Marcos Ambrose has performed well in the Carfax 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway, claiming 12th position in Brooklyn, Michigan today.
For Ambrose it was ‘mission accomplished’, as the Australian was determined to have a strong race on an oval to back up his win on the Watkins Glen road course last weekend.
Ambrose maintains 10th place in the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series points standings after 25 of 35 races. Three of this year’s Nationwide Series races are held on road courses, the other 32 are oval events.
Ambrose qualified 21st in the #59 Kingsford Ford Fusion and showed strong pace throughout the 125-lap race. In the end Ambrose matched the pace of the top 10 runners but was not able to make his way past rivals Brad Keselowski and series leader Clint Bowyer.
Ambrose will race in his fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and his second on an oval tomorrow in the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway, starting from 39th position in the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Fusion.
Earlier today Ambrose was 41st and 42nd fastest in the two Sprint Cup practice sessions held.
QUOTES – MARCOS AMBROSE
“It was a pretty good result,” said Ambrose.
“We just didn’t get track position when we needed it and that’s all. It was just a track position race.
“We didn’t have enough top speed and we probably had a bit too much downforce in it and we just couldn’t pass when we needed to and couldn’t get track position, but it was a pretty good day and a good day for our points.
“I really placed a lot of importance on running well today here at Michigan. I don’t want to be known as just a road racer. Here, the ovals are the bread and butter and the road courses are few and far between.
“To run strong today is satisfying. I think we are unlocking some more speed and our team is stepping things up. I’m very pleased to have this result straight after the win last week. All week I thought that it was important to run well in Michigan.
“The Cup car is a handful. I thought I was in trouble when I tried to pass some of the guys in the Cup deal, but, really, I’m just looking forward to tomorrow.
“It’s going to be a new experience for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
RESULTS: Carfax 250 at Michigan International Speedway
Race 25 in the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series
1. #60 Carl Edwards 125 laps
2. #32 Brian Vickers
3. #20 Tony Stewart
4. #5 Mark Martin
5. #16 Greg Biffle
6. #1 Mike Bliss
7. #18 Joey Logano
8. #38 Jason Leffler
9. #47 Kelly Bires
10. #2 Clint Bowyer
12. #59 Marcos Ambrose
2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Standings – After Race 25 of 35
1. Clint Bowyer 3582
2. Carl Edwards 3469
3. Brad Keselowski 3450
4. Mike Bliss 3223
5. David Reutimann 3219
6. David Ragan 3202
7. Kyle Busch 3003
8. Mike Wallace 2963
9. Jason Leffler 2926
10. Marcos Ambrose 2903
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