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RELATED: Full NASCAR Media Tour schedule


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The surprising "retirement" of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Carl Edwards created more than just a driver opening for the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 team.


It also resulted in the shuffling of spotters Chris "Crazy" Osborne and Jason Hedlesky.


Osborne served as spotter for JGR driver Matt Kenseth from 2013-16. He also worked as the spotter for driver Daniel Suarez in the XFINITY Series this past season.


Hedlesky has worked for more than a dozen years as Edwards’ spotter.


When JGR officials named Suarez to take over Edwards’ spot, team officials thought it best to allow the XFINITY Series champion to continue working with Osborne for his rookie effort.


That opened the door to pair Kenseth with Hedlesky.


"With Carl’s unexpected departure and putting Daniel in there, you know ‘Crazy’ has worked with Daniel the whole time through the XFINITY Series, the Truck Series," Kenseth said Tuesday during the first day of this year’s NASCAR Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway.


"He and ‘Crazy’ had that really good relationship and with Carl not being there and Jason being over (at the No. 19) I think everybody over there just decided to make the swap for the good of the company."


Hedlesky has also spotted for ThorSport Racing driver Matt Crafton in the Camping World Truck Series for several years.


"Jason has always done a great job," Kenseth said. "There’s always some pause, I guess, because you kind of learn each other, and that takes a little bit (of time) to do that. But I think it will be fine."


In addition to Kenseth and Suarez, JGR also fields entries in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for defending Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and 2015 series champion Kyle Busch.


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RELATED: Full list of 2017 full-time rides

RICHMOND, V.A. (January 24, 2017) — BK Racing is excited to announce that 18 year-old Gray Gaulding will pilot the No. 23 Toyota Camry in the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team made the announcement today at Richmond International Raceway, home track to BK Racing and Gaulding.


Gaulding has been competing in some form of racing since the age of three. Gaulding’s rookie season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2013 started with a bang with a 2nd place finish in the inaugural Battle at the Beach on the Daytona International Speedway‘s back straightaway. Gaulding’s impressive three year stint in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West included 13 top-five finishes, 25 top-tens, and three pole awards.


His first pole award was here at RIR in 2013, making Gaulding the youngest driver to do so at 15 years, 2 months, and 15 days. That same year, Gaulding picked up a win at Phoenix International Raceway making him the youngest driver to win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at 15 years, 8 months, and 30 days.


Gaulding was named as a member of the 2013-2014 NASCAR Next Class, an overachieving industry initiative to help spotlight NASCAR’s rising stars and bolster fan recognition around talent that will grow into Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series mainstays. He was in the same class as fellow stand-out drivers Chase Elliott and Daniel Suárez.


In 2014-2015, Gaulding moved up to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series where he made 13 starts with one top-five and two top ten finishes. In 2016, Gaulding furthered his career by making starts in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series.


"When I first walked into the BK Racing shop I felt at home, it has the perfect mixture of corporate America and the old-school race shop feeling," said Gaulding. "Everyone was elbows deep preparing for Daytona, Atlanta, Las Vegas and the entire season. Ron Devine has invested a lot of time, effort, and equity into BK Racing and it shows as you walk the shop floor. To be back with Toyota is great, I’ve kept a great relationship with them and they’re a great technical partner. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and represent everyone at BK Racing and our partners that allow us to be at the track."


"I got involved with NASCAR and in ownership the middle of last year because of the opportunity to be a part of the life of a gifted young man, Gray Gaulding," said Steve Lynn, CEO of GGR Enterprises. "I am honored and pleased that he and we are now partnering with BK Racing. Ron Devine and his BK Racing team are an outstanding place for Gray to grow and learn, as he continues his rise in this wonderful sport."


"Over the years, BK Racing has given many talented young drivers the chance to compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and make a name for themselves," said Ron Devine, owner of BK Racing. "We see Gray Gaulding as a potential superstar in our sport."


Gaulding’s first race in the No. 23 will be the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 5, 2017. The team will announce sponsorship for Gaulding at a later date.

