The NASCAR Nationwide Series new car is back for more of its limited four-race engagement, this time at Michigan International Speedway. It’s the second race for the new car, featuring a different track distance and layout than its debut at the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. It may not have the storybook outcome of the historic July 2 race an emotional win by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the #3 Wrangler Chevy but it does have the same air of excitement aimed at the new models for Dodge (Challenger), Ford (Mustang) and the sportier looks of Chevy (Impala) and Toyota (Camry). Also, this will be the first day race for the new car. The inaugural race was at night. “Now that we’re at our second race, we’re looking to make sure we standardize our processes and procedures,” said series director Joe Balash. “We want teams to be familiar with our level of expectation for them. As we move forward after Michigan, we hope to stop talking about the newness of it and get into the fabric of what we are.” Teams will have an extended practice at MIS Thursday from 9 a.m.noon and 14 p.m. The new car will race twice more this year, Sept. 10 at Richmond International Raceway and Oct. 15 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, before being introduced fulltime in 2011.(NASCAR)(8-10-2010)
