two nights in a row. We'll have a lot of guests at the track this weekend and can't wait for them to experience all the excitement."

COMMENTARY: What The National Motorsports Appeals Panel's Ruling Means, And What It Doesn't

There were no clear-cut winners in Thursday's National Motorsports Appeals Panel hearing involving Richard Childress Racing.

RCR was sanctioned by NASCAR for allegedly altering tires on the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet driven by Ryan Newman at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Cal. last month. Crew chief Luke Lambert bore the brunt of those sanctions, sustaining a $125,000 fine, a six-race suspension and being placed on NASCAR probation through the end of the calendar year. Tire technician James Bender and team engineer Philip Surgen received six-race suspensions and probation through December 31, while Newman and team owner Richard Childress forfeited 75 driver and owner points, respectively.

Yesterday’s ruling reduced the point and financial penalties, however, because the NASCAR rule book includes “no written explanation of what constitutes a post-race inspection.”

In a nutshell, here’s why the panel ruled the way it did.

Lambert’s $125,000 penalty was actually two fines in one; a $75,000 sanction for committing a P5 infraction and an additional $50,000 for an infraction discovered in post-race inspection. Childress and Newman’s 75-point penalties were similar; 50 points for a P5 rules violation and an additional 25 points for failing a post-race inspection.

Lambert, Newman: Penalties reduced

Sources say that in testimony heard by the panel yesterday, NASCAR admitted confiscating Newman’s tires during the running of the Auto Club 500 on March 22, rather than after the race. RCR’s appeal centered on the premise that a mid-race tire confiscation does not constitute a true “post-race inspection,” despite the fact that the tires underwent a third-party examination in the days following the event.

That lack of specificity was enough for Appeals Panel members John Capels, Hunter Nickell and Dale Pinilis to rescind all penalties related to post-race discovery.

The remaining sanctions -- a $75,000 fine for Lambert and 50-point penalties for both Childress and Newman – still fall within the range of sanctions mandated by NASCAR for a P5 rules violation; albeit at the lowest end of the scale.

“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to present our facts to the Appeals Panel, and I appreciate their consideration of those facts in making the decision to reduce the fine and reduce the points penalty,” said Lambert after yesterday’s decision was rendered. “However, I am disappointed in the decision not to completely overturn the penalty based on the facts that we presented today.”

In a written statement, Childress said his team is examining its options and has not decided whether to make a final appeal to the sport’s Chief Appellate Officer. NASCAR has declined to comment on the decision, citing RCR’s right to file that additional appeal.

While yesterday’s decision may have reduced the penalties assessed to Richard Childress Racing, it did not exonerate them of wrongdoing. To the contrary, after viewing evidence presented by both the race team and NASCAR, the Appeals Panel confirmed that a P5 rules violation was indeed committed.

We don’t yet know how RCR altered its tires, and we won’t until a final appeal is either heard or declined. But yesterday’s Appeals Panel ruling gives a clear indication that Richard Childress Racing did violate NASCAR’s “Holy Trinity” by tampering with tires, engines or fuel.   

Parrott On RCR Fill-In Role: “I’m Not Looking To Get Anyone’s Job”

Veteran Todd Parrott will replace Luke Lambert atop the pit box for Ryan Newman and the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, as Lambert begins serving a six-week suspension for altering tires at Auto Club Speedway last month. But while RCR’s XFINITY Series competition director has plenty of experience as a Sprint Cup Series crew chief, Parrott said he has no interest in returning to the position full-time.

“I’m not out to get Luke Lambert’s job or any of these guys,” said Parrott today. “I’m just here to fill in and do the job they have asked me to do. Then I’m going to go back to doing the jobs that I am doing.” 

“I have been here since December with RCR… so working with all these guys on the Cup teams -- all the engineering department, all the aero department and that stuff -- I’m very familiar with what is going on here. You guys know my history. I have a lot of years in the Cup garage (and) hopefully it shows the depth of RCR, while Luke is going through his deal with the suspension.”

Parrott said he expects no major surprises this weekend, saying, “I’ve been coming to Bristol for a long time. It’s one of my favorite tracks. I won here with Dale Jarrett a long time ago (and) I’ve had successful cars.  The race is fast and a lot of things happen; pitting for two tires, four tires, staying out. All of those things are going to come into effect, things that I’m going to have to brush up on in the next couple of days. 

