The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway this Sunday, June 8, for the FireKeepers Casino 400, marking the 15th race of the 2025 season. This two-mile, high-speed oval in Brooklyn, Michigan, is a crucial battleground for manufacturers, as Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota all vie for supremacy in the heart of the American automotive industry.
Race Details
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan
TV/Streaming: Prime Video (No traditional TV broadcast)
Stages: 45/120/200 laps
Defending Winner: Tyler Reddick (Toyota)
Track Overview
Michigan International Speedway is known for its wide racing surface, allowing for multiple grooves and intense drafting battles. The high-speed nature of the track makes aerodynamics and horsepower critical, favoring teams with strong engine programs. Historically, Ford has dominated at Michigan, winning nine consecutive races from 2017 to 2023 before Tyler Reddick broke the streak last year with a Toyota victory.
Top Storylines
1. Can Toyota Start a New Winning Streak?
Ford’s dominance at Michigan was shattered last year when Tyler Reddick took the checkered flag for Toyota. Now, Toyota looks to establish its own streak, while Chevrolet aims to break its eight-year winless drought at the track.
2. Kyle Larson’s Michigan Mastery
Kyle Larson enters as the pre-race favorite (+550 odds). He won three straight races at Michigan from 2016 to 2017 but hasn’t returned to Victory Lane since. However, he has four top-seven finishes in his last five starts at the track, making him a strong contender.
3. Bubba Wallace’s Underdog Potential
Bubba Wallace (+2800 odds) has shown strong pace at Michigan, leading 48 laps over the past three races. His best performance came in 2022, when he won the pole and finished runner-up. With a new crew chief, Wallace is looking to turn his speed into a victory.
4. Ryan Blaney’s Momentum
Fresh off a win at Nashville, Ryan Blaney is riding high. He has seven top-10 finishes in his last 10 Michigan starts, including a 2021 victory. With playoff pressure off his shoulders, Blaney could be a serious threat for back-to-back wins.
5. Carson Hocevar’s Rising Star Power
Michigan native Carson Hocevar has been making waves in the Cup Series. After a runner-up finish at Nashville, he’s looking for his first career win in his home state. However, his aggressive driving style has sparked controversy, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. among those frustrated by his tactics.
Betting Favorites & Predictions
Driver | Odds | Recent Michigan Performance |
Kyle Larson | +550 | 3-time winner, 4 top-7 finishes in last 5 races |
Ryan Blaney | +750 | 2021 winner, 7 top-10 finishes in last 10 races |
Denny Hamlin | +650 | Consistent top-10 performer |
Tyler Reddick | +1200 | Defending champion, looking to repeat |
Bubba Wallace | +2800 | Strong Michigan performer, led 48 laps in last 3 races |