This Week’s Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway …
Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 221 from the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) stable in this year’s Budweiser Shootout. This is the same Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Bowyer drove to an 11th-place finish last October at Talladega Superspeedway. This race will mark the first time Bowyer has qualified for NASCAR’s annual season-opening race featuring pole winners from the previous season.
The Race …
The Budweiser Shootout has been a tradition at Daytona International Speedway each February, dating back to 1979 and unofficially kicks off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season. The non-points event launches a week of racing for NASCAR’s top three touring divisions culminating with the 50th running of the Daytona 500 Sunday, Feb. 17. The Budweiser Shootout (formerly the Busch Clash), began as a 20-lap sprint in 1979 but has maintained its current 70-lap format since 2003. The race consists of two segments. The first segment is 20 laps followed by a 10-minute break when crews will be allowed to make normal adjustments to their race cars on pit road. The second segment is 50 laps and must end under green-flag conditions. Caution laps will count toward the total in both segments so the second segment may extend beyond the scheduled 70-lap distance. Drivers earn Budweiser Shootout berths one of two ways. The first is by winning a pole during the previous season. The second is by being an eligible past winner of the Shootout. A total of 23 drivers are eligible for the 2008 Budweiser Shootout – which will be the largest field in the history of the event (the previous high was 22 in 2002). There were 18 drivers who gained eligibility by winning a pole in 2007, while five others are eligible because they are past winners of the event (and finished in the top 50 in final series point standings). Four drivers, including Bowyer, will compete in the event for the first time. The starting positions for the 2008 Budweiser Shootout will be determined by a random draw.
The Road Traveled …
Bowyer earned his spot in the Budweiser Shootout by virtue of his pole-winning lap last May at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. The Emporia, Kan., native toured the legendary 1.366-mile Darlington oval in 29.806 seconds (164.987 mph). Bowyer went on to earn his second pole of 2007 in September at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He recorded his first career NSCS victory later that same weekend in dominating fashion by beating four-time series champ Jeff Gordon to the checkered flag by a staggering margin of nearly six-and-a-half seconds.
So Much for a Sophomore Slump …
Last year, his second full season as a competitor in NASCAR’s premier division, Bowyer recorded his first win, two poles, five top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. The 28-year-old driver finished third in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, trailing only four-time titlist Jeff Gordon and back-to-back champ Jimmie Johnson when the checkered flag fell on 2007 in November at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
RCR at the Shootout …
RCR has earned five checkered flags in the Budweiser Shootout and has had an entry in 21 of 29 races to date. Dale Earnhardt won the race in 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993 and 1995. Bowyer is the lone entry from the RCR stable in this year’s event.
Pretty Hard to Argue with Stats …
In four previous NSCS starts on Daytona’s high-banks Bowyer has logged a 22.5 starting average and a sturdy 10.3 average finish. Meanwhile, in six NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) races at DIS, he has an impressive 8.7 starting average and a head-turning 5.8 average finish. Even more impressive are Bowyer’s lack of DNFs (did not finish) and finishing rate at the famed 2.5-mile Daytona Beach race course. Dating back to February 2005, Bowyer has finished on the lead lap of all 10 races and has yet to finish worse than 18th.
From the Driver’s Seat to the Owner’s Suite …
Last month, Bowyer announced he would field a full-time dirt late model team under the Clint Bowyer Racing (CBR) banner with two-time Dirt Track World Champion Shannon Babb. Babb made his debut in CBR’s No. 79 entry Tuesday, Feb. 5 at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla., where he will compete through Saturday, Feb. 6. Next week, Babb heads to Volusia Speedway Park for the 2008 DIRTcar Nationals Feb. 11-16. At the same time, Bowyer will race his CBR-owned No. 07 entry at Volusia Feb. 11-12. Volusia Speedway Park is a half-mile clay oval 15 miles west of Daytona Beach on S.R. 40 in Barberville, Fla.
Are you Experienced …
Bowyer will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience Saturday, Feb. 9 at 5:15 p.m. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be located in the display area, outside turn 4, on speedway property. The Jack Daniel’s Experience is a 53-foot tractor- trailer filled with artifacts, state-of-the art video monitors, sound system and graphics to give race fans a taste of Lynchburg and the Distillery. Autographs are limited due to time constraints and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be open on Friday, Feb. 8 from 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Clint Bowyer Live …
Immediately following his appearance at the Jack Daniel’s Experience, Bowyer will head for the Chevy stage for a 15-minute Q&A session. The Chevy stage is also located in the speedway’s display area outside turn 4.
