Charlotte II: JR Motorsports preview

Aric Almirola No. 88 Hellmann's Chevrolet

"I love working for JR Motorsports and being surrounded by a good group of people. Dale Jr. and Kelley (Earnhardt) let you be who you want to be. They give you all the resources and tools you need to be competitive. If you look out in their shop, they have everything they need to go out and win races and compete for a championship. I consider myself really lucky to have landed here. I feel like I can come here, be competitive, and win races.

"This weekend is going to be interesting in the Nationwide Series new car. We've been trying to learn as much as we can with this Hellmann's Chevrolet. We have a whole day to test. That is something I'm looking forward to. Our goals for the race are simple. I'd really like to go there and qualify well. The Hellmann's Chevrolet has run well this season, and we want to do our part for them at Charlotte. We've qualified in the top-10 every time I've been in the 88. So if we qualify in the top-10 and run in the top-10, I'll call it a strong day. And you never know what could happen at the end of 300 miles."

Danica Patrick No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet

"Last week's race was unfortunate. But our Go Daddy team can be happy with the fact that we had a solid run going. And despite the results, I know we were on the cusp of having a breakthrough day. Charlotte will be a different experience because we'll be running the new Nationwide Series car. I know the Go Daddy team and everyone at JRM for that matter, has put a lot of time and energy into this new car program. I'm grateful for the extended practice session on Wednesday, too. I think that will go a long way.

"I can see why everyone gets so excited to race at Charlotte. With so many of the drivers living in this area, it's like a homecoming event. Plus, a race under the lights, it doesn't get much better than that.

"I remember going down the back straightaway (in a go kart as a kid) where Turns 3 and 4 are on the main track and pretending I was racing cars out there on the track. I took a ride there in a two-seat race car with the Petty Driving Experience where you pay money and get to ride in the passenger's seat. I also remember walking the track one time and thinking, 'Oh my gosh, the banking is so steep you can barely walk on it.' So I have a lot of memories from Charlotte. That includes everything from visiting a slot car track where we would hang out as kids to the (North Carolina) red clay."

-source: jr motorsports