6th-place McMurray gets 3rd top-10 in 4 races

Jamie McMurray followed his winning teammate Kyle Larson across the line at Auto Club Speedway in sixth.

That was his third top-10 in the past four races and his fourth consecutive top-15. McMurray has not spent as much time in the top 10 during races as his teammate, but in some ways that makes him more attractive because he is flying under the radar screen.

Kyle Busch finishes eighth at Auto Club

Kyle Busch finished eighth in the Auto Club 400 after starting the event ninth.

Busch challenged for the win in the closing laps, but pushed a little too hard while battling Kyle Larson. He slipped up out of the groove and was overhauled by a several drivers, but this race was important nevertheless because it allowed him to get back inside the top 10 at Auto Club. He had crash damage in this race last year to finish 25th and that snapped a four-race streak of top-fives.

Ryan Blaney gets another 2017 top-10

With his ninth-place finish in the Auto Club 400, Ryan Blaney has earned three top-10s in 2017. None of them have come in consecutive weekends.

Expand the parameters some and Blaney has now finished in the top 10 in every other race during a seven-week span. He is not particularly strong at Martinsville Speedway, but will be a top contender at Texas Motor Speedway, so that pattern could continue.

Kevin Harvick cuts tire, rebounds to 13th

Kevin Harvick experienced a cut tire on lap 26 of the Auto Club 400, lost a lap getting it changed, and spent most of the afternoon a lap down to the leaders. He regained his lap with 10 circuits remaining and finished 13th.

Harvick's Fantasy Power Rankings number will take a hit this week, but he showed a lot of poise and strength at the end of the race to secure that top-15, advancing from 22nd. He should be watched closely in the coming weeks.

Jimmie Johnson falls out of top 16

Jimmie Johnson finished 21st in the Auto Club 400 and fell to 17th in the points standings.

This was the latest in a long line of disappointing finishes for the defending Cup champion. He has only one top-10 in five starts and an average of 18.8. So far, this team has not shown much power in the early or late stages of a race and his 18 segment points is 11th-best.

Johnson also spun in the race's first practice session on Friday, causing him to have to go to a backup car for the rest of the race weekend.

NXS Race Preview: Service King 300 at Auto Club

NASCAR XFINITY Series
Next Race: Service King 300
The Place: Auto Club Speedway
The Date: Saturday, March 25
The Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: FS1, 4 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 300 miles (150 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on lap 35),
Stage 2 (Ends on lap 70), Final Stage (Ends on lap 150)

Quick Facts:
Races: 27
Pole Winners: 17
Youngest Pole Winner: Erik Jones (03/21/2015 - 18 years, 8 months, 50 days)
Oldest Pole Winner: Dave Blaney (02/24/2007 - 44 years, 4 months, 0 days)
Race Winners: 16
Youngest Winner: Joey Logano (10/10/2009 - 19 years, 4 months, 16 days)
Oldest Winner: Mark Martin (02/26/2005 - 46 years, 1 months, 17 days)
Races Won from Pole (or 1st Starting Position): 5
Last Race Won from Pole (or 1st Starting Position): Kyle Busch (03/23/2013)
Race Record: Hank Parker Jr 155.957mph (04/28/2001)
Qualifying Record: Tony Stewart 185.941mph (02/26/2005)

NXS News & Notes:

Allgaier, Reed Are The First Two Title Contenders Playoff Bound; Who’s Next?

In the first four races of 2017, the NASCAR XFINITY Series has seen two series championship contenders win races – Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed at Daytona International Speedway and last weekend’s victor, JR Motorsports’ driver Justin Allgaier at Phoenix Raceway. The two drivers not only have scored playoff points (five each), but also guaranteed themselves a spot in the playoffs provided they attempt to qualify for the remaining regular season races and stay inside the top 30 in points.

This weekend, on the last stop of the #NASCARGoesWest part of the schedule, the NASCAR XFINITY Series will head to Auto Club Speedway for the Service King 300 on Saturday, March 25, at 4 p.m. ET (FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The only way to a championship is through the playoffs. Both Reed and Allgaier have accumulated five playoff points each with their wins; which can help them advance through the playoffs later this season. Allgaier’s JR Motorsports teammate and current driver standings leader Elliott Sadler is the only other title contender to earn playoff points through the first four races – Sadler won the first two stages of the season-opening race at Daytona to earn two playoff points.

Who will be the next title contender to secure their spot in the playoffs with a win this weekend at Auto Club Speedway?

The last NASCAR XFINITY Series championship contender to win at Auto Club Speedway was in 2010, when Kyle Busch swept both races that season. The past six races have been won by drivers that have elected to compete for a championship in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Kyle Busch leads the series in wins at Auto Club Speedway with six victories.

Despite all that, NASCAR’s Loop Data points to Roush Fenway Racing’s Darrell Wallace Jr. as this season’s series title contender with a solid chance to visit Victory Lane this weekend. He has the best Auto Club Speedway pre-race driver rating among series contenders (102.2) and the best average running position (7.2). He also spent 99.3% of his two starts at Auto Club Speedway in the top 15.  He finished in the top-five of this event last season.

"We had a solid run last season here in Fontana, finishing third," said Darrell Wallace Jr. "I’m definitely looking forward to getting back there this weekend and try to follow that up and maybe get a couple spots better. We’ve gotten off to a great start in 2017, and I’m confident we can keep that momentum going on Saturday."

JR Motorsport’s Fleet A Force To Be Reckoned With In 2017
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s organization, JR Motorsports, is fielding four full-time cars this season, and through the first four races of 2017, they have been quite good.