Catch the Action …
Live coverage of the Budweiser Shootout from Daytona International Speedway will take the green flag Saturday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The race will be televised live on FOX beginning at 8:30 p.m. EST and broadcast from coast-to-coast on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius Satellite Radio. The Budweiser Shootout Selection Show to determine the starting lineup will be televised on SPEED Thursday, February 7 at 8 p.m. EST.
CLINT BOWYER QUOTES
The Budweiser Shootout is a pretty expensive “one-off” race to run. This weekend is going to cost Richard (Childress) a lot of money.
“If we’re costing him a lot of money, we’re running good. That’s the way I look at it. I’m looking forward to running my first Budweiser Shootout. Hopefully, we can make some noise.”
How tough was it for you last year to have to be a spectator for that race?
“It was really hard – no doubt. This year we’re going to get to run all the races. Not only are we in the Shootout, we’re in the All-Star race for the first time as well. There are going to be a lot of firsts for the Jack Daniel’s team this year, just like there were last year. I’m looking forward to it. You know, it’s a bummer to start the year out watching everyone doing what you do and not being able to participate. Thankfully, that’s not how it’s going to happen this year.”
How do you approach the race? Do you go for the win or do you kind of use this for a test for the Daytona 500?
“You have to go for the win! There are no consequences from a points standpoint. Obviously, you don’t want to lose a race car but we’ll be going for broke in that one.”
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This thread is for the news articles, press releases, discussions and comments about Clint Bowyer in the 2008 season.
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February 11, 2008
By Bruce Martin
PA SportsTicker Contributing Editor
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA (TICKER) -- While his teammate, Kevin Harvick, was winning last year's Daytona 500 in dramatic style by edging Mark Martin at the finish line by just a few inches, Clint Bowyer's car was rolling over and catching on fire.
Although the driver was uninjured, it added a "Stunt Show" element to last year's Daytona finish and gave the winner a chance to razz his teammate at Richard Childress Racing.
"It's Clint, man," Harvick said. "We razz him about getting out of bed in the morning. If he walks, we razz him, so we give him grief about everything.
"Everything happened so fast there at the end of the race and there was so much going on. I knew there were a lot of cars wrecked, but I didn't realize that Clint was the one upside down. So I think I saw it on SportsCenter the next day."
Bowyer returns to the Daytona 500 this year hoping he finishes right-side up rather than upside-down. But even after last year's unintended end to his race at Daytona, he went on to have the best season of his Cup career.
That's why Bowyer admitted to a bit of trepidation before heading to Daytona International Speedway last month for preseason testing.
"I called Jeff Burton and I was freaking out before I went down to Daytona to test," Bowyer recalled. "I was nervous about this season and was afraid I forgot how to drive and I wasn't going to be any good. His answer was you wouldn't be a good race car driver if you weren't nervous and I believe that.
"Richard Childress used to tell me Dale Earnhardt would come up to him and say, 'Man, I don't know if I can get it done for you this year. I don't know if I can do it.' He probably was nervous about it."
Strange considering that Bowyer finished third in the Cup standings last season and scored his first career victory in only his third season in the series.
Bowyer admitted to wondering if he could not only match last year's impressive accomplishments but improve upon them.
"I think any good racer worries about that," Bowyer admitted. "That's the competitive nature in you. You want to go out there and be the best. I'm constantly worried about that. It's something that's in you."
Bowyer probably shouldn't worry because he's a star on the rise while being a throwback to the race driver of the past.
He didn't come to the Sprint Cup Series from IndyCar racing or Formula One - he came from the dirt tracks of Kansas and Missouri.
That makes the driver from Emporia, Kansas a bit unique in this day and age because he's a throwback to simplicity and grass-roots racing.
"It is something to be proud of," Bowyer said. "Carl Edwards and Jamie McMurray and myself - we all came from the Midwest. We worked hard and went through the struggles of making it and definitely had those aspirations."
Bowyer grew up as a motocross racer until he was 16. That's when he decided to quit because he didn't enjoy it any more.
As a competitive individual, he didn't believe his skill level was where he needed to be to achieve big-time success, so he ended up working at a Goodyear tire store in Emporia.
"My boss had started racing a street stock car and I started going with them," Bowyer said. "The group I was hanging around with then - that's what I started doing. I was going to the races with them and was enjoying it and having fun and looked like something I wanted to be a part of."
With family support behind him, Bowyer started tearing up the dirt tracks in Kansas and Missouri.
There were two other drivers from those parts who were also getting plenty of attention in Missouri with Edwards from Columbia and McMurray from Joplin.
