06/12/2016
Biffle Finishes 19th at Michigan
BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 12, 2016) – Michigan International Speedway is Greg Biffle’s favorite track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. Biffle leads the way at the 2.0-mile track with four wins, but unfortunately wasn’t able to add another to his tally. Biffle started the race 18th and made gains early on only to get trapped a lap down through an untimely caution during green flag stops. After taking the wave around the No. 16 Ford EcoBoost Ford became loose in traffic leaving Biffle with a 19th-place finish.
The Michigan race weekend was a tail of a new aero package for NASCAR. Biffle had a decent car in practice under the new rules package, but got loose in qualifying earning a 18th-place starting position.
Over the opening green flag run Biffle radioed to his crew to “go ahead and let them know I’m coming to the front.” Biffle had a fast Ford EcoBoost Ford and was picking them off one-by-one. Passing proved to be difficult with the new aero package so by the time Biffle visited pit road on lap 39 for four tires and fuel he had worked his way just up to 15th while posting some of the fastest lap times on the track.
Biffle continued to advance and even cracked the top ten and cycled up to third by mid-race when he visited pit road for service. Biffle received four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. Shortly after returning to the track a caution came out, trapping Biffle on lap down since the field hadn’t fully cycled through pit stops. Biffle took the wave around to get back on the lead lap but was now stuck in traffic with a loose handling Ford.
Another pit stop for wedge and air pressure got the No. 16 Ford EcoBoost handling better, but Biffle still struggled in traffic. During a late race caution many competitors behind Biffle pitted for tires, while the No. 16 team opted for track position. The new tires were a slight advantage against Biffle’s loose handling Ford. In the end Biffle crossed the finish line 19th.
