Expert tips for the Cup Series race
Video: Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports talks about Watkins Glen
Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman talks about Watkins Glen’s inclusion in the NASCAR playoffs in 2024.
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway on Sunday for the FireKeepers Casino 400.
Aside from the chaos of last week’s final round, it’s all coming to an end for those who haven’t yet qualified for the playoffs. There are three regular-season races left, and Daytona and Darlington won’t be easy for anyone feeling the pressure of the postseason.
Chris Buescher could use a repeat of 2023, when he took one of his three summer victories last season at Michigan. Buescher is tied with Ross Chastain for the final wildcard spot heading into the weekend. Buescher, Chastain, Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs are within 19 points, with three spots currently available for the four drivers.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Michigan:
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Mike Organ’s choice: Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
Buescher was good early last week and was unbelievably good last August. He won at Michigan in 2023 and is always strong this time of year.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Larson gets win No. 5 for his Hendrick team, giving it momentum as the playoffs approach. It also helps NASCAR take its attention away from the headlines surrounding Austin Dillon, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin and focus on the star of the sport.
Nick Gray’s pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
I would have picked Martin Truex Jr., but the No. 19 team struggled with consistency for most of the summer. So it’s Ryan Blaney; the No. 12 Ford was very good at Michigan and Ford runs well at Michigan. Let’s keep it simple.