"It's funny because I knew of them but didn't really know them very well," Bowyer recalled. "With Carl, the very first time I raced against him we were at a modified race. It was my very first asphalt race I ever ran. I heard about this hot, hot shoe named Carl Edwards. I got over there and he was in this old modified. It was the ugliest thing I had ever seen."
When McMurray moved into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the crew that helped him in the late model stock car racing ranks came over to Lakeside Speedway one night when Bowyer was competing in a dirt race.
Bowyer's career picked up in 2001 and 2002 in the dirt modified ranks. He won multiple championships both years, won a regional championship in the Weekly Racing Series.
"That is when things started to open my eyes up that maybe I could make a living doing this," he said. "In 2002, I ran Lakeside on dirt on Friday nights and asphalt at I-70 on asphalt on Saturday night. In 2003, we ran a limited schedule in the asphalt touring series and raced in some dirt races."
Good fortune would come Bowyer's way in a most unusual way and it would eventually lead him to the Cup Series.
"We got an opportunity in an asphalt car, an old MB-2 car, went to Nashville and probably had the day that made my whole career," Bowyer recalled. "We went over there with little or nothing.
"Looking back at it knowing what I know now, what we accomplished that day was pretty spectacular and something that just doesn't happen. We went over there and none of us had really raced at that level. I got hooked up with Trent Owens, a guy that worked at Braun Motorsports and is still a good friend of mine. He came to the track with four springs, four shocks and a briefcase. We ran those four shocks and springs, qualified seventh and led. If it hadn't been for staying out there at the end, we would have probably won that race. We finished second. That was the day that during a rain delay, Richard Childress was watching the race on Speed Channel and gave me a call."
Bowyer is the first to admit that fate can often intervene in a race driver's career and in this case, it was very positive for his career.
Bowyer would win the Midwest Championship in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series in 2002. He became a developmental driver for Richard Childress Racing and would eventually climb his way through the old Busch Series and earn a full-time Cup ride in 2005.
He's made the most of his success and the Kansan has become a legitimate contender, not only for this year's Daytona 500 but for the Sprint Cup title.
"A few years ago we had a development driver here named Clint Bowyer and he was standing in the corner while everyone was talking to the other drivers," Childress said. "Look at him now."
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Great article. A lot of this article is the very reason that you see what you see on my signature. My wife's favorite driver is Carl Edwards. Probably not so much for his background though.
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CLINT BOWYER, DRIVER OF THE NO. 07 JACK DANIELS IMPALA SS MET WITH MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA FRIDAY, and talked about starting in the rear for Sunday, track conditions, what it means to race in the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and more. Full Transcript:
ON NOT RUNNING PRACTICE TODAY:
“I’m just going to sit this one out. We don’t want to put too many miles on our 500 motor. Just going to sit it out and watch what goes on, try to learn a little bit. Really happy with the way my car handles. You know we blew up that motor in practice and the back-up motor wasn’t exactly what we all wanted. It really isn’t a big deal. We’ve got a lot of practice tomorrow and I’m not worried about it at all.”
WHAT DID YOU LEARN YESTERDAY THAT MIGHT BE INCORPORATED INTO SUNDAY?
“I feel like we handled really well with the Jack Daniels Chevrolet. You know come Sunday, that’s what you’re going to have to do. Like I say, we don’t want to mile up our 500 motor too much and I’ve got 100% confidence that one is going to be a bullet so I’m excited.”
ON STARTING THE RACE AT THE REAR OF THE FIELD:
“I started in the back and finished upside down last year. (Laughs) No, my teammate Kevin Harvick started in the back last year and won the race. That’s what’s neat about this race; you can manipulate a lot of different things about this race. It can be won with not the fastest car out there. It’s a lot of fun to be able to race and draft at this place and I’m looking forward to Sunday’s race and everything that is ahead of us.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CAR FOR SUNDAY?
“I’m excited. I feel like we really have a handle on our car. I feel like it’s handling well. When we get that 500 bullet in there, I feel like we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
WHAT’S THE ONE MAJOR DIFFERENCE YOU SEE IN RACING THE CAR OF TOMORROW?
“Just the travels, the bumps and the swells are a lot more harsh and you feel them a lot more. It’s the same for everybody. Everybody has been given the same kind of guidelines and you have to make the best of your resources and make your car handle better than the next guy.”
ON STEWART’S COMMENTS THAT THE RCR CARS LOOKED REALLY STOUT FOR THE 500:
“I feel like us and the Jack Daniels car we are a little bit behind, but like I said I’ve got new faith in things that are coming motor wise for the 500. I know that our engine guys are the best in the business and they’re going to have us good steam come race time when it really counts. They always seem to pull out and we run well down here so I’m optimistic and looking forward to running the race.”
