Marcos Ambrose charged this way to an impressive top 15 finish during the Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada today.
After starting from 31st position the Australian made some good early progress to break into the top 20 by lap 37 of the 267-lap journey around the 1.5-mile Tri-oval.
As the race continued Ambrose showed competitive pace aboard the #47 Kingsford/Scott Products entry to edge his way inside the top 15 by mid race distance.
Despite experiencing a ‘loose’ set up during the late stages of the race, Ambrose maintained his position inside the top 15 before crossing the finish line 14th.
“Well we finished and that’s more than what we’ve done the last two. Our season starts right now," said Ambrose.
"It was a decent day - a top-15. We’ll take our licks and go to the next one.
"We’ve got ourselves in the back in the forty (in the points standings), that helps us get out of a hole here. We are worried about getting inside the top 35 in points but If we get a couple more good races like that we’ll be fine.”
Jimmie Johnson took out the Shelby American ahead of Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon, who led for the majority of the race.
As a result of today’s result Ambrose moved to 33rd in the points standings that are currently led by Kevin Harvick.
The next race on the schedule for Ambrose is the Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway next Sunday (March 7).
RESULTS: The Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Race 3 of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
1. #48 Jimmie Johnson 267 laps
2. #29 Kevin Harvick
3. #24 Jeff Gordon
4. #5 Mark Martin
5. #17 Matt Kenseth
6. #20 Joey Logano
7. #14 Tony Stewart
8. #33 Clint Bowyer
6. #9 Kasey Kahne
10. #16 Greg Biffle
14. #47 Marcos Ambrose
2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Standings
After Race 3 of 36
1. Kevin Harvick 506
2. Clint Bowyer 459
3. Mark Martin 457
4. Matt Kenseth 448
5. Jimmie Johnson 443
6. Greg Biffle 443
7. Jeff Burton 430
8. Joey Logano 413
9. David Reutimann 397
10. Carl Edwards 389
33. Marcos Ambrose 219
NEXT RACE:
Sunday 7 March 2010
Kobalt Tools 500
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta, GA
