Richard Childress Racing

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June 18, 2012

Jeff Burton Finishes 21st at Michigan International Speedway

"We couldn't get the handling of the car where we wanted; it just kept getting tighter as the race went on."

RCR/HHP Photo RCR/HHP Photo

Start - 33                       

Finish - 21                     

Laps Led - 1              

Points - 21

Jeff Burton and the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team brought home a 21st-place finish Sunday afternoon after battling a tight-handling condition during the rain-delayed event at Michigan International Speedway. Burton started the 200-lap race from the 33rd position, and quickly began working toward the front of the field moving into the 18th position after the first lap. During the early portion of the race, the South Boston, Va., native maintained a position within the top 20 but reported to crew chief Drew Blickensderfer that the Caterpillar Chevrolet was becoming increasingly tight during the run. The No. 31 Richard Childress Racing crew worked to alleviate the handling issue through the course of several scheduled pit stops. The persistent condition continued as final green-flag pit stops began to cycle through the field. Burton stayed on track to lead a lap before coming onto pit road at lap 171 for right-side tires and fuel. The RCR veteran driver returned to the track in the 25th position, and picked up four positions before crossing the finish line. Burton now sits 21st in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings. 
 
JEFF BURTON QUOTE:
"This was a tough day for the No. 31 Caterpillar team. We couldn't get the handling of the car where we wanted; it just kept getting tighter as the race went on. Drew (Blickensderfer, crew chief) and the entire crew worked hard today, I wish we had a better finish to show for it."

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