We have a great supporting cast here with Grant Hutchens and Ryan Baldi filling in for Phil (Surgen).  There is a lot of depth here at RCR (and) I’m just going to step in and do the best job I can. Hopefully, we have a little success.”

Parrott said he gave the No. 31 team an impromptu pep talk during last week’s test at Kansas Speedway, telling them, “‘I’m not sure what is going to happen. But if (Lambert’s suspension) does happen and I get the call to go to Bristol and work with you guys, is there anything you need from me? What do you want? What do you like?’ 

“I got a good feel for that group and what they need. It’s a great bunch of guys, it really is. To do the things they did last year (and) finish second in the points, (there are) a lot of good people at RCR. I’m very comfortable with what I’m doing and I’m excited for the chance.”

He said his team will not be distracted by Lambert’s suspension.

“It’s been tough, because there has been a lot of focus, a lot of media attention on them and their team. But I feel like the mood of the team is really good. We have to go out and do our jobs and come out of here with a good, solid finish. That is what we came to do.  I’m going to do everything in my power and (use) what I know with all my racing history and try to do that.”

Parrott said he expects to be in frequent contact with Lambert throughout the weekend, adding, “I know there will be some communication of some sort, but we haven’t really worked on that yet. I’m taking it one day at a time. When I walked through the gate today, my goal was to win the pole with Ryan Newman and the No. 31 Caterpillar team. That is my goal today. I will take tomorrow when tomorrow gets here.”

 He stressed, however, that he has no desire to return to the ranks of full-time Sprint Cup Series crew chief.

“I will do it for six or seven races,” he said. “With Ryan Newman? I mean, come on. (It’s) Ryan Newman and RCR. It’s a great opportunity for myself. Ryan is an awesome talent in this sport and one heck of a race car driver.  I’m excited for the opportunity."

Ross Kenseth To Drive For Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that Ross Kenseth – son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth -- will make his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut in the No. 20 Toyota Camry at Chicagoland Speedway on June 20.  Dollar General will sponsor Kenseth in his first NASCAR National Series career start.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, “We’ve got several young, talented drivers in our stable, and now we have the chance to add Ross Kenseth to that list. Ross has been working hard and showing that he is ready for this next step. We’re excited that he will be doing that in the No. 20 car with our partner Dollar General.” 

Dollar General joined JGR in 2012 and has been a part of 14 visits to Victory Lane between the NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series.   

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing and return to the XFINITY Series with Ross as he makes his series debut,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and chief executive officer, “We’ve been fortunate to work with great drivers over the years and have success across all three of NASCAR’s top series. We know Ross will do a great job and represent the Dollar General brand well.”  

“I am really thankful for the opportunity JGR and Dollar General have given me and I am excited to make my first XFINITY Series start,” said Kenseth, “I couldn't have asked to be in a better situation. Having Dollar General support me for my first start means a lot to me. JGR and Dollar General are used to running up front and competing for wins, and hopefully I can catch on quickly.” 

In addition to his XFINITY debut, 21-year-old Kenseth will also compete in a limited ARCA and Super Late Model racing schedule this season. 

RCR's Penalties Reduced On Appeal

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a P5 penalty issued on March 31, 2015 to team owner Richard Childress, driver Ryan Newman, crew chief Lucas Lambert (crew chief), James Bender (tire technician) and Philip Surgen (race engineer) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #31 at Auto Club Speedway. 

The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book: 

12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing

20.16: Wheels and tires

            A. Any device, modification, or procedure to the tire or wheel, including the valve stem hardware, that is used to release pressure, beyond normal pressure adjustments, from the tire and/or inner shield, will not be permitted.

20.16.2: Tires

            F. Modifications to the tires, by treatment or any other means, will not be permitted. 

12.5.3.5.2: Minimum P5 Penalty Options (includes all four points below): 

            A. Loss of 50 championship driver and owner points, regardless of whether the violation occurred during a Championship race or not

            B. $75,000-$125,000 fine

            C. Suspension for the next six series Championship Races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, for the crew chief and any other team members as determined by NASCAR

            D. Probation through the end of the calendar year for all suspended members, or for a six-month period following the issuance of the penalty notice if that period spans across two consecutive seasons. 

