Sunday, August 19, 2012

Biffle Wins, Johnson Finds Another Way to Stay Winless at Michigan

Greg Biffle celebrates after capturing his third Michigan win (Getty)
USA Today

BROOKLYN, Mich. – Greg Biffle held off Brad Keselowski in a green-white-checkered restart, winning Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

It was Biffle's second victory of the season and the first for Roush Fenway Racing in four years at the hometown track of team owner Jack Roush.

"We've been working really hard to get back to victory lane and catch those Hendrick cars," Biffle said. "We're going to make a run at the title. I know they don't talk about us a lot, but they will when we get to the Las Vegas" — site of the season-ending awards ceremony.

Biffle took the points lead from Jimmie Johnson, who seemed to be heading to his first victory at Michigan after passing Keselowski with 10 laps remaining. But the motor in Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet expired on the backstretch with five laps remaining.

"You've got to be kidding me!" the five-time series champion radioed his crew.

Johnson had the dominant car for much of the race, losing the lead to Keselowski only during a green-flag pit cycle.

Keselowski hung on for second, staving off a furious charge by Kasey Kahne. Dale Earnhardt Jr., who started from the rear in a backup car, finished fourth.

Earnhardt did have a role in Biffle's winning move, though.

"Junior gave me a huge push for that win," Biffle said. "I have to thank him for that. I saw Brad laying back like always and he got a little jump on me. It probably would have been leveled out by Turn 1."

Earnhardt was followed by Marcos Ambrose, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman,Paul Menard and Martin Truex Jr. 

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