Mike Bliss
Charlotte Advance
Mooresville, N.C. (October 8, 2013) – Mike Bliss, driver of the No. 19 TriStar Motorsports Toyota Camry, will make career start No. 28 for Friday night’s 32nd Annual Dollar General 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Charlotte has been a career best track for Bliss, who has picked up two NASCAR Nationwide Series wins, the first in 2004 and his last in 2009 after fuel strategy put him in front for a rain shortened race. Bliss came within inches of his first career Sprint Cup win in 2005 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but came up short after he was spun off of turn four on the last lap and slid to a second place finish.
This weekend’s Toyota Camry:
Chassis No. 14 will be at it again after bringing Bliss a 13th place finish at Kansas Speedway just last weekend.
Mike Bliss on Charlotte Motor Speedway:
Is Charlotte a sentimental track for you, whereas it’s the home of your last Nationwide win?
“Of course Charlotte is a sentimental favorite, any track you win or finish well at holds a special place. Also, it’s in our backyard allowing family and friends come out to show their support.
Why’s Charlotte such a good track for you?
“Charlotte really suits my driving style, but you have to make sure your set-up is correct. The night race in the fall is so different than the Spring event, your car has to be dialed in so you can be good running the top line and be able to hold it to the bottom.”
Nationwide Stats at Charlotte Motor Speedway:
|
Year |
Start |
Finish |
Car No. |
Team Owner |
Laps |
Status |
|
2007 |
21 |
39 |
44 |
Armando Fitz |
153/200 |
Overheating |
|
2007 |
11 |
29 |
22 |
Armando Fitz |
142/200 |
Crash |
|
2008 |
8 |
15 |
1 |
James Finch |
202/202 |
Running |
|
2008 |
29 |
19 |
1 |
James Finch |
200/200 |
Running |
|
2009 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
James Finch |
170/170 |
Running |
|
2009 |
11 |
2 |
11 |
Bryan Mullet |
200/200 |
Running |
|
2010 |
36 |
12 |
40 |
Curtis Key |
203/203 |
Running |
|
2010 |
40 |
31 |
40 |
Curtis Key |
176/200 |
Running |
|
2011 |
25 |
18 |
19 |
Mark Smith |
198/200 |
Running |
|
2011 |
23 |
20 |
19 |
Mark Smith |
199/200 |
Running |
|
2012 |
20 |
12 |
19 |
Mark Smith |
200/200 |
Running |
|
2012 |
14 |
36 |
19 |
Mark Smith |
79/200 |
Crash |
|
2013 |
15 |
19 |
19 |
Mark Smith |
200/200 |
Running |
Mike Bliss 2013 Highlights:
- Has posted two top-10, six top-15 and 13 top-20 finishes across 29 starts.
- Currently ranked 13th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Points Standings.
- Qualified a season-best sixth last weekend at Dover International Speedway.