How good? Well, JR Motorsports entrants occupy three of the top four spots in the NASCAR XFINITY Series driver standings, and all four of the organization’s full-time championship contending teams are inside the top 10.

Elliott Sadler – No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro – Sadler is the current NASCAR XFINITY series driver standings leader. The Emporia, Virginia, native continues to impress upon the field his veteran mastery as he has an 11-point lead over second-place William Byron. Sadler and crew chief Kevin Meendering have posted two stage wins and three top 10s in the first four starts of 2017. Sadler has made 12 series starts at Auto Club Speedway, posting one pole, four top fives, eight top 10s and an average finish of 12.5.

William Byron – No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro – Byron is the 19-year old Sunoco rookie rocket. He is currently second in the NASCAR XFINITY Series driver standings, 11 points behind his teammate Elliott Sadler. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native and crew chief David Elenz have posted one pole and three top 10s in the first four races of the season. Byron is also on top of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings. Byron will be making his series track debut this weekend at Auto Club Speedway.

Justin Allgaier – No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro – Allgaier snapped an 80-race winless streak last weekend at Phoenix Raceway to become the second NASCAR XFINITY Series title contender to win this season. Allgaier and crew chief Jason Burdett are currently fourth in the series standings, 29 points back from teammate Elliott Sadler. This season, the Riverton, Illinois, native has posted one win (Phoenix-1), two top fives and an average finish of 16.2. Expect Allgaier’s recent success to continue this weekend at Auto Club Speedway, a track he has made eight starts posting three top 10s and an average finish of 14.0.

Michael Annett – No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro – Annett is currently ninth in the NASCAR XFINITY Series driver standings, 55 points back from his teammate Elliott Sadler. Annett and crew chief Jason Stockert have posted one top 10 and an average finish of 14.8 in the four races of 2017. 

If all four teams maintain their position in the standings throughout the regular season, then JR Motorsports could possibly become the first organization in series history to field four teams in the NASCAR XFINITY Series playoffs.

Youth Movement Makes Waves In NASCAR XFINITY Series
The youth movement has once again arrived in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. Following the fourth race of the season, the average age of the top 12 in the series driver standings is 26 years old. The average age of the four Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders, William Byron (19), Daniel Hemric (26), Matt Tifft (20) and Cole Custer (19) is just 21 years old.

Over the last 30 years of competition in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, the drivers ranked in the top 12 of driver standings following the fourth race of the season have, on average, become younger and younger. In 1987, the average age of the drivers ranked in the top 12 in points following the fourth race of the season was 34.6 years old. In 1997, the average age dropped to 32.1 years old, while it was 32.6 years old in 2007. Finally, this season the average age of the drivers ranked in the top 12 in points following the fourth race of the season is 26 years old - eight years younger than the average age of the 1987 drivers.

The youngest XFINITY Series race winner at Auto Club Speedway was Joey Logano in 2009 at 19 years, 4 months and 16 days. If William Byron (19 years 3 months) or Cole Custer (19 years 1 month) were to win this weekend, they would break the track record.

NASCAR XFINITY Series Etc.:

I Wish They All Could Be California.… Drivers: Several native Californians will be returning to their home state this weekend for the Service King 300 at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday, March 25. Ryan Reed (Bakersfield), Cole Custer (Ladera Ranch), Kyle Larson (Elk Grove), and Casey Mears (Bakersfield) are entered to compete this weekend. Here is what some of the drivers are saying about going back to Cali.

Cole Custer – "It means a lot. I’ve never raced there (Auto Club) before, so it will be cool. I’ve had some friends come out for a couple of races on the West Coast swing and we’ll have a lot of family in California, so it will be cool having a lot of support there. I’m really looking forward to seeing what it’s like out at my hometown track."

Ryan Reed – "It’s always fun to be home and see family and friends and the fact that we get to race here (Auto Club Speedway), too, makes it a great weekend." …

Casey Mears Returns To The Series For Biagi-DenBeste Racing: Not since 2010 has veteran Casey Mears competed in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, but this weekend at Auto Club Speedway he will return to pilot the Biagi DenBeste Racing No. 98 Ford Mustang. Mears’ NASCAR XFINITY Series career has seen 93 starts, posting one win (2006), 16 top fives, 32 top 10s and four poles. Mears has made five series starts at Auto Club Speedway with two top fives.

Sunoco Rookie Update Following Phoenix: William Byron (JR Motorsports) has opened a 10-point lead in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings following Phoenix over second-place Daniel Hemric (Richard Childress Racing). Cole Custer (Stewart-Haas Racing) is 10 points behind second-place Daniel Hemric. Matt Tifft (Joe Gibbs Racing) is one point behind Custer and Spencer Gallagher (GMS Racing) is three points back from Tifft in fourth.

Team Penske Generate Large Lead In Owner Points: Team Penske’s No. 22 team has opened up a 44-point lead over Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 42 team in the NASCAR XFINITY Series car owner points following the race at Phoenix.

