Indianapolis, Indiana – The NASCAR Cup Series Race Teams traveled to Indianapolis International Speedway Road Course this week to take on the 2.43-mile, 14 Turn, Asphalt and Brick track for the annual running of the Verizon 200.
Verizon 200 – Recap:
Stage 1
Daniel Suarez captured the pole and brought the field to green for 82 laps around the iconic Indy Road course.
Michael McDowell edged his way to the front maneuvering around Suarez, McDowell was then able to hold on to the lead for Stage 1 honors at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
Verizon 200 – Results:
Stage 1
1. Michael McDowell
2. Daniel Suarez
3. Chase Elliott
4. Tyler Reddick
5. Kyle Larson
6. Kyle Busch
7. Christopher Bell
8. Alex Bowman
9. Shane Van Gisbergen
10. Martin Truex Jr.
Verizon 200 – Recap:
Stage 2
The stage 2 restart saw Daniel Suarez’s speedy pit stop accelerate him and his Camaro back out in front.
Michael McDowell was able to size up Suarez and recapture the lead only then to run out of real estate. Meanwhile Austin Dillion, Denny Hamiln, and Brad Keselowski were brewing up a battle for the lead as McDowell attempts fell short as planned.
Denny Hamlin emerged from the pack as the Stage 2 white flag waved. Brad Keselowski’s final attempt to pass Denny Hamlin failed as he lost grip and positions attempting a final lap slingshot.
Denny Hamlin holds on to the lead as the Stage 2 Checkers fly.
Verizon 200 – Results:
Stage 2
1. Denny Hamlin
2. Michael McDowell
3. Daniel Suarez
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Chase Elliott
6. Kyle Busch
7. Tyler Reddick
8. Alex Bowman
9. Chase Briscoe
10. Kyle Larson
Verizon 200 – Recap:
Final Stage
Michael McDowell’s Race Teams strategy was to split the race and utilize a 2-pit service stop. This gamble is only efficient when there are very few caution flags. Michael McDowell benefited from this strategy and recycled back to the front after the leaders pitted.
Michael McDowell and his tire trackers Daniel Suarez and Chase Elliott hit the pits on a final money stop. McDowell’s pit crew delivered when it mattered most and helped McDowell emerge first out of the pits to contend for the win.
Within 5 laps, McDowell reoccupied the post as the aggressive drivers were able to advance.
Time is decreasing for Chase Elliott to qualify for Playoffs, Elliott closed within 1.5 sec of race leader McDowell but Elliott ran out of track and time in his quest to capture his first win of the 2023 season.
Michael McDowell wins at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
Michael McDowell led 54 laps in a race that went to the final 76 laps under green.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
Race Results:
August 13, 2023
NASCAR Cup Series
Pos | Driver
1. Michael McDowell
2. Chase Elliott
3. Daniel Suarez
4. Tyler Reddick
5. Alex Bowman
6. Chase Briscoe
7. Martin Truex Jr
8. Kyle Larsin
9. Christopher Bell
10. Shane Van Gisbergen
11. Chris Buescher
12. Ty Gibbs
13. Ryan Blaney
14. William Byron
15. Austin Cindric
16. Austin Dillon
17. Ross Chastain
18. Bubba Wallace
19. Denny Hamlin
20. Brad Keselowski
21. Harrison Burton
22. Brodie Kostecki
23. Kevin Harvick
24. Mike Rockenfeller
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
26. AJ Allmendinger
27. Ty Dillon
28. Jenson Button
29. Corey LaJoie
30. Andy Lally
31. Ryan Preece
32. Josh Bilicki
33. Kamui Kobayashi
34. Joey Logano
35. Erik Jones
36. Kyle Busch
37. Todd Gilliland
38. Justin Haley
39. Aric Almirola
2023 NASCAR Cup Series / Point Standings
Pos | Driver Wins / Points Playoff Points
(After Verizon 200 8/14/2023)
1. William Byron | 4 Wins | 22PP
2. Martin Truex Jr | 3 Wins | 20PP
3. Kyle Busch | 3 Wins | 17PP
4. Denny Hamlin | 2 Wins | 15PP
5. Kyle Larson | 2 Wins | 13PP
6. Chris Buescher | 2 Wins | 11PP
7. Ross Chastain | 1 Win | 10PP
8. Tyler Reddick | 1 Win | 9PP
9. Ryan Blaney | 1 Win | 8PP
10. Joey Logano | 1 Win | 8PP
11. Christopher Bell | 1 Win | 7PP
12. Michael McDowell | 1 Win | 6PP
13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr | 1 Win | 5PP
14. Kevin Harvick | +145
15. Brad Keselowski | +143
16. Bubba Wallace | +28
— Playoff Cutline —
17. Daniel Suarez | -28
18. Ty Gibbs | -49
19. Chase Elliott | -80
20. Alex Bowman | -80
The NASCAR Cup Series continues the Road Course Swing’ locating to Watkins Glenn, New York for the annual ‘Go Bowling at The Glen.’
Scheduled:
Sunday, August 20th, 2023 3:00 p.m.
USA, MRN , Sirius XM 90 (Nascar Channel)
