NASCAR Statistical Advance: Auto Club 400

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Karen Pistone

Season Race #: 5 of 36
Track Size: 2-miles
Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 14 degrees
Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 14 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 11 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 3 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 3,100 feet
Backstretch Length: 2,500 feet
Race Length: 200 laps / 400 miles

SPEED’s NASCAR Raceday Pre-Race Show: 12:30 pm/et

NASCAR Pre-Race: Fox – 2:30pm/et
TV Race Coverage: FoxSports, 3:00pm/et

Scheduled Green Flag (approx): 3:16pm/et

Practices

Friday, March 22, 2:30 – 3:30 pm/et, TV-SPEED Saturday, March 23, 12:30 – 1:25 pm/et, TV-SPEED

Happy Hour ‘Final’ practice: Saturday, March 23, 3:30 – 4:20pm/et, TV-SPEED

Qualifying

Friday, March 22 at 7:10 pm/et, TV-SPEED, re-air scheduled at 11:00pm/et.

Qualifying/Race Data
2012 pole winner: Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 186.403 mph, 38.626 secs. 03-23-12
2012 race winner: Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 160.166 mph, (1:36:39), 03-25-12
Track qualifying record: Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 188.245 mph, 38.248 secs. 02-25-05
Track race record: Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 160.166 mph, (1:36:39; rain shortened), 03-25-12

AUTO CLUB-SPECIFIC STATISTICS

Greg Biffle (No. 16 3M Window Film Ford)

· One win, four top fives, six top 10s

· Average finish of 17.2

Clint Bowyer (No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota)

· Two top fives, seven top 10s

· Average finish of 10.8

Kurt Busch (No. 78 Furniture Row Racing-Serta Chevrolet)

· One win, four top fives, nine top 10s; three poles

· Average finish of 12.7

Kyle Busch (No. 18 Interstate Batteries Toyota)

· One win, six top fives, 10 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 11.3

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Subway Ford)

· One win, seven top fives, 12 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 8.7

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet)

· Three wins, 10 top fives, 11 top 10s; two poles

· Average finish of 11.8

Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota)

· One top five, four top 10s; two poles

· Average finish of 18.5

Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet)

· One win, four top fives, nine top 10s

· Average finish of 15.5

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet)

· Five wins, 12 top fives, 14 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 5.4

Kasey Kahne (No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet)

· One win, four top fives, nine top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 14.9

Matt Kenseth (No. 20 Dollar General Toyota)

· Three wins, eight top fives, 13 top 10s

· Average finish of 10.3

Mark Martin (No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota)

· One win, six top fives, 10 top 10s

· Average finish of 13.6

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Rush Truck Centers/Mobil 1 Chevrolet)

· Two wins, six top fives, 12 top 10s

· Average finish of 13.5

Chase Contenders

The Top 12 Following Race 4 of 36

Driver	Points	Wins	Poles	Week	Rating
1. Brad Keselowski	166	0	0	2	110.0
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.	157	0	0	3	101.7
3. Jimmie Johnson	151	1	0	1	117.4
4. Clint Bowyer	128	0	0	9	88.9
5. Greg Biffle	126	0	0	8	89.9
6. Denny Hamlin	125	0	0	4	99.0
7. Kasey Kahne	124	1	0	14	105.2
8. Carl Edwards	124	1	0	5	87.7
9. Paul Menard	118	0	0	12	81.7
10. Kyle Busch	115	0	1	17	95.2
11. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	115	0	0	11	76.9
12. Joey Logano	104	0	0	15	84.5

HISTORY

· Groundbreaking for California Speedway, as Auto Club Speedway was originally known, took place in November 1995.

· The first race at Auto Club Speedway was a NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West race won by Ken Schrader on June 21, 1997.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on June 22, 1997 and won by Jeff Gordon.

· September 2004 was the first night race at Auto Club Speedway and that also was the first year both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series ran two races in a season there.

· The track name was changed to Auto Club Speedway (ACS) in February 2008.

· Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at Auto Club Speedway with nine, followed by Roush Fenway Racing with seven.
· Youngest ACS winner: Kyle Busch (09/04/2005 – 20 years, 4 months, 2 days).

· Oldest ACS winner: Rusty Wallace (04/29/2001 – 44 years, 8 months, 15 days).

· Jimmie Johnson leads the series in runner-up finishes at Auto Club Speedway with five; followed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon with four.

· Jimmie Johnson lead the series in top-five finishes at Auto club Speedway with 12; followed by Jeff Gordon (10) and Matt Kenseth (eight).

· Jimmie Johnson leads the series in top-10 finishes with 14; followed by Matt Kenseth (13), Carl Edwards (12) and Tony Stewart (12).

· Jeff Burton and Bobby Labonte lead the series with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Auto Club Speedway without visiting Victory Lane at 23.
· This weekend will be Danica Patrick’s first attempt at Auto Club Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Stats compiled from NASCAR Media

NASCAR Driver appearances/autograph sessions for Auto Club Speedway

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Karen Pistone

Saturday March 24

Justin Allgaier
10:00am local time
Team Chevy Stage at Auto Club Speedway Speedway.

Marcos Ambrose
11:00am local time
Appearing for a fan question-and-answer session (free with race ticket) at Lefty’s Fun Zone located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone.