MENCS Race Preview: Auto Club 400 at Auto Club

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Next Race: Auto Club 400
The Place: Auto Club Speedway
The Date: Sunday, March 26
The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, 3:30 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 400 miles (200 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on lap 60),
Stage 2 (Ends on lap 120), Final Stage (Ends on lap 200)

Auto Club Speedway Quick Facts
Races: 27
Pole Winners: 17
Youngest Pole Winner: Kyle Busch (02/27/2005 - 19 years, 9 months, 25 days)
Oldest Pole Winner: Mike Skinner (04/30/2000 - 42 years, 10 months, 2 days)
Race Winners: 15
Youngest Winner: Kyle Busch (09/04/2005 - 20 years, 4 months, 2 days)
Oldest Winner: Rusty Wallace (04/29/2001 - 44 years, 8 months, 15 days)
Races Won from Pole (or 1st Starting Position): 1
Last Race Won from Pole (or 1st Starting Position): Jimmie Johnson (08/31/2008)
Race Record: Tony Stewart 160.166mph (03/25/2012)
Qualifying Record:
Denny Hamlin 188.511mph, 38.194 secs. - Round 2 of 3 (03/18/2016)

MENCS News & Notes:

Larson Leads Points Standings Following Third Straight Runner-Up Finish

There’s a new sheriff in town as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series closes out its West Coast swing with Sunday’s Auto Club 400 at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX).

Kyle Larson has ascended to the top of the points standings following his third consecutive runner-up showing last Sunday at Phoenix. It’s the latest in the season a Chip Ganassi Racing car has led the standings since Sterling Marlin’s Coors Light Silver Bullet led the field in 2002.

Larson is the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity alumnus to lead the points standings.

He is followed in the standings by Brad Keselowski (-6), Chase Elliott (-13), Martin Truex Jr (-31) and Joey Logano (-49). Ryan Blaney (-57), Kevin Harvick (-61), Jamie McMurray (-65), Kurt Busch (-79) and Kasey Kahne (-79) round out the top 10.

The No. 42 Chevrolet driver is the 16th different driver to finish runner-up in three consecutive races. The feat has been achieved 25 times – most recently by Carl Edwards (2011 playoffs). Larson is the first in series history to accomplish the feat in the first four races of a given season.

Four drivers have finished runner-up four consecutive times in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series: Mark Martin (1998), Harry Gant (1985), Darrell Waltrip (1983) and Richard Petty (1964). No driver has finished runner-up in five straight races.

At 24 years and seven months old, Larson is the sixth-youngest points leader in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history – 1. Kyle Busch (22 years, 10 months, 2008) 2. Jeff Gordon (23 years, 11 months, 1996), 3t. Jeff Gordon (24 years, four months, 1995) 3t. Joey Logano (24 years, four months, 2014), 5. Kurt Busch (24 years, six months, 2003) 6. Larson

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Set For 600th Start

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will become the 25th driver in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history to make 600 or more starts when he hits the track for Sunday’s Auto Club 400.

The 25 drivers with 600 or more starts comprise less than one percent (.009%) of the total number of NASCAR drivers to make at least one start in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (2,537).

Only one active driver boasts more than 600 starts (Matt Kenseth, 618).

In his 599 previous Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career starts, Earnhardt has posted 26 wins, including two Daytona 500 victories (2004, 2014), 148 top fives, 252 top 10s and 13 Coors Light poles.

He las led 8,195 laps and has completed 170,689 laps. His career average starting position is 16.0 and his career average finishing position is 15.6.

Winning In The Sun: Newman Breaks 128-Race Winless Drought At Phoenix

Ryan Newman turned in a gutsy performance Sunday when he stayed out on old tires for overtime and pulled away to victory in the two-lap shootout at Phoenix. The checkered flag snapped a 127-race winless streak for Newman who last visited Victory Lane on July 28, 2013 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Newman’s victory also marked the first for Richard Childress Racing since Kevin Harvick won at Phoenix on Nov. 10, 2013 – 112 races ago.

Newman sits 11th in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series points standings (83 markers below Kyle Larson) and claims five playoff points.

In 552 career starts, Newman owns 18 wins, 106 top fives, 226 top 10s and 51 poles.

Suarez And Jones Post Career-High Finishes

Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders Daniel Suarez and Erik Jones posted career-best finishes of seventh and eighth, respectively, in Sunday’s Camping World 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Suarez leads a tight rookie race by one point over Jones. They are followed by Ty Dillon (seven points behind Suarez), Corey LaJoie (-11) and Gray Gaulding (-21).

Suarez, 25, and Jones, 20, are alumni of the NASCAR Next program. Although Suarez ranks better than Jones in the Rookie of Year race, Jones sits higher in the points standings at 18th (102 points behind Kyle Larson), while Suarez occupies the 21st spot (-112).

Cutting To The Chase: Elliott Continues Strong Start

Although he finished 12th, Chase Elliott continued his strong start to the season by earning his first playoff point via a Stage 2 win on Sunday at Phoenix. On the day, Elliott led four times for 106 laps.

The 21-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver ranks third in the series standings – 13 points behind leader Kyle Larson. He has high finishes of third (Las Vegas) and fifth (Atlanta) this season.

Keselowski Has Most Stage Points

Brad Keselowski must like NASCAR’s new race enhancements. He leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with 57 points from Stage 1 and Stage 2 – six points more than Kyle Larson in second – even though he trails Larson by six points in the overall points standings. They are followed in stage points by Chase Elliott (-10), Kevin Harvick (-17) and Martin Truex Jr. (-23).

Keselowski and Larson are the only drivers who have earned points in every stage this season.

Celebrities Aplenty For Auto Club Weekend

With Auto Club’s proximity to Los Angeles there’s bound to be celebrities in attendance.

