NASCAR Cup Series

For the second consecutive week, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams tested on a newly repaved race track and the reaction coming out of Thursday’s test session at Michigan International Speedway ranged from “holding your breath” to “being quite a rush.”

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) and discussed last week’s pit road speeding penalties at Pocono, the speeds in testing at MIS and other topics.

CLINT BOWYER, No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing How has the test been on the new Michigan surface? "It's been good so far. Our MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) cars have been really good speed-wise. It's going to be interesting to see."

Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion, lost his points lead last weekend but heads to Michigan as one of the favorites at a track he and his Roush Fenway teammates have dominated over the years.

Dave Blaney will pilot the No. 36 Chevrolet for Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) this weekend in the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

In honor of the “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute” program to support members of the U.S. military and their children, Greg Biffle’s 3M Ford will take on a patriotic look this weekend in Michigan.

Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger R/T) TWITTER QUESTION: WHAT IS THE NEW RULE CHANGE OF SHORTENING THE SIDE SKIRTS THE SIDE SKIRTS AFFECT HANDLING OF YOUR CAR AND HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU AT MICHIGAN? “Well, thank you. I'm glad we have a Twitter question, that's good. The effect of the side skirts should be minimal."

The third-annual Catwalk for a Cause fashion show benefitting the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation (MTJF), raised an astounding $50,000 on May 16th, bringing the show’s three-year fundraising total to more than $80,000!!

With a shortened race, a repaved track, a snazzy new Twitter partnership, and Doc Mattioli looking down from heaven, here is what was surprising and not surprising from the Pocono 400 presented by #NASCAR.

Johnson finished fourth at Pocono, posting his 10th top-10 result of the year. He remained fifth in the Spring Cup point standings, 30 out of first.