NASCAR Cup

Darlington: GM Racing preview

TEAM CHEVY IMPALA SS - INSIDE THE GARAGE AT DARLINGTON -- ALBA COLON, GM RACING PROGRAM MANAGER NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES: "Our Chevy teams always look forward to racing under the lights at Darlington Raceway. This year's race holds special ...

Published: Jun 19, 2009, 7:53 PM

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TEAM CHEVY IMPALA SS - INSIDE THE GARAGE AT DARLINGTON -- ALBA COLON, GM RACING PROGRAM MANAGER NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES: "Our Chevy teams always look forward to racing under the lights at Darlington Raceway. This year's race holds special significance as the track celebrates 60 years of racing this weekend. Darlington undoubtedly ranks as one of the most historic venues in all of sports.

"Known as NASCAR's first superspeedway, Darlington has history coursing through its unique egg-shaped layout. Since the first race there in 1950, Chevrolet has led the field to the checkered flag 37 times, more than any other manufacturer. Jeff Gordon has seven wins at the track "Too Tough to Tame", more than any other active driver and heads to Darlington as the points leader.

"And in all those years, the track has offered many challenges. Last year, the big issue was the new surface itself, but the biggest element in race strategy at Darlington has always been tire wear. Our Team Chevy driver, Kevin Harvick, participated in the Goodyear tire test in March, and gave the tires good reviews.

"The shuffle in the point standings continues as each week a new driver enters the top-12. This week, Ryan Newman made his first top-12 appearance to give Team Chevy six of the dozen, more than any other manufacturer. Newman has improved 23 points standings positions in the last seven races -- going from 33rd after Las Vegas to his current 10th-place position.

"Currently, six drivers are within 100 points of a top-12 Chase for the Sprint Cup spot including three additional Team Chevy drivers. Juan Pablo Montoya is 14th in the order, Mark Martin sets in 15th place and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is in 18th position. Casey Mears is closing is as well, right now holding down 20th place.

"We are looking forward to a great race and to seeing another Chevrolet in the Winner's Circle this weekend."

POINT LEADER COMMENT ON 60 YEARS OF RACING AT DARLINGTON RACEWAY:
"The cars have changed, the speeds have changed and the asphalt has changed, but I don't believe the driver's thinking has changed one bit. You race the track here, not the other competitors." -- Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Impala SS

-credit: gm racing

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