NASCAR Cup - Michigan

The FireKeepers Casino 400 brings NASCAR Cup Series racing to Michigan International Speedway, one of the premier venues for stock car competition in the United States. This race takes place at the legendary speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, where drivers compete across 200 laps covering 400 miles of intense competition. The track serves as a proving ground for speed and strategy, challenging teams and drivers to perform at the highest level.

Michigan International Speedway Track Characteristics

Michigan International Speedway features a distinctive D-shaped oval configuration spanning 2 miles in length. The asphalt surface creates conditions for some of the fastest racing in NASCAR. The turns bank at 18 degrees, while the frontstretch carries 12 degrees of banking and the backstretch has 5 degrees. These specifications allow drivers to maintain exceptional speeds throughout their laps.

Corner entry speeds regularly exceed 200 mph at this facility. Average lap speeds surpass 190 mph, making Michigan International Speedway one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The track sits in Cambridge Township near Brooklyn, occupying over 1,400 acres of property.

NASCAR Cup Series Competition Details

The race attracts top NASCAR Cup Series drivers who compete for victory at this high-speed venue. All chartered teams participate in this event, bringing together the best talent in stock car racing. Three major manufacturers - Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota - field entries for this race, creating a diverse and competitive field.

Kyle Larson enters the season as the defending Cup Series champion, adding another storyline to follow during the race weekend. The competition format follows NASCAR Cup Series standards, with practice, qualifying, and the main event providing multiple opportunities for teams to optimize their performance.

Technical Specifications for 2026

NASCAR continues to refine technical regulations for the Cup Series. A-post flaps will be mandatory on all cars at every track to prevent flips, with the area under the flap required to be bright orange for visibility. These safety measures represent ongoing efforts to protect drivers while maintaining competitive racing.

Engine specifications and horsepower requirements follow NASCAR Cup Series guidelines. The sanctioning body adjusts these rules periodically to balance competition and safety considerations across different track types and lengths.

Michigan International Speedway History

The speedway opened in 1968, with the first NASCAR Cup Series race taking place in 1969. Lawrence LoPatin built the original facility. Roger Penske purchased the track in 1973 and implemented significant improvements during his ownership. NASCAR now owns and operates the speedway.

Cale Yarborough won the inaugural NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway. David Pearson holds the record for most Cup Series victories at this track with nine wins. Stirling Moss designed road course layouts for the original facility, though the oval configuration dominates modern racing events.

Unique Features and Fan Experience

Michigan International Speedway operates the largest registered campground in Michigan, providing fans with on-site accommodations throughout race weekends. The facility can seat 56,000 spectators, offering views of the entire racing surface from various vantage points around the oval.

The combination of high speeds, multiple racing lanes, and competitive fields creates compelling action for fans. The track's size and configuration allow for different racing strategies, with some teams prioritizing raw speed while others focus on tire management and fuel strategy over the 400-mile distance.

This NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway represents a key test for championship contenders. The demanding nature of the track separates the field, rewarding drivers and teams who execute their race plans effectively while adapting to changing conditions throughout the event.