How to Watch NASCAR's Fastest Races at Michigan International Speedway

Mike Nelson
by Mike Nelson

NASCAR's playoff season is gearing up to deliver some high-octane racing action. This weekend, buckle up as Michigan International Speedway hosts not one but two thrilling races: the Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo 250 on Saturday and the Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, August 6. Here's everything you need to know, including how to watch the races both days.

Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.
Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Location:

  • Michigan International Speedway
  • Brooklyn, Michigan


Weather:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny with a few clouds. High of 84 degrees. Forecast for the start of Xfinity qualifying calls for mostly sunny skies, a high of 82 degrees and a 1% chance of rain.
  • Saturday: Partly cloudy skies early and mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon. High of 82 degrees. Forecast for the start of the Xfinity Series race calls for mostly cloudy skies, a high of 82 degrees and a 2% chance of rain.
  • Sunday: Forecast calls for showers early and scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High of 84 degrees and a 41% chance of precipitation at the start of the race.


Broadcasts:


Times:

Saturday, Aug. 5 (Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo)

(All times Eastern)

  • Garage open
  • 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Cup Series
  • 12:30 p.m. — Xfinity Series
  • Track activity
  • 12:35 - 1:20 p.m. — Cup practice (USA Network)
  • 1:20 - 2:30 p.m. — Cup qualifying (USA Network)
  • 3:30 p.m. — Xfinity Series race (125 laps, 250 miles; NBC, Peacock)


Sunday, Aug. 6 (Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400)

(All times Eastern)

  • Garage open
  • 11:30 a.m. — Cup Series
  • Track activity
  • 2:30 p.m. — Cup race (200 laps, 400 miles; USA Network)


About the races:

Michigan International Speedway has been Ford's playground, with the blue oval dominating the competition. They boast an impressive 43 wins, leaving Chevrolet's 26 and Toyota's five victories trailing in their wake. The last eight races here have seen a Ford driver celebrate in Victory Lane, with six of those wins going to Stewart-Haas Racing's Kevin Harvick. Michigan is undoubtedly a strong track for Ford, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their fourth Cup Series win of 2023.


The adrenaline is going to be off the charts as the Next Gen cars hit the track, pushing drivers to their limits and beyond. Michigan International Speedway is one of those rare places in NASCAR that adds an unparalleled intensity to the racing. The speeds here are the highest we'll see all year, and it's a true test of skill and nerve for the drivers. The Next Gen cars will have these drivers on the edge, carefully balancing on the fine edge of the tires. It's a race that separates the best from the rest, where finding the right banking, nailing the corners, and pushing harder than ever is crucial to clinching victory in the Cup.

NASCAR Cup Series Driver, Kevin Harvick (4) races for the Cook Out 400 at the Richmond on July 30, 2023 Raceway in Richmond VA.
NASCAR Cup Series Driver, Kevin Harvick (4) races for the Cook Out 400 at the Richmond on July 30, 2023 Raceway in Richmond VA.

Speaking of the Cup Series, the FireKeepers Casino 400 is a make-or-break moment for potential contenders. The defending race winner and six-time winner at this 2-mile oval has a comfortable 182-point cushion going into the playoff field and his name is Kevin Harvick. However, Harvick is hungry for more and doesn't want to end his final year in the Cup Series without a win. With a track record of success at Michigan, "The Closer" is a top contender aiming for another victory with his No. 4 Ford Mustang. And with only four races left in the regular season, every move counts. Martin Truex Jr. (No 19, Toyota Camry) is leading the playoff standings, closely followed by William Byron (No. 24, Chevrolet) and Denny Hamlin (No. 11, Toyota). The competition is fierce, and only 16 drivers will make it to the points championship race. It's a high-stakes battle, and there's no room for error for those aiming to take home the crown.


Related: How to watch NASCAR without cable


Now, let's talk about the star power in the commentator booth. Brace yourselves for a legendary duo as two-time Daytona 500 Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins forces with fellow Hall-of-Famer Dale Jarrett. With decades of combined racing experience under their belts, they'll be bringing you unmatched insights and analysis as the Xfinity Series takes on Michigan International Speedway. Jarrett, a four-time winner at this track, and Earnhardt, a two-time Daytona 500 Champion, know exactly what it takes to conquer these fast-paced corners.


Whether you're rooting for your favorite driver or just eager to witness the intense, speedy battles on the track, you can find the races streaming in multiple places. Don't forget to tune in to NBC, USA Network, or Peacock, and catch all the moments as NASCAR's best take on the challenge of Michigan's high-speed thrill ride.

Mike Nelson
Mike Nelson

I've worked in the publishing industry for nearly a decade, mostly in travel where I managed LonelyPlanet.com. Over the last few years I shifted my focus to the technology sector, writing about the businesses and disruptions that come with it.

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