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RELATED: NASCAR reveals new race format for 2017

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jimmie Johnson grinned and took the high road you’d expect of a seven-time NASCAR champion when asked about the newest evolution of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship format. The path to the sport’s most coveted trophy changed this week, but Johnson said he is again up for the challenge.

Three times (2006, 2010, 2016) the course to a championship has been modified immediately after Johnson won a championship. It’s never stopped him from hoisting a trophy and perhaps only made the accomplishment more impressive.

"Our team has always been very good at adapting and winning championships in the various formats we’ve had; we take a little pride in that and certainly look forward to the new challenge that’s ahead," said Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet. "I’m excited for the changes that are taking place in our sport.

"There’s been a lot of collaboration among the key stakeholders in our sport to really find something that works for everyone. For our sport to evolve and keep up with the times, we needed to put some serious thought into it, and that’s taken place. I think as the season gets started we’ll understand and see how this will change how teams approach a race, approach a weekend."

It was a familiar refrain during the opening day of the annual Charlotte Motor Speedway NASCAR Media Tour. Drivers seemed genuinely pleased, even re-energized by the possibilities a new playoff format presents.

Beginning this season, races in all three of NASCAR’s premier series will be broken up into three stages with points awarded to the top 10 drivers running at the conclusion of the first two stages in addition to the final checkered flag.

RELATED: Where does Jimmie call home?

"I watch these races, I live them in the seat and I’ve thought for a long time we needed something to break them up," said Clint Bowyer, who takes over the No. 14 Mobil 1 Ford for just-retired Tony Stewart. "So I really appreciate them not just doing that but really putting a lot of effort, a lot of resources and time and thought into creating these stages, because I think they took care of a lot of other things as well.

"It’s going to protect that problem we’ve had, the one flaw I thought the Chase had. You can have a dominant team that dominated the whole season including the Chase and have one flat tire, one motor blow up completely out of their control and it wipes them out of the championship at the end of the year."

Drivers seemed to be in agreement throughout the opening day of press conferences.

And the reigning champ Johnson was not only completely open to the rule enhancements but also seemed genuinely impressed with the effort and thought that went into it. The idea that the sport continues to evolve and engage is something he — and his fellow drivers — appreciate.

For Johnson, winning a historic eighth trophy under a fourth different format is as much a badge of honor as another obstacle to overcome. Having to do it in yet another format only makes the challenge more intriguing.

"I’m so excited about the years to come and shooting for eight," Johnson said. "I can’t believe where I’m at. It’s so hard to get to this position. And at the same time, I’m playing with house money now.

"I’m really going to enjoy the years I have left in my career. I know I can win races, I know I should be a threat for more championships. And I really feel in my heart I can win eight. I’d like to do it with a smile on my face and have a good time."


"We take pride in winning through all these different formats and would take pride in winning this one."

MORE: Johnson on landing Snoop Dogg for party

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RELATED: Visit the Nationwide 88 Facebook page


The first episode of "Unfinished Business," a six-part series that documents Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s return to competition in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, debuted Tuesday on the Nationwide 88 Facebook page — you also can watch the video above.
 
Nationwide is the primary sponsor of Earnhardt’s No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and came up with the idea for the series.
 
In Episode No. 1, Earnhardt details what it was like to be out of the car for the second half of the 2016 racing season as he underwent rehabilitation for a concussion. He missed the final 18 races, with drivers Jeff Gordon and Alex Bowman filling in during his recovery.


RELATED: Timeline of Junior’s injury and recovery

 
"I knew having gone through this before that when I wasn’t healthy my emotions would really sort of cloud the picture," Earnhardt explains. "From the time I felt the injury and went through the treatment, it was unclear, there wasn’t ‘Yes I want to race, no I don’t want to race.’ It was just a big old muddy puddle."
 
The episodes will air on Tuesdays between now and the Feb. 26 Daytona 500 (two episodes will air the final week).


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RELATED: Visit the Superstore

 

Gearing up for Daytona?

 

The NASCAR.com Superstore released the first line of new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR logo merchandise today.

 

The new gear includes T-shirts, hoodies, koozies for your Monster Energy drink (and other choice beverages), lanyards, hats and more. So whether you rock a flat bill or are more of a three-quarter zip type of fan, the NASCAR.com Superstore has exactly what you need for the season.