12.5.3.5.3: P5 Level infractions detected during post-race inspection:

If the infraction is detected during post-race inspection, then the following penalty elements will be added to those listed previously in this section:

            A. Loss of an additional 25 Championship driver and owner points; regardless of whether it was a Championship Race or not

            B. Loss of an additional $50,000

The original penalty assessed included a $125,000 fine ($75,000 for a P5 violation plus $50,000 for a violation found post-race), six-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to Lambert; six-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to both Bender and Surgen; and the loss of 75 (50 plus 25) championship car owner and 75 (50 plus 25) championship driver points to both Childress and Newman. 

Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:  

1. The Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice and it is a P5 level violation.

2. The Panel amends the original Penalty levied by NASCAR because there is no written explanation of what constitutes a post-race inspection. Therefore the Penalty elements added under Section 12.5.3.5.3. are removed and the Penalty adjusted to:

-Loss of 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Car Owner points for Richard Childress.

-Loss of 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points for Ryan Newman.

-$75,000 fine.  Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period.  Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for crew chief Lucas Lambert.

- Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period.  Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for Tire Technician James Bender.

-Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period.  Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for Race Engineer Philip Surgen. 

The panel consisted of the following three individuals:

John Capels: Former president and chairman of the board of the United States Auto Club. Also won four major open-wheel races as a team manager, the last with Johnny Rutherford at Michigan in 1986.

Hunter Nickell: Former president of SPEED Channel, now known as NASCAR television partner FOX Sports 1.

Dale Pinilis: Operator of Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile track Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the longest continuously operating weekly track in NASCAR. 

The Appellants have the right to appeal today’s decision to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR rule book.

Dale's Pale Ale Joins JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports and Dale’s Pale Ale have agreed to a multifaceted partnership, general manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller announced today.  The first craft beer to be featured in a can, Dale’s Pale Ale will sponsor Regan Smith and the No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 9.  Additionally, Dale’s Pale Ale has been named the presenting sponsor of Smith’s JR Motorsports Upfront podcast on Dirty Mo Radio.

Dale’s Pale Ale is distinguished as the first craft beer in can form and brewed by the Oskar Blues Brewery from its bases in Brevard, N.C. and Longmont, Colo.  Along with its flagship brand Dale’s Pale Ale, the Oskar Blues Brewery offers an extensive line of craft and specialty beers.

“It’s great to bring Dale’s Pale Ale and Oskar Blues on board,” Smith said. “We take a lot of pride in welcoming new partners into JR Motorsports.  Not only do we get to carry the Dale’s Pale Ale brand on the racecar, but they’re also a tremendous partner for the JR Motorsports Upfront podcast.  It’s a fun and informative program, and Dale’s Pale Ale is a perfect fit for that.”

JR Motorsports Up Front, the first Dirty Mo Radio program hosted by a driver, airs every Thursday on Dirty Mo Radio.  Hosted by Smith, the program features a revolving door of guests and gives fans honest opinion, exclusive insight, and candid commentary regarding JRM and its XFINITY Series, Camping World Truck Series, and late model teams.

“Oskar Blues has been breaking boundaries since Dale's Pale Ale was first canned in 2002," said founder Dale Katechis. “We chose the can package for Dale's because it protects the beer from light and air, and also because cans are more portable, allowing a great beer to be enjoyed in more places, like the racetrack. We are proud to be associated with Regan, Kelley, and all of the JR Motorsports team and look forward to a groundbreaking partnership.”

In addition to primary placement at Charlotte, Dale’s Pale Ale will also be featured as an associate partner on the No. 7 Chevrolet for the 2015 season.  In 2015 NXS competition, Smith has secured two top-five and five consecutive top-10 finishes.  He is currently sixth in NXS championship points. 

Dirty Mo Radio podcasts are accessible free of charge on DaleJr.com as well as numerous podcast-catching networks such as iTunes, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, WeCast and RSSRadio.  For more information on Dirty Mo Radio, including host bios, archived programs, and sponsor links, visit DaleJr.com, or follow the @DirtyMoRadio handle on Twitter.

