HARD-HITTING WRECK BRINGS OUT RED FLAG AT THE GLEN

Four cars were caught up in a wreck on Turn 5 of Lap 52 in the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen on Sunday, which brought out the red flag at Watkins Glen International.

The No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. spun and careened across the track to start the incident.

Stenhouse's car impacted with the interior wall, and then made contact with the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet of Jimmie Johnson, the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet of Austin Dillon and the No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford of Greg Biffle.

"The car kind of bounced and got loose," Stenhouse Jr. said.

Johnson added: "Cars started checking up in front of me, and they all moved out of way, and suddenly the 17 was in front of me."

The six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion was marked officially out of the race with significant damage to his Chevrolet.

This story will be updated.

FURNITURE ROW ADDS ERIK JONES TO GROWING TEAM

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. --  Furniture Row Racing formally introduced young NASCAR star Erik Jones as driver of a second Sprint Cup Series car the team will field in 2017.

Jones, 20, spoke with reporters at Watkins Glen International on Sunday morning before the Cheez-It 355 (2:30 p.m. ET, USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Jones will drive the No. 77 Toyota with sponsorship from 5-hour Energy, and the car was unveiled in the Watkins Glen infield.

First look at @erik_jones with the @5hourenergy 77 Toyota Camry! #FurnitureRow #NASCAR #ToyotaNation pic.twitter.com/i8v5Xpc6xV
— Furniture Row Racing (@FR78Racing) August 7, 2016

"It's hard to say I'm not excited, but anxious at the same time," Jones said. "Anxious for this day, and excited to be here,. It's pretty cool for me to be partnered up with Furniture Row and be part of them growing and part of 5‑hour, too. To have such a big company like that be partnered with me is pretty cool this early in my racing career and something I've always wanted. Just a good fit all around.

"I've had the chance to kind of meet with everybody, get everything lined up, to see it all come together here over the past month or so has been a pretty cool experience for me. Got a lot to do this year yet, but definitely excited for next year."

Team owner Barney Visser said that Jones' contract is for one year, and that the team is actively pursuing a Charter for 2017.

MORE: Fast facts on Charter system

The reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, Jones is currently fourth in the XFINITY Series points standings with three victories. He sits first in the NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase Grid.

He has three previous Cup starts -- all in Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas. He filled in one race (Kansas) for an injured Kyle Busch in 2015 and then substituted for a suspended Matt Kenseth at both Texas and Phoenix later in the season. He scored a career best 12th place in Kenseth's No. 20 Toyota at Texas.

"I think a day like today, you have to put in perspective," said Toyota Racing Development's General Manager David Wilson. "Think about this. It was less than four years ago that Erik Jones, famously now, beat Kyle Busch in the Snowball Derby super late model race. Last year Erik won his first NASCAR championship with Kyle Busch Motorsports. This year obviously Erik is fighting for an XFINITY Series championship with Joe Gibbs Racing.

"So next year for him to ascend to the Cup Series with Furniture Row Racing is a spectacular story. Three different teams in three consecutive years. Toyota is the fortunate and grateful common denominator in that equation."

Wilson said he expected Jones to begin sitting in at Toyota Sprint Cup racing briefings this year while the young driver continues to race for the XFINITY Series title.

It was a big weekend of news for the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing.

The team announced Friday it had re-signed its current driver Martin Truex Jr. to an additional two-year contract that will cover 2018-2019 seasons.

Truex advanced to the four-driver championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway last season, finishing fourth in the final standings. He had a dominating victory from the pole position at Charlotte Motor Speedway this year for the Coca-Cola 600 -- leading 392 of 400 laps -- and is currently ranked eighth in the standings as he prepares for a second championship run.

"Obviously they've been working on it for quite a while," Truex said. "I think for us, and the long-term future of our company it's a good thing. It's stability. It's more people, more money coming in. You could probably race two cars cheaper than one as far as per car. Bringing in more sponsorship will help.

"I think short term it might be a little more challenging. Our shop isn't real big, not a lot of space. We need to make sure when bringing in more people it doesn't upset the chemistry we've got going on. But Joe (Garone) and (Truex's crew chief) Cole (Pearn) and those guys will make sure they have people who fit into their system and way they do things and won’t upset the apple cart, so to speak.

"From Toyota side and JGR side, obviously it's really good for that relationship and anything we can do to keep that going, make that stronger, build that through is going to be good."

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.