Mixed Outlook for NASCAR Cup Teams Ahead of Sunday’s Michigan Showdown
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway this Sunday, teams are entering the weekend with a blend of confidence and concern. With just a handful of races remaining before the playoffs, the stakes are rising — and so are the storylines.
🟢 The Good News
Several teams are riding high on momentum and strong track records at Michigan:
Hendrick Motorsports – Chase Elliott continues to deliver consistent performances in 2025. With seven top-10 finishes already this season and a strong history at Michigan — 10 top-10s in 14 starts including three second-place finishes — Elliott remains a serious contender. His steady climb in the standings could see him peak at just the right time.
RFK Racing – Brad Keselowski enters his home track with renewed confidence after securing a fifth-place finish at Charlotte — his best of the season. With 15 top-10 finishes in 27 Michigan starts, including three runner-ups, Keselowski could be poised to break through in front of a home crowd.
Legacy Motor Club – Erik Jones brings optimism to Michigan after notching top-10 finishes in his last two starts at the track. He also recently inked a multi-year extension with Legacy, securing his place and future in the Cup Series as the team continues its growth.
Front Row Motorsports – Todd Gilliland has quietly become one of the most consistent drivers in the field. He’s finished 17th or better in 11 of the last 12 races, showing maturity and poise in a competitive mid-field pack.
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🔴 The Bad News
However, not all teams are entering Michigan on a high note. For some, recent form and track history raise red flags:
Kaulig Racing – AJ Allmendinger, despite a Michigan win in the Xfinity Series, has yet to find success in the Cup Series at this venue. His 22 starts have yielded no top-10 finishes — a stat that does little to inspire confidence for Sunday.
Legacy Motor Club – While Erik Jones is trending upward, teammate John Hunter Nemechek is struggling. He hasn’t finished better than 28th in his last five races — a worrying stretch for the young driver hoping to prove himself at the Cup level.
Front Row Motorsports – In contrast to Gilliland’s steady performance, teammate Michael McDowell faces a daunting Michigan track record. He’s never finished better than 20th in 17 career starts at the speedway, underscoring his ongoing difficulties with high-speed intermediate tracks.
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What’s at Stake
With the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs looming, Michigan represents a crucial battleground. For some teams, it’s an opportunity to solidify playoff standing or build late-season momentum. For others, it’s a desperate attempt to turn the tide before it’s too late.
One thing is clear: Sunday’s race at Michigan won’t just test speed — it will test resilience.
