RCR Post Race Report – Pure Michigan 400

Austin Dillon Leads a Lap at Michigan International Speedway in Cheerios Chevrolet as he Continues Quest to Make Chase for the Sprint Cup

“We struggled throughout our practice sessions this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, especially compared to last time we were here when we were one of the fastest cars at the track right out of the trailer. Still, all of the guys on the No. 3 Cheerios team worked really hard and I was really encouraged heading into Sunday. During the race, the car just wasn’t very good on takeoff but we excelled on long runs. We posted some of the fastest lap times of the race at the end of runs. I wish we had a little bit more today but overall, we’re still looking good in the point standings and even stayed out to lead a lap today. Our goal remains the same–to win a race and make it into the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Hopefully, we can do that at Darlington Raceway next weekend.”
 Austin Dillon

Paul Menard Finishes 18th at Michigan International Speedway in the Sylvania / Menards Chevrolet SS

“We had a good Sylvania / Menards Chevrolet today. Danny (Stockman, crew chief) and the No. 27 team worked hard all weekend and it showed during parts of the race. We struggled early on during a run, but this Chevy got significantly better on the longer green flag stints. On that last restart we were just too tight, and fell back a few positions crossing the line in 18th-place. We definitely deserved a top-10 today.  I’m looking forward to Darlington this upcoming weekend, and honoring Al Unser, Jr. with our Valvoline / Menards throwback scheme.”
 Paul Menard

Final Restart Results in Top-20 Finish at Michigan International Speedway for Ryan Newman and the Freightliner Team

“Luke Lambert and the Freightliner team definitely improved our Chevy over the course of today’s race.  They worked hard all race long to adjust to the slick conditions that were out there. We raced in the top-16 for the first half of the race but then made big gains to climb into the top-10 and to be honest, that’s really what I was expecting for our finish. On the final restart, we lined up 11th in the low line and it really hurt us. The line stalled and it resulted in a sub-par finishing position. We were a much better car than 17th. I’m looking forward to Darlington Raceway next week. It’s my favorite track so I hope it’s where we can clinch a Chase spot.”

 Ryan Newman

RCR PR