Kevin Harvick
11:30am local time
Auto Club Speedway Walk of Fame Induction. The Auto Club Speedway Walk of Fame is located Outside Gate 12.

Jeff Gordon
11:30am local time
Appearing for a question-and-answer session for fans who purchased the Jeff Gordon ticket package at Auto Club Speedway’s West Hospitality . For more details and ticket information, see the Auto Club Speedway website.

Jeff Gordon
4:00pm local time
Walmart Supercenter
12549 Foothill Blvd.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Danica Patrick
12:50pm local time
Question-and-answer session for fans who purchased the Dale Jr. & Danica package ticket package at Auto Club Speedway’s West Hospitality. For more details and ticket information, see the Auto Club Speedway website.

David Ragan
11:00 – 11:15am local time
Ford display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
9:30 – 9:45am local time.
Ford display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Aric Almirola
9:00 – 9:15am local time
Ford display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
9:35am local time.
Question-and-answer session for fans who purchased the Dale Jr. & Danica Package at Auto Club Speedway’s NNS Garage Area (Garage 1). For more details and ticket information, see the Auto Club Speedway website.

David Gilliland
9:15am local time.
Lefty’s Kids Club “Story Time with a NASCAR Driver” at Auto Club Speedway’s DiscoverIE FanZone main stage

Kevin Harvick
Time, TBA
Question-and-answer session for fans who purchased the Budweiser Block Party package at Auto Club Speedway’s hospitality chalet in the DiscoverIE FanZone . For more details and ticket information, see the Auto Club Speedway website.

Jimmie Johnson
9:10am local time
Question-and-answer session for fans who purchased the Jimmie Johnson Foundation package at Auto Club Speedway’s NNS Garage Area (Garage 1). For more details and ticket information, see the Auto Club Speedway website.

Jimmie Johnson
9:30am local time.
Chevy display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone

Kasey Kahne
9:15am local time
Chevy display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone .

Matt Kenseth
9:15 – 9:30am local time.
Ford display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone

Juan Pablo Montoya
8:45am local time.
Chevy display located in the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone

Ryan Newman & Bobby Labonte
9:00am local time.
Question-and-answer session at Auto Club Speedway’s Coca-Cola Family Track Walk [on the track at Turn 4]. Event is FREE to all race fans with an Auto Club 400 ticket! Walk the track and experience its 14 degree banking before your favorite drivers fire up their engines. Special driver appearances by Coca-Cola Racing Family members Ryan Newman and Bobby Labonte, plus music, DJ, Coca-Cola refreshments and fun activities for the whole family. For more information, see the Auto Club Speedway website.

#1- Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Over-the-Wall Pit Crew ( (Driver: Jamie McMurray)
9:45am local time.
Team Chevy Stage at Auto Club Speedway Speedway

Stats for Auto Club Speedway

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Karen Pistone

PIT BOX

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Auto Club Speedway from Citizens Business Bank Arena (4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario) through Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. Stretching nearly an entire mile from the first hauler to the last, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Auto Club Speedway around 7 p.m.

NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray (#1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy) will make an appearance at the NASCAR Hauler Festival – 6-7p.m.

Bass Pro Shops

7777 Victoria Gardens Ln.

Rancho Cucamonga

UPDATED: Auto Club Speedway announced that The All-American Rejects will not be performing on Sun, BUT are VERY excited to announce that Night Ranger will be performing instead! Night Ranger will perform ”Growin’ Up In California” on the DiscoverIE FanZone Entertainment Stage prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on Sunday, March 25 at 10:15 a.m. Tickets to the Auto Club 400, which include The All-American Rejects live pre-race performance, start as low as $35.

Race # 5 of 36 (3-29-12)

Track Size: 2 miles

Race Length: 200 laps/400 miles

Banking/Corners: 14 degrees

Banking/Frontstretch: 11 degrees

Banking/Backstretch: 3 degrees

Pit Road Speed: 55mph

Pace Car Speed: 60mph

Approx: 1,800 Infield RV spaces

Grandstand seating capacity: 90,988

Qualifying/Race Data

2011 pole winner: Juan Pablo Montoya, 184.653 mph 38.992 seconds

October 2010 Pole Sitter: #1-Jamie McMurray, 185.285, finished 17th

2011 race winner: Kevin Harvick, 150.849 mph, 3-27-11

October 2010 Race Winner: #14-Tony Stewart, 131.953, started 22nd

Track qualifying record: Kyle Busch (188.245 mph, 38.248 seconds, 2-25-05)

Track race record: Jeff Gordon (155.012 mph, 6-22-97)

Greg Biffle (No. 16 3M Ford)

· One win, four top fives, five top 10s

· Average finish of 17.9

Clint Bowyer (No. 15 5-hour Energy Toyota)

· Two top fives, seven top 10s

· Average finish of 10.6

Kurt Busch (No. 51 Phoenix Construction Services Inc. Chevrolet)

· One win, four top fives, eight top 10s; three poles

· Average finish of 12.9

Kyle Busch (No. 18 Interstate Batteries Toyota)

· One win, five top fives, nine top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 12.0

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Subway Ford)

· One win, six top fives, 11 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 9.0