 

New officially licensed merchandise will roll out throughout the year online and at the Trackside Superstore — which offers the largest selection of in-store NASCAR merch in the world.

 

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CONCORD, N.C. — Hooters has joined 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports as a primary sponsor of driver Chase Elliott and the No. 24 Chevrolet SS team beginning in 2017.

 

A casual dining establishment with a deep history in NASCAR, Hooters will be a two-race primary sponsor and full-season associate sponsor of the No. 24 team in both 2017 and 2018. The Hooters Chevrolet SS will debut May 7 at Talladega Superspeedway and appear again during the Chase for the NASCAR Cup Nov. 12 at Phoenix International Raceway.

 

Hooters has been a primary sponsor in more than 150 Cup-level races, notably as the full-season sponsor of 1992 premier series champion Alan Kulwicki. That year, Kulwicki won two races and narrowly edged Elliott’s father, 1989 Cup champion Bill Elliott, by 10 points to win the title.

 

“Twenty-five years after being part of one of the most memorable seasons in NASCAR history, Hooters is excited to support another amazing talent in Chase Elliott and the No. 24 team,” said Carl Sweat, chief marketing officer of Hooters of America LLC. “As the official headquarters of race day, we’re proud that so many NASCAR fans choose to watch the races at Hooters every week while enjoying their favorite wings, ice cold beer and one-of-a-kind Hooters Girl hospitality.”

 

As part of the new relationship, Hooters has launched a full year of promotions, exclusive content and commemorative merchandise for fans at www.hooters.com. Beginning today, fans can register for the chance to win a trip for two to meet Elliott and cheer on the No. 24 team from pit road at the Nov. 12 Phoenix race. Everyone who registers will receive a $5 off certificate toward their next visit to Hooters. For a limited time, the first fans to register can also purchase collectible limited-edition $24 Hooters gift cards commemorating Elliott and the new No. 24 Hooters Chevy.

 

"Hooters started with six people in 1983, and now they’re in 42 states and 28 countries," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "They’ve grown by focusing on the experience, earning the business of their customers and supporting terrific causes like cancer research and our men and women in uniform. NASCAR fans appreciate those things, and we have an opportunity to do some great work together."

 

In 2016, Elliott earned Cup Series rookie of the year honors after posting 10 top-five finishes, 17 top-10s and two pole positions, including the season-opening Daytona 500. He is a second-generation NASCAR champion, having won the 2014 XFINITY Series title at just 18 years old. Now 21, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has already earned six wins, 47 top-fives and 84 top-10s in NASCAR national series competition.

 

"Hooters is a place where I can let down my guard and have a good time," Elliott said. "It means a lot to have them support the No. 24 team, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of their car. Being on the ground level of introducing a new partner to the Hendrick Motorsports family is going to be a lot of fun. Hooters has a historic place in this sport, and I’m glad they’re back. Our entire team is looking forward to making the program a success."

 

Fans are encouraged to use the #Hooters24 hashtag throughout the year to share their excitement and engage via social media.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2017) — The multi-platinum trio Lady Antebellum will perform the pre-race-show prior to the start of the 59th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Radio), the opening race of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.


Honing in on the melodious foundation that first brought Lady Antebellum together, the group returns to radio airwaves with "You Look Good," while concurrently announcing it as the debut single off their sixth studio album Heart Break (Capitol Nashville), to be released June 9. Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood simultaneously share plans to return to the road, with more than 65 shows planned in six countries on their You Look Good World Tour, presented by NABISCO. With more than 18 million units sold, seven-time GRAMMY award winning group Lady Antebellum has earned nine No. 1 hits and countless other awards including Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards, while also taking home ACM and CMA "Vocal Group of the Year" trophies three years in a row. For more information about new music and upcoming tour dates, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.


This year’s Daytona 500 will be Lady Antebellum’s third appearance at Daytona International Speedway. The group performed the 2008 pre-race concert for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola and most recently at last year’s inaugural Country 500 Music Festival.


