BROOKLYN, Mich. – The NASCAR XFINITY Series featured passing and side-by-action all day long in the LTi Printing 250 at Michigan International Speedway. The race featured a new package that lessened the aerodynamic advantage on the high speed two-mile oval.
The race featured 14 lead changes among nine different drivers. Austin Dillon made the right move for the lead and was able to hold on for the victory. He finished just ahead of Richard Childress Racing teammate Daniel Hemric when the final yellow flag flew.
“This feels good,” Dillon said in Gatorade Victory Lane. “Glad we can put the three back in victory lane today in the XFINITY Series. Getting the win here in Michigan is so big.”
Dillon led 18 laps of the 91 laps, which was shortened because of rain. More importantly, all his laps at the front of the field came in the final stage after his crew spent the race tuning on the car. Dillon started the race in 13th after morning qualifying was rained out. He patiently drove his way through the field and at the end of the day he was where it counted the most, at the front to take the checkered flag. He led the most important lap at the end to claim his first win in the XFINITY Series at Michigan International Speedway.
Kyle Busch started on the pole for the LTi Printing 250, but it was Paul Menard who grabbed the early lead. Busch quickly fought back to move to the front of the pack. The first stage featured three lead changes. At the end of stage one Cole Custer made a move for the lead on the last lap, but Busch held on to win the first stage.
Stage two featured a shootout to the end. Matt Mills spun on lap 57 to bring out the yellow flag allowing everybody to line up for a dash to the end. They took the green flag with one lap remaining in the stage and the drivers put on a show. The cars fanned out to four wide and it was Elliott Sadler in front at the end.
On Sunday, Kurt Busch will start from the pole for the FireKeepers Casino 400. Kevin Harvick led the opening two rounds of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on Friday, where he posted a speed of 203.092 MPH in the second round to advance to the final 12. In the final qualifying round Busch went 203.361 MPH to win the pole. It is his 24th career pole and his third at Michigan International Speedway where he is joined on the front row by Brad Keselowski.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 will take the green flag at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35 and fans can purchase tickets at www.mispeedway.com or by calling 888-905-7223.
On Sunday, children 12 and under tickets start at $15.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s fastest racetrack. It has been the love of NASCAR racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike for 50 years.
Source: Michigan International Speedway