Chip Ganassi cars ready to take on Texas

I BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THAT

All Eyes On The Lone Star State: Texas will be a main focal point in the sports world this week. In addition to the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race Friday night April 4 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race Sunday April 6 at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), other major sporting events will make-up the landscape this weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers opened their 2014 season on Tuesday April 1 at the Ballpark in Arlington. DFW area will also play host to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four that will take place at AT&T Stadium on Saturday and the final Championship Game on Monday April 7.

There’s an App for That: During the race weekend, Target’s digital savings app, Cartwheel, will be set up in the midway. Kyle Larson and several of his Target pit crew teammates will be stopping by the display on Sunday from 10:45 – 11:00 AM to greet fans. At the display, fans can charge their phones, engage in a fun game, and learn more about how to save with the go-anywhere digital savings app, Cartwheel.

1. TEAMGANASSI

Follow CGR on Twitter: Be sure to follow CGR on their official team Twitter page. Find in-race updates and weekly news on the No.1 and No.42 teams throughout the 2014 season by following “@CGRTeams”. You can also connect in the social conversation throughout the season with team hashtags - #TeamTarget, #TeamMcD, #driveCessna

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Jamie McMurray and No. 1 Bell Helicopter Team

Martinsville Wrap Up: For the second time in just six races in the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS), teams made a visit to a half-mile short-track. This week’s stop was at the series’ shortest track, Martinsville Speedway, in Southern Virginia. After a top-10 start, the McDonald’s team fell victim to an early accident forcing lengthy repairs, and motored to a 42nd place finish.

McMurray at Texas Motor Speedway: McMurray has made 20 previous starts at TMS. In those 20 starts he has compiled three top-five and six top-10’s finishes. He has an average starting position of 24.1 and average finish of 18.4. Having completed 6,466 of 6,691 laps (96.6%) along the way and has led 70 laps at TMS.

Intermediate Track Stats: McMurray has made 198 career NSCS starts on intermediate tracks (one to two-miles in length). He has accumulated two wins (Charlotte, 2002, 2010), 22 top-fives, 51 top-10s and has led 848 laps.

One Bell. On a Mission: To change the way the world flies with superior vertical lift that saves lives, preserves freedom and provides customers with exceptional value. Bell Helicopter will be featured as the primary sponsor on the No. 1 Chevrolet SS this weekend at TMS. An industry leader with unmatched name recognition, Bell Helicopter was the first to obtain certification for a commercial helicopter. Over its rich history, Bell Helicopter has delivered more than 35,000 aircraft to customers around the world. Bell Helicopter is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas,

Kyle Larson and No. 42 Target Team

Martinsville Recap: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) was once again affected by the weather during the sixth race of the season, which washed out both practice sessions on Saturday. Following a 28th place start on Sunday, the crew worked quickly during the opening laps to get the Target Chevy where they wanted it to be, eventually running as high as fourth before the handling went away and forced the team into a disappointing 27th place finish.

Larson at TMS: TMS is one of the few tracks where Larson has previous experience in a NSCS car. Larson drove the No. 51 Chevrolet last fall for then Harry Scott Motorsports during the fall AAA Texas 500. The race was Larson’s third ever NSCS start, and marked his first finish. After starting the race in 36th position, he managed to drive to a 23rd place finish.

Hoss, Meet Big Hoss: While our Hoss isn’t nearly as large as Big Hoss, the new video board at TMS, he does have a lot more experience at the track. Keith Armstrong, aka Hoss, is currently the tire specialist on the No. 42 Target Chevy, and has been with Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) since 1998. Hoss began working with the Target Chip Ganassi Racing on the IndyCar team, but moved over to NASCAR in 2002 when CGRT started up the No. 42 NSCS team, and has been on the No. 42 ever since. If Hoss were to cover Big Hoss’ display screen with tires, it would take roughly 8,970 Goodyear Eagle racing tires.

A Shopping Bullseye: If you have made it to the race only to find out you’ve forgotten to pack a few necessities, there’s no need to worry. For all your last minute needs, and forgotten items, Target has all of the essentials and more. The nearest Target is located at 8000 Denton Highway, Watauga, TX 76148. Call ahead and make sure they have what you need, 817-427-8039.