2024 NASCAR Cup Series Race Preview - FireKeepers Casino 400: Will Kyle Larson continue his dominance at MIS? August 15, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

On Sunday, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series moves to Michigan International Speedway for the FireKeepers Casino 400. Race time is set 2:30PM EDT.

Michigan International Speedway is a paradise for drivers who thrive on pure speed. The track's 18 degrees of banking in the turns allows cars to maintain high momentum, especially on the extended backstretch. With 5 degrees of banking on the backstretch and 12 degrees on the start/finish line, Michigan combines technical challenges with sheer speed, creating an exhilarating racing environment.

Drivers who can master the balance between speed and tire management will have a significant advantage. Unlike short tracks, where close racing and frequent cautions are common, Michigan is all about getting to the front and staying there. Once a driver takes the lead, they can often distance themselves from the competition, lapping slower cars in the process.

Heading into Sunday's race, Kyle Larson emerges as the leading contender. Larson has consistently been a dominant force at Michigan, with an impressive average finish of 5th in his last four outings at the track. With three career victories at Michigan International Speedway, Larson has repeatedly demonstrated his mastery of this high-speed D-shaped oval. His strong performance on intermediate tracks this season further cements his status as the driver to beat.

FireKeepers Casino 400 Sports Bet Odds

Kyle Larson is the favorite to win the FireKeepers Casino 400. Here are our latest odds:

• Kyle Larson is favored to earn his 5th NASCAR Cup series win, with a money line of +550.
• Denny Hamlin is considered as the main challenger of Larson, with 3 a money line of +600.
• Ryan Blaney will also challenge and contend, with a money line of +750.

Denny Hamlin, another formidable competitor, is enjoying a remarkable season and will be eager to add a Michigan victory to his list of achievements. His consistent success on similar tracks makes him a serious contender for the checkered flag.

Tire management and pit strategy will be pivotal in determining the race’s outcome. Although speed is crucial at Michigan, tire wear can become a significant factor, particularly during extended green-flag runs. Teams that make the right strategic decisions in the pits and maintain car balance throughout the race will have a distinct edge.

The FireKeepers Casino 400 is set to deliver the high-speed excitement and dramatic finishes that Michigan International Speedway is renowned for. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars in the field, Sunday’s race is shaping up to be an unmissable event. As the Cup Series season intensifies, every point counts, and drivers will be pushing to their limits to secure a win on one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks.

2024 NASCAR CUP Series Standings

POSITION	NO.	DRIVER	MFR	POINTS	WINS	TOP 5s	Top 10s
1	5	Kyle Larson	Chevrolet	779	4	9	12
2	45	Tyler Reddick	Toyota	774	1	10	16
3	9	Chase Elliot	Chevrolet	773	1	7	12
4	11	Denny Hamlin	Toyota	758	3	9	10
5	12	Ryan Blaney	Ford	702	2	7	11
6	20	Christpher Bell	Toyota	701	3	7	13
7	24	William Byron	Chevrolet	678	3	7	12
8	19	Martin Truex Jr.	Toyota	662	0	4	9
9	6	Brad Kaselowski	Ford	636	1	7	10
10	48	Alex Bowman	Chevrolet	615	1	6	12