The Backstretch Blog: Let's Head to Michigan

August 18, 2011|By HEATHER WILLIAMS | Eyewitness Sports

After road races and tricky triangles, NASCAR returns to a more conventional track, the Michigan International Speedway. Many of the top drivers are happy to head back to the ovals this week as the battle continues for spots in the chase for the Championship.

At Michigan, balance in the car is so important, as is the case at most high speed high bank tracks.

"It's basically every thing you learned at Daytona and Talladega. If you can get to his quarter panel it will pull you forward and him back," said Tony Stewart. "You have to then if you can get to him get some separation or else you get the opposite scenario and he starts pulling you back. So it's definitely an aero game for sure."

Drivers also love Michigan because of the wide open spaces that provide plenty of places to pass. A nice contrast from Pocono and the Glen.

"I've always said it's one of the easiest tracks to drive because it's so big, wide and somewhat forgiving," said Ryan Newman.

Being back on the ovals also put the possibility that it will be another fuel mileage race into the equation. But that's nothing new at Michigan.

"I think we've had these conversations about Michigan for a long time." said Jeff Burton. I can remember a lot of drivers that have dominated races there. It's one of those tracks that's relatively low on grip. Low grip and high speeds combined together allows for separations between cars in the field. I think it's more that than anything. Although, I will say that Goodyear came with different tires last year and the racing was better."

With Detroit, Motor City, and the big three auto makers just down the road, this is always considered a BIG race for the manufactures. But Toyota has actually won three of the last four races at Michigan, including Denny Hamlin earlier this season.

"It's a huge deal. Anytime you can win close to any sponsor's headquarters, it's big," said Clint Bowyer. "Its huge bragging rights for them and you know it means a great deal to everyone involved. It should mean a great deal to us as a race team too."

|

|

|