Scott Eastwood, from the upcoming movie "Fate of the Furious" will serve as grand marshal. Kaitlin Olson, of "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia," is the honorary pace car driver. Acting as honorary starter is singer-songwriter Pepe Aguilar. Teen music sensation Skyler Stecker will sing the national anthem.

Fantasy Sleepers and Value Picks – Auto Club Speedway (Auto Club 400)

Kasey Kahne has one win, four Top-5's and 10
Top-10's at Auto Club. 

Sleepers:

Kasey Kahne: Kasey Kahne remains a quality sleeper play and one owners should consider starting at Auto Club Speedway. Kahne has an average place differential of +7.2 and owns an average finish of 10.8 this season. He is currently 14th in fantasy points averaged over his last three starts. In 20 starts at Auto Club, Kahne has a bit of a mixed bag with one win, four top fives and 10 top 10s. He’s led 268 laps there and owns an average Auto Club finish of 16.6. Consider him a safe sleeper play with potentially high upside.

Jamie McMurray: From a #FantasyNASCAR perspective, Jamie McMurray has had a productive start to the season. He currently ranks 13th in fantasy points averaged over his last three races. In those three races, McMurray has finishes of 15th (Phoenix), eighth (Las Vegas) and 10th (Atlanta). In 21 starts at Auto Club, McMurray has been sleeper worthy, especially as of late. In his last three races there, he has two top 10s. McMurray owns an average finish of 17.0 at Auto Club, with a place differential of +2.8.

Erik Jones: Erik Jones is who we thought he was... Good. Jones has been producing as of late and has three-consecutive top-15 finishes, including an eighth-place finish last week at Phoenix. He’s risen all the way to 16th in fantasy points averaged over his last three races. Jones remains a quality sleeper play as he has the ability to get to the front whether qualifying high or not. He still owns an average finish of 19.0 on the season, but he also finished 39th at Daytona. As long as his price remains this low, Jones is considered a strong buy.

Kurt Busch: A driver to keep a sleeping eye open for is Kurt Busch. In 23 starts at Auto Club, he has one win, seven top fives and 12 top 10s. He owns an average finish of 12.3, with an average place differential of +2.6 in Fontana. Busch has run 54.4% of his laps in the top 15 and since 2005, owns a driver rating of 90.0 – good for seventh among active drivers. Even though he’s struggled in his last two races, his price and potential production make Busch a sleeping giant this week.

Value Plays:

Paul Menard: Paul Menard has quietly been a stout value play this season. In his four races, he’s finished top- 25 or better in each. He currently owns an average finish of 17.5, with an average place differential of +3. Though Menard is on the higher end salary-wise of a value pick, he is worth it at Auto Club. He has eight- consecutive top 25s at Fontana, including three of his last four being top 10s or better. He’s run 26.3% of his laps in the top 15 at Auto Club and owns an average finish of 20.2. Menard has the ability to rake in the place differential category depending on where he qualifies. Consider him an elite value play.

Ty Dillon: Through four races this season, Ty Dillon has been a very safe value play. The positive thing is he is priced as one and adds good value in high-dollar-starter lineups. He’s scored top-25 or better in each of his last three races. He currently owns an average finish of 20.5 and has led two laps this season. Dillon currently is ranked 21st in fantasy points averaged over his last three races. He makes an above average value pick as he has the potential to gain a lot of points in place differential.

Landon Cassill: This season, Landon Cassill has proved to be a bit of a point differential specialist. This season, Cassill is averaging a positive place differential of +4.3. In seven starts at Auto Club, he possesses an average place differential of +7.4. In this race last season, Cassill started 34th and finished 16th. That’s considered a mover and a shaker. Cassill makes a great plug and play based on these place differential numbers alone.

David Ragan: If you’re looking for a solid value buy this week at Auto Club, David Ragan is your driver. His price remains extremely affordable and he’s produced at Auto Club. In 14-career starts there, Ragan has one top 10 and has 11 top 25s. He owns an average finish of 19.9, with an average place differential of +5.9. He’s led three laps at Auto Club and has run 20.8% of his laps in the top 15. He’s also had 11 fastest laps at Auto Club. Ragan is a solid buy at his current value price and has a good opportunity to exceed bang for your buck.

Statistical Advance: Analyzing Auto Club 400

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – Below is a look at some of the top statistical performers at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California going into the Auto Club 400 on FOX at 3:30 p.m. ET on March 26.

AUTO CLUB-SPECIFIC STATISTICS

Clint Bowyer (No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion)

·        Two top fives, seven top 10s

·        Average finish of 14.313, seventh-best

·        Average Running Position of 13.798, seventh-best

·        Driver Rating of 88.3, ninth-best

·        75 Fastest Laps Run, seventh-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.321, ninth-fastest

·        1976 Laps in the Top 15 (54.9), 10th-most

·        627 Quality Passes, 10th-most

Kyle Busch (No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry)

·        Three wins, eight top fives, 12 top 10s; one pole

·        Average finish of 10.176, third-best

·        Average Running Position of 8.929, third-best

·        Driver Rating of 109.0, second-best

·        255 Fastest Laps Run, 11th-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 172.001, third-fastest

·        3180 Laps in the Top 15 (81.6), fourth-most

·        872 Quality Passes, series-most

 Kurt Busch (No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion)

·        One win, seven top fives, 12 top 10s; four poles

·        Average finish of 12.944, sixth-best

·        Average Running Position of 15.032, eighth-best

·        Driver Rating of 90.0, seventh-best

·        148 Fastest Laps Run, eighth-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.392, seventh-fastest

