Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: 'Demolition Man' goes on trial over Bali bombings

Martin is Michigan’s main man

Veteran driver aiming for his fifth win at two-mile oval  

Image: Mark MartinGetty Images file
Mark Martin's move to Henderick Motorsports should only enhance his chances of winning Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, writes Johnny Benson of NBCSports.com.

Keys to success at Michigan
To run this track and to run it well a driver needs a lot of experience. That experience translates to the ability to find more grip, if needed, on this very wide track. This is a track where drivers can run two and even three distinct grooves. With the multiple grooves there is a lot of room for drivers to move around, and make some exciting passes.

If a driver can't get his car to grip on the bottom of the track, he can try to run in the middle or run high. And drivers like Kasey Kahne, who have reputations for going to the top of tracks, will likely look to run up high at MIS. With the new car it should be harder to run the bottom of the track, which would give an advantage, especially in the closing stages of the race, to the drivers whose setups work well racing in the high groove.

With a wide track offering a lot of room to run and to pass, races at MIS are usually pretty clean. Managing fuel is always a major challenge, and engine tuning is the most critical factor in getting maximum fuel mileage.

Drivers have to be extremely conscious that races at MIS have often been decided by fuel mileage so they have to be very careful of how they run the throttle. Crew chiefs will be under greater pressure to make the right calls with fuel mileage such a key factor. For them they have to hit on a balancing act of horsepower and fuel mileage that will suit them best in the race.

With the double-file restarts, the racing at MIS could get more exciting than it has been in the past.

Finally, there's a long pit road at Michigan so I expect some drivers will be penalized for speeding, especially under green-flag pit stops.  

© 2012 NBC Sports.  Reprints


< Prev | 1 | 2

advertisement
Slideshow
Kobalt Tools 500
  Earning a trip to victory lane
Take a look at every NASCAR driver who has claimed a checkered flag this racing season.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600
  Revved up for racing
Take a look at how some NASCAR fans express their dedication to the drivers and to the sport.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Danica Patrick,  Helio Castroneves
  Danica Daze
Danica Patrick is expanding her repertoire from the IRL to NASCAR.

more photos

Slideshow
Coca-Cola 600
  Celebs at the track
Take a look at the stars who have attended NASCAR races.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Brian Vickers
  NASCAR crashes
Sparks fly and cars spin out wildly when NASCAR drivers get into accidents.

NBCSports.com

INTERACTIVE
"Taxi" Film Premiere
NASCAR wives and girlfriends
They're fixtures in pit row, but they don't drive on the track or work on the cars. Take a look at some notable NASCAR wives and girlfriends.
Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos