Michigan International Speedway Competition Notes
TEAM AND RACE NOTES:
Front Row Motorsports heads to the Motor City and Ford Performance's backyard, Michigan International Speedway, for the NASCAR Cup Series trip to the 2.0-mile race track.
Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland will look to bring another win for the Blue Oval. Ford holds the most wins as a manufacturer at the two-mile speedway with 44 wins and has won the event in the past six races.
The 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will have a returning partner in Martin Transportation Systems (MTS) and Love’s Travel Stops with them. A loyal Love’s Travel Stops customer headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan, MTS is a family owned and operated transportation and logistics company with a fleet of over 1,100 trucks and employs over 2,500 drivers and support staff. MTS provides dedicated, just in time “JIT” services to its customers with a dedication to safety, customer service, and technology.
Grillo's Pickles, the infamous 'Pickle Car' and Sam Sam the Pickle Man are back with Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team. After finishing 17th at the Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Gilliland looks to bounce back at Ford's home track.
The Cup Series will kick off the weekend with practice and qualifying on Saturday, August 17th at 12:30 pm ET. The 200-lap event is scheduled for Sunday, August 18th at 2:30 pm ET. Fans can watch the action live on the USA Network or listen in from the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.
CUP SERIES COMPETITION NOTES:
No. 34 MTS / Love's Travel Stops Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:
"It's always a special weekend when we come to Michigan, being the home race for Ford, Ford Performance. This season has given us the best chance to finish well here, it's all about having speed. I'm confident in Travis and the team, I know they will bring me a great MTS/Love’s Travel Stops Ford Dark Horse Mustang come Sunday.
"I’m excited to have MTS on board this weekend. They are a longstanding partner of Love’s, similar to Love’s and their partnership with us at Front Row Motorsports. I love to see these relationships come together on and off the track, and the success that entails."
CREW CHIEF TRAVIS PETERSON:
"We will be ready for Michigan, I’m confident in that. We know we have better cars with speed, and Michael (McDowell) is driving well right now. The challenge is always the race strategy. Will it be fuel mileage, long runs? That’s what makes it exciting as a crew chief."
No. 38 Grillo's Pickles Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
"This is a big weekend for Ford. With Michigan being their home track, there is a little bit more pressure to perform well. I'm not worried, though. Ryan (Bergenty) and team have been bringing speed all season, we just need to capitalize on it and close in on the points gap.
"It's cool to see the support around Grillo's Pickles adding a race to their schedule. I think it's safe to say that everyone loves seeing them on our Ford Mustang Dark Horse. I can't thank them enough for their support. Hopefully I can give them a good showing."
CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:
“We want to perform well at every race, but especially at Michigan. Michigan is the home of Ford, and we always have a big group of Ford leadership at the track. We want to make them proud. I think we can do that this weekend.
"Myself, the team, and Todd (Gilliland) are eager to get to the track. I think we can make big gains in points this weekend and maybe even get the win to lock ourselves into the playoffs."
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