" ‘The Great American Race’ will have one of today’s great American country music acts front-and-center for our fans to enjoy," said Speedway President Chip Wile. "Lady Antebellum continues a long-standing DIS tradition of attracting major stars from the world of entertainment to the ‘World Center of Racing’ and the Daytona 500."


All race fans who purchase UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race access for the Daytona 500 will be able to view Lady Antebellum’s Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, as well as driver introductions, from the grass tri-oval area. A limited number of Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show ticket packages, available starting at $239, have been designed around Lady Antebellum and include a Daytona 500 ticket, UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race access and VIP area access to the performance. Race fans who have already purchased Daytona 500 tickets can add UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race access and VIP area access for $114. All VIP ticket packages are on sale now.


Those wishing to attend the 59th annual Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race will need to act quickly. Fans should also note:


– Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.DAYTONA500.com.


– Hospitality and premium seat packages, including the Trioval Club, the Rolex 24 Lounge and UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race are also available.


– For all other Speedweeks events, children 12 and under are $10 in reserved grandstands and free in general admission areas and in the UNOH Fanzone.


– Fans can also visit PrimeSport.com, the new official ticket exchange and travel package provider of Daytona International Speedway. Offering multiple options for tickets, lodging and hospitality, https://www.primesport.com/d/daytona-500-tickets is ideal for fans looking for the ultimate racing experience. 

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William Byron will once again be sponsored by Liberty University, following his transition to the XFINITY Series and JR Motorsports, the team announced Monday. 

 

Byron, who unveiled the No. 9 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro during a Facebook Live stream, will drive the No. 9 entry in 17 of 33 events this season, beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 25.

 

"Welcoming back both William and reuniting with Liberty University, it feels like a homecoming for us," said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. "It’s remarkable to see how quickly William has advanced his talents since he drove for our Late Model team. With the support from Liberty, we have a strong platform for him to have success at the XFINITY level."

 

Liberty University was a previous partner with JRM during Byron’s Late Model career with the team in 2014 and 2015, before he spent the past two seasons with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series. 

 

Along with the sponsorship news, JRM also announced Dave Elenz will serve as crew chief for Byron and the No. 9 Liberty University team in 2017. Elenz, a 35-year-old native of Gaylord, Michigan, transitions from a two-year stint as crew chief of JRM’s No. 88 entry. He guided the team to four victories with drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick.

 

"It’s a privilege to have Liberty University on board with us in 2017," said Byron, a Liberty University freshman taking online classes. "I’ve been honored to have had them as a partner the last few years, and I’m excited to take them into the NASCAR XFINITY Series this season. 

 

"I’m also looking forward to working with Dave. He brings a lot to the table in terms of experience and leadership in this series. That will go a long way in helping our No. 9 team on the track this year."

 

A schedule of the 2017 races with Liberty University as primary sponsor will be announced at a later date, as will additional partners for Byron and the No. 9 team. Apart from its primary races, Liberty University will receive associate placement in the remaining 16 events. 

 

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WATCH LIVE: Tune into 2017 NASCAR Media Tour, Jan. 24-25

The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off with the 35th annual NASCAR Media Tour in Charlotte, North Carolina. The two-day tour, beginning on Jan. 24, is hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway and features full-time drivers from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series as well as XFINITY Series, Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Next drivers.

NASCAR.com will live stream the press conferences via Press Pass. See the live streaming schedule below.

All times are listed in Eastern Standard.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

DRIVER STAGE
Jimmie Johnson 10:22-10:32 a.m.
Chase Elliott 10:33-10-43 a.m.
Erik Jones 10:44-10:54 a.m.
Martin Truex Jr. 10:55-11:05 a.m.
Brennan Poole 11:38-11:48 a.m.
Landon Cassill 11:48-11:59 a.m.
Matt Kenseth 12:00-12:10 p.m.
Cole Custer 12:11-12:21 p.m.
AJ Allmendinger 12:55-1:05 p.m.
William Byron 1:06-1:16 p.m.
Kurt Busch 1:17-1:27 p.m.
Danica Patrick 1:28-1:38 p.m.
Ty Dillon 2:10-2:20 p.m.
Jamie McMurray 2:21-2:31 p.m.
Matt DiBenedetto 2:32-2:42 p.m.
Aric Almirola 2:43-2:53 p.m.
Eddie Gossage 2:55-3:10 p.m.
Chris Buescher 3:27-3:37 p.m.
Ryan Newman 3:38-3:48 p.m.
Trevor Bayne 3:49-3:59 p.m.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 4:00-4:10 p.m.
Michael McDowell 4:44-4:54 p.m.
Kyle Busch 4:55-5:05 p.m.
Clint Bowyer 5:06-5:16 p.m.
Kevin Harvick 5:17-5:27 p.m.

