Chip Ganassi cars ready for the paperclip

CGR at Martinsville: CGR has a total of 60 starts at Martinsville dating back to 2001. In those starts, the teams have driven to five top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. On average, CGR cars have a starting position of 20.5 and finishing position of 19.9.

Short, But not in Stature: Martinsville, known as “The Paperclip” for its long straightaways and narrow turns, is the shortest track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. The track is also the oldest, having held its first race in September of 1949, and is the only track to still host a NASCAR race since the series’ first season.

A Blast from the Past: As they did last fall, The Warbirds will perform a flyover of the track prior to the start of the STP 500. The squadron consists of former military pilots flying vintage post-WWII-type aircraft.

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

TWEET(S) OF THE WEEK

@KyleLarsonRacin “What a dang weekend!! I'm still trying to figure out how I got to 2nd. Big thanks to everyone @CGRTeams @Target”

@jamiemcmurray: “Great weekend for @CGRTeams. Really proud of all my guys and @keithrodden is doing an amazing job. I can't wait to get to @MartinsvilleSwy”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY

Jamie McMurray and No. 1 McDonald’s Team

Auto Club Recap: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) closed out an early season west-coast swing with the running of the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway (ACS) in Fontana, Calif. on Sunday. Jamie McMurray and the No.1 McDonald’s team managed a race that helped capture the second top-10 finish of the young season. McMurray rolled off from the 25th starting position and brought home a season-best sixth place finish.

McMurray at Martinsville Speedway: McMurray has made 22 previous starts at Martinsville Speedway. In those 22 starts he has compiled one pole, one top-five finish and 12 top-10’s (54.5%). He has an average starting position of 14.8 and average finish of 16.2. Having completed 10,378 of 11,034 laps (94.1%) along the way and has led 117 laps at the Virginia half-mile.

Standout Player: On Wednesday April 2, following the STP 500, Jamie McMurray will join partner McDonald’s in Chicago, for the 37th Annual McDonald’s All American Games. The games will feature the top 48 prep basketball players in the country. These future stars will take to the floor at the United Center for the 37th annual boy’s game and the 13th annual girl’s game to help raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities®.

Kyle Larson and No. 42 Target Team

Auto Club Recap: Kyle Larson finished off a banner weekend at Auto Club Speedway (ACS) on Sunday with a second place finish in the Auto Club 400, which came on the heels of his first NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) the day before. Larson started the race in the 11th position after advancing to the third and final round of qualifying, and overcame a potentially costly penalty near the half way mark of the race to bring home the No. 42 Target Chevy in the second position.

Larson at Martinsville: Martinsville is one of the few tracks on the NASCAR circuit at which Larson has some previous experience in a NSCS car. Larson made his second ever NSCS start in the No. 51 Target Chevy during last fall’s race at Martinsville, but an overheating issue ended his day after 160 laps.

Going Solo: The NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) will enjoy their first weekend off for the 2014 season. Meaning, Kyle Larson will not be pulling double-duty for the first time this season between the NNS No. 42 Target Cartwheel Chevy Camaro and NSCS No. 42 Target Chevy SS.

Moving on Up: Larson has steadily improved his finishing position each week this season. During the first five NSCS events, he has raced the Target Chevy to finishes of 38th, 20th, 19th, 10th, and second, respectively. Following his second place finish at ACS, Larson moved up six spots in the NSCS driver standings from 22nd to 16th place.

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 155 Holt Garrison Parkway, in Danville, Va. 24540. Call ahead and make sure they have what you need at 434-799-9950.

Chip Ganassi Racing