Kyle On Daytona Crash: "This Is Going To Hurt"

“Oh, no. It’s not slowing down. It’s not slowing down. This is going to hurt.”

Those were the thoughts of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch as he hurtled toward a 90-mph, head-on crash into an unprotected concrete wall at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 21. The resulting impact – measured at 90 Gs by a “black box” telemetry recorder in his Toyota Camry race car – left the Las Vegas native with a compound fracture of his right leg and a broken left foot; injuries that have kept him on the sidelines ever since.

Busch met with reporters today for the first time since Daytona, providing previously unknown details of the crash.

“I left the racing surface at 176 miles an hour,” revealed Busch. “The impact (with the wall) was 90 miles per hour and it was 90 Gs. Obviously, it was a huge hit.”

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver recalled that he “curled up” prior to impact, folding his arms across his chest for protection. His left foot remained on the brake pedal, however, while his right foot remained in mid-air. Busch said the impact knocked all the air from his body, and despite using a full containment seat and a HANS device, both his helmet and chest impacted the steering wheel. It also pushed the engine and transmission back into the foot box of his race car, severely injuring his legs.

"I knew instantly that my right leg broke," he recalled. "I could feel it. It was just a sharp pain.

“I was thinking to myself, 'Man, I'm done,'" said Busch of the moments immediately after the crash. "There's no way I'm going to be able to come back from this.”

"I curled up..."

After initially deciding to remain in his demolished racer and wait for aid from the track medical crew, Busch was forced to evacuate the cockpit when flames began to shoot from the car’s engine compartment. He knew his shattered right leg could not support him, and when he attempted to push off on his left leg, the pain of his broken foot forced him to change plans yet again.

He eventually discovered that he could bear enough weight on his left heel to struggle out of the seat and onto the door of his Monster Energy Toyota. Safety workers came quickly to his aid, and since then, his life has been dominated by healing and rehabilitation.

“I'm alive today because the restraints worked, the seat worked and the HANS device worked. I can’t say enough about NASCAR’s innovations. From the knees up, (there was) no problem. Not a mark on me. Not a bruise, not a headache, not a neck ache, nothing.”

He said the last few weeks have been difficult emotionally.

“We had a very difficult time in the beginning," said Busch, whose wife Samantha, in the final trimester of pregnancy with their first child, shed tears at night, thinking of what might have been. Busch admitted that he has struggled to pacify his competitive nature.

In his words, "It stinks to be on the sidelines.”

Busch stressed that there is no timeline for his return to racing, and while he pledged to listen to his doctors and not rush the healing process, he is clearly anxious to return.

"They say my recovery is going faster than expected," he revealed. “It’s week to week, (depending on) what I can show (the doctors), what I can do and what my physical therapist says I’m capable of. As long as my strength continues to improve and I can continue to show the doctors and the NASCAR folks that I’m able to do the things necessary to get back in the race car, that time will be determined as I get better.”

Appeals Panel Reduces Penalties To Falk, Labbe

Car owner Joe Falk 

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a P4 penalty issued on March 25 to car owner Joe Falk and crew chief Richard “Slugger” Labbe (crew chief), as a result of issues discovered on the No. 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevrolet at Auto Club Speedway. 

The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book: 

12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;

20.14.2: Rear Suspension: Truck Trailing Arm

            E. The left and right side truck trailing arms must be mounted to the truck trailing arm mounting brackets using a one-piece, minimum ¾ inch diameter magnetic steel bolt.

            F. The horizontal centerline of the highest truck trailing arm mounting bolt must not be higher than the top surface of the truck trailing arm crossmember, at the respective truck trailing arm mounting bracket, when the vehicle is at inspection orientation.

INFRACTION: The ¾ inch diameter magnetic steel truck trailing arm mounting bolt was not installed horizontally.

            J. Truck trailing arm must conform to the following drawing as specified in the NASCAR rule book: Rear Suspension-Truck Trailing Arm: A-008-00183-14 Rev.C

Crew chief Slugger Labbe

INFRACTION: Truck trailing arm monoball sleeve does not meet the drawing specifications. Sleeve is required to be minimum .125 inch minimum thick x two inches wide sleeve machined for press fit of .750 I.D. or .875 I.D. monoball assembly.