WHAT BROKE IN THAT MOTOR?
“I don’t really know. I just know that no more power.”
ON THE IMPACT DALE EARNHARDT, JR. HAS NOW THAT HE’S WON AGAIN:
“I guess he learned how to drive again, didn’t he? (Laughs) Forgot how to drive for two years, but I guess it’s good. Like I say, we just worry about what we worry about and I don’t really care what he’s doing.”
ON EXPECTATIONS FOR THE DAYTONA 500:
“I’m optimistic. I’m looking forward to Sunday’s race and what’s ahead of us. I really think that we can still win this race given the right circumstances. In the right situation anybody can win this race, so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead of us in Sunday’s race.”
SO YOU’RE NOT LOOKING AT IT AS A SET BACK AT ALL, JUST A LITTLE HURDLE?
“We always run better with a little bit of adversity and this is a little bit of an obstacle to overcome and we always have overcome a lot of things and this isn’t going to slow us down one bit.”
YOU TALK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS HAVE THAT LITTLE ADVERSITY, THAT HICCUP. IS THIS THE HICCUP? LOOKING NOW IS IT SMOOTH SAILING ALL THE WAY THROUGH?
“Everybody knows this place, anything can happen.”
HOW’S THE TRACK FEELING NOW? SOME OF THE GUYS WERE SAYING IT’S REAL SLICK BUT THEY WERE HOPING AFTER TONIGHT’S RACE AND TOMORROW’S RACE THERE WILL BE ENOUGH RUBBER COMING INTO TURNS THREE AND FOUR
“It just seems like as we continue through Speedweeks and every time we come down here it gets slicker and slicker. I don’t think it‘s going to gain grip, I think it is just going to keep on getting worse. Come Sunday and 500 time, the cars that handle are going to be the ones that prevail at the end of the race.”
ON THE FACT THAT THIS IS THE 50TH RUNNING OF THE DAYTONA 500 THIS YEAR, DOES IT MAKE IT ANY MORE SPECIAL TO BE IN IT:
“Absolutely, just to be a part of the Daytona 500 it’s a dream come true for me personally and my family and what we’ve been able to accomplish in my career. It spells out NASCAR. Daytona is what NASCAR is all about and it’s certainly a lot of fun to be a part of.”
DO YOU EVER LOOK BACK OR DO YOU JUST LOOK AHEAD?
“You never look backwards. If you’re looking backwards you’re going to be behind. We’re looking ahead and looking forward to the 500.”
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Clint had a great run going with a very good car towards the end of the race everyone just started beating him up and finaly took him out of contention
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This Week’s DIRECTV Chevrolet at California Speedway …
Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 237 from the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) stable. Built new for 2008, this is the same DIRECTV Chevrolet Impala SS Bowyer and company tested at California Speedway Jan. 31- Feb. 1. Chassis No. 230 is the back up and is also a brand new race car.
Back on Track With DIRECTV …
Bowyer’s No. 07 Chevy will feature DIRECTV colors this weekend in Fontana. DIRECTV’s corporate headquarters are in El Segundo, Calif., just 68 miles west of California Speedway. Jack Daniel’s, the team’s customary primary sponsor, will be featured on the car’s lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid.
Fontana Facts …
In four NSCS starts at California Speedway, Bowyer has one top-five and a pair of top-10 finishes, including a career-best third-place effort in September 2006 at the two-mile oval situated in the San Bernadino Mountains approximately an hour east of Los Angeles. The Emporia, Kan., driver finished 20th in the division’s last stop at Fontana.
Looking in the Rear-View Mirror …
Last weekend at the Daytona 500, Bowyer started 31st and finished 24th. The third-year Sprint Cup Series driver led twice for four laps and was leading the 50th running of “The Great American Race” with 16 laps to go before contact from another car sent him spinning through the tri-oval, nullifying his run for the Winner’s Circle. Following last weekend’s race, Bowyer comes into California 23rd in points.
No. 75 …
This weekend’s Auto Club 500 will mark Bowyer’s 75th start in NASCAR’s premier division. The 28-year-old driver made his Sprint Cup Series debut at Phoenix International Raceway April 23, 2005. Since then, Bowyer has earned one win, two poles, nine top-five and 28 top-10 finishes. Over that span, he has logged a solid 19.1 starting average and a 16.9 average finish. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old driver has led 503 laps and has earned just shy of $11.5 million.
Keep on Rolling …
Bowyer has been running at the end of every race dating back to Phoenix in November 2006, a streak of 38 races. The only other driver with more races without a did not finish (DNF) is his teammate Kevin Harvick who owns a streak of 45 events without a DNF.