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet)

· Three wins, 10 top fives, 11 top 10s; two poles

· Average finish of 11.2

Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota)

· One top five, four top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 19.2

Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet)

· One win, three top fives, eight top 10s

· Average finish of 16.2

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s / Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet)

· Five wins, 12 top fives, 13 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 5.1

Kasey Kahne (No. 5 Quaker State Chevrolet)

· One win, four top fives, nine top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 14.9

Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford)

· Three wins, eight top fives, 13 top 10s

· Average finish of 9.9

Mark Martin (No. 55 Aaron’s Toyota)

· One win, six top fives, 10 top 10s

· Average finish of 13.7

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Office Depot / Mobil 1 Chevrolet)

· One win, five top fives, 11 top 10s

· Average finish of 14.1

History

· Groundbreaking for California Speedway, as Auto Club Speedway was originally known, took place in November 1995.

· The first race at Auto Club Speedway was a NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West race won by Ken Schrader on June 21, 1997.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on June 22, 1997 and won by Jeff Gordon.

· September 2004 was the first night race at Auto Club Speedway and that also was the first year both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series ran two races in a season there.

· The track name was changed to Auto Club Speedway in February 2008.

Notebook

· There have been 22 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Auto Club Speedway since the track opened in 1997.

· Four drivers have competed in all 22 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Joe Nemechek.

· Joe Nemechek won the pole for the inaugural race in 1997.

· There have been 15 different pole winners, led by Kurt Busch (three). Jamie McMurray and Jeff Gordon each have two poles.

· Fifteen different drivers have posted victories. Jimmie Johnson leads all drivers with five wins. Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth each have won three races.

· Hendrick Motorsports has won nine races, more than any other team.

· Eleven of the 22 races were won from starting positions outside the top 10; only one has been won from the pole (Jimmie Johnson in 2008). The most prolific two starting positions are third and 24th, with three victories each.

· Matt Kenseth won the 2006 spring race from the 31st starting position, the deepest in the field that a race winner has started.

· Three active drivers have averaged a top-10 finish: Jimmie Johnson (5.1), Carl Edwards (9.0) and Matt Kenseth (9.9).

· Jimmie Johnson (9.0) is the only active driver to have an average starting position in the top 10 at Auto Club Speedway.

· Kyle Busch won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup pole (2/05) and first race (9/05) at Auto Club Speedway.

· Jimmie Johnson won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at ASC on April 28, 2002.

· Youngest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club Speedway winner: Kyle Busch (9/5/2005 – 20 years, 4 months, 2 days). This was Busch’s first career NASCAR Sprint Cup victory.

· Oldest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club Speedway winner: Rusty Wallace (4/29/2001 – 44 years, 8 months, 15 days)

Source: NASCARMedia

SMOKE ALERT: Tony Stewart autograph session scheduled

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Karen Pistone

Three time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart will sign autographs for fans at an Office Depot store in Rancho Cucamonga, California, prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race at Auto Club Speedway.

Also, Stewart will participate in a live “Ask Tony” video web chat session during his store appearance. For additional details regarding the live-streamed video web chat and to submit a question in advance, visit http://www.officedepotracing.com/Fan-Zone/Ask-Tony/.

Thursday, March 22

3:45 p.m. local time

LOCATION:
Office Depot
8160 Day Creek Blvd.
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91739

NOTE: This event is open to the general public, and 300 wristbands will be distributed for autographs (limit one per person). The wristbands may be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis at the store beginning at 8 a.m. local time on the day of the event only. Fans with a wristband must be in line no later than 4:00 p.m. local time to receive an autograph.

Stats for Auto Club Speedway

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Karen Pistone

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Jamie McMurray (183.744 mph, 39.185 seconds)

2010 race winner: Jimmie Johnson (141.911 mph, 2-21-10)

Track qualifying record: Kyle Busch (188.425 mph, 38.248 seconds,

2-25-05)

Track race record: Jeff Gordon (155.012 mph, 6-22-97)

Below is a look at some of the top statistical performers at Auto Club Speedway going into the Auto Club 400 on March 27th.

Greg Biffle (No. 16 3M Ford)

· One win, four top fives, five top 10s

· Average finish of 18.3

· Average Running Position of 13.0, ninth-best

· Driver Rating of 96.0, eighth-best

· 213 Fastest Laps Run, second-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 171.167 mph, fourth-fastest

· 2,020 Laps in the Top 15 (68.4%), ninth-most

· 500 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green), 11th-most

Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios Hamburger Helper Chevrolet)

· Two top fives, six top 10s

· Average finish of 11.0

· Average Running Position of 13.6, 10th-best

· Driver Rating of 90.6, 12th-best

Kurt Busch (No. 22 Southern California AAA Dodge)

· One win, four top fives, eight top 10s; three poles

· Average finish of 12.7

· Average Running Position of 13.7, 11th-best

· Driver Rating of 91.9, 11th-best

· 87 Fastest Laps Run, 11th-most

· 964 Green Flag Passes, fourth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 170.746 mph, 11th-fastest

· 2,090 Laps in the Top 15 (70.7%), seventh-most

· 616 Quality Passes, third-most

Kyle Busch (No. 18 Interstate Batteries Toyota)