·        2610 Laps in the Top 15 (63.6), seventh-most

·        788 Quality Passes, fourth-most

Dale Earnhardt Jr (No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS)

·        Five top fives, seven top 10s

·        Average finish of 18.722, 12th-best

·        Average Running Position of 18.897, 13th-best

·        Driver Rating of 79.4, 12th-best

·        114 Fastest Laps Run, second-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.294, 11th-fastest

·        1824 Laps in the Top 15 (44.4), 13th-most

·        676 Quality Passes, eighth-most

Chase Elliott (No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS)

·        One top 10

·        Average finish of 6.000, series-best

·        Average Running Position of 7.498, second-best

·        Driver Rating of 105.1, third-best

·        5 Fastest Laps Run, 13th-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 172.187, second-fastest

·        201 Laps in the Top 15 (98.0), series-most

·        76 Quality Passes, 13th-most

Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry)

·        Two top fives, five top 10s; three poles

·        Average finish of 18.533, 11th-best

·        Average Running Position of 13.377, sixth-best

·        Driver Rating of 92.3, sixth-best

·        76 Fastest Laps Run, third-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.616, sixth-fastest

·        2244 Laps in the Top 15 (66.1), sixth-most

·        641 Quality Passes, ninth-most

Kevin Harvick (No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion)

·        One win, six top fives, 11 top 10s

·        Average finish of 12.333, fifth-best

·        Average Running Position of 11.398, fifth-best

·        Driver Rating of 99.4, fifth-best

·        221 Fastest Laps Run, ninth-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.885, fifth-fastest

·        3061 Laps in the Top 15 (74.6), fifth-most

·        814 Quality Passes, third-most

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS)

·        Six wins, 13 top fives, 16 top 10s; one pole

·        Average finish of 6.111, second-best

·        Average Running Position of 6.040, series-best

·        Driver Rating of 119.7, series-best

·        528 Fastest Laps Run, 12th-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 172.520, series-fastest

·        3824 Laps in the Top 15 (93.2), second-most

·        870 Quality Passes, second-most

Kasey Kahne (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS)

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

·        Average finish of 17.667, 10th-best

·        Average Running Position of 16.134, 11th-best

·        Driver Rating of 88.6, eighth-best

·        113 Fastest Laps Run, fourth-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.304, 10th-fastest

·        2424 Laps in the Top 15 (59.1), eighth-most

·        787 Quality Passes, sixth-most

Matt Kenseth (No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry)

·        Three wins, nine top fives, 15 top 10s; one pole

·        Average finish of 10.611, fourth-best

·        Average Running Position of 9.129, fourth-best

·        Driver Rating of 105.0, fourth-best

·        160 Fastest Laps Run, 10th-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.920, fourth-fastest

·        3396 Laps in the Top 15 (82.7), third-most

·        788 Quality Passes, fifth-most

Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Team Penske Ford Fusion)

·        One win, one top five, two top 10s

·        Average finish of 18.750, 13th-best

·        Average Running Position of 16.098, 10th-best

·        Driver Rating of 79.2, 13th-best

·        27 Fastest Laps Run, series-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.122, 12th-fastest

·        781 Laps in the Top 15 (48.8), 12th-most

·        293 Quality Passes, 12th-most

Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford Fusion)

·        Three top fives, four top 10s

·        Average finish of 15.800, eighth-best

·        Average Running Position of 16.539, 12th-best

·        Driver Rating of 84.0, 10th-best

·        41 Fastest Laps Run, sixth-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.346, eighth-fastest

·        1034 Laps in the Top 15 (49.3), 11th-most

·        373 Quality Passes, 11th-most

Ryan Newman (No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet SS)

·        Five top fives, nine top 10s; one pole

·        Average finish of 16.778, ninth-best

·        Average Running Position of 15.891, ninth-best

·        Driver Rating of 82.1, 11th-best

·        24 Fastest Laps Run, fifth-best

·        Average Green Flag Speed of 171.084, 13th-fastest

·        2264 Laps in the Top 15 (55.2), ninth-most

·        743 Quality Passes, seventh-most

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 2017 Top 16 At Auto Club Speedway

Rank	Driver	Races	Poles	Wins	Top Fives	Top 10s	DNFs	Average Finish	Driver Rating
1	Kyle Larson	3	0	0	1	1	1	22.3	67.3
2	Brad Keselowski	8	0	1	1	2	0	18.8	79.2
3	Chase Elliott	1	0	0	0	1	0	6	105.1
4	Martin Truex Jr	16	0	0	0	4	2	20.1	78.4
5	Joey Logano	10	0	0	3	4	0	15.8	84.0
6	Ryan Blaney	1	0	0	0	0	1	35	67.7
7	Kevin Harvick	23	0	1	6	11	2	15.1	99.4
8	Jamie McMurray	21	2	0	3	7	0	17	71.9
9	Kurt Busch	23	4	1	7	12	0	12.3	90.0
10	Kasey Kahne	20	1	1	4	10	3	16.6	88.6
11	Ryan Newman	22	1	0	5	9	3	16.6	82.1
12	Trevor Bayne	3	0	0	0	0	0	26.3	54.5
13	Kyle Busch	18	1	3	8	12	1	10.9	109.0
14	Denny Hamlin	15	3	0	2	5	3	18.5	92.3
15	Clint Bowyer	16	0	0	2	7	1	14.3	88.3

* – Based on last 18 races at Auto Club Speedway (2005 – 2016).