20.3.3.2.1: Truck Trailing Arm Crossmember Assembly:Truck Trailing Arm Mounting Brackets

            B. Truck trailing arm mounting brackets must be constructed of magnetic steel flat plate with a minimum thickness of 0.169 inch.

INFRACTION: Truck trailing arm mounting bracket adapter was machined from Aluminum solid.

20.20: Assembled Vehicle Overall Rules

            A. Except in cases explicitly permitted in the NASCAR rules, installation of additional components and/or modifications of existing components to affect the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle will not be permitted, including but not limited to, safety systems, chassis and roll cage, suspension, steering systems, brake systems, heat shields, body fillers, body sealers, filler panels, drivetrain components and exhaust components 

The original penalty called for a $50,000 fine, three-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 for Labbe and the loss of 25 championship car owner points for Falk. The Appellants appealed both penalties.

Upon hearing the testimony, a three-member National Motorsports Appeals Panel comprised of Russell Hackett, Lake Speed and John White ruled that the Appellants violated one of the rules set forth in the penalty notice, specifically with regards to the aluminum component, but that the other infractions are subject to interpretation.  The panel amended the original penalty levied by NASCAR to a P2 penalty, resulting in the loss of 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship car owner points for Falk, along with a  $20,000 fine, three-race suspension (two of which have already been served) and probation through Dec. 31 for Labbe.

The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR rule book.

Estes Returns To Back Jeb Burton

Estes Express Lines will serve as the 2015 season of the No. 26 BK Racing Toyota of Jeb Burton, beginning at Richmond International Raceway. 

Estes Express Lines returns to sponsor the Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Contender after backing his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series effort a year ago, and will begin its partnership with BK Racing under the lights for the Toyota Owners 400.

BK Racing owner Ron Devine commented on the new partnership, saying, "I am proud to have Estes Express Lines join the BK Racing family for the 2015 season. They are a great company, whose mission is to drive excellence-similar to that of NASCAR. I believe this is a great partnership for the team, and I can't wait to reveal the No. 26 Estes Express Lines Toyota at Richmond." 

"I am excited to have Estes Express Lines back on board with me for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season," said Burton. "Estes is a great company and has been a great supporter of my racing. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of my No. 26 Estes Express Lines Toyota and race under the lights at Richmond. Who doesn't love some short track racing?"

"We are excited to be able to continue our support for Jeb Burton as he moves from the Camping World Truck Series to the Sprint Cup Series with his new NASCAR team and the No. 26 Toyota Camry," said Rob Estes, President and CEO of Estes Express Lines. "We are looking forward to the rest of the 2015 season and our new partnership with BK Racing. Team Estes is rooting for you, Jeb!"

Harvick, Logano Agree On Blocking: It's All Good

Joey Logano did all he could do to keep Kevin Harvick in his rear-view mirror late in Saturday night’s Duck Commander 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Harvick did what it took to get past Logano and challenge for the win.

After it was over, neither man looked for an apology.

Logano admitted blocking Harvick’s faster Chevrolet while battling for fourth place in the late going. After a brief period of mirror-driving, the Penske Racing driver was bumped from behind by Harvick, sending the Shell/Pennzoil Ford up the track and back to eighth place in the running order. Harvick drove on and eventually edged Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the runner-up position at the drop of the checkered flag.

"He blocked and I knocked him out of the way," said a surprisingly calm Harvick afterward. "You've got to do what you've got to do at the end of those races. Everybody went into block mode, and you've just got to go.

“It's fine (if people choose to block). You knock them out of the way.”

Far from being upset, Logano actually endorsed Harvick’s late-race aggressiveness, saying, “I would do the same thing.

"It was hard racing, it was understandable," said Logano. "We're racing (near) the end of the race and… I felt like I had to guard that position. We're all racing for wins. We've got nothing to lose, so I made that move thinking, 'Hey, I've got to win this race and do what I've got to do to win it.”

NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell said after the race that the sanctioning body had no issue with the tactics used by either driver.

