FOLLOWING POCONO 'BIG MOMENT,' BUESCHER STEADIES CHASE FOCUS

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Chris Buescher has seemingly embraced the spoiler role of his upset victory last weekend at Pocono Raceway, saying he's "throwing a wrench at a lot of people's brackets" in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs.

In the five remaining races that will determine the 16-driver postseason field, though, the 23-year-old rookie has work to do -- namely making up the six-point deficit to reach the required top-30 threshold in the series standings. Before Friday's on-track activity at Watkins Glen International, Buescher said he was confident that he and his Front Row Motorsports No. 34 Ford team could cross the points portion off the checklist.

"They are hustling and working extremely hard to make sure we make this Chase," Buescher said about his team's efforts to make the tight turn from weather-delayed Pocono to Watkins Glen ahead of Sunday's Cheez-It 355 at the Glen (2:30 p.m. ET, USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). "We are going to get there. I have a ton of confidence in these guys. I love where our program was heading previous to Pocono. We have been on the right path and we will make up those points."

Buescher, last year's XFINITY Series champion, said he hasn't had much chance to celebrate last Monday's surprise win in the Pennsylvania 400, saying that the short week between Pocono and Watkins Glen was consumed by road-racing practice in Utah on Tuesday and making the media rounds with a full schedule of phone interviews the last two days.

"It is a really good problem to have," Buescher said. "I killed my phone battery twice in one day, which is a new record for me. It has been wild how everything has played out and I haven't had time for it to settle in and feel like we won a race. It has been so crazy."

Though Buescher's performance has lagged behind fellow first-year drivers Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney this season, his Pocono breakthrough has given him a feather in his cap that his fellow rookies can't claim on their portfolios. His first victory came in his 27th Sprint Cup start, making him the first rookie winner since Joey Logano converted the feat in 2009.

Buescher's first full season in NASCAR's premier series coincides with the first year of a technical alliance between Roush Fenway Racing and the Bob Jenkins-owned Front Row organization, a partnership that he hopes pays dividends in the push to the playoffs. In the meantime, the momentum from a maiden trip to Victory Lane can't hurt.

"It is just a matter of getting the team jacked up and everybody on the same idea going forward that this is for real, a big moment," Buescher said. "This win with the Chase being the way it is and the point system different from last year in XFINITY, a win basically turns our whole season around. It changes everything. It is no longer one win and you move up a spot or two in points. It is one win and you potentially have a spot in the playoffs of our sport.

"We are not there yet because we have to get into that top 30, but with that win it gets everybody excited to get to that point."

SPRINT CUP CHASE-CLINCHING SCENARIOS FOR WATKINS GLEN

With five races remaining in the regular season, 10 drivers have clinched a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, assuming each start the remaining races.

The 10 clinchers: Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin.

Everyone who has a win this season is in -- except for Tony Stewart and Chris Buescher, both of whom have yet to clinch a top-30 spot.

A number of drivers who currently have no wins can clinch this weekend, but only if they win at Watkins Glen International and leave the race with at least a 165-point lead over Stewart and Buescher. There's also the potential for the points leader to be a guaranteed winner after race No. 26 at Richmond, the final regular-season race. If that's the case, the below drivers would only need to have a 165-point lead over Buescher.

Possible to clinch at Watkins Glen:

Austin Dillon (0 Wins, 549 Points, +268 Points Ahead of 31st)

Ryan Newman (0 Wins, 537 Points, +256 Points Ahead of 31st)

Chase Elliott (0 Wins, 533 Points, +252 Points Ahead of 31st)

Jamie McMurray (0 Wins, 517 Points, +236 Points Ahead of 31st)

Kyle Larson (0 Wins, 508 Points, +227 Points Ahead of 31st)

Kasey Kahne (0 Wins, 488 Points, +207 Points Ahead of 31st)

Trevor Bayne (0 Wins, 480 Points, +199 Points Ahead of 31st)

Ryan Blaney (0 Wins, 480 Points, +199 Points Ahead of 31st)

HEADS UP: WATKINS GLEN WEEKEND

Here are the hot topics, trending news and key story lines to get you ready for the weekend's race at Watkins Glen International.