· One win, four top fives, eight top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 12.7

· Average Running Position of 11.0, fifth-best

· Driver Rating of 100.7, fourth-best

· 135 Fastest Laps Run, seventh-most

· 915 Green Flag Passes, eighth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 171.036 mph, seventh-fastest

· 2,275 Laps in the Top 15 (77.0%), fourth-most

· 640 Quality Passes, second-most

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Aflac Ford)

· One win, six top fives, 10 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 9.2

· Average Running Position of 12.7, seventh-best

· Driver Rating of 98.7, sixth-best

· 151 Fastest Laps Run, fourth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 171.154 mph, fifth-fastest

· 2,163 Laps in the Top 15 (73.2%), sixth-most

· 540 Quality Passes, 10th-most

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet)

· Three wins, 10 top fives, 11 top 10s; two poles

· Average finish of 10.9

· Average Running Position of 9.3, third-best

· Driver Rating of 99.6, fifth-best

· 189 Fastest Laps Run, third-most

· 954 Green Flag Passes, fifth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 171.123 mph, sixth-fastest

· 2,332 Laps in the Top 15 (78.9%), third-most

· Series-high 649 Quality Passes

Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Office Toyota)

· One top five, four top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 17.2

· Driver Rating of 88.4, 13th-best

· Average Green Flag Speed of 170.749 mph, 10th-fastest

· 1,528 Laps in the Top 15 (62.3%), 13th-most

· 456 Quality Passes, 12th-most

Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Jimmy Johns Chevrolet)

· Two top fives, seven top 10s

· Average finish of 17.1

· Average Running Position of 13.0, eighth-best

· Driver Rating of 92.2, 10th-best

· 73 Fastest Laps Run, 13th-most

· 952 Green Flag Passes, sixth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 170.763 mph, ninth-fastest

· 2,088 Laps in the Top 15 (70.7%), eighth-most

· 551 Quality Passes, eighth-most

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet)

· Five wins, 11 top fives, 12 top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 5.3

· Series-best Average Running Position of 5.2

· Series-best Driver Rating of 124.2

· Series-high 427 Fastest Laps Run

· Series-best Average Green Flag Speed of 171.874 mph

· Series-high 2,823 Laps in the Top 15 (95.5%)

· 611 Quality Passes, fifth-most

Kasey Kahne (No. 4 Red Bull Toyota)

· One win, four top fives, eight top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 15.4

· Average Running Position of 14.4, 12th-best

· Driver Rating of 93.9, ninth-best

· 106 Fastest Laps Run, ninth-most

· 885 Green Flag Passes, 12th-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 170.651 mph, 12th-fastest

· 1,914 Laps in the Top 15 (64.8%), 11th-most

· 549 Quality Passes, ninth-most

Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Crown Royal Ford)

· Three wins, seven top fives, 12 top 10s

· Average finish of 10.3

· Average Running Position of 9.1, second-best

· Driver Rating of 107.5, second-best

· 124 Fastest Laps Run, eighth-most

· 894 Green Flag Passes, 10th-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 171.219 mph, third-fastest

· 2,417 Laps in the Top 15 (81.8%), second-most

· 555 Quality Passes, seventh-most

Mark Martin (No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet)

· One win, six top fives, 10 top 10s

· Average finish of 13.3

· Average Running Position of 9.6, fourth-best

· Driver Rating of 102.5, third-best

· 141 Fastest Laps Run, sixth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 171.234 mph, second-fastest

· 1,938 Laps in the Top 15 (78.9%), 10th-most

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Office Depot Chevrolet)

· One win, five top fives, 11 top 10s

· Average finish of 14.2

· Average Running Position of 11.2, sixth-best

· Driver Rating of 98.6, seventh-best

· 148 Fastest Laps Run, fifth-most

· 896 Green Flag Passes, ninth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 170.998 mph, eighth-fastest

· 2,173 Laps in the Top 15 (73.5%), fifth-most

· 593 Quality Passes, sixth-most

History

· Groundbreaking for California Speedway, as Auto Club Speedway was originally known, took place in November 1995.

· The first race at Auto Club Speedway was a NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West race won by Ken Schrader on June 21, 1997.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on June 22, 1997 and won by Jeff Gordon.

· September 2004 was the first night race at Auto Club Speedway and that also was the first year both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series ran two races in a season there.

· The track name was changed to Auto Club Speedway in February 2008.

Notebook

· There have been 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Auto Club Speedway since the track opened in 1997.

· Four drivers have competed in all 21 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Joe Nemechek.

· Joe Nemechek won the pole for the inaugural race in 1997.

· There have been 14 different pole winners, led by Kurt Busch (three). Brian Vickers, Jamie McMurray and Jeff Gordon each have two poles.

· Thirteen different drivers have posted victories. Jimmie Johnson leads all drivers with five wins. Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth each have won three races.

· Hendrick Motorsports has won nine races, more than any other team.

· Ten of the 21 races were won from starting positions outside the top 10; only one has been won from the pole (Jimmie Johnson in 2008). The most prolific starting position is third, with three victories.

· Matt Kenseth won the 2006 spring race from the 31st starting position, the deepest in the field that a race winner has started.

