Notes from Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills of Michigan:
Brian Vickers is dominating the show here at the Michigan International Speedway winning the poles for both the Sprint Cup and the Nationwide Series races that are being run this weekend. He also was first in the Sprint Cup practice held Saturday afternoon and first in Nationwide practice on Friday. The 25 year old Vickers won his sixth pole of the season with a speed of 187.242 mph. He is the first driver to start on the pole for both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series races at MIS.
Vickers drives Toyotas and Michigan International Speedway sits in the backyard of the Big Three.
Carl Edwards admitted that having the race in Jack Roush’s backyard brought pressure to him.
“There is that pressure, but it’s not from Jack directly. It’s expressed when all the folks from Ford, and Jack and his family, and all the people from Roush Industries are standing there in Victory Lane. This place is so special, so, that pressure comes from that feeling that I’ve had here before; I’d like to have it again.”
The drivers are beginning to feel the pressure of the making the Chase. The possibility of winning the Championship without having won a race is being discussed. Carl Edwards admitted yesterday that it was a statistical possibility but “I’d rather not win one that way.”
Edwards said when asked if MIS would be a good place to get his first win of the year, “I’m way more interested in being in the Chase and winning the Championship. That’s the key. So, if we get wins, we get ‘em. “Edwards dominated here last year by winning both the pole and the Sprint Cup race.
Juan Pablo Montoya talked about doing “everything in his power to finish and is taking more risks to make the Chase. When asked if he would change his strategy if he makes the Chase, he said, “You have to be smart in how you race”.
The race at Michigan brings Ryan Newman into familiar territory. Newman was raised in South Bend, Indiana and spent a great deal of time in Michigan because of his father’s business. Newman is a team member of Stewart-Haas Racing but he stated that he considered Stewart-Haas to be part of Hendrick Motorsports-a satellite program. Aside from the name difference of the team, he feels the work structure is the same. Knowing what the relationship with Hendrick Motorsports was going to be part of the deal this year contributed to Newman’s decision to join Stewart-Haas.
Newman was asked if he was focusing on the Chase races now or on the upcoming races. He stated he is always looking to the next race and focusing on that.
The final practice run under a hot Michigan sun had Brian Vickers once again leading the pack in the Sprint Cup practice. He remained strong throughout the Nationwide race finishing second to Brad Keselowski in an exciting finish.
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