Cat Racing/Dave Blaney Event Preview
Talladega Superspeedway
Aaron’s 499
Talladega Superspeedway News and Notes
Talladega’s Toyota…The Caterpillar Racing team plans to utilize chassis No. 27 for the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. This is the same chassis the team ran earlier this season in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, as well as last year in the fall event at Talladega when the team started on the outside of the front row and finished third.
Phoenix Recap…After having to qualify its way into the race, the Cat team started the event at Phoenix International Raceway in the 19th spot. Blaney took the checkered flag in 30th after being involved in a minor accident during the event. The team was able to make up some ground in the fight for the top 35 in owners’ points and now stands in 37th, eight markers out of 35th.
Blaney’s Career Stats…Blaney hopes to make his 277th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the green flag waves for the 188-lap event Sunday afternoon. He made his first career Cup Series start in October 1992 at [Rockingham] North Carolina Speedway and finished 30th (qualified 16th) for his first Cup Series start in Talladega in 2000. Like this weekend, Blaney was aboard a Bill Davis Racing-owned machine.
Blaney at TSS…Blaney has made 14 Cup Series starts at the 2.66-mile superspeedway during his career. The veteran driver has started as high as second (2007) and scored his best finish at the track – third – last fall.
BDR at TSS…Competitors driving Bill Davis Racing-owned cars have been racing at Talladega Superspeedway and have made 39 starts. Those drivers have posted two top-five finishes and six top-10 finishes at the track.
Where to Find Dave…Look for Blaney to stop by the Caterpillar/Toyota Racing merchandise hauler to sign autographs this weekend. Please check with the trailer for exact times.
Practice Makes Perfect…The No. 22 Caterpillar team has plans to spend time testing at Nashville Superspeedway next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Talladega Broadcast Schedule…Qualifying for the Aaron’s 499 is scheduled to start at 11:15 p.m. ET Saturday, April 26. The 188-lap event is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, April 27, and will broadcast LIVE on FOX (TV), MRN (radio) and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Blaney’s Thoughts on Talladega…
“We know we’ve got a strong restrictor plate package, so we’re hoping for good things this weekend. We’re bringing back the same car that we ran third with in Talladega last fall and ran well with again in the Bud Shootout, so the goal is to perform like we know we’re capable both during qualifying and then during the race. If we can do that, we should be able to go a long way in helping ourselves in the points. These next couple of tracks are usually pretty good for this Caterpillar team, so we’re hoping for good things during this next stretch of racing.”