WEATHER
Mostly sunny and in the 80s this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. A far cry -- and more pleasant outlook -- from the fog and rain at Pocono last weekend.

KEY TIMES
Sprint Cup Series: Sprint Cup qualifying is on Saturday this weekend, at 12:15 p.m. ET (CNBC). The race starts at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday. Remember, TV coverage for Sunday's race is on USA.

XFINITY Series: Qualifying is on Friday at 4:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN, a change from the usual Saturday qualifying. The race is at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, televised on CNBC.

CATCH DRIVERS LIVE
We stream every driver press conference in the media center at NASCAR.com/presspass. Some of the notables this weekend:
Dale Earnhardt Jr. at noon ET on Friday; Chase Elliott at 11:15 a.m. ET on Friday; Carl Edwards at 2:05 p.m. ET on Friday.

LAST TIME

Kevin Harvick gambled on fuel, and couldn't quite make it to the end. His No. 4 Chevrolet's fuel tank going dry in Turn 6 on the final lap allowed Joey Logano to catch up and make the race-winning pass in the final two corners of the road course -- although Harvick did everything he could to throw a block. It was Logano's first win at Watkins Glen.

YOU SHOULD KNOW ...
• Keep an eye on AJ Allmendinger. The road-course ace needs a win to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and this is his best chance. He won here in 2014 for his only Sprint Cup victory.

• Sunday will be historic. Jeff Gordon, subbing for Dale Earnhardt Jr., will make his 800th career Sprint Cup Series start, and Matt Kenseth will make his 600th career Sprint Cup start. Additionally, Michael McDowell will make his 200th career Sprint Cup start.

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be at Watkins Glen for at least Friday, when he'll meet the media. He's recovering from concussion-like symptoms and will miss his fourth consecutive race.

THE FAVORITE

Carl Edwards. His career average finish here is second only to Kyle Larson (who's made just two starts at The Glen), and he's driving a Toyota -- that alone is enough to ensure you will run toward the front these days.

Others to consider: AJ Allmendinger, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano.

THE SLEEPER

Kurt Busch. He's not really known as a road-course expert, but Busch has quietly improved here over the years. Staying out of trouble is key for the No. 41 team. If he keeps his Chevrolet on the track, watch out.

Others to consider: Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman.

STAFF PICKS

Kyle Larson: 1
Carl Edwards: 1
Martin Truex Jr.: 1
Tony Stewart: 1
Joey Logano: 1
AJ Allmendinger: 1
Kyle Busch: 1

JIM GIACCONE HONORS BROTHER, OTHER 9/11 VICTIMS BY AIDING OTHERS

RELATED: All the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists

The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 took so much from Jim Giaccone. But it led him to this: honoring the memory of the brother he lost by helping others affected by that dark day.

Giaccone's older brother, Joseph, died in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Joseph was among the 658 employees of the Cantor Fitzgerald financial services firm who were killed. Devastated by grief, Giaccone somehow found the drive to carry on and honor his brother by giving back to others -- especially children -- who likewise were carrying on in the aftermath of 9/11.

During his personal aftermath, Giaccone found his future in the form of Tuesday's Children, an organization dedicated to providing long-term support to those directly impacted by the events of 9/11 and other communities impacted by terrorism and traumatic loss.

Giaccone's involvement in Tuesday's Children is multi-faceted, as a fundraiser, through service on the organization's Mentoring Advisory Board and Family Advisory Board and through what is arguably his most significant contribution: serving as a mentor.

His works have not gone unnoticed. Giaccone, from Bayville, New York, is one of four finalists for The NASCAR Foundation's 2016 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide. The award will be presented by France -- The NASCAR Foundation's Chairwoman Emeritus and founder -- on Sept. 27 during the inaugural Honors Gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The foundation will donate $100,000 to the charity represented by the award winner and $25,000 to each of the other three finalists' charities. The award winner will be determined via an online vote now underway and running through Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. (ET) at NASCAR.com/Award.