RCR at California Speedway …
In 41 overall starts at California Speedway, RCR cars have earned one pole (Mike Skinner – April 2000) four top five and 11 top-10 finishes. Bowyer’s third-place run two Septembers ago is RCR’s best effort at the moderately-banked D-shaped race track.
Coming Home …
Clint “Ratto” Almquist, mechanic and catch can man for the DIRECTV Chevy, is a native of the Golden State. Almquist, 28, grew up in Blythe, Calif., approximately 175 miles east of Fontana.
One Trophy Missing From the Case …
RCR has earned a Sprint Cup Series victory at 18 of the 22 tracks on the 2008 schedule. The only tracks on the current schedule where RCR hasn’t earned wins are California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway. All totaled, RCR has Cup Series wins at 21 tracks, including three tracks no longer on the schedule (North Wilkesboro, Riverside and Rockingham).
Double Duty …
In addition to his duties behind the wheel of the DIRECTV Chevrolet, Bowyer will also race the No. 2 Camping World Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the Stater Bros. 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race on Saturday, Feb. 23. Bowyer will drive the Camping World Chevy in 10 NNS races this season. BB&T will be Bowyer’s primary sponsor for the remaining 25 races on the 2008 schedule as he pursues the NNS title. The Starter Bros. 300 from California Speedway will be televised live on ESPN2 beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The race will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the second points-paying race of the season for NASCAR’s junior division will be televised on SPEED the same day beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST.
Up to Speed …
The Auto Club 500 will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 24 beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Flag-to-flag coverage will also be broadcast worldwide on MRN and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the second points-paying race of 2008 for NASCAR’s senior circuit will be televised live on SPEED Friday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. EST.
CLINT BOWYER QUOTES
How did the California test go for the No. 07 team?
“I think the test went well. We learned a lot and gathered a bunch of good information. Hopefully, we can put that information to good use not only at the race track but in the shop as well. I’m really looking forward to this race. That’s the first place where we should get a good idea of how we stack up against the competition and what we can expect for the rest of the season.”
Is there anything that really sticks out in your mind about California? Do you have any pet peeves about that race track?
“It’s fairly uneventful and fairly simple for a race track. Long runs are going to be a big part of the equation and green-flag pit stops are going to become an issue. Everyone has to be on top of their game. If everything happens right, we’ll be just fine.”
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This Week’s Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway …
Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 241 from the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) stable. This is a brand new Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Impala SS and this weekend will be the first time it will see time on the race track.
Bet on Black …
After featuring a DIRECTV paint scheme last weekend in California, Bowyer’s No. 07 Chevy Impala SS will return to its traditional black and white Jack Daniel’s paint scheme this weekend in Las Vegas.
Every Day We Make it, We’ll Make it the Best We Can …
On Tuesday, Feb. 26, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jimmy Bedford announced his retirement, effective March 31. Bedford, 68, has worked for the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg (Pop. 361) Tenn., for 40 years. As Jack Daniel’s sixth Master Distiller, Bedford went to work for the Distillery in 1968 under the watchful eye of Jack Daniel’s fifth Master Distiller Frank Bobo and is responsible for producing the number one selling whiskey in the world. Brown-Forman, Jack Daniel’s parent company, will announce Bedford’s successor in the near future.
A Look Back …
Bowyer finished 19th in Monday’s rain-delayed Auto Club 500 at the newly renamed Auto Club Speedway of Southern California. The Emporia, Kan., native struggled with a loose-handling DIRECTV Chevy throughout the 500-mile event but still moved up four spots, from 23rd to 19th, in the NSCS driver point standings.
Testing One, Two, Three, Testing …
The Jack Daniel’s Racing Team tested at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) Jan. 28-29 in preparation for this weekend’s 400-miler. Bowyer and company posted the second-fastest lap (30.293 seconds – 178.259 mph) of the 76 cars at the test during the morning session on Jan. 28 and the ninth-best lap (29.775 seconds – 181.360 mph) later that afternoon. The following day, Mr. Jack’s Crew posted the 17th-fastest lap (29.532 seconds – 182.852 mph) during the morning warm up and 16th-fatest time (29.337 seconds – 184.068 mph) of the afternoon shakedown.
Keep on Rolling …
Bowyer has been running at the end of every race dating back to Phoenix in November 2006, a streak of 39 races. The only other driver running at the end of more consecutive races is his teammate Kevin Harvick who owns a streak of 46 events without a did not finish (DNF).
Wanna Bet …
According to the Web site www.sportsbook.com, Bowyer is a 25:1 favorite to win the UAW-Dodge 400. The 28-year-old driver’s odds to win the Sprint Cup Championship are listed at 40:1.
