Marcos Ambrose returns to oval track racing this weekend at Michigan International Speedway full of confidence, after a pair of sensational results last weekend at Watkins Glen International, a victory in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was followed by a third place finish in the Sprint Cup Series race.
The strong results are set to put Ambrose’s season back on track, with the Australian currently sitting 26th in the points standings, after the 22nd race on the 36 event NASCAR Sprint Cup Series calendar.
Although Ambrose’s third place finish in the all important Sprint Cup race was his first podium result at NASCAR’s elite level for 2010, he still seeks that all important race win.
“Even though it was a great weekend for the team, it still doesn't feel nice,” Marcos Ambrose said.
“I want to win so bad in the Cup Series, and this past weekend was one of the best chances for us.
“We had such a good race car and solid pit stops, but after our last pit stop something went wrong with the car.
“Somehow we lost the balance, I don't know if it was because the different set of tyres or what.
“We were right there with (Juan Pablo) Montoya before that, we were neck and neck in the middle part of the race and I don't know what happened at the end.
“I’m still proud of our performance and proud that we have never finished outside the top three in the three times we've been to the Glen.
“All in all, last weekend was a good one considering I haven't locked in my 2011 plans.
“I'd like to stay in NASCAR and finish what I started.
“My girls (Adelaide and Tabitha) are getting older, and Tabitha is starting school this year, so it would be nice to stay here for a little while longer because we love America, but we'll wait and see how it all plays out.”
Although Ambrose’s score card for Michigan International Raceway may not be the most impressive, he enjoys racing on the 3.22km long high banked oval, and registered a 15th place at the venue on his last visit to the facility in June.
On that occasion, Ambrose stormed from the back of the field are suffering a lurid spin the early running.
“I really enjoy running at Michigan, but unfortunately results have never really gone our way,” Ambrose said.
“This sport is so unpredictable, it could just be our weekend.
“After Michigan we’re off to Bristol, which is one of my very favourite tracks, and then we return to the Nationwide Series in Montreal.
“We’ll be looking for another win there for sure, we’ve always been in a position to win in Montreal, but the races haven’t worked out in the end.”
The Carfax 400 will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 from 2:00am on Monday morning, with Marcos Ambrose hosting highlights on ONE HD on Tuesday evening from 8:30pm.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Preview
Michigan International Raceway, Carfax 400
Track Distance: 2 miles/3.22km
Track Type: Superspeedway D-Shaped Oval
Crowd Capacity: 137.243
Last time at Michigan International Raceway
Helluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400- Denny Hamlin
Marcos Ambrose finishing position- 15th
Other Marcos Ambrose Results at Michigan International Raceway
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
2009 (2): 35th
2009 (1): 31st
2008 (2): 43rd (mechanical)
NASCAR Nationwide Series
2008: 12th
2007: 19th
NASCAR Truck Series
2006: 26th
NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings (after race 22 of 36)
1. Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet)- 3226 points
2. Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet)- 3021
3. Kurt Busch (Dodge)- 2892
4. Jeff Burton (Chevrolet)- 2891
5. Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet)- 2882
6. Denny Hamlin (Toyota)- 2872
7. Kyle Busch (Toyota)- 2862
8. Tony Stewart (Chevrolet)- 2861
9. Carl Edwards (Ford)- 2821
10. Matt Kenseth (Ford)- 2806
11. Greg Biffle (Ford)- 2743
12. Mark Martin (Chevrolet)- 2641
26. Marcos Ambrose (Toyota)- 2055
Australian TV Guide
Check local guides for regional viewing times
Sprint Cup Happy Hour Practice
One HD- Saturday August 15th, 11:15pm – Monday August 16th, 12:30am
Sprint Cup Qualifying
One HD- Sunday August 15th, 12:20am – 1:35am
Sprint Cup Race
Fox Sports 2 (Plus Fox Sports 2HD)- Monday August 16th, 2:00am – 6:30am
Sprint Cup Race Replays
Fox Sports 3 (Plus Fox Sports 3HD)- Monday August 16th, 4:30pm – 7:00pm
One HD (Hosted by Marcos Ambrose)- Tuesday August 17th, 8:30pm – 9:30pm
One HD (Hosted by Marcos Ambrose)- Friday August 20th, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
For further information on Marcos Ambrose, visit www.marcosambrose.com.au.
