On Track - Saturday

It's never a good sign to wake up early on race day with rain pouring down, but then again, it was early. I was up and moving by 6:30. Showers moved out of the area early enough for the tough trucks to make it out for time trails by 10.

First up was an interview with the #17 crew chief, Drew Blickensderfer. The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition 2009 National Finals will be held from June 14-16 in Dearborn. The grand prize for the two-person team that wins is the opportunity to spend the week leading up to the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway with the #17 team to observe and “job shadow”. They will also get to serve as honorary pit crew members during the race weekend.

Check out more details, here - www.autoskills.com/about.html


Brian Ickler won the pole for the Michigan 200. Points leader Matt Crafton qualified 2nd followed by Todd Bodine, Kyle Busch, Ron Hornaday Jr, Johnny Sauter, Mike Skinner, JR Fitzpatrick, James Buescher and Rick Crawford.


Cup drivers made it out on the track immediately following truck qualifying for their second over-all practice.

Denny Hamlin posted the fastest speed with Mark Martin, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle in the top 5.

Jimmie Johnson took a spin coming off of turn 4. He didn't hit anything and was able to get back out on the track without spending too much time in the garage. He was 8th fastest and 11th during their final practice.


After a short 15 minute break, Happy Hour started. Mark Martin was fastest for this one. Dale Earnhardt Jr – 2nd. Brian Vickers, Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer were also among the top 5 fastest.

It was overcast, cloudy and cool throughout the day, but we lucked out on this one. The rain held off.