· Two active drivers have averaged a top-10 finish: Jimmie Johnson (5.3) and Carl Edwards (9.2).

· Kyle Busch won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup pole (2/05) and first race (9/05) at Auto Club Speedway.

· Jimmie Johnson won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at ASC on April 28, 2002.

Kurt Busch hitting the highway – with the AAA team, that is

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Karen Pistone

Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 22 “Double-Deuce” Dodge Charger carrying the Auto Club colors this weekend, will start out with a photo op beside the special four-door “Roadside Assistance” vehicle at the start/finish line at Auto Club Speedway at 4pm, Thursday (this afternoon – local time). Then, Busch will actually be out on the neighboring roadways assisting stranded motorists with the AAA team.

“I can really relate to this and I am really looking forward to getting out there and helping the folks out on the highways near the track on Thursday. And since my guys also sponsor Sunday’s race, we might even be able to put smiles on these motorists’ faces by giving away a few tickets to Sunday’s race. We will have fun with it, I can guarantee you that,” Busch said.

Driver appearances/autograph sessions, concerts for Auto Club Speedway

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Karen Pistone

Track Specs:
Track/Race Length: 2.0 mile D-shaped oval, 250 laps, 500 miles
Superspeedway: 2.0-mile oval 75 feet wide with a 15 foot apron
Banking: turns: 14°; frontstretch 11°; backstretch 3°
Front Stretch: 3,100feet
Back Stretch: 2,500feet
Pit Road: 2,200 feet long with 44 individual pit stalls
Garages: Three garages with 100 spaces
Pit Road Speed: 55mph
Pace Car Speed: 60mph
Approx: 1,800 Infield RV spaces
Grandstand seating capacity: 90,988

Christian Slater will be Grand Marshal for Auto Club 400

Actor Christian Slater, star of the upcoming FOX comedy “Breaking In”, will serve as Grand Marshal for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup race – the Auto Club 400 – at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, March 27.

As Grand Marshal, Slater will give the command, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines,” to the 43-car field of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The event will be televised at noon on FOX.

What to watch for:

Passing up front was high at Auto Club Speedway. In the February event, there were 35 green flag passes for the lead all around the track. In October, there were 30. Combined, there were 65 green flag passes for the lead last season at Auto Club Speedway, the highest two-race total since NASCAR started taking passing stats in 2005.

Walk of Fame Induction (outside Gate 12)

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

11:00 a.m.

Tony Stewart

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

10:30 a.m.

Jimmie Johnson

FREE CONCERTS - Turn 4 area. Open to infield guests, suite guests and guests with a pit pass)

FRIDAY

6:00 p.m. Erich Munzner and Good Fortune

7:30 p.m. Brother Sal

SATURDAY

9:30 a.m. GrooveSession Performs on FanZone Stage

11:00 a.m. PawnShop Kings Performs on FanZone Stage

12:30 p.m. Brother Sal Performs on FanZone Stage

6:00 p.m. Old School the Band

7:30 p.m. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Thursday, March 24

6:00pm – 8pm

A.J. Allmendinger

Casey Mears

Miss Sprint Cup Monica Palumbo

Sprint Fan Rally at Best Buy Mobile

Stonewood Center Mall [1st level]

251 Stonewood Street

Downey, CA.

4:00 – 8:00pm local time

Race in a simulator and get the chance to win Auto Club 400 tickets.

6:00 – 9:00pm local time

NASCAR Night at Echos of Faith Christian Center

Trevor Bayne

Michael McDowell

Blake Koch

Eric McClure & Randy McDonald (team owner)

Echos of Faith Christian Center

11255 Central Avenue

Ontario, CA 91762

Featuring race cars, hot rods and motorcycles along with live music and fun inflatables for kids. Drivers will be appearing and signing autographs. Also scheduled is a stunt driving contest between the NASCAR drivers and Hollywood stuntman Sammy Maloof. The event and autograph session is free to attend.

12:00 – 3:00pm local time

Clint Bowyer

Will participate in a bus tour visiting various locations as part of Speedway Day in L.A. The Bus Tour begins at 12:00pm at

Los Angeles City Hall

200 North Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA

Approx. 1:15pm local time

Tony Stewart

Q&A session at the Wildlfe Theater in the children’s area at the Oakland Zoo

9777 Golf Links Road

Oakland, California

Race fans are invited to watch Stewart interact with animals and attend the Q&A session. Fans can also receive a $2 discount on admission by mentioning “Infineon Raceway” at the ticket booth on Thursday, March 24.

5:00 – 7:00pm local time

David Ragan

Superior Grocers

16055 Foothill Blvd.

Fontana, CA

5:30pm local time

Jamie McMurray

Bass Pro Shops

7777 Victoria Gardens Lane

Etiwanda, CA

909.922.5500

Friday, March 25

7:00pm local time

SpeedZone

Brad Keselowski

17871 Castleton Street

Industry, CA

Tel: 626.913.9663

9:00pm local time

Buffalo Wild Wings

Brad Keselowski

8188 Day Creek Blvd. #140

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

6:00pm local time

Elliott Sadler

Bass Pro Shops

7777 Victoria Gardens Lane

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Tel: 909.922.5500

Saturday, March 26

10:30am local time

Jeff Gordon

DiscoverIE FanZone main stage for a Q&A at Auto Club Speedway

10:30am local time

Jimmie Johnson

Scheduled to be inducted into the Auto Club Speedway Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is located outside Gate 12 at Auto Club Speedway.

