Mike Skinner – Toyota Tundra Racing - Post Race Report
Race: Michigan 200 (Race 10 of 25) - Track: Michigan International Speedway
Date: Saturday, June 16, 2007 - Started: Fourth - Finished: Fourth
Laps Completed: 100 - Total Laps: 100 - NCTS Points: First

Mike Skinner and his dominating No. 5 Toyota Tundra team headed to the Irish Hills of Michigan this weekend in hopes of yet another strong performance.

Skinner started off a little rusty in the first practice session Friday morning. After a few adjustments, Skinner’s Tundra flew right to the top of the speed chart and remained in that vicinity after the final practice session. With the truck set up for qualifying, the team was ready for time trials.

The defending pole winner had already captured six poles so far this year and was looking to sit on the pole at the one mile track again. Skinner qualified late on a track that was getting hotter by the minute. His lap of 40.484 seconds placed him fourth for the start of the race.

When the green flag waved over the 36-truck field, Skinner held his position well. However, the truck’s handling became freer by the lap, and Skinner reported to the crew that he needed an adjustment fast. The first caution of the night occurred on lap 30, and Skinner joined the rest of the field on pit road. After a four-tire stop with an air pressure adjustment, Skinner restarted third on the lap 34 restart.

Skinner soon battled for the lead. Driving hard and low into the corners, Skinner stood second when the caution flag waved again on lap 57. Skinner’s No. 5 pit crew showed its strength, quickly changing four tires and filling the Tundra with fuel. Skinner grabbed the lead for the lap 61 restart.

Skinner kept the lead for the next few laps and fought for position throughout the remainder of the race. Driving in one of the most hard-fought races of his career, Skinner remained calm and cool though his truck felt aero tight, but possibly mechanically loose.

When the checkered flag waved, Skinner crossed the line in the fourth position. It was his eighth top-five finish and 10th top-10 finish of the year.

Skinner will again attempt to extended his points lead as he heads into next week’s event at The Milwaukee Mile. The race will be televised on SPEED Friday, June 22.