It was Roush Racing again today at Michigan International Speedway. This time it was Greg Biffle who took the Batman Begins 400 by not pitting, leading the final 31 circuits and outlasting Tony Stewart (who took four fresh tires on that last stop), capturing his 5th win of 2005 in the process. This was the 8th career Cup victory for Biffle (he’s tied for 55th on the all-time win list with Kyle Petty), the 8th in ’05 for Roush, and the 82nd win all-time for RR. The victory was worth $171,075 from the over $4.7M in posted awards. BTW, all five Roush Fords were in the Top-12 this week.
Matt Kenseth (4th) had his best finish since he was runner-up at Loudon last September. His Top-5 gives us 26 drivers at that level this season, last year we had 31 for the year.
Scott Wimmer (16th) had his best finish since he was 16th at Fontana in February.
STREAKIN….Greg Biffle has 5 Top-10’s in the last 6 races. Kyle Busch has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races.
This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is a tie between Greg Biffle (+24) and Dale Earnhardt Jr (+24), followed by Michael Waltrip (+23), and Jeff Burton (+22). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Brian Vickers (-34), followed by Robby Gordon (-31), Bill Elliott (-25), and Jeff Gordon (-23).
Jamie McMurray led a lap today for the first time since he led twice for 15 circuits at Darlington Raceway last November. He’s the 42nd driver to lead a lap this year….last year we had 50 of ’em.
Greg Biffle shaved 74 points off Jimmie Johnson’s lead this week….it’s now down to 49 markers. Jeff Gordon also slipped below our “Stayin’ Alive” line as just 11 drivers are currently in the “Chase”. Tony Stewart (10th to 6th) advanced the most spots today, while Jeff Green (26th to 30th) fell the most.(Stock Car Fans)(6-19-2005)
