Marcos Ambrose is looking to better his best ever result on a high-banked, high-speed Superspeedway, as the NASCAR Sprint Cup series returns to its spiritual home, with the running of the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca Cola at Daytona International Speedway this weekend.In only one-and-a-half seasons in the elite NASCAR division, Ambrose’s best result at Daytona is sixth, while at the other Superspeedway on the series schedule at Talladega he has scored a fourth place finish.
In the corresponding event last year, Ambrose skillfully avoided a final lap incident involving eventual winner Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch.
“What an incredible finish,” Ambrose said.
“Kyle was leading on the final lap and Tony was tucked right in behind him.
“All of the sudden, Kyle made a couple of moves to try to keep Tony behind him and then he was in the wall.
“It was a wild finish, which is not surprising because Daytona always has spectacular finishes.
“Somehow, I snuck through the middle of all that and brought home a sixth-place finish.”
In a bonus for Australian race fans, the race will be broadcast live on both One HD and Fox Sports on Sunday morning, with several replays throughout next week.
With USA Independence Day celebrations in full swing, Ambrose’s Toyota Camry will carry a special BBQ theme, with backing from Kingsford Charcoal as well as support from Bush’s Baked Beans, Scott and Clorox.
Ambrose will be trackside for cooking demonstrations during the weekend, which will also feature the Daytona PITmasters Florida State BBQ Championship, with over 50 teams competing for $30,000 in prize money, as well as the opportunity to represent Florida in the USA and World BBQ Championships!
“This is a serious competition and they have brought in the top teams on the barbeque circuit to compete for the championship,” Ambrose said.
“Being an outdoors person, I love grilling and I have a lot of respect for these professionals.”
Before firing up the BBQ and racing at Daytona this weekend, Ambrose is making a pit stop at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth'.
Don’t be surprised if Ambrose is spotted at a Mad Tea Party riding in a giant tea cup or taking a trip with Dumbo The Flying Elephant at Walt Disney World before the big race on Saturday.
“I’m taking my girls to Walt Disney World before we race at Daytona,” Ambrose said.
“It’s something that I’m really looking forward to and it’s a big deal to me.
“The girls don’t go with me to all the races and every time I come home it seems like they have grown an inch.
“This week I’m so glad to have them with me, they are getting older now and they are at an age where I know they will have a great time at Disney World.”
The race this weekend will be broadcast live on One HD and Fox Sports from 8:30am EST on Sunday, check your local guides for broadcast and replay details.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Preview
Daytona International Speedway
Track Distance: 2.5 miles/4.025km
Track Type: Superspeedway Tri-oval
Crowd Capacity: 168,000
Last time at Daytona International Speedway
Daytona 500- Jamie McMurray winner
Marcos Ambrose finishing position- 41st (mechanical)
Other Marcos Ambrose Results at Daytona International Speedway
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
2009 (2): 6th
2009 (1): 17th
NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings (after race 17 of 36)
1. Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet)- 2489 points
2. Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet)- 2384
3. Kyle Busch (Toyota)- 2328
4. Denny Hamlin (Toyota)- 2304
5. Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet)- 2302
6. Kurt Busch (Dodge)- 2288
7. Matt Kenseth (Ford)- 2204
8. Jeff Burton (Chevrolet)- 2159
9. Tony Stewart (Chevrolet)- 2158
10. Greg Biffle (Ford)- 2126
11. Mark Martin (Chevrolet)- 2047
12. Carl Edwards (Ford)- 2020
27. Marcos Ambrose (Toyota)- 1593
Australian TV Guide
Check local guides for regional viewing times
Qualifying
One HD- Sunday July 4th, 12:20am – 1:00am
Pre-Race Countdown
One HD- Sunday July 4th, 8:30am – 9:30am
Race
One HD- Sunday July 4th, 9:30am – 1:00pm
Fox Sprts 3 (Plus Fox Sports 3HD)- Sunday July 4th, 8:30am – 1:00pm
Race Replays
Fox Sports 1 (Plus Fox Sports 1 HD)- Monday July 5th, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Fox Sports 2 (Plus Fox Sports 2 HD)- Monday July 6th, 8:30am – 11:30am
One HD (Hosted by Marcos Ambrose)- Tuesday July 6th, 8:30pm – 9:30pm
One HD (Hosted by Marcos Ambrose)- Thursday July 8th, 5:30am – 8:30am
One HD (Hosted by Marcos Ambrose)- Friday July 9th, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
One HD (Hosted by Marcos Ambrose)- Saturday July 10th, 8:30am – 9:30am
For further information on Marcos Ambrose, visit www.marcosambrose.com.au.
