On Sunday, the celebrities of the NASCAR Cup Sequence will tackle the two-mile Michigan Worldwide Speedway within the FireKeepers On line casino 400 (3 p.m. ET, Prime Video, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Here is what it is advisable know forward of the fifteenth race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Sequence season.
Favourite: Tyler Reddick (+350, per DraftKings)
The Cup Sequence factors chief and winner of 5 races to date is the favourite to win Sunday’s race, and for good motive. Reddick received at MIS in 2024, was quickest in follow on Saturday and certified third.
The No. 45 group is but to complete a race exterior of the top-15 to date this season, and whereas Reddick is on his longest winless “drought” of the season (5 races), he is completed top-six within the final 4. Anticipate the No. 45 Toyota to be up entrance and in competition all afternoon.
Ford trying to keep away from home-field flop
A lot has been manufactured from Ford’s Cup Sequence struggles in 2026. The Blue Oval has just one win this season with Ryan Blaney at Phoenix.
Toyota and Chevrolet locked out the highest 13 positions in Saturday’s qualifying session. RFK Racing driver Chris Buescher in 14th was Ford’s greatest qualifier, and for the primary time for the reason that 2015 fall race at Phoenix Raceway, Ford did not have a driver qualify contained in the top-13.
In what’s the dwelling race for each Ford and Chevrolet, the previous is looking desperately for pace.
What does Denny Hamlin have for an encore?
Hamlin, who received final week at Nashville and is now on a mission to chase down Reddick for the factors lead, earned profession pole No. 50 on Saturday afternoon — nevertheless it does not matter.
Injury on the No. 11 Toyota from follow should be fastened by Hamlin’s group, forcing him to drop to the rear forward of the inexperienced flag on Sunday afternoon.
So, for the second straight week, Hamlin could have a fast automotive at his disposal however a must make up floor early on. He began from the pole at Nashville however jumped the beginning, incurring a penalty that led to an exhilarating rally and victory for the veteran driver.
If Hamlin desires a second consecutive Michigan triumph, he’ll must snag it after beginning in the back of the sector.
Michigan natives trying to make historical past
In 108 Cup races on the Michigan Worldwide Speedway, no Michigan native has ever made it to victory lane.
Brad Keselowski, Carson Hocevar and Erik Jones are all trying to change that on Sunday.
Hocevar appears the probably of the three to take action, as he practically received at MIS in 2025 earlier than a flat tire late within the race took him out of competition. He certified second however will begin on the pole as a result of Hamlin’s penalty.
Jones put collectively a strong Tenth-place qualifying effort, nevertheless it’s questionable as as to if or not his No. 43 LEGACY Motor Membership Toyota could have profitable tempo within the race. Keselowski, in the meantime, will face an uphill climb after qualifying twenty sixth.
