3M Performance 400 Michigan International Raceway

Not only did the floodgates open for the three-day rain delay of the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), but Kurt Busch also scored his second win of the last three races when it finally got underway.

All Dodge fans hope this win will drive the No. 2 Dodge into the top 12 in the Nextel Cup Series points, giving Busch a shot at the "Chase for the Nextel Cup," which began on September 16, with the running of the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Busch's victory at MIS was an improbable follow-up to what had been a 51-race winless streak prior to Busch's victory at Pocono.

"It was a really smooth and steady day for us," said Busch. "We had to race some guys hard to move forward, and we led some laps that put us in position. That's what it takes when you're running to get in the Chase-just a smooth and steady effort."

It was the 17th career Cup victory for Busch, the '04 series champion. He led all but two of the final 69 laps. More telling, perhaps, is the fact that with the latest two victories, he's climbed from 17th to 12th in points in the last 10 races.

Car owner Roger Penske, not one that takes well to losing, was happy to get his Cup program back on track.

"Obviously, to come to Michigan and win in our backyard is awful important. It's great to bring my pal Bob Nardelli (CEO of Chrysler) another Dodge win. That's pretty special for us. Kurt had to race all day. He came from 15th and worked his way almost up to first before his first pit stop. Our stops were as good as we've had all season. They were all lower than 14 seconds. I think we had one 12.6, and then Tryson's (crewchief Pat Tryson) call just added to the continuity of today's victory. The yellows at the end made it a little bit dicey. But I think the calls were spot on. We just had a perfect day.

"Let me say this. Kurt Busch was a great driver from the very beginning. We brought him in as part of the family. Right out of the box, he won a race for us his first year. I think he's matured as all young men do. It's all about race drivers here. We will work on the personality. We will work on the things you might need to do. I think Kurt appreciates what we're putting behind him. I can tell you it's making a huge difference. We're always right on that edge of being successful or behind. He certainly has demonstrated in the last races here how good he really is. I think he is right at the top of his game. His age, his experience, and now with us giving him the tools that he needs, he is going to be fine. I think to hire him was the best move I ever made. The team has stood behind him, and you can see what has turned out to be a terrific team and some great success to date."

With less than a month to go (at press time) till the "Chase for the Nextel Cup" begins, tune in next month to see if there's a Dodge in the '07 Chase!