Untitled Document


Wednesday, Jan. 25

DRIVER STAGE
BK Racing FT 10:22-10:32 a.m.
Julia Landauer 10:33-10-43 a.m.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 10:44-10:54 a.m.
Kasey Kahne 10:55-11:05 a.m.
Christopher Bell 11:38-11:48 a.m.
Matt Tifft 11:49-11:59 a.m.
Darrell Wallace Jr. 12:00-12:10 p.m.
Ryan Reed 12:11-12:21 p.m.
Alon Day 12:55-1:05 p.m.
Paul Menard 1:06-1:16 p.m.
Daniel Suarez 1:17-1:27 p.m.
Denny Hamlin 1:28-1:38 p.m.
Reed Sorenson 2:10-2:20 p.m.
Cole Whitt 2:21-2:31 p.m.
Matt Crafton 2:32-2:42 p.m.
Timothy Peters 2:43-2:53 p.m.
GMS Racing 2:55-3:05 p.m.
Ryan Blaney 3:27-3:37 p.m.
David Ragan 3:38-3:48 p.m.
Austin Dillon 3:49-3:59 p.m.
Elliott Sadler 4:00-4:10 p.m.
BK Racing PT 4:10-4:20 p.m.
Kyle Larson 4:44-4:54 p.m.
Justin Allgaier 4:55-5:05 p.m.
Joey Logano 5:06-5:16 p.m.
Brad Keselowski 5:17-5:27 p.m.
Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Fast facts on enhancements | Official press release

 

NASCAR, in collaboration with its industry stakeholders, announced Monday competition format enhancements that will be implemented in all three of its national series — the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

 

The new race format is designed to emphasize aggressive racing and strategy, with the goal of delivering more dramatic moments over the course of a race and season. Monday’s announcement came with NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France and NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell sharing the stage with drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin, along with additional team and track representatives. All industry stakeholders collaborated on the format.

 

“Simply put, this will make our great racing even better,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman & CEO. “I’m proud of the unprecedented collaboration from our industry stakeholders, each of whom had a common goal — strengthening the sport for our fans. This is an enhancement fully rooted in teamwork, and the result will be an even better product every single week.”

 

Under the new format, races will consist of three stages, with championship implications in each stage. The top-10 finishers in each stage will be awarded additional championship points. The winner of the first two stages of each race will receive one playoff point, and the race winner will receive five playoff points. Each playoff point will be added to a driver’s reset total following the 26th race, if that competitor makes the playoffs.

 

The structure also ensures that competition will be dialed up throughout the duration of the 26-race regular season, as points for both stage winners and race winners will transfer into the postseason — and an official regular-season champion will be crownded, and rewarded with 15 playoff points to the driver’s playoff reset of 2,000. The stage format also gives fans a pair of natural breaks in the action.

 

All playoff points will carry through to the end of the third round of the postseason (Round of 8), with the Championship 4 racing straight-up at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the title.

 

Championship points following the first two stages of each race will be awarded on a descending scale, with the stage winner receiving 10 points, second earning nine points, and so on. The race winner following the final stage will receive 40 points, second-place will earn 35, third-place 34, fourth-place 33, and so on.

 

In addition, the top-10 drivers in regular-season points also will receive playoff points with second place earning 10 points, third place getting eight points, fourth place obtaining seven points, and so on.

 

“These are enhancements that the NASCAR fan has long sought, and the entire industry has worked hard to develop a better racing format for our fans,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “This format puts a premium on every victory and every in-race position over the course of the season. Each point can eventually result in winning or losing a championship.”