Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan Wrap-Up

With a wave of the checkered flag at Sunday's Quicken Loans 400, Dale Earnhardt Jr. snapped a 143 race winless streak. "That was the worst feeling, riding around with 15 laps to go and wondering what was going to happen - how you were going to lose," Jr said.


There was no losing for Jr. this time as his #88 Chevrolet won for the first time since 2008 with a 5.4 second victory. Ironically enough, that June 15, 2008 win came almost four years ago to the day. His last win also came at Michigan.


With 11 top-10's already on the season, Earnhardt has had one of the most consistant seasons in a long time. A season that any driver would wish for as he comfortably sits in second place for the championship.


Speed was also a topic of conversation with qualifying speeds soaring over 200 mph on the newly paved track.


Accidents were also increased at the track where we saw last week's winner, Joey Logano, get taken out in a multi-car crash which brought out the caution for six laps. Almost immediately after the restart, Denny Hamlin's toyota decided to go for a spin through the grass and caught fire. Luckily, Hamlin was uninjured in the wreck.

Kurt Busch:

On another note, Kurt Busch had another run-in with a reporter. Following Saturday's Nationwide race, Busch chose not to fulfill his media obligations. NASCAR rules state that the top three finishers must take with MRN Radio first on pit-road. 


In the media center, The MRN issue came up about Busch leaving before fulfilling his obligations. Busch reportedly replied, "That's what everybody says, don't they?" When questioned by ESPN's Marty Smith about the refusal, Busch told Smith to come over with a camera before saying, "Have you ever heard of sarcasm?"


We are not likely to see any penalty for the incident. However, for a driver who is seeking sponsorship and an owner willing to provide a top quality ride, Busch is not doing himself any favors with his behavior. I am curious to see if he will be in the car come next Sunday.


Results:
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Diet Mtn. Dew Chevrolet
2. Tony Stewart #14 Office Depot Chevrolet
3. Matt Kenseth #17 EcoBoost Ford
4. Greg Biffle #16 3M Ford
5. Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe's Chevrolet
6. Jeff Gordon #24 DuPont Chevrolet
7. Clint Bowyer #15 5-Hour Energy Toyota
8. Juan Pablo Montoya #42 Target Chevrolet
9. Marcos Ambrose #9 Stanley Ford
10. Kevin Harvick #29 Budweiser Chevrolet


Standings:
1. Matt Kenseth 565
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. -4
3. Greg Biffle -17
4. Jimmie Johnson -33
5. Denny Hamlin -51