2017 Stage Winners / Drivers with Playoff Points

Track	Stage 1 Winner	Stage 2 Winner	Race Winner		Playoff Points Following Race #4
Daytona	Kyle Busch	Kevin Harvick	Kurt Busch		Drivers	Playoff Points
Atlanta	Kevin Harvick	Kevin Harvick	Brad Keselowski		Martin Truex Jr	7
Las Vegas	Martin Truex Jr.	Martin Truex Jr.	Martin Truex Jr.		Kurt Busch	5
Phoenix	Joey Logano	Chase Elliott	Ryan Newman		Brad Keselowski	5
Auto Club					Ryan Newman	5
Martinsville					Kevin Harvick	3
Texas					Joey Logano	1
Bristol					Chase Elliott	1
Richmond
Talladega

Auto Club Speedway Data Season Race #: 5 of 36 (03-26-17) 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 Stage 1 & 2 Length: 50 laps (each) Final Stage Length: 100 laps Top 10 Driver Rating at Auto Club Jimmie Johnson........................ 119.7 Kyle Busch............................... 109.0 Chase Elliott............................. 105.1 Matt Kenseth............................ 105.0 Kevin Harvick............................. 99.4 Denny Hamlin............................. 92.3 Kurt Busch................................. 90.0 Kasey Kahne.............................. 88.6 Clint Bowyer............................... 88.3 Joey Logano............................... 84.0 Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2016 races (18 total) among active drivers at Auto Club Speedway Qualifying/Race Data 2016 pole winner: Austin Dillon, Chevrolet 188.482 mph, 38.200 secs. 03-18-16 2016 race winner: Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet 137.213 mph, (2:59:17), 03-20-16 Track qualifying record: Denny Hamlin, Toyota 188.511 mph, 38.194 secs. 03-18-16 Track race record: Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 155.012 mph (3:13:32); 6-22-97

At Auto Club Speedway:

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 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 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 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup and NASCAR XFINITY Series ran two races in a season there.

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

Starts

·        There have been 27 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at Auto Club Speedway, the track hosted one race a season from 1997-2003, then two races per season from 2004-2010. In 2011, Auto Club Speedway returned to a single-race season.

·        144 drivers have competed in at least one Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway; 118 in more than one.

·        Jeff Gordon leads the series in starts at Auto Club Speedway with 26.

·        Dale Earnhardt Jr and Matt Kenseth lead all active drivers in starts at Auto Club Speedway with 24 each.

·        Chris Buescher (2015), Kevin Conway (2010), J.J. Yeley (2004), Shane Hmiel (2004), Greg Biffle (2002) and Mike Dillon (1998) all made their first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career start at Auto Club Speedway.

·        Jimmie Johnson leads the series in average starting position at Auto Club Speedway with a 9.909

Poles

·        Joe Nemechek won the inaugural MENCS Coors Light pole (1997) at Auto Club Speedway with a speed of 183.015 mph (39.341 secs.).

·        17 drivers have won the Coors Light pole at Auto Club Speedway, led by Kurt Busch with four (2015, 2007 and 2006 sweep).

·        Denny Hamlin (2012, 2013), Kurt Busch (2006 sweep) and Jamie McMurray (2010 sweep) are the only three drivers to win consecutive poles at Auto Club Speedway.

·        Youngest ACS pole winner: Kyle Busch (2/27/2005 – 19 years, 9 months, 25 days).

·        Oldest ACS pole winner: Mike Skinner (4/30/2000 – 42 years, 10 months, 2 days).

·        Three drivers have posted their first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coors Light pole at Auto Club Speedway: Carl Edwards (9/4/2005), Kyle Busch (2/27/2005) and Joe Nemechek (6/22/1997).

·        Kyle Busch won his first pole (2/27/05) and first series win (9/4/05) at ACS in 2005.

Wins

·        15 different Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers have won at Auto Club Speedway, led by Jimmie Johnson with six victories (2016, 2010 spring, 2009 fall, 2008 fall, 2007 fall and 2002).

·        Five drivers have posted multiple Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wins at Auto Club Speedway: Jimmie Johnson (six), Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth each have three wins, Tony Stewart has two.

·        Jimmie Johnson (2009-2010) and Kyle Busch (2013-2014) are the only two drivers to win consecutive MENCS races at Auto Club Speedway.

·        Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at Auto Club Speedway with 10, followed by Roush Fenway Racing with seven and Stewart Haas Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske each have two.

·        California-native Jimmie Johnson became the first and only driver to win from the pole at Auto Club Speedway in 2008 (0.04%).

·        Only two of the 27 (7.4%) ACS races have been won from the front row, both by seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, fall of 2008 (pole); and the fall of 2007 (second-place).

·        Nine of the 27 (33.3%) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at Auto Club Speedway have been won from a top-five starting position.

·        14 of the 27 (51.8%) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup races at Auto Club Speedway have been won from a top-10 starting position.

·        Seven of the 27 (25.9%) races have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.

·        The deepest in the field that a race winner has started is 31st, by Matt Kenseth in the spring of 2006.

·        The most proficient starting position at ACS is pretty random. Three starting positions (third, ninth and 24th) have produced three winners each.

Wins

·        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 (2002) and Kyle Busch (2005) posted their first series career win at Auto Club Speedway.   

·        13 of the 15 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers who have won at Auto Club Speedway participated in at least two or more races at the track before visiting Victory Lane.

o   Jeff Gordon (1997 – inaugural event) and Jimmie Johnson (2002) are the only drivers to win at ACS in their first appearance.

