Catchfence

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 15, 2012) – On a day of record speeds on Michigan International Speedway’s new pavement, tire conservation became the key element in the RainEater Wiper Blades 200. Chris Buescher played the game better than anyone, leading the final 14 laps to score his seventh ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards victory.

Buescher made a Lap 74 pit stop and kept his No. 17 Roulo Brothers Racing Ford on the track while race leader Alex Bowman pitted 12 laps later. Bowman started second on a restart with 10 laps to go, but could not pass Buescher, who extended his lead to over a half-second four laps later. Bowman, who led 12 laps, charged toward Buescher and attempted a low pass at the checkered flag, but just missed his fourth series win by 0.054 second.

Matt Lofton finished third after leading 15 laps to finish just ahead of Brennan Newberry, who made his ARCA debut. Brandon Davis finished a career-best fifth, one place in front of John Blankenship, who also achieved a career high. Frank Kimmel, Spencer Gallagher, pole winner winner and new track qualifying record holder Joey Coulter, and Buster Graham filled out the top 10.

Points leader Brennan Poole led the first 59 laps but encountered tire issues and fell out of contention. He finished 11th, three laps off of the pace, but maintained a 20-point advantage in the series standings over Buescher after eight of 20 races. With two wins each in the last four races, Poole and Buescher are the only multiple winners in the series in 2012.

The action continues at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday with Gatorade Pole Day Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The stars of the Nationwide Series conclude the day in the Alliance Truck Parts 250 Nationwide race, starting at 3:45 p.m.

Guests with an Alliance Truck Parts 250 ticket should stick around for a free concert starring Big and Rich.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

All tickets are on sale at http://www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. You can also follow track president Roger Curtis on Twitter at @MISRoger. Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.

- Michigan International Speedway Press Release