Big Speed Expected at MIS

Last June, Marcos Ambrose did something that no driver had done since "Awesome Bill" Elliott back in 1987: qualified at better than 200 miles per hour.

Ambrose ripped off a lap of 203.241 miles per hour to win the Coors Light pole at Michigan International Speedway nearly a year ago.Driving for Richard Petty Motorsports, Ambrose's lap was the fastest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole speed at any track since Elliott qualified at 203.827 mph with an unrestricted engine at Talladega on July 26, 1987. 

In May of that same year, also at Talladega, Elliott ran the fastest qualifying lap in the history of the sport, 212.809 mph.

The new Michigan pavement, coupled with the Gen-6 car, might threaten Elliott's 203-plus lap, but it is doubtful that the fastest lap in NASCAR history will be reset.

The weather is one factor, and whether or not NASCAR will allow speeds to reach that level--with no restrictor plate in place--is to be determined.

Either way, look for some big numbers this weekend at MIS!