12:00pm local time

Michael Waltrip

BOOK SIGNING: “In the Blink of an Eye: Dale, Daytona, and the Day that Changed Everything”

Auto Club Speedway display in the DiscoverIE FanZone

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the Auto Club Speedway display. The Auto Club Speedway display is located at the Center-East area of the DiscoverIE FanZone near Gate 12.

11:30am – 12:00pm local time

Aric Almirola & Josh Wise

Scheduled to sign autographs at the JR Nation merchandise hauler located in the fan concourse area at Auto Club Speedway

Sunday, March 27

8:00 – 8:15am local time

Jeff Burton

Scheduled to appear for a Q&A session at the Team chevy Racing display located in the midway area at Auto Club Speedway

9:15am local time

Greg Biffle

Participating in Kids Club Story Time at the DiscoverIE FanZone Main Stage at Auto Club Speedway

9:00am local time

Kurt Busch

Appearing at the Auto Club Display in the DiscoverIE FanZone. The display is located in the Center-East area of the DiscoverIE FanZone, near gate 12 at Auto Club Speedway.

9:00am local time

Clint Bowyer

Jeff Burton

Michael Waltrip

scheduled to appear at Auto Club Speedway’s Coca-Cola Family Track Walk. Walk is free to all race fans with an Auto Club 400 ticket! Walk the track and experience its 14 degree banking before your favorite drivers fire up their engines. Special driver appearances by Coca-Cola Racing Family members Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Michael Waltrip, plus music, DJ, Coca-Cola refreshments and fun activities for the whole family.

8:45am local time

Juan Pablo Montoya

Q&A session at the Chevy Display in the DiscoverIE FanZone at Auto Club Speedway.

9:45am local time

#1 Over-the-Wall Pit Crew

Scheduled to sign autographs at the Team Chevy Racing display located in the midway at Auto Club Speedway

Events at Auto Club Speedway this weekend

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Karen Pistone

9300 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335

Phone:
(909) 429-5000
Fax (909) 429-5500
Tickets (888) 472-2849 or (800) 944-RACE (7223)
TDD: 1-866-ISC-TRAK (For hearing impaired guests)

NASCAR SPRINT CUP HAULER PARADE

To help get the Auto Club 400 Weekend underway, the spectacle of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Auto Club Speedway from Citizens Business Bank Arena through Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. Stretching nearly an entire mile from the first hauler to the last, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Auto Club Speedway around 7 p.m. To see where the convoy will travel view the parade route at autoclubspeedway.com/HaulerParade.

FREE CONCERT – GOOD CHARLOTTE

Auto Club Speedway announced that multi-platinum rock sensation Good Charlotte will perform on the DiscoverIE FanZone Entertainment Stage prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on Sunday, March 27. Tickets to the Auto Club 400, which include the Good Charlotte live pre-race performance, start as low as $35.

Good Charlotte band members – vocalist Joel Madden, guitarist Benji Madden, guitarist Billy Martin, bassist Paul Thomas and drummer Dean Butterworth – have sold 10 million records and scored numerous mainstream radio hits including “Like It’s Her Birthday,” “The Anthem,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” “Hold On” and “Girls and Boys.”

COCA-COLA FAMILY TRACK WALK

Take part in the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk where race fans take a lap on foot around the very same track where NASCAR drivers will race 5-wide exceeding speeds of 200 mph later in the day. Free for all Auto Club 400 ticket holders, the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk begins at 9 am including a Q&A with Coca-Cola drivers Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Michael Waltrip prior to the 2-mile walk on the D-shaped oval.

There will be plenty more activities for the whole family, including games, music, special events including a scavenger hunt, Story Time with NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, the opportunity to win special prizes and much more before the Auto Club 400 gets underway.

Tickets to the Auto Club 400 on Sunday, March 27 start as low as $35 and AAA members receive Show Your Card & Save discounts, including a special section with half-priced tickets for kids 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway ticket office.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Ticket at Auto Club
(OFFER EXPIRES MARCH 25TH OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

Auto Club Speedway and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation have teamed together to offer race fans an exclusive ticket/hospitality race package to benefit the organization’s Foundation. Purchase a special $99 ticket to the March 27th Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and receive:

· A lower reserved grandstand seat in rows 15-23 (upgrades available for an additional cost)

· Pre-race Pit Pass

· Parking

· Admission to the NFFF hospitality pavilion (includes food and select beverages)

· Special guest appearances in the hospitality pavilion

· Commemorative ACS/NFFF navy blue event t-shirt

· Donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (firehero.org) to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Its mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend features special programs for survivors and coworkers along with moving public ceremonies. Call 909-429-5037 or visit autoclubspeedway.com/nfff for more information on the special NFFF package.

What’s happening at a NASCAR sanctioned track near you

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Karen Pistone

Phoenix International Raceway (Feb. 27th)

Night of Champions Charity Event

The 2011 Daytona 500 champ will join NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and Valley local Danica Patrick, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip, former IndyCar driver Lyn St. James and PIR President Bryan R. Sperber to help celebrate the start of the 2011 NASCAR season and the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ event weekend at Phoenix.