"We know we have the best drivers in the world, and we know they're going to control what they do behind the steering wheel," said O'Donnell. "We've seen some other sanctioning bodies react to blocking and put themselves into those calls. It's certainly been a challenge and it has certainly been very controversial. We choose to stay out of that and let the drivers play it out on the race track."

Harvick recorded his sixth finish of second or better in seven races this season, extending his string of consecutive Top-10 finishes to 10, dating back to last November’s Texas race. Logano has also finished in the Top-10 in every race this season. 

Buescher To Remain With Front Row Through Talladega

Prosper, Texas, native Chris Buescher got some good news this week as he prepared to race at his home track, Texas Motor Speedway. The 22-year old driver will pilot the No. 34 CSX "Play It Safe" Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 19 and Talladega Superspeedway on May 3.

The arrangement extends Buescher's run with Front Row Motorsports' No. 34 team to five races. He has been filling the seat for Front Row regular David Ragan, who continues to sub for the injured Kyle Busch in the No. 18 car.

Buescher is welcomed by CSX as an additional spokesperson for the transportation company's safety campaign, which reminds people to "Play It Safe" around railroad tracks and to brake for trains. CSX, with its network covering 21,000 miles of railroad tracks in 23 states, has partnered with Front Row Motorsports and the No. 34 team for three consecutive seasons, targeting males age 18 to 34 with its safety message.

"We welcome Chris as the newest member of our Play It Safe initiative," says John Claybrooks, CSX Director of Brand, Digital Media & Marketing Communications. "He's a tremendous talent on the track and is a great match to relate our safety message to an important target audience. We look forward to his help spreading the message on and off the track."

Buescher, a close friend of the Ragan family, became familiar with CSX's "Play It Safe" program in recent years through his association with the veteran driver of the No. 34. But his education on railroad safety goes all the way back to his childhood.

"I remember the railroad tracks downtown where I grew up, and I remember my parents teaching me to be aware around them and just, in general, to stay away," Buescher recalled. "It seems like a common-sense thing to not mess around with trains, but it's a message that we have to keep spreading, especially to young guys my age. I'm happy to be a part of the campaign."

Buescher has logged solid results at both Bristol and Talladega in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, earning two Top-10 finishes in three starts at the high-banked short track and a runner-up finish in his only start at the superspeedway.

Bristol Announces "Food City 500 In Support Of Steve Byrnes"

FOX Sports, in coordination with Bristol Motor Speedway, Speedway Motorsports Inc., Stand Up To Cancer and NASCAR have re-named the April 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to the “Food City 500 In Support Of Steve Byrnes And Stand Up To Cancer.”

The change was made in recognition of FOX Sports broadcaster Steve Byrnes, who continues his battle with head-and-neck cancer after being hospitalized this week with a blood clot in his lung and pneumonia. The co-host of "NASCAR Race Hub" and play-by-play anchor for FOX broadcasts of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, remains on a medical leave of absence.

"The support I have received from my teammates at FOX Sports, drivers, team members, track officials, NASCAR and the fans has been overwhelming," said Byrnes to FOXSports.com. "So many families are affected by cancer, and to play a small part in raising awareness is an honor to me."

A program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer was created to promote innovative cancer research and deliver new therapies to patients in need of immediate treatment. SU2C, a charitable partner of FOX Sports Supports, brings together the best and brightest researchers and encourages collaboration instead of competition among the entire cancer community. For more information or to donate to Stand Up To Cancer, please visit standup2cancer.org.

MWR Adds Maxwell House For Five Sprint Cup Races

Michael Waltrip Racing and Maxwell House have announced a partnership which makes the iconic coffee maker a primary sponsor for five Sprint Cup races during the 2015 season, as well as the DAYTONA 500 in February of 2016.  The 10-month agreement officially kicks off on Aug. 2 with the Pennsylvania 400 at the Pocono Raceway.

“Maxwell House is a well-respected brand and on behalf of our sport, I’d like to welcome them back to NASCAR,” said Clint Bowyer, will drive the No. 15 Maxwell House Toyota at Watkins Glen International, Pocono Raceway, Martinsville Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway in the second half of the 2015 season. “We pride ourselves on taking care of our sponsors at Michael Waltrip Racing, and we’re certainly going to do our best for them – both on and off the track.”