Luck’s Gotta Turn …
In 26 NSCS starts at LVMS, RCR entries have yet to take home a checkered flag. At the same time, team owner Richard Childress has earned just two top-five and seven top-10 finishes at the mile-and-a-half tri-oval. On the flip side, RCR cars have strong results in NASCAR Nationwide Series competition. In eight races at LVMS, RCR Nationwide cars boast two wins, one pole, seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.
Clint Bowyer Live …
Bowyer will meet fans at three different stops this Thursday night. From 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Bowyer will sign autographs in the Sports Book at the Orleans Casino and Hotel. The Orleans is located at 4500 W. Tropicana Blvd. Following his first stop of the night, Bowyer will head for the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities annual NASCAR Driver Auction at Sam’s Town Live, located inside Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall. Sam’s Town is east of the Strip on Boulder Highway. Race fans will have the opportunity to bid on a ride around LVMS with Bowyer in a convertible during Saturday and Sunday’s driver introduction pre-race parade lap. Finally, he will sign autographs at the NASCAR Café inside the Sahara from 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Sahara is on the northern end of the Las Vegas strip at 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Double Time in Sin City …
In addition to his duties behind the wheel of the Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet, Bowyer will also race the No. 2 Camping World Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race on Saturday, March 1. Bowyer will drive the Camping World Chevy in 10 NNS races this season. BB&T will be Bowyer’s primary sponsor for the remaining 25 races on the 2008 schedule as he pursues the NNS title. The Sam’s Town 300 from Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on ESPN2 beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The race will also be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the third points-paying race of the season for NASCAR’s junior division will be televised on SPEED the same day beginning at noon EST.
Are You Experienced …
Bowyer will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience Sunday, March 2 from 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be located in the display area, outside Gate C, on speedway property. The Jack Daniel’s Experience is a 53-foot tractor- trailer filled with artifacts, state-of-the art video monitors, sound system and graphics to give race fans a taste of Lynchburg and the Distillery. Autographs are limited due to time constraints and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be open on Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Up to Speed …
The UAW-Dodge 400 will be televised live on FOX Sunday, March 2 beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST. Flag-to-flag coverage will also be broadcast worldwide on PRN and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the third race of 2008 for NASCAR’s senior circuit will be televised live on SPEED Friday, February 29 at 6:30 p.m. EST. PRN and Sirius Satellite Radio will carry qualifying updates live.
CLINT BOWYER QUOTES
How was the Las Vegas test for you guys?
“I’m really happy with the way the test went. Las Vegas is definitely a track where you want to run well because it’s a pretty good indicator of how your mile-and-a-half program is looking. Things went pretty well for us at the Vegas test and our Jack Daniel’s Chevrolets are running good so I’m excited.”
Talk about the Cup race at Las Vegas last year.
“We were headed to the front and I got a little bit too aggressive and overconfident and I crashed. Fortunately, I always try to learn from my mistakes and I’ve definitely learned a lot since then. Hopefully, I can put those lessons to good use this year.”
How does the new style car feel at Las Vegas?
“The cars are pretty fast. Everyone ran good speeds at the test and I’m looking forward to a good race. The Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet handled good and we’re learning a lot about it. “
Do think the race will be more competitive? How do you see it playing out?
“A lot of the cars are running the same speeds. What that will do and if the track will widen out, only time will tell.”
Do you like to gamble when you’re in Las Vegas? Is there any one particular game you’re good at?
“That’s the thing, I’m not good at any of them (laughs). I like playing blackjack. I like playing anything when I’m winning. They’re all fun as long as you’re winning.”
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This Week’s DIRECTV Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway …
Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 237 from the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) stable. Built new for 2008, this is the same DIRECTV Chevrolet Impala SS Bowyer raced to a 19th-place finish two races ago in California.
From Black to Blue …
For the second time in three weeks, Bowyer’s No. 07 Chevy will feature a blue and white DIRECTV paint scheme. Jack Daniel’s, Bowyer’s traditional primary sponsor, will be featured on the car’s deck lid and lower-rear quarter panels. DIRECTV is the leading digital TV provider dedicated to the best entertainment experience available. With more than 16.8 million customers, DIRECTV is the industry leader in satellite service.
