After running in the top five for most of the race last year, it was easy to see why the #20 Rockwell Automation / JGR race team was excited to return to the Kansas Speedway. Coupled with a test at the track two weeks ago and bringing a car that was dominant at Chicago earlier in the year, Mike Bliss could not wait to unload.

After qualifying in the 8th position, the team began to prepare the car for final practice. At that time, they discovered some metal flakes in the engine oil which led to a small crack in the engine. Knowing how strong the #20 car was, the team changed engines and would be forced to start at the back of the pack on Saturday.

Posting the 2nd quickest time during the final practice, Bliss knew his car was strong but would just need to show patience as he worked his way to the front of the field. The early going was tedious as cautions continued to slow the field. Bliss used the early cautions to duck on pit road and make some minor adjustments while topping of the fuel tank.

As the race restarted, the teams saw a 73 lap green flag run take place. The #20 car showed its strength by quickly picking up positions. Twenty laps into the long run, Bliss picked up 14 spots and moved into the 23rd position. The car handle was pretty neutral and his lap times were some of the fastest on the track. As long run continued, the Rockwell Automation machine began to tighten up, but the times remained consistent. Even though the leaders set a blistering pace, Bliss continued to work his way to the front of the field. By lap 59, Bliss had broken into the top ten and was the leader of the field by lap 65. On lap 70, Bliss surrendered the lead as he ducked onto pit road for a regularly scheduled stop for four tires & fuel

Shortly after the round of green flag pit stops, the caution flag flew for debris on the front stretch. With only 12 cars on the lead lap, Bliss running in the 11th position returned to pit road to top off his fuel cell. As the race restarted, he began working his way through traffic again. Running in the top ten, Bliss set his sights on the front of the field. On lap 108, sixth place Matt Kennseth got loose coming off of turn two and spun directly in front of the #20 car. Even though Bliss slammed on the brakes, he still made contact with the 9 car and would have to return to pit road to work on the front end especially the grill area.

The #20 car would be forced back to pit road for an overheating problem that would take two laps to resolve. Bliss would limp home in the 19th position, two laps down from winner, Joe Nemechek.