Waltrip, a two-time DAYTONA 500 champion, will carry the Maxwell House colors at Talladega Superspeedway in October and in the 2016 DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

Maxwell House is no stranger to the racing circuit, having partnered with some of the most well-known drivers in professional racing from 1989 to 2003. During a press conference this morning at Texas Motor Speedway, the companies jointly unveiled the new Maxwell House Toyota Camry car design.

“Racing fans share a lot of the same qualities as Maxwell House coffee drinkers, including their loyalty to and passion for their favorite brands and sporting events,” said Chris McClement, Senior Director, Maxwell House. “With its excellent reputation and powerful drivers, Michael Waltrip Racing is the perfect partner to help us rev up our brand and bring coffee that is ‘Good to the Last Drop’ to racing enthusiasts nationwide.”

“It makes me proud to wear the Maxwell House colors again,” said Waltrip, who drove a Maxwell House branded car in 1989.  “I am really looking forward to racing at Talladega this fall, but everyone knows how special the DAYTONA 500 is to me, and I want to thank Maxwell House for letting me compete in my 29^th Great American Race.  Clint and I are going to do everything we can to get the Maxwell House Toyota Camry in Victory Lane for them.”

Other elements of the sponsorship will include special appearances by the Michael Waltrip Racing team, exclusive behind-the-scenes access for select fans, special in-season and grocery store promotions and sampling at select races. Maxwell House will also serve as an associate sponsor in the remaining Sprint Cup races.

NASCAR Expands Sprint All-Star Format

NASCAR has announced changes for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, set for 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 16 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  

The field will include race winners from the 2014 and 2015 seasons, as well as all former NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions who are full-time competitors, with a $1 million prize awarded to the winner. Previously, former NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions were eligible only if they accomplished the feat within the previous 10 seasons.  

In addition, the five-segment race will increase by a total of 20 laps, with the first four segments each scheduled for 25 laps as compared to 20 in recent years. With the final 10-lap shootout, the race now totals 110 laps. 

“These updates were made to ensure that our fans have every opportunity to see the best drivers in one of our crown jewel events and give them even more on-track action,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Expanding this field and adding laps delivers that to our fans, raising the competition level and ensuring that this race continues to be the biggest all-star event in all of sports.” 

The 2015 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will have a minimum field of 20 drivers. There are currently 17 drivers eligible, with three additional spots available. Two of those are reserved for the segment winners from the two 20-lap Sprint Showdown segments beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, May 15. 

The final spot belongs to the Sprint Fan Vote winner, with voting at www.NASCAR.com/sprintfanvote and the NASCAR MOBILE application closing at 7 p.m. ET on May 15. The winner of the Sprint Fan Vote will be announced in Victory Lane following the conclusion of the Sprint Showdown.  

This year’s format will consist of five segments: four 25-lap segments, with the average finish of the first four segments determining the order cars will enter pit road for a mandatory four-tire pit stop following the fourth segment. Running order ties will be broken by the finish of the fourth segment. The order of the cars returning to the track following the mandatory pit stop determines the starting order for a final winner-take-all 10-lap segment.  

All laps will count in segments one through four. In the fifth and final segment, only green flag laps will be counted. There will be optional pit stops during the breaks following each of the first three segments, with the field set by the pit stop/stay out positioning during the five caution laps.

The following drivers are currently eligible to compete in the 2015 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race: AJ Allmendinger, Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth (2004 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winner), Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Jamie McMurray (2014 winner), Ryan Newman (2002 winner), Tony Stewart (2009 winner). 

This will be the 31st running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. McMurray is the defending race winner.

Newman, RCR Appeal To Be Heard April 16

NASCAR vice president of Integrated Marketing Communications David Higdon has confirmed via Twitter at this hour that the National Motorsports Appeals Panel will hear Richard Childress Racing’s appeal of the penalties assessed to the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team and driver Ryan Newman on Thursday, April 16.

The fines and suspensions assessed to the team will be deferred until that appeal is heard. The 75-point penalties assessed to Newman and team owner Richard Childress will remain intact until after the appeals process is complete.