Ambrose Qualifies 39th for Michigan Sprint Cup Race

16 Aug 2008

Marcos Ambrose has qualified for his fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event by setting the 39th fastest time in qualifying for the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan today.

Ambrose had to qualify on speed in the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Fusion and will start from the 20th row alongside fellow Ford driver David Gilliland, one spot behind 2007 Daytona 500 winner Kevin Harvick.

The Australian, who finished third in the Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen last weekend one day after taking his first win in the Nationwide Series at the same venue, reported a loose race car during qualifying but did enough to lock the #21 Ford into this weekend’s race.

Ambrose will work with Wood Brothers Racing crew Chief David Hyder to improve the handling of the car during tomorrow’s two Sprint Cup practice sessions, before the race is held the following day.

Ambrose had a strong day in the #59 Kingsford Ford Fusion of JTG Daugherty Racing in Nationwide Series practice, finishing 11th and 15th fastest in the two practice sessions held around the 2.0-mile speedway.

Ambrose will compete in qualifying and the Carfax 250 in the Nationwide Series tomorrow as he looks to hold his spot in the top 10 in the series standings and continue his climb up the points score.

Brian Vickers qualified on pole for the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway today ahead of defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, Elliott Sadler, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jeff Gordon.

QUOTES – MARCOS AMBROSE

“It’s a big relief to qualify,” said Ambrose.

“We just wanted to get in. It’s just getting laps in these cars at these speeds at these kind of tracks. You just have to gain confidence.

“It’s just laps. This is the first time I’ve driven this car for the Wood Brothers on a big track and it’s just hard. Just trying to get laps is very difficult.

“While you are waiting to see if you have qualified, you hold on and hope it’s enough. Once you know it’s a great feeling … it’s like I’m on holiday!”

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Ambrose Qualifies 39th for Michigan Sprint Cup Race

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