Night of Champions will be held at Frank and Albert’s, located in the legendary Arizona Biltmore Resort, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24.

Tickets for “Night of Champions” are $250 each, and will provide guests with the chance to spend an evening with the 2011 DAYTONA 500 winner, Patrick, Waltrip and St. James, while contributing to the advancement of women in racing and research in nursing and healthcare at one of Arizona’s leading educational institutions.

Those interested in attending or sponsoring “Night of Champions” are encouraged to contact Liz Thomas of Phoenix International Raceway at (623) 463-5670 or lthomas@phoenixinternationalraceway.com. to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixraceway.com/tickets or call 866-408-RACE (7223).

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY (March 20th)

More Tri-Cities area hotels have partnered with Bristol Motor Speedway and drop rates as well as minimum night stay to help race fans in making plans for the 2011 season.

Hotels joining up with the reduced rates include:

American Classic Suites in Johnson City, Tenn.; the Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Red Roof Inn in Kingsport, Tenn.; the Days Inn of Abingdon, Va., as well as the Travelodge in Bristol, Tenn., (formerly Bristol Lodging).

To locate other participating hotels, Race Lodging, LLC can find race fans package deals for events at Bristol Motor Speedway.

AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY (Fonatana) (March 27th)

Race fans can save up to 50% off of Auto Club 400 tickets in the special Auto Club Members Only section for Sunday, March 27th. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 222 AAA/Pennzoil Dodge on Sunday, March 27th.

Kansas Speedway (June 5th)

Kansas Speedway is in the process of widening all seats by 2″; They are also following other tracks, such as Daytona Interanational Speedway and Homestead Miami by changing their cooler policy and allowing soft sided 14x14x14 coolers. Also lightweight backpacks similar to school backpacks are allowed. The Blue Ox camprground is adding a paved lot for up to 185 additional camping spots; a Hollywood Casino overlooking Turn 2 is being built.

Michigan International Speedway (June 19th)

Value Pricing Period is now through Feb. 28. MIS offers NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for as low as $25. Kids 12 and under are free in the general admission seating areas, while junior pricing for 17 and under are half price for all reserved seats. NASCAR Sprint Cup events include The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on Father’s Day June 19 and the NSCS 400 on August 21.

The Value Pricing Period kicks off the speedway’s public ticket sale. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MISpeedway.com or by calling 800-354-1010.

Major events, special appearances & concerts at Auto Club Speedway

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Karen Pistone

Sunday, Oct. 10, at 3 p.m. EDT on ESPN

Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Previous Winner: Jimmie Johnson (beat Jeff Gordon by 1.603 seconds on Oct. 11, 2009)

Configuration: 2-mile D-shaped oval (200 laps = 400 miles)

Banking in Corners: 14 degrees

Banking on Frontstretch: 11 degrees

Banking on Backstretch: 3 degrees

First Sprint Cup Series Race: June 22, 1997 – California 500 presented by NAPA (Winner – Jeff Gordon)

Grandstand Seating Capacity: 92,100

Most Wins: 5 – Jimmie Johnson

Most Poles: 3 – Kurt Busch

Most Top 5s: 10 – Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson

Most Top 10s: 12 – Matt Kenseth; 11 – Jimmie Johnson

Most Laps Led by a Leader: Mark Martin, 5/3/1998, 165 laps

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 10 – Ford; 9 – Chevy; 1 – Dodge

There are three current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that Tony Stewart has not won at a Sprint Cup race:

Auto Club Speedway 0 for 18 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001, last race 2/2010 9th

Las Vegas 0 for 12 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000, last race 2/2010 7th

Darlington 0 for 18 with a best finish of 3rd in 2009

NASCAR Hauler Parade at Auto Club Speedway

For the 6th year, Stater Bros. Supermarkets will sponsor this free event to the public (free admission and parking) which will be held in the DiscoverIE FanZone outside the front stretch and in the shadow of Auto Club Speedway and get a chance to meet the likes of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and Pepsi driver, Jeff Gordon.

Beginning at 6:15 pm on Thursday, Oct. 7, at Citizens Business Bank Arena, the spectacle of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will begin making its way to Auto Club Speedway through Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana. Stretching nearly an entire mile from the first hauler to the last, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade will make its way to Cherry Ave. and Auto Club Speedway’s main entrance around 7:00 pm.

Fans are expected to greet the haulers along the parade route, until the haulers make their final approach to the Auto Club Speedway DiscoverIE FanZone where all the Stater Bros. Racefest activities are taking place.

Stater Bros. Racefest is scheduled from 5 – 9 p.m.. In addition to the usual Racefest fare of driver autograph and Q&A sessions, a freestyle motocross stunt show with Rockstar Metal Mulisha, live music, rides, games, souvenir trailers and great food & beverages, this year’s event adds a few extra goodies for fans to enjoy.

IN CONCERT

DiscoverIE FanZone main stage – SATURDAY, Oct. 9th

Comic Book Heroes. Photo courtesy of NASCAR media

Comic Book Heroes

Featured artist on ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 NNS Series with ‘Drive On’ just released.

