NASCAR Cup

Michigan: Bobby Labonte qualifying report

Michigan International Speedway may be tucked away in a quiet area known as the Irish Hills, but the track is known for fast, side-by-side racing. Each competitor easily broke the 180 mph barrier during the qualifying session. Bobby Labonte ...

Published: Jun 16, 2007, 5:49 PM

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Michigan International Speedway may be tucked away in a quiet area known as the Irish Hills, but the track is known for fast, side-by-side racing. Each competitor easily broke the 180 mph barrier during the qualifying session.

Bobby Labonte and the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team may not have been happy with their qualifying lap, but they are confident that things will be different on Sunday. The 2000 Nextel Cup champion owns three wins at the two mile oval.

"We just could never find anything that would help the car turn," said Labonte. "It was fairly hot this afternoon as well so the car lost some overall grip. That didn't help matters. But we have plenty of power and that is key here at Michigan. You can move around this track and figure out where you car is the best. We'll be fine for Sunday."

John Andretti and the No. 45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge team continue to make gains on their Dodge Charger. He will start the race from the 37th position. Andretti is making his return to Petty Enterprises this weekend. Ironically, his first start for the legendary organization came at Michigan in 1997.

"Our car was tight this morning, but as the track heated up, it went to the loose side," sounded Andretti. "I'm not really sure why that happened. I know that Billy (Wilburn, crew chief) and the guys will work their magic tomorrow during practice and we'll be fine. It is a pleasure to work with this team again and hopefully we can rekindle some of the success that we've had in the past."

-credit: pe

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