Snapshot: Texas

On The Front Row | Full race lineup
1. Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Toyota (199.299 mph)
2. Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet (199.291 mph)

Track Record
Tony Stewart became the first driver to post a qualifying lap of more than 200 mph on a 1.5-mile track during the second qualifying session, topping the chart at 200.111 mph. Stewart’s qualifying record run eclipsed the previous track mark of 198.282 mph set by Kevin Harvick on April 5, 2014.

Failed To Qualify
None.

Fastest In Practice
First practice: Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 Toyota (199.218 mph)
Second practice: Carl Edwards, Roush Fenway Racing No. 99 Ford (196.342 mph)
Final Practice: Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet (193.791 mph)

Lone Star Lonesome
Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick, looking to climb back into contention in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, have never scored a Sprint Cup win at TMS. Keselowski has three top 10s, and a best of second in 2012; Harvick has 11 top-10 finishes, and a best of third in 2006.

Defending AAA Texas 500 Champion
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet

Driver Rating (Best driver rating average at Texas Motor Speedway based on past nine years)
Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Toyota (106.1)
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet (103.6)
Greg Biffle, Roush Fenway Racing No. 16 Ford (102.2)

Mr. 500
Kevin Harvick will make his 500th start in the series today. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver began his Cup career Feb. 26, 2001 at North Carolina Speedway, finishing 14th. Harvick was driving the No. 29 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, his move to Cup coming on the heels of Dale Earnhardt’s death in the Daytona 500 a week earlier. Harvick is the 35th driver to make at least 500 starts, and sixth among active drivers.

Said in Jest?
“I medicate myself?” – Ryan Newman, on why he feels no pressure in the Chase.

Missed Opportunities
“I had three chances to advance, three chances to stay in it. … I truthfully feel l was given an opportunity that I probably shouldn’t have had or would never have had before to be a part of this championship and continue on.” – Six-time champion Jimmie Johnson on being eliminated from Chase contention after two rounds.

Pressure? What Pressure?
“It’s been way less stress in this format because we haven’t been running very good, we’re not the favorite. We haven’t run like we did last year. Last year was way more stressful – we had the most wins going in, we had led the most laps going in, we were qualifying well.” – Matt Kenseth, winless but fourth in points.

Mettle Tester
“I am ready for that challenge. When it comes down to moments like this great teams have to step it up. I believe we are a great team and I am ready for the challenge.” – Brad Keselowski on overcoming disappointing start in the Eliminator Round.

Been There From the Start
Jeff Gordon is the only full-time driver in today’s field that competed in the first race at TMS in 1997. He finished 30th while Jeff Burton scored his first Cup victory.

Former Texas Motor Speedway Winners In Field
Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson (3); Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart (2); Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne and Jeff Gordon (1).

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