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NASCAR Sprint-Cup Series
CUP: Ambrose Stuns With Third-Place Run
Marcos Ambrose finished third in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway...
Tom Jensen  |  Posted August 23, 2009   Bristol, TN
After a third place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway Marcos Ambrose is 16th in points. (Photo: Getty Images)

When Marcos Ambrose lit up Watkins Glen International two weeks ago, no one was surprised. After all, the Tasmania native is a two-time Australian V-8 Supercar Series champion, an established road racing star.

But absolutely no one expected Ambrose to have the kind of night he did Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he finished third in the Sharpie 500 in his No. 47 JTG-Daugherty Racing Toyota Camry. And that in some ways was even more impressive than winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series race and finishing second in the Cup race at The Glen.

SHARPIE 500 RESULTS

Bristol is one of the most demanding tracks on the circuit, 500 laps of pure pandemonium. Yet, Ambrose made it look easy. He didn’t back into a third-place finish on some weird pit strategy or catching a caution at the right time: He ran up front for most of the race.

For some reason, Bristol suits Ambrose, who finished 10th here in the spring to earn his first Cup top-10 finish.

“I don't know why I've run so well here,” admitted Ambrose. “Both races we've done really well. I just try to drive the racecar. I don't do anything but rely on my instincts, try to drive around the track as fast as I can. I just love Bristol. I love NASCAR. It's the best form of racing I've ever experienced. The cars are hard to drive, way too much power, not enough tire, not enough brakes. It's a real challenge to survive out there.”

SPRINT CUP SERIES DRIVER POINT STANDINGS

Ambrose, one of the most popular and engaging drivers in NASCAR, might just be the Australian version of Mark Martin: Someone who drives hard and clean, but most of all appreciates the sport, something that not every driver does, especially those new to the sport.

“I just tried always to keep my nose clean,” said Ambrose of his late-race battle with Greg Biffle and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for third place. “I don't want to ruin anybody's race. I want to race as hard as I can. When my night is on, I'm going to race as hard as anyone and take those chances, try to do it clean. I did it at Watkins Glen on Kyle (Busch). I did it tonight. Hopefully I'll do it next week at Montréal. When I get my chance at the front, I try to do the right thing. I try to race ‘em hard but fair.”


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