Spin to Win with DIRECTV …
DIRECTV will strategically place four Mobile Pit Boxes throughout the Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) concourse and display area for fans to enjoy a free preview of NASCAR HotPass™ Only on DIRECTV. At the Mobile Pit Boxes, fans also have the opportunity to play DIRECTV’s Spin to Win game. With one spin of the prize wheel, fans will win one of five great prizes: a DIRECTV Hat, a DIRECTV Diecast Replica Car, a free Fanview rental for the weekend - an exclusive DIRECTV offer, or the chance for an instant seat upgrade to the DIRECTV Zone. Winner’s who are upgraded to the DIRECTV Zone will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the track from the infield, complete with catering, the chance to meet Bowyer, and watch NASCAR HotPass™ Only on DIRECTV on one of nine flat screen High Definition TVs at the Zone.
Tale of the Tape …
In four NSCS races at AMS, Bowyer has consecutive sixth-place finishes to call a career-best. The 28-year-old driver logged back-to-back sixth-place showings last season at AMS. Meanwhile, Bowyer has an 18.8 starting average and a solid 16th-place average finish. He also recorded a sixth-place finish in last March’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta. In three events at AMS in NASCAR’s top-two divisions last season, Bowyer finished sixth in all three.
A Look Back …
Last weekend in Las Vegas, Bowyer was forced to start the race from the rear of the field after the No. 07 team unloaded its backup car. The Emporia, Kan., native made hard contact with the turn 2 fence near the end of Saturday’s final practice session and the damage was too extensive for repairs. The back up car was brand new and had yet to see any laps on the race track prior to green flag. Despite losing two laps early in the race as a result of an exceptionally temperamental-handling race car, Bowyer and company kept their collective heads in the game and logged a hard-earned 28th-place finish.
A Look Way Back …
After the season’s first three races last year, Bowyer had an 11th-place starting average and a 20th-place average finish and was 18th in points. This season, the third year NSCS wheelman has logged an 18.3 starting average and a 23.3 average finish and is 23rd in points. With his sixth-place finish last spring, Bowyer left AMS ninth in points.
Testing One, Two, Three – Testing …
Bowyer and company tested the Chevrolet Impala SS on Atlanta’s 24-degree banked race course for two days last October following the Pep Boys Auto 500.
Testing Part Two …
Following last weekend’s UAW-Dodge 400 in Las Vegas, Bowyer and his Gil Martin-led team spent Monday and Tuesday testing at Phoenix International Raceway. The test was the fourth of six allowed under NASCAR’s 2008 testing guidelines. The remaining tests available to teams in NASCAR’s top division will be conducted at Pocono Raceway May 27-28 and Lowe’s Motor Speedway Sept. 23-24.
RCR in the ATL …
In 99 starts at AMS, RCR has earned four poles and nine wins including Kevin Harvick’s emotional victory in the Cracker Barrel 500 on March 11, 2001. Prior to that, Dale Earnhardt won eight times at the ultra-fast Hampton, Ga., track. Additionally, RCR boasts 25 top-five and 42 top-10 finishes at AMS. Meanwhile, RCR prepared race cars have also led 2,695 laps at the 1.54-mile quad-oval. Childress, a former driver on NASCAR’s senior circuit, recorded his best finish at Atlanta with a ninth-place effort in the Atlanta Journal 500 on Nov. 2, 1980.
Keep on Rolling …
Bowyer has been running at the end of every race dating back to Phoenix in November 2006, a streak of 40 races. The only other driver running at the end of more consecutive races is his teammate Kevin Harvick who owns a streak of 47 events without a did not finish (DNF).
Double Time in Hotlanta …
In addition to his duties behind the wheel of the DIRECTV Chevrolet, Bowyer will also race the No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in Saturday’s Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race. Flag-to-flag coverage will be televised live Saturday, March 8 on ESPN2 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the fourth stop on the 2008 NNS schedule will be televised the same day on SPEED beginning at 9 a.m. EST. PRN and Sirius Satellite Radio will provide live qualifying updates.
Up to Speed …
Live coverage of Kobalt Tools 500 from Atlanta Motor Speedway will be televised on FOX Sunday, March 9 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The race will be broadcast live on PRN and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the fourth points-paying event on the 2008 Sprint Cup Series calendar will be televised live on SPEED Friday, March 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. EST.
CLINT BOWYER QUOTES
Are your nervous at all about the new style car this weekend? This will be the truest high-speed test of this car.
“We had a chance to test the new car at Atlanta and I feel like we were pretty decent. I’m looking forward to the race. I think we learned a lot and have a lot of different directions that we can go depending on the circumstances.”
Loose is usually fast but is it a little scarier with the new car?
“Well, that’s the thing, loose isn’t necessarily fast anymore. You have to be perfect with the new car. You can’t be too loose. Last year, with the old car, you could be loose and it was fast. That’s just not the case anymore with this car.”
What is it about the number six? You were sixth in the Nationwide race last year and sixth in both Cup races?
