After a run of horrible luck to start the season, Ryan Blaney finally reached Victory Lane last week in Nashville. Now, NASCAR heads to Michigan International Speedway for the 2025 FireKeepers Casino 400.
With the summer stretch well underway, as well as seeding for NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge beginning, expect the intensity to ramp up! Let’s dive into what to expect from Michigan this week!
2025 FireKeepers 400 Entry List
For the first time in a while, NASCAR’s entry list lacks open cars. That means just the 36 chartered entries take the green flag when it waves on Sunday. As mentioned above, we also have the seeding for NASCAR’s version of an in-season tournament beginning.
The top 32 drivers in points after Nashville earned the right to compete in this challenge. Just four drivers missed the cut: Shane Van Gisbergen, Cole Custer, Riley Herbst, and Cody Ware.
Corey LaJoie went for a wild ride last year at Michigan. 🫨 pic.twitter.com/WaSrY2Jxsx
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) June 4, 2025
The remainder of the field will receive their seeding based on their finishes in the next three races at Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono.
Michigan’s two-mile circuit is a unique layout on the NASCAR circuit after the loss of Fontana from the schedule. The racing should feature high speeds and big runs on Sunday.
2025 FireKeepers Casino 500 Race Predictions
Tyler Reddick claimed victory last year at Michigan, and I expect both of the top 23XI cars to run well here as they’ve tended to do so in the past. Bubba Wallace and Reddick both likely factor into the finish of this race.
Prior to Reddick’s victory here last season, Ford had claimed victory in nine straight races at the circuit. I expect the Penske cars to run up near the front with Blaney leading the charge and looking to claim another victory in 2025.
Kevin Harvick at Michigan International Speedway 2022. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/FqqNkrhDh2
— NASCAR Pics That Goes Hard (@HardNASCARPics) June 5, 2025
I also expect the RFK cars to run strong at Michigan, as Chris Buescher found himself in Victory Lane at Michigan back in 2023. His team owner, Brad Keselowski, ought to run well here also.
However, with Chevrolet being shut out at Michigan since 2017, it feels like they are due for a win at the track. Kyle Larson notched Chevy’s last win here at Michigan, and I think he gets the job done once again this Sunday. Larson is my official race winner pick.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Friday 06/06
Henry Ford Health 200 (ARCA Menards Series) – 4:00 p.m. CT on FS2
Saturday 06/07
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 7:05 a.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 9:40 a.m. CT on Prime
DQS Logistics & Staffing 250 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 11:00 a.m. CT on FOX
Sunday 06/08
FireKeepers Casino 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 1:00 p.m. CT on Prime and Max
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