Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are working hard to put on a strong performance this weekend as NASCAR’s Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway, the home track of Ford Motor Company.
More than any other race on the schedule, Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400 is looked on as a manufacturer vs. manufacturer contest, since the Michigan track is not only home to Ford, but also to the other domestic auto makers.
Jeremy Bullins, crew chief of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang Dark Horse, said the fast, two-mile Michigan oval is the perfect place for a manufacturer’s duel.
“Michigan is one of the most fun intermediate-sized tracks we race at as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “It’s got so many lane options that you can move around and race around each other.
“It’s still very hard to pass, and track position is huge, but it’s also been a place where you can stay out or put two tires on and hang on to the track position you gain.”
Bullins said having several good options on pit stops makes the race somewhat unpredictable.
“I think that’s good for the racing,” he said.
But the most important aspect of the race for him and the rest of the No. 21 team is making Ford and Motorcraft/Quick Lane proud.
“Racing in the backyard of Ford Motor Company we definitely want to be fast and have a good weekend with our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang,” he said.
Practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 is set for Saturday at 12:35 p.m. Eastern Time and will be followed by qualifying at 1:20.
Sunday’s 200-lap, 400-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 2:30 p.m.Stage breaks are planned for Lap 45 and 120.
USA Network will carry the TV coverage all weekend.