Michigan International Speedway has been one of Greg Biffle’s best tracks over the years, but handling woes and Mother Nature combined kept Biffle from another solid finish at the two-mile track. Biffle started 21st in the No. 16 Safety-Kleen Ford and searched for grip in between three red flag delays for rain. The fourth rain storm forced NASCAR to call the race shy of the scheduled distance, leaving Biffle with a 36th-place finish.
Michigan is one of the best tracks for Biffle and the No. 16 team, but they had their hands full throughout the race weekend. By final practice on Saturday it seemed as if they had a solid plan in place for the race but from the drop of the flag Biffle struggled with grip.
The first caution for rain came just 11 laps into the race and after starting 21st and falling back to 32nd with no grip, the team took advantage of the caution to pit for four tires and take a big swing at chassis adjustments. A red flag ensued to dry the track surface.
Once they were back to racing the loose handling condition continued. Biffle lost a lap to the leaders in his search for grip. Just over halfway the radar showed rain near, leading many to gamble on track position when the debris caution came out on lap 124. The team had wanted to take the “wave around” but some leaders gambled by staying out. Biffle was trapped in 36th as the next rain shower came and was severe enough for NASCAR to call the race since over half the laps were completed.
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