·        Tony Stewart competed at Auto Club Speedway 18 times before winning in the fall of 2010; the longest span of any the 15 winners. Only Stewart (18) and Kevin Harvick (17) have made 10 or more attempts before their first win at Auto Club Speedway.

·        Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads all active drivers with the most Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Auto Club Speedway without visiting Victory Lane at 24.

·        Three reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champions have gone on to win at Auto Club Speedway the following season: Tony Stewart (2012), Jeff Gordon (1999) and Jimmie Johnson - the only driver to do it multiple times (2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010).

·        Two drivers have won at Auto Club Speedway and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same season: Jeff Gordon (1997) and Jimmie Johnson (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2016).

·        Only three car numbers have produced three or more Auto Club Speedway MENCS wins:

Car Number – Drivers – (Years)

o   No. 48  – Jimmie Johnson (2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2016)

o   No. 17 – Matt Kenseth (2006, 2007 and 2009)

o   No. 24 – Jeff Gordon (1997, 1999 and 2004)

Additional Finishing Position

·        Jimmie Johnson leads the series in runner-up finishes at Auto Club Speedway with five; followed by Jeff Gordon with four and Kevin Harvick with three. Johnson has finished second or better in 11 of his 22 ACS starts (50%).

·        Jimmie Johnson leads the series in top-five finishes at Auto Club Speedway with 13; followed by Jeff Gordon (10), Matt Kenseth (nine), Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch (eight each).

·        Jimmie Johnson leads the series in top-10 finishes with 16; followed by Matt Kenseth (15), Carl Edwards (15) and Tony Stewart (13).

Additional Finishing Position

·        Jimmie Johnson leads the series in average finishing position at ACS with a 6.500.

·        Jimmie Johnson (6.5) is the only active driver with more than one start with an average finish inside the top 10 at Auto Club Speedway.  

Track / Specific Event

·        There have been five finishes at Auto Club Speedway resulting in NASCAR Overtime: 2005 (250/254), 2006 (250/251), 2014 (200/206), 2015 (200/209), and 2016 (200/205).

·        Since the advent of electronic scoring (1993) the closest margin of victory in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Auto Club Speedway was the March 27, 2011 race won by Kevin Harvick with a MOV of 0.144 second over Jimmie Johnson.

·        The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race at ACS has only been postponed to another date due to weather once – the 2008 February race – Scheduled date: 2/24/08; Actual Date: 2/25/08.

·        Coors Light Pole Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather at ACS twice - 1999 and 2008 (spring) races.

Female Competitors

·        Two female drivers have competed at Auto Club Speedway in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series: Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick.

·        **Note: Robinson first attempted to qualify for a race at ACS on 4/29/2001 but failed to make the event.

Female Competitor MENCS Performances: Auto Club Speedway

Driver	Starting Position	Finishing Position	Season	Driver Rating
Danica Patrick	31	38	2016	51.8
Danica Patrick	22	19	2015	71.1
Danica Patrick	27	14	2014	63.9
Danica Patrick	40	26	2013	44.2
Averages	30.0	24.3		57.8
Driver	Starting Position	Finishing Position	Season	Driver Rating
Shawna Robinson	43	42	2002	N/A

NASCAR in California

·        There has been a total of 195 NASCAR national series races among 17 different tracks in the state of California.

Track Name	City	Total Races	Monster Energy	XFINITY	Camping World
Auto Club Speedway	Fontana	67	27	27	13
Riverside International Raceway	Riverside	48	48	0	0
Sonoma Raceway	Sonoma	32	28	0	4
Mesa Marin Raceway	Bakersfield	9	0	0	9
Ontario Motor Speedway	Ontario	9	9	0	0
California State Fairgrounds	Sacramento	6	6	0	0
Carrell Speedway	Gardena	4	4	0	0
Ascot Stadium	Los Angeles	3	3	0	0
Bay Meadows Race Track	San Mateo	3	3	0	0
Marchbanks Speedway	Hanford	3	3	0	0
Oakland Stadium	Oakland	3	3	0	0
Redwood Speedway	Eureka	2	2	0	0
Willow Springs Speedway	Lancaster	2	2	0	0
Capitol Speedway	Sacramento	1	1	0	0
Merced Fairgrounds	Merced	1	1	0	0
Santa Clara Fairgrounds	San Jose	1	1	0	0
Saugus Speedway	Saugus	1	0	0	1
Totals		195	141	27	27

·        The first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race held in California was at Carrell Speedway on April 8, 1951; the event was won by Marshall Teague.

·        437 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as California.

·        40 drivers with their home state recorded as California have won at least one race in NASCAR’s three national series.

·        26 of the 40 Californian drivers have won in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series; led by Jeff Gordon with 93 wins.  