11:15 a.m. – Prior to the CampingWorld.com 300

Grammy Award Winner/Songwriter Kenny Loggins. Photo courtesy of NASCAR media.

DiscoverIE FanZone main stage

Grammy Awarding-winning, singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins

Prior to the Pepsi MAX 400 on Sunday, Oct. 10

Throughout the years, he enjoyed hit after hit, many from popular soundtracks like Footloose, Caddyshack (“I’m Alright”) and Top Gun (“Danger Zone”). He also co-wrote one of the greatest singles of all time, the 1980 Song of the Year Grammy-winning “What a Fool Believes,” which was recorded by the Doobie Brothers.

APPEARANCES/AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS

Thursday, October 7

Stater Bros. Racefest at Auto Club Speedway

Justin Allgaier, Kyle Busch, Scott Speed, Marcos Ambrose, Kevin Conway, Steve Wallace, Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Rusty Wallace, Jeff Burton, Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Jeff Gordon & host, John Roberts

5:00 – 9:00pm local time

Drivers will be signing autographs from 6:00 – 8:00pm [Allgaier is scheduled for 5:45 - 7:30pm].

Note: Gates open at 5:00pm. Autograph coupons will be handed out at each driver’s display. You must have an autograph coupon to receive an autograph.

Brad Keselowski

6:00 – 7:00pm local time

Speedzone

17871 Castleton Street

City of Industry, CA

Tony Stewart

4:00pm local time

Office Depot

8160 Day Creek Blvd.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Wristbands are required, with distribution limited to the first 700 customers (one per person). Wristbands will be available at the store when it opens at 8:00am local time on the day of the event. Fans with a wristband must be in line no later than 4:45pm to receive an autograph. One autograph per wristband.

Friday, October 8

David Reutimann

Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership store

7:00 – 8:00pm local time

920 N. Mountain Avenue

Ontario, CA

Saturday, October, 9

Jimmie Johnson

To be Inducted into the Auto Club Speedway Walk of Fame [Gate 12]

9:30am local time.

Danica Patrick

Q&A session

DiscoverIE FanZone at Auto Club Speedway

10:45 – 11:00am local time

Ford Racing Party Zone

Colin Braun & Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

11:50am – 12:05pm local time

NOTE: Admission to the Ford Racing Party Zone requires a valid grandstand ticket, in addition to the Ford Racing Party Zone upgrade at an additional charge.

FanZone at Auto Club Speedway

Ricky Stenhouse

12:10 – 12:25 pm local time

Sunday, Oct. 10

Ford Racing Party Zone

Richard Petty – 10:30a.m

Jack Roush will make a special appearance in the Ford Racing Party Zone fan hospitality tent during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff race weekend Oct. 9-10.

NSCS Ford Racing Team drivers Elliott Sadler, Greg Biffle and AJ Allmendinger will also be stopping by. Admission to the Ford Racing Party Zone requires a valid grandstand ticket, in addition to the Ford Racing Party Zone upgrade at an additional charge. To purchase tickets, visit us online or by calling 800-944-RACE (7223)

DiscoverIE FanZone – Q&A with race fans

Sam Hornish – 8:30 – 9:00am local time

Carl Edwards – 9:20am local time

Team Chevy Display – midway at Auto Club Speedway

Ryan Newman – 8:30am local time

Juan Pablo Montoya – 8:45am local time

NASCAR HOTPASS™ on DIRECTV

FREE to all DIRECTV customers. The NASCAR HOTPASS lineup for the Pepsi Max 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., is as follows:

DIRECTV Channel 795:

Denny Hamlin – No. 11 FedEx Office Toyota

Joe Gibbs Racing

DIRECTV Channel 796:

Jeff Gordon – No. 24 DuPont / Pepsi Max Chevrolet

Hendrick Motorsports

DIRECTV Channel 797:

Jimmie Johnson – No. 48 Lowe’s / Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet

Hendrick Motorsports

DIRECTV Channel 798:

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – No. 88 AMP Energy / National Guard Chevrolet

Hendrick Motorsports

Racingal.com

A NASCAR Fan Blog by Karen Pistone

Tag Archives: Auto Club Speedway

NASCAR Statistical Advance: Auto Club 400

NASCAR Driver appearances/autograph sessions for Auto Club Speedway

Stats for Auto Club Speedway

SMOKE ALERT: Tony Stewart autograph session scheduled

Stats for Auto Club Speedway

Qualifying/Race Data

History

Notebook

Kurt Busch hitting the highway – with the AAA team, that is

Driver appearances/autograph sessions, concerts for Auto Club Speedway

Events at Auto Club Speedway this weekend

What’s happening at a NASCAR sanctioned track near you

Phoenix International Raceway (Feb. 27th)

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY (March 20th)

AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY (Fonatana) (March 27th)

Kansas Speedway (June 5th)

Michigan International Speedway (June 19th)

Major events, special appearances & concerts at Auto Club Speedway

NASCAR Hauler Parade at Auto Club Speedway

IN CONCERT

APPEARANCES/AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS

Thursday, October 7

Friday, October 8

Saturday, October, 9

Sunday, Oct. 10

NASCAR HOTPASS™ on DIRECTV