DEARBORN, Mich., August 24, 2016 – With three races left before the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins, Ryan Blaney and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team need to post a win to qualify for stock car racing’s playoffs.
Three finishes outside the top 30 in the last six races have made a victory virtually the only way into the Chase for Blaney and company. But that is a challenge the rookie wheel man and his team are up to, starting this weekend at the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills.
The Wood Brothers always bring fast cars to Michigan although racing luck has not gone their way recently. Their last three finishes there include a 17th in June and a pair of 24ths last season.
“I’m looking forward to Michigan with the low-downforce package. I enjoy driving this difficult package. All this team wants to do is go out and win. If we try to put our car in victory lane, then the point side will take care of itself.”
— Ryan Blaney
RYAN BLANEY MICHIGAN FAST FACTS:
Started fifth and finished 17th in the June race at MIS.
Finished 24th in both Sprint Cup races at MIS in 2015.
Qualified 12th and finished second in the 2015 CWTS race at MIS.
WOOD BROTHERS MICHIGAN FAST FACTS:
Have 93 starts at MIS.
Won 11 times at MIS with Cale Yarborough (2), David Pearson (8) and Dale Jarrett (1).
Sat on the pole nine times and have led 1,075 laps.
A plaque near the start-finish line commemorates team’s longevity in NASCAR.
CREW CHIEF JEREMY BULLINS’ GUIDE TO PURE MICHIGAN 400:
“With more experience I would say the teams are definitely more comfortable with this aero package. I think whenever there’s a big change there are a lot of unknowns in the beginning that we have more answers to now.
“We obviously qualified well last time at Michigan (5th) and had a fast car in the race as well. We definitely feel like we are working from a solid baseline.
“I don’t know that there’s a particular strategy sequence that’s different from the other intermediates, but it’s definitely a track position race as the aero side of things is so critical. The farther back you are in the pack the air is so turbulent that it really affects the handling of your car and makes it hard to maneuver.”
WEEKEND TV SCHEDULE:
Friday August 26, Noon – Practice on NBCSN
August 26, 5:15 p.m. – Qualifying on NBCSN
Saturday August 27, 8:30 a.m. – Practice on CNBC
August 27, 11:30 a.m. – Practice on CNBC
Sunday August 28, 2 p.m. – Pure Michigan 400 – NCSN
About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under-hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers are backed by Ford Motor Company’s two-year, unlimited-miles Service Parts Limited Warranty. Ask for Motorcraft by name when you visit your local auto parts store or your favorite service facility. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers
Ford’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models. With nearly 800 locations and growing, customers can visit www.quicklane.com to find a center that is closest to them, print savings coupons and review maintenance tips to keep their vehicles running at peak efficiency. This site includes information on how to spot tire wear, how to jump-start a battery and even a series of tips to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.
Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 98 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 117 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion driven by Ryan Blaney in the famous number 21 racecar.