California Drivers With Wins In NASCAR:

Driver	Monster Energy	XFINITY	Camping World
Jeff Gordon	93	5	0
Jimmie Johnson	80	1	0
Kevin Harvick	35	46	14
Marvin Panch	17	0	0
Ernie Irvan	15	3	0
Dick Rathmann	13	0	0
Dan Gurney	5	0	0
Eddie Gray	4	0	0
Parnelli Jones	4	0	0
Eddie Pagan	4	0	0
Robby Gordon	3	1	0
Ray Elder	2	0	0
Danny Letner	2	0	0
Marvin Porter	2	0	0
AJ Allmendinger	1	2	0
Dick Brooks	1	0	0
Marvin Burke	1	0	0
Jim Cook	1	0	0
Lou Figaro	1	0	0
Danny Graves	1	0	0
Kyle Larson	1	5	2
Johnny Mantz	1	0	0
Casey Mears	1	1	0
Bill Norton	1	0	0
John Soares	1	0	0
Danny Weinberg	1	0	0
Ron Hornaday Jr	0	4	51
Jason Leffler	0	2	1
Ryan Reed	0	2	0
David Gilliland	0	1	0
Justin Marks	0	1	0
Joe Ruttman	0	1	13
Boris Said	0	1	1
Mike Skinner	0	1	28
Matt Crafton	0	0	13
Tyler Reddick	0	0	3
Cole Custer	0	0	2
Justin Lofton	0	0	1
Scott Speed	0	0	1
Brandon Whitt	0	0	1

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Milestones
Drivers	Has	Needs	Milestones
Dale Earnhardt Jr.	599	1	Attempt to make his 600th MENCS career start (25th all-time)
Jimmie Johnson	80	3	Tie Cale Yarborough for sixth on MENCS all-time wins list
Kyle Busch	38	1	Tie Tim Flock for 18th on all-time MENCS wins list
Matt Kenseth	38	1	Tie Tim Flock for 18th on all-time MENCS wins list
Kevin Harvick	35	2	Tie Bobby Isaac for 21st on MENCS all-time wins list
Kurt Busch	29	3	Tie Dale Jarrett for 24th on all-time MENCS wins list
Denny Hamlin	29	3	Tie Dale Jarrett for 24th on all-time MENCS wins list
Ryan Newman	51	3	To tie Bill Elliott for eighth on the all-time MENCS poles list
Jimmie Johnson	35	1	Tie Rusty Wallace and Rex White for 17th on all-time MENCS poles list
Kasey Kahne	27	1	Break the tie with Terry Labonte to become solely 25th on all-time MENCS poles list
Denny Hamlin	24	1	Break the tie with Alan Kulwicki to become solely 28th on all-time MENCS poles list
Kevin Harvick	48	1	Break the tie with Lee Petty and become solely 10th on all-time MENCS second-place finishes list
Jimmie Johnson	46	2	Tie Lee Petty and Kevin Harvick for 10th on all-time MENCS second-place finishes list
Kyle Busch	36	1	Tie Bobby Isaac and Ned Jarrett for 17th on all-time MENCS second-place finishes list
Matt Kenseth	29	1	Tie Ricky Rudd for 25th on all-time MENCS second-place finishes list
Matt Kenseth	172	3	Tie Bill Elliott for 19th on all-time MENCS top-five finishes list
Dale Earnhardt Jr	148	2	To become the 23rd driver to post 150th MENCS top-five finishes
Kyle Busch	148	2	To become the 23rd driver to post 150th MENCS top-five finishes
Jimmie Johnson	331	1	Tie Lee Petty for 12th on the MENCS all-time top-10 finishes list
Kurt Busch	8,863	137	To become 20th MENCS driver all-time to lead 9,000 or more laps
Brad Keselowski	4,944	56	To become 39th MENCS driver all-time to lead 5,000 or more laps
Ryan Newman	4,711	289	To become 39th MENCS driver all-time to lead 5,000 or more laps
Track Specific Milestones
Drivers	Has	Needs	Milestones
Jimmie Johnson	980	20	To become the first MENCS driver to lead 1,000 or more laps at Auto Club Speedway. ACS will become the fifth different track Johnson has led 1,000 or more laps at; joining Dover (3,093); Martinsville (2,838); Charlotte (1,895) and Texas (1,023).
Kyle Busch	3	1	Break the tie with Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth to become solely second on the all-time MENCS wins list Auto Club Speedway
Matt Kenseth	3	1	Break the tie with Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth to become solely second on the all-time MENCS wins list Auto Club Speedway
Matt Kenseth	9	1	Tie Jeff Gordon (10) for second on the all-time MENCS top-five finishes list at Auto Club Speedway
Kyle Bush	8	1	Tie Matt Kenseth (9) for third on the all-time MENCS top-five finishes list at Auto Club Speedway
Matt Kenseth	15	1	Tie Jimmie Johnson (16) for the series-most top-10 finishes at Auto Club Speedway
Denny Hamlin	3	1	Tie Kurt Busch (4) for the series-most Coors Light poles at Auto Club Speedway.

Additional Possible Milestones:

Kyle Larson posted his third consecutive second-place finish this past weekend at Phoenix. Below are some quick stats to accompany his latest performance. If he finishes second this weekend at Auto Club, he will become the fifth driver in series history to finish runner-up in four consecutive races.

·        Four drivers have finished runner-up four consecutive times in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (breakdown attached in excel file).

o   Mark Martin (1998)

o   Harry Gant (1985)

o   Darrell Waltrip (1983)

o   Richard Petty (1964)

·        No driver has finished runner-up five consecutive races in the MENCS.

·        Larson’s three consecutive second-place finishes is the 25th time in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history a driver has finished runner-up three or more consecutive times.

·        16 different drivers have finished second in the Monster Energy Cup Series three or more consecutive times.

·        Larson is the only driver in series history to accomplish the feat during the first four races of a given season.

·        Herb Thomas, in 1952, was the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver to finish runner-up in three consecutive races.

·        Prior to Larson’s finishes this season, Carl Edwards (2011 playoffs) was the most recent driver to finish runner-up in three consecutive races.

·        Richard Petty leads the series in occurrences of three or more consecutive runner-up finishes in a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career with four; David Pearson accomplished the feat the second-most times with three.