Giaccone, 55, mentors teenage brothers Nicholas and Matthew Reda, who lost their father on 9/11. Suffice to say this is a reciprocal relationship. Giaccone and the boys find healing and comfort in one another. But their time spent together involves more than words. The healing is helped by sharing real-life tasks involving practical skills, such as building rockets and fishing, both activities the boys enjoyed with their father.

Said Giaccone: "I am not a man of great wealth where I can personally make a difference financially. My most valuable asset is my time.

"It's a delicate balance when I try to explain what I get out of this. But obviously, anything that I've gained over the last 15 years I would trade in a second for my brother's life. But … that's not reality. Through the programs that Tuesday's Children is running and seeing the works that they do … it's almost become a therapy for me, to be honest. When I leave Nicholas and Matthew, it's almost as if I have a 'runner's high.' I feel calmer. If those boys get half of what I get out of this, it's a win-win."

More than 10 years and hundreds of hours of service to Tuesday's Children have given Giaccone many rewarding experiences. He wants more, because there is so much more work to do. He has expanded his volunteer efforts to include helping others both domestically and abroad, truly living his life to reflect the organization's motto to "Let Our Past Change the Future."

Giaccone is a longtime NASCAR fan, dating to his childhood when enjoying racing was a family tradition. One of his most cherished memories of NASCAR -- and of his life, overall -- is from August 2001 when he and his brother went to Nazareth (Pennsylvania) Speedway to take part in a fan driving experience.

"I had gone to Las Vegas and done the Richard Petty Driving Experience twice, so I organized the trip (to Nazareth)." Giaccone said. "It was pretty special ..."

As is being a Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalist, and representing Tuesday's Children -- in New York City on Sept. 27.

"It's very humbling to be considered," Giaccone said.

To learn more about this year’s finalists for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide, and to cast your vote today, go to www.NASCAR.com/Award. Voting is open now until September 26 at 5 p.m. ET.

TRUEX INKS TWO-YEAR EXTENSION WITH FURNITURE ROW RACING

DENVER, Colo. (Aug. 4, 2016) -- Furniture Row Racing announced today that Martin Truex Jr. has signed a new two-year agreement to drive the team’s No. 78 Toyota Camry in NASCAR’s Cup Series. The new contract takes effect starting with the 2017 season.

The Denver-based racing organization also announced that Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats, which joined Furniture Row Racing as a partner in 2016, will increase its primary sponsorship schedule on Truex’s No. 78 Toyota from 12 to 16 races in 2017, starting with the season-opening Daytona 500.

The expansion builds on the long-standing relationship between Bass Pro Shops and Truex Jr., an avid outdoorsman and longtime fishing buddy of Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris. In addition to serving as Truex’s first sponsor when he started his NASCAR career, Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats were the primary sponsors for two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships in 2004 and 2005, as well as the primary sponsor for Truex’s first three years in the Sprint Cup Series.

"The signing of Martin Truex Jr. to a new contract and Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats adding more races to its primary sponsorship package are signs of strength and confidence for the future of Furniture Row Racing," said team president Joe Garone. "Martin has proved over and over that he is one of the blue chip drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are elated that he will continue to drive our No. 78 Toyota."

Garone added, "Bass Pro Shops has been one of the most visible, committed and respected sponsors in NASCAR for many years. We are grateful that the company is making an additional commitment to our team. Adding Bass Pros Shops, Tracker Boats and Auto-Owners Insurance to our sponsorship family this season has played a vital role, along with Furniture Row and Denver Mattress, in the success and growth of our company."

Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris said of the announcement: "We are excited to elevate our support and partnership with our good friend Martin Truex Jr., an amazing competitor on the track and a passionate sportsman who loves the outdoors. It brings us tremendous pride to see Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats prominently displayed and have Martin personally representing our brands. Together with our longstanding friends at Toyota and Furniture Row Racing, we believe our partnership with Martin has a very bright future."

Truex, 36, said, "I am pleased that we’re going to continue our momentum from this season. This is where I want to be, driving the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time. There are many reasons to feel excited and optimistic about the future of our racing program starting with the commitment from our team owner Barney Visser, the support from Toyota, the technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and the Bass Pro Shops sponsorship. We definitely have the resources and talent to go after victories and championships. I want to thank Barney and Joe Garone for the confidence that they have placed in me and also want to thank my good friend and hunting/fishing partner Johnny Morris for the continued support from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats."

