A win in the Nationwide Series and a third-place finish in the Cup Series will give Marcos Ambrose some confidence going into Michigan this week. (Photo: Jeff Zelevansky, Getty Images) » More Photos

RETURN ENGAGEMENT After a spectacular weekend at Watkins Glen International, Marcos Ambrose will be behind the wheel of the Wood Brothers No. 21 Ford again this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Ambrose, who specialized in road racing in his native Australia, won Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Glen and the overcame a 41st starting spot in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race to post a third-place finish.

“It is very special to drive for the Wood Brothers,” said Ambrose following Sunday’s race. “They are historically one of the most famous teams. I remember them growing up. I read a lot about them with their race wins here in NASCAR. They’ve had a tough year and they need some momentum to move them forward, and I hope I can help them do that.” Ambrose will have to qualify on speed for Sunday’s 3M Performance 400, but the good news for him is that there are only 44 cars on the entry list, meaning all but one driver will make the race.

KILLING TIME One of the hazards of racing at Michigan International Speedway is the weather. Last year’s race was rained out on Sunday and again the following day, forcing the Cup teams to race on Tuesday. And given the rather rural location of the track, the teams were at loose ends waiting for the weather to clear.

“Last year, of course, we're sitting around for a couple days waiting out the rain, and that's pretty awkward,” said Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Casey Mears and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. “It was constant pushing the car out, and bringing it back to the garage. Changing shocks, and then pushing it back out. And a lot of killing time in the transporter. At night, there's not a whole lot to do in Chelsea, Mich., so we spent most of it working out, then eating.”