Austin Dillon will pull double duty this weekend as he attempts to make his second career Sprint Cup start in the No. 33 American Ethanol Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway.
In addition to his usual duty in the Nationwide Series – the Alliance Truck Parts 250 on Saturday – Dillon will attempt to qualify for the Sprint Cup LifeLock 400 on Sunday.
“Michigan International Speedway has always been one of my favorite tracks,” said the 22-year-old, who is third in the Nationwide points standings. “I think it will be even more exciting to race there in the Cup Series race given the recent repave the track has undergone."
Dillon, who drives for his grandfather’s team, Richard Childress Racing, will be forced to qualify on time, but he has the benefit of Thursday’s test to get up to speed. He’ll also have veteran crew chief Gil Martin calling the shots. Martin currently oversees RCR’s Nationwide Series program but has enjoyed tremendous Sprint Cup success with Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer.
In four starts at MIS, Dillon’s best result was second in the 2009 ARCA race. He also won the pole and finished fifth in the 2010 truck race. Dillon made his first Cup start last fall at Kansas Speedway, where he finished 26th.
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