4 things to know as NASCAR heads to Michigan International Speedway

BROOKLYN, Mich. ( WOOD ) — NASCAR’s push toward the playoffs runs through the Irish Hills this weekend as the Cup Series is set to run its 107th race at Michigan International Speedway.

Here are some storylines to watch for heading into race weekend:

PLAYOFF PUNISHMENT

NASCAR ruled on disciplinary action Wednesday after a controversial finish to Sunday’s race at Richmond, in which Austin Dillon made contact with both Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the last lap to win.

Austin Dillon’s spot in NASCAR’s playoff was revoked — though he retained his Richmond victory — after it was determined he “crossed a line” in his intentional last-lap wreck.

HOCEVAR’S MIS CUP DEBUT

Portage native Carson Hocevar will be making his Michigan debut in a cup car on the heels of an eighth-place finish Sunday and a win at Berlin Raceway last week.

“(I am excited) to be able to put those that car on the race track and hopefully run well for them,” he said, “but also to every one of their employees that get to watch and everybody at home, that’s a fan of me or friends, family too that will be at the racetrack in the motor home lot.”

PACKED CAMPGROUNDS

Camping in the track’s infield has sold out for the third consecutive year.

After hosting two races for years, NASCAR dropped its June date in 2021. Byron native Erik Jones says the scaling back has brought a sense of revitalization to the track.

“I was bummed when we (didn’t) get to come down twice anymore,” he said. “But, you know, I think it’s done a lot for the race. The last couple of years, seeing the crowds that we’ve had out there, they’ve been really big.”

WATCHING THE SKIES

The weather forecast features at least a chance for showers entering race weekend