Harvick Best at Michigan

Kevin Harvick wins at Michigan International Speedway for the second straight year.

Brooklyn, Mich. – Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 23nd race of the 2019 season located to Michigan International Speedway, Sunday Aug. 11th, 2019 for the Consumer Energy 400. 

Brad Keselowski saved his “Best for the Last”, posting a top speed of 190.471 to claim his 2^nd pole award of the 2019 Monster Energy Cup Series Season at Michigan International Speedway.

Stage 1

Pole-Sitter Brad Keselowski – Driver of the No. 2 Penske Ford took command of lead the first 39 circuits in Stage 1.   Driver of the No. 19 Gibbs Racing Toyota – Martin Truex Jr. and No. 11 Toyota – Denny Hamlin would exchange the lead within the 21 remaining laps collectively.  Truex Jr. would clinch Stage 1 honors.

Stage 1 Results

1. Martin Truex Jr.
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Brad Keselowski
4. Joey Logano
5. William Byron
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Ryan Blaney
8. Alex Bowman
9. Chase Elliott
10. Aric Almirola

Stage 2

NASCAR point’s leader Kyle Busch – Driver of the No. 18 Gibbs Toyota took advantage of a final restart in Stage 2 to hold off an approaching teammate – Martin Truex. Jr. 

 Kyle Busch leading only one lap which was the most important lap in Stage 2.

STAGE 2 Results

1. Kyle Busch
2. Martin Truex Jr.
3. Kurt Busch
4. Joey Logano
5. Erik Jones
6. Chase Elliott
7. Ryan Blaney
8. William Byron
9. Clint Bowyer
10. Paul Menard

Final Stage

After dealing with mechanical issues early in race, Kevin Harvick – Driver of the No. 4 Stuart-Haas Ford would play a factor in the final Stage. 

With 51 laps remaining, No. 17 – Rickey Stenhouse Jr. spun out, bringing out the final caution.  As teams cycle for service, Kevin Harvick’s team opted to gas only, while majority others restocked their Goodyears.

 With 15 Laps remaining, teams convert to a fuel conserved mode.  This allowed Kevin Harvick’s Ford Mustang to pull away from the field capturing the Victory and Ford Manufactory bragging rights.

Final Stage Results

1. Kevin Harvick

2. Denny Hamlin

3. Kyle Larson

4. Martin Truex Jr.

5. Daniel Suarez

6. Kyle Busch

7. Ryan Preece

8. William Byron

9. Chase Elliott

10. Alex Bowman

11. Ty Dillon

12. Ryan Newman

13. Austin Dillon

14. Chris Buescher

15. Paul Menard

16. David Ragan

17. Joey Logano

18. Erik Jones

19. Brad Keselowski

20. Matt DiBenedetto

21. Corey LaJoie

22. Michael McDowell

23. Kurt Busch

24. Ryan Blaney

25. Matt Tifft

26. Daniel Hemric

27. Bubba Wallace

28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

29. Ross Chastain

30. Landon Cassill

31. Quin Houff

32. Austin Theriault

33. Aric Almirola

34. Jimmie Johnson

35. Garrett Smithley

36. Cody Ware

37. Clint Bowyer

38. Spencer Boyd

Time of Race:

2 Hrs, 40 Mins, 59 Secs.

Average Speed:

149.084 MPH

Margin of Victory:

 1.054 Seconds

Caution Flags:

 6 for 24 laps; Laps: 62-66 (Stage 1 Conclusion [43]); 117-119 (#2 Spin Turn 4 [36]); 122-127 (#3, 8, 10 Incident Frontstretch / Stage 2 Conclusion [2]); 134-136 (#53 Incident Turn 4 [34]); 138-141 (#21, 14 Incident Turn 3 [32]); 150-152 (#17 Spin Turn 4 [38]).

Lead Changes: 19 among 8 drivers; B. Keselowski 1-39; D. Hamlin 40-44; M. Truex Jr 45-55; D. Hamlin 56; M. Truex Jr 57-63; B. Keselowski 64-81; M. Truex Jr 82; B. Keselowski 83-90; M. Truex Jr 91-108; B. Keselowski 109; K. Harvick 110-113; M. Truex Jr 114-119; K. Busch 120-122; K. Busch 123-126; J. Logano 127-141; K. Busch 142; J. Logano 143-150; R. Blaney 151-153; J. Logano 154-182; K. Harvick 183-200.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race No. 24 travels to Bristol, Tenn.,  Saturday August 11^th 2019 for the Bass Pro NRA Night Race @ Bristol Motor Speedway  7:30 p.m  TV: NBCSR  Radio: PRN

Bluegrass Sports Nation will have full coverage of the weekend in Bristol from the Trucks on Thursday to the ME Boys on Saturday Night with our full NASCAR crew of Brendon Miller, Anthony Holbrook and Larry Robinson!!!!