One week after a stunning and controversial end to the race at Richmond – which saw race winner Austin Dillon penalized with the loss of an automatic playoff berth after wrecking Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap – the NASCAR Cup Series returns to action.
Michigan International Speedway hosts a Sunday afternoon race as winless drivers battle for one of the remaining playoff berths as the regular season winds down. Including Michigan, just three races remain before the playoffs begin Sept. 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and 12 of the 16 playoff spots have been locked up via wins.
Will a new winner celebrate in victory lane on Sunday? Can Dillon bounce back and take the checkered flag for the second consecutive week? Here is all the information you need to get ready for the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway:
USA Network is broadcasting the FireKeepers Casino 400 and has a pre-race show beginning at 2 p.m. ET.
The FireKeepers Casino 400 can be live streamed on the NBCSports website and the NBC Sports app. The race is also available to stream on Fubo.
The FireKeepers Casino 400 is 200 laps around the 2-mile track for a total of 400 miles. The race will feature three segments (laps per stage) – Stage 1: 45 laps; Stage 2: 75 laps; Stage 3: 80 laps.
Chris Buescher led 52 laps, including the final 12, before edging Martin Truex Jr. by a miniscule 0.152 seconds on Aug. 7, 2023 for his second of three wins last season. Buescher, who is winless in 2024, is currently ranked 13th in the drivers standings and on the bubble to make the playoffs.
Driver Lineup
(Car number in parentheses)
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(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
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(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
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(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
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(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
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(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
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(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
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(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
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(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
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(24) William Byron, Chevrolet
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(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
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(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
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(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
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(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
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(22) Joey Logano, Ford
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(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
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(4) Josh Berry, Ford
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(34) Michael McDowell, Ford
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(17) Chris Buescher, Ford
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(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
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(38) Todd Gilliland, Ford
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(14) Chase Briscoe, Ford
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(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
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(2) Austin Cindric, Ford
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(19) Martin Truex, Toyota
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(10) Noah Gragson, Ford
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(41) Ryan Preece, Ford
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(71) Zane Smith, Chevrolet
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(43) Erik Jones, Toyota
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(51) Justin Haley, Ford
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(47) Ricky Stenhouse, Chevrolet
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(7) Corey LaJoie, Chevrolet
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(31) Daniel Hemric, Chevrolet
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(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
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(21) Harrison Burton, Ford
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(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
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(15) Cody Ware, Ford
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NASCAR Fans Ready for the Race
Fans were revved up and ready for a race despite the rain. “Watching it on tv doesn’t do it justice, when you’re here it’s totally different it’s a huge experience,” said Toth.
“Everybody’s just pumped up, it’s a great environment,” said NASCAR fan Andy Edinger. The speedway was filled with thousands of fans across its campgrounds, pit road, and stands, with fans rooting for their favorite drivers.
“I’m rooting for Ryan Blaney,” said Edinger.
“[Joey] Logano,” said young NASCAR fan Connor Buren.
“Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex,” said Toth.
“Ryan Blaney,” said Edinger’s son, Duke.
They also shared with News 10 the best parts of a NASCAR race.
“The speed, just the noise, and the smell. I like the smell of the fuel,” said Andy Edinger.
“Seeing my favorite driver win,” said Duke Edinger.
“The wrecks, the excitement of when they start their engines,” said Toth.
“How exciting it is to watch the cars fight for the win,” said Liam Buren. Like last year’s firekeepers, the weather delayed the race, but rain or shine -- fans were going to enjoy the day no matter the outcome.
“We like to watch the races, it’s just always really fun, and like, right here, it’s raining still, but we don’t care. We’re out here just having fun,” said Buren.
If you need a reminder of who the best sports fans are, NASCAR fans have no problem reminding you.
“They’re wild, they’re wild,” said Toth.
“It’s just one giant party and like my son said, everybody’s friendly, everybody’s here for the same reason, have a good time and watch a race,” said Andy Edinger.
Rain Delays the Race
The FireKeepers Casino 400 was scheduled for a 2:36 p.m. ET green flag, but the start was put on hold due to rain. After two waves of showers, the race began at 4:55 p.m. ET, but another downpour forced another delay with 51 of the laps completed.
The remainder of the race was later postponed and will continue at 11 a.m. Monday morning.
NASCAR Fans Braved the Rain
NASCAR fans saw a few pace laps at Michigan International Speedway before the cars were parked for rain at Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400.
The green flag didn’t fly before the rain came. The race was supposed to start just after 2:30 p.m.
Cars were brought to pit road and covered. It started with sprinkles, but heavier rain rolled in around 2:50 p.m. Rain stopped just after 3 p.m., and jet dryers hit the track to dry the asphalt.
The track was mostly dry by 3:40 p.m. when another round of rain hit. After that rain, jet dryers hit the track again.
Rain was a problem Saturday, too, causing four delays throughout the day. Cup qualifying was canceled, but the Xfinity Series race was able to finish.
There are no lights at MIS, so races must finish before sunset at 8:31 p.m.
Drivers Ready for the Race
Denny Hamlin is starting on the pole, based on a formula after qualifying was rained out, Saturday. Tyler Reddick is starting second, followed by Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney, William Byron and Austin Dillon.
There are three Michigan drivers in the race: Portage’s Carson Hocevar (starts 11th), Rochester Hills’ Brad Keselowski (starts 15th) and Byron’s Erik Jones (starts 28th).
This story will be updated with news on the delay.
NASCAR Fans Undeterred by Weather
The National Weather Service calls for precipitation chances from 72-82% until 7 p.m. Sunday. Michigan International Speedway does not have lights, limiting the time to get the race in on Sunday.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms have impacted the race weekend at Michigan since Friday. Saturday's Xfinity Series race included multiple red flags for rain, and Cup practice and qualifying was canceled earlier in the day.
Last year's race at Michigan was postponed to a Monday finish due to weather. Chris Buescher is the defending race champion.
This story will be updated.
