Date June 17, 2012 (2012-06-17) Course Permanent racing facility2.0 mi (4 km) Distance 200 laps, 400 mi (643.737 km) Weather Isolated thunderstorms with a high around 89; wind out of the SSW at 9 mph Average speed 139.144 miles per hour (223.931 km/h) | ||
The 2012 Quicken Loans 400 was a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race held on June 17, 2012 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, United States. Contested over 200 laps on the two–mile (3.2 km) superspeedway, it was the fifteenth race of the 2012 Sprint Cup Series championship. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the race, his first Cup Series win since 2008. Tony Stewart finished second and Matt Kenseth finished third.
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Background
Michigan International Speedway is one of thirteen speedways on the Sprint Cup schedule. More specifically, MIS and its "sister track", the Auto Club Speedway, are the only two speedways on the Cup schedule to be at 2.0 miles in total length. During the 2012 season, the speedway was repaved.
Prior to the race, Matt Kenseth was the Drivers' Championship points leader with 523 points. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. followed in second 10 points behind Kenseth. The "Wild Card" spots were held by Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman.
Practice & Qualifying
Marcos Ambrose set one of the fastest top speeds, breaking the 200 mph barrier, to claim pole.