We wrapped up Michigan Speedweeks today, and Kurt Busch brought down the curtain. Busch captured the 3M Performance 406 today in dominating style. Leading 92 of the 203 circuits (surviving a G/W/C to boot) it was his second win of the season (he took Pocono two weeks ago) and 17th of his Nextel Cup career (he’s now tied for 39th on the all-time win list with Curtis Turner, Marvin Panch, and Dale Earnhardt Jr). Win #60 for Roger Penske (that’s counting the three for Michael Kranefuss) was worth $190,108. It sure was appropriate that we should go overtime since it seems like we were in the Irish Hills for a month, huh? Martin Truex Jr (2nd) had his best finish since he was runner-up when we were here in June. Dave Blaney (6th) had his best finish since he was 4th at Richmond last September. Brian Vickers (8th) had his best finish since he was 5th at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May. Bobby Labonte (9th) had his best finish since he was 8th at Phoenix in April. David Reutimann (23rd) had his best finish since he was 15th when we were here in June. STREAKIN….Tony Stewart has 5 Top-10’s in a row. This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is Dale Earnhardt Jr (+27), followed by Tony Stewart (+25). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Mark Martin (-32), followed by Michael Waltrip (-29), Kasey Kahne (-28), Elliott Sadler (-27), Jeff Gordon (-26), and John Andretti (-21). Ward Burton led a lap today for the first time since he led one lap at Talladega in October of 2004! He’s the 48th driver to lead a lap this season….the same number as last year. No changes in the “Chase” Runners today as Kurt Busch now leads Dale Earnhardt Jr by 163 markers…..that makes his Magic Number 8 vs Little E. If Busch runs 8th or better the last three events, then Earnhardt can run for that vaunted 13th spot. Casey Mears and Bobby Labonte were the only multiple position advancers today, while Mark Martin fell three spots.(Stockcarfans.com)(8-21-2007)
