Marcos Ambrose put in another strong performance at Michigan International Speedway today, charging from his 37th starting position to finish the Carfax 400 in 15th.Ambrose’s JTG Daugherty Racing team took a gamble on a late race caution, only taking on two new tyres, which hoisted the Australian to as high as fifth in the running order.
However, much like last weekend’s race at Watkins Glen, the Little Debbie Toyota Camry faded towards the end of the race.
The 15th place result is a repeat of his performance from Michigan in June.
“It’s still a good result, we had the car to run in the top-ten today,” Marcos Ambrose said.
“We had to really work hard after starting up the back, we had a good car here in June, and we were able to use that knowledge today.
“We took a gamble with two-tyres on the last stop, it work initially but the car dropped off towards the end.
“We’ve been racing well on the ovals lately, but next week we’re back to one of my very favourite tracks at Bristol.
“It’s a wild place, such a short oval; you are so busy there in the Night Race.
“I finished third there last year, and there’s no reason why we can’t finish better next weekend.”
Ambrose charged off the start, making it up to 21st after the opening caution, which came out when Kurt Busch blew his engine.
The field slowed again when light rain started falling on the circuit on lap 61.
Upon the resumption of racing, Ambrose set about posting lap times quicker than the race leaders, making it through to 15th before a green flag pit stop for four-tyres on lap 137.
When Joey Logano spun out Ryan Newman on lap 147, Ambrose headed to the pits for a two-tyre pit stop, restarting the race in 13th position.
Jeff Gordon brought out the next caution on lap 154, with Ambrose 19th at the restart.
A caution brought about by debris on the circuit on lap 167 saw Ambrose take on two new tyres, elevating him up the order to eighth for the final green flag.
Ambrose aced the restart, jumping up to fifth where he battled with Greg Biffle until the car’s handling deteriorated in the closing stages.
Race highlights will be shown today on Fox Sports 3, with further replays on One HD hosted by Marcos Ambrose from Tuesday night.
Next weekend the countdown to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase continues at Bristol Motor Speedway with the Irwin Tools Night Race.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Race Review
Michigan International Speedway- Carfax 400
1. Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet)
2. Denny Hamlin (Toyota)
3. Carl Edwards (Ford)
4. Greg Biffle (Ford)
5. Matt Kenseth (Ford)
6. Tony Stewart (Chevrolet)
7. Juan Pablo Montoya (Chevrolet)
8. Martin Truex Jnr (Toyota)
9. Elliot Sadler (Ford)
10. Joey Lagano (Toyota)
15. Marcos Ambrose (Toyota)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings (after race 23 of 36)
1. Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet)- 3400 points
2. Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet)- 3107
3. Denny Hamlin (Toyota)- 3047
4. Tony Stewart (Chevrolet)- 3020
5. Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet)- 3014
6. Carl Edwards (Ford)- 2986
7. Jeff Burton (Chevrolet)- 2986
8. Kyle Busch (Toyota)-2975
9. Matt Kenseth (Ford)- 2961
10. Kurt Busch (Dodge)- 2935
11. Greg Biffle (Ford)- 2913
12. Clint Bowyer (Chevrolet)- 2755
26. Marcos Ambrose (Toyota)- 2173
Next Event
Bristol Motor Speedway- Irwin Tools Night Race
Australian TV Guide
Check local guides for regional viewing times
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.
