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Joey Logano Wins the Pure Michigan 400 at MIS

Posted at 10:22 PM, Aug 18, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-18 22:26:08-04

BROOKLYN, Mich. — Joey Logano won the pole and then won the second NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway in 2013, the Pure Michigan 400.

The victory by Logano gave Ford Racing the inaugural Michigan Heritage. The trophy, inspired by the iconic Stanley Cup, will recognize the winning manufacturer – Ford, Toyota or Chevrolet – after each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at MIS.

“Obviously we’re very honored to receive the first and inaugural manufacturers trophy,” Ford Racing’s Jamie Allison said. “It is special. Every win is special. But to win it here in front of our employees, our fans, with our team, just makes it even more important.”

Logano set a MIS record in qualifying with a top speed of 203.949 miles per hour on Friday, giving him the top spot to start Sunday’s race.

But it was 54-year old Mark Martin who appeared ready to add to his overall success at Michigan International Speedway and become the oldest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner at the track. Unfortunately for Martin, his crew’s pit strategy backfired as the 55-car ran out of gas while in the lead with four laps left, giving the lead back to the pole-sitter.

That made Logano the youngest Sprint Cup winner at MIS at 23-years old.

“It’s crazy racing Mark Martin, my childhood hero,” Logano said. “I was able to race against him at Pocono last year for the win. It’s so cool racing against a guy like that. This is unbelievable to win here at Michigan in Ford’s backyard. We needed this for our Chase hopes.”

It was also an important win for team owner Roger Penske who calls Michigan home.

“As I go back probably 30 years here at the track, this is probably one of the biggest wins,” Penske said.  “With Joey coming onboard, his first win with the Shell‑Pennzoil car, our relationship with Ford.  It’s my home state, my home track.  Detroit is my city.”

Hear more from the winning driver and car owner in the video.