“Man, I don’t know. Hopefully, we can fix that. Getting into the top five is the goal. If we can start running in the top five consistently, we’re going to knock on the door for wins. That’s what we aim to do. We have to pick it up a little bit and we’ll be in good shape.”
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Clint Bowyer Food City 500 Bristol NSCS Race Preview
Richard Childress Racing, Press Release
NOTES:
This Week’s Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway …
Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 192 from the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) stable. Built new for 2007, this is the same Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Bowyer raced eight times last season. Mr. Jack’s Crew unloaded this car in both races at Bristol last year (St. 18, Fn. 8 – St. 15, Fn. 3). Chassis No. 192 also saw action last spring at Martinsville (St. 21, Fn. 11) Phoenix (St. 12, Fn. 22), Darlington (St. 1, Fn. 9), twice at Dover (St. 15, Fn. 8 – St. 42, Fn. 12) and last July at New Hampshire (St. 20, Fn. 37). In eight races in 2007, this car recorded an 18th-place starting average and a 13.75 average finish. Over that same span, Bowyer recorded one pole, one top-five and four top-10 finishes.
Back on Track with Mr. Jack …
After featuring a blue and white DIRECTV paint scheme last weekend in Atlanta, Bowyer’s No. 07 Chevrolet Impala SS returns to its traditional Jack Daniel’s look this weekend for the Food City 500.
Bowyer in Bristol …
In four NSCS starts on Bristol’s .533-mile high-banked oval, Bowyer has one top-five and two top-10 finishes. Over those same four races, the third-year driver owns a 21.8 starting average and a 19.5 average finish. Most recently, Bowyer started 15th and finished third in the Sharpie 500 last August.
Tennessee Tradition …
Located just over 300 miles from Bristol, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery was officially registered with the U.S. government in 1866. The Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, Proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is sold in over 135 countries, but every drop is distilled, matured and bottled at the Distillery in Lynchburg, (Pop. 361) Tenn., – located in dry Moore County.
Coming Home …
Mr. Jack’s crew chief, Gil Martin, is a native of the Volunteer State. Martin, 47, is from Nashville, approximately 290 miles northwest of Bristol.
A Toast to the Team …
In honor of Bowyer’s first career NSCS win last season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Mr. Jack’s Crew headed to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg last December where they selected a barrel of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey. It may have taken awhile, because good things come to those who wait, but the barrel, along with the world-famous whiskey inside was delivered to the team this week at RCR in Welcome, N.C. Unlike Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey or Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is not intermingled with whiskey from other barrels but comes from a single barrel hand-selected by Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jimmy Bedford.
Atlanta Rewind …
Bowyer notched his first top -10 finish of 2008 with a sixth-place finish in last weekend’s Kobalt Tools 500. At the same time, his seventh-place qualifying effort was a season-best as well. His third-place starting spot at California Speedway was the result of NASCAR’s decision to cancel qualifying, due to inclement weather, and set the starting grid according to final 2007 owner’s points. The Emporia, Kan., native led three times for 52 laps and moved up seven spots in points.
Climbing the Charts …
Following last weekend’s sixth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bowyer climbed from 23rd to 16th in the NSCS championship point standings. The third-year Sprint Cup Series regular is now just 34 points behind Matt Kenseth in 12th, 42 behind Kurt Busch in 10th and a scant 55 markers outside of Brian Vickers’ 491-point tally who sits in ninth.
RCR at Bristol …
In 102 Cup Series starts at Bristol, RCR boasts eight wins – seven with Dale Earnhardt and one with Kevin Harvick – three poles, 26 top-five and 46 top-10 finishes. Additionally, in 35 starts, RCR Nationwide Series teams have claimed five wins – four with Harvick and one with Jeff Green – 15 top-five and 20 top -10 finishes.
Keep on Rolling …
Bowyer has been running at the end of every race dating back to Phoenix in November 2006, a streak of 41 races. The only other driver running at the end of more consecutive races is his teammate Kevin Harvick who owns a streak of 48 events without a did not finish (DNF).
Clint in Columbus …
On behalf of Chevrolet, Bowyer will meet fans and sign autographs at the Columbus (Ohio) Auto Show on Wednesday, March 12 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. The Columbus Auto show is located at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, in Columbus.
Meet Me at the Experience …
Bowyer will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience Sunday, March 16 from 11-11:15 a.m. The Jack Daniel’s Experience is a 42-foot tractor trailer filled with artifacts, state-of-the art video monitors, sound system and graphics to give race fans a taste of Lynchburg and the Distillery. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be located in the Earhardt Campground outside Turn 1. The JDX will be open on Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Autographs may be availab
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