NASCAR: Harvick wins Carfax 400 at Michigan Int'l Speedway

BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 15, 2010) – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick and crew chief Gil Martin were joking on the radio about where Gatorade Victory Lane was located following Harvick’s victory in the CARFAX 400 on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

“It’s been seven years since I’ve been in Victory Lane here, but my first in the Sprint Cup. I’m not sure how to even get there,” Harvick excitedly said over his radio.

Harvick eventually found Gatorade Victory Lane and celebrated his first Sprint Cup Series win at MIS. His only other victory at MIS was in a Nationwide Series race in 2003.

“This has been a very bad track for us and to come here and do what we did today says a lot about where Richard Childress Racing is,” Harvick said. “This win means a lot. To come here to Michigan and win is very important.”

With his victory, Harvick becomes the first driver to secure a spot in the 10-race ‘Chase for the Championship.’ He currently holds a 293-point lead over second place Jeff Gordon with three races to go before the Chase.

The victory also gave owner Richard Childress his first Sprint Cup victory at MIS since Dale Earnhardt Sr. won here in 1990, a span of 20 years.

“You know that was 20 years ago. I remember winning here and how proud we were to win for GM Goodwrench back in those days and to win in a GM product up here,” Childress said. “There’s a lot of pride. It’s great to be here today and win.”

Denny Hamlin posted another strong second-place finish in the CARFAX 400, following up his victory in last June’s race at MIS. Carl Edwards made a large charge to finish third, followed by Greg Biffle in fourth and Matt Kenseth in fifth, giving owner Jack Roush three driver’s in the top five in his return to the track.

Roush was injured in a plane crash back on July 27 and finally made his first appearance at a racetrack since being released from the hospital earlier in the week.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing returns to MIS in June and August of 2011. Take advantage of great pricing in 2011 by placing a $30 deposit by calling 800-354-1010.

From Dennis Worden // Manager of Public Relations // Michigan International Speedway