Truex, who has already clinched a 2016 Chase berth, has been the Furniture Row Racing driver since the start of the 2014 season. As a Chase participant last year, he advanced to the final four.

After 21 races of the current season he has claimed one win, three top fives, nine top 10s, three poles, ranks No. 1 with laps led at 1005 and is eighth in Sprint Cup driver points.

The Mayetta, N.J. native won back-to-back Xfinity Series championships before joining the Cup series full time in 2006.

NO. 41 TEAM ASSESSED P2 PENALTY AFTER POCONO

The No. 41 team of Kurt Busch has been assessed a P2-level penalty after NASCAR officials found the right rear quarter panel was modified after race inspection last weekend at Pocono Raceway.

Tony Gibson, crew chief for the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 team, was fined $10,000 and will continue to be on NASCAR Probation through Dec. 31.

The infraction was found in sections 12.1; 20.4, 20.4.16 and 20.4.2 of the NASCAR Rule Book, all pertaining to body specifications and including, "All braces used to support fenders and quarter panels must be straight." Busch was sent to the rear of the field to start the race for the unapproved body modification.

Busch finished 10th at Pocono and officially clinched a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Through 21 races this year, he has completed every lap.



• The gas man for the No. 34 team of race winner Chris Buescher, Josh Patch, was fined $1,000 and the team was assessed a P1 penalty for safety violations at Pocono. NASCAR pit-road officiating found Patch was "on the service side of the pit wall with face shield up." Sections 12.1 and 12.5.3.2.1 of the NASCAR Rule Book apply.

• The Nos. 7 (Regan Smith) and 23 (David Ragan) cars failed pre-race laser inspection twice on Sunday. The Nos. 13 (Casey Mears) and 95 (Michael McDowell) failed pre-qualifying laser inspection twice on Saturday. And the Nos. 7, 23, and 42 (Kyle Larson) cars failed pre-qualifying template inspection twice. All received written warnings.

• Three teams received written warnings and a loss of 15 minutes of practice time after having inspection trouble. The No. 18 of Kyle Busch, No. 20 of Matt Kenseth and No. 78 of Martin Truex Jr. all failed pre-qualifying template inspection three times on Saturday.

Other penalties announced Thursday morning:

JIMMIE JOHNSON TO HIGHLIGHT FOUNDATION AT WATKINS GLEN

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 2, 2016) -- Six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, which features five charities working to improve K-12 public education, this weekend during the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. In addition, his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet will feature a special Jimmie Johnson Foundation 10th Anniversary paint scheme.

"I am proud to highlight the great work of these charities on my Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope this weekend," Johnson said. "Because of the generosity of our amazing partners, Chandra (wife) and I have been able to support some incredible schools and non-profits in the 10 years since we launched the Foundation. We'd like to thank Lowe's for allowing us to run the Foundation paint scheme for the eleventh time and Blue Bunny for sponsoring the Helmet of Hope program again this year. We are so grateful."

The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate and vote on not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education. Each of the recipients was also awarded a $25,000 grant and a Blue Bunny Ice Cream party.

The 5 recipient charities are:

ArtWell in Philadelphia
Carlos Gilbert Elementary Parents! Teachers! Kids! in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Change for Kids in New York
Inside the Outdoors Foundation in Costa Mesa, California
Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Sioux City, Iowa

"We are extremely proud to once again support the incredible work and commitment displayed by each of the organizations to assist K-12 public education," Wells said. "The passion around the mission of each of these organizations is evident through the rallying of their supporters to vote and ultimately secure additional needed funding. It never ceases to amaze me at how creative and driven all of the organizations are to securing the votes needed."

In addition to the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, the Foundation operates the Champions Grant program in partnership with Lowe's, which provides cash grants to schools in the Johnson's hometowns and where they currently live; Team Up For Technology, a $48,000 technology makeover open to schools nationwide; and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Wellness Challenge, a series of three athletic events in Charlotte, N.C. as well as a virtual triathlon. To date, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has contributed more than $8.8 million to schools and non-profits across the country.