"Front Row Joe And Four To Go!"

 

It was reminiscent of a week ago, when all but just a few cars qualified for the Nextel Cup Race, then the rain came. Unlike at Watkins Glen International, the sky cleared and qualifying was completed leaving Joe Nemechek's Army Chevrolet on point for the GFS Marketplace 400 at the Michigan International Speedway.

The speeds are slower this year due to the smaller spoiler, Ryan Newman (who qualified 5th) holds the record at 194.232 mph. Front Row Joe surprised many by wheeling the Army Chevy around Michigan International Speedway with 191.530 mph.

Don't put to much stock into qualifying for this impound race. There are many cars capable of coming from the back in this 200 lap race. Keep an eye on Sterling Marlin, Robbie Gordon, and Kevin Harvick to add a few surprises.

Right now, nobody is hotter than Tony Stewart, his Home Depot Chevrolet rolls off from 36th spot. Gregg Biffle has been referred to as "Mr. Michigan" going for his third win in a row at this track where you can have 2 or 3 wide battles.

The bottom and the middle groove proved to be the best...maybe that upper groove will come in better. This track changes thru outthe race. So you have to be flexible in changing your line.
Over 150 thousand will watch from the stands and as in the past,all it takes is one hot dog wrapper to land on the grill, car overheats,and engine explodes....it happens every year.

Another thing to watch for is tire wear...for the first time...there is a new camber rule...no more than 8 degrees. So if you see a blown tireand the car eats it...then the driver explains..."It must have hit some debris!"

Repeat after me..."Uh Yeah, Right!...it was too much camber"

Top five in points can have a bad day and really not sweat it, with only four more races to the Chase...but, those that are 6th thru 15th in points better keep it rockin' or they very well could say goodbye to any chanceat making the final 10 for the Chase... Never in the history of this sport has the competition been this fierce...and it just keeps getting better.

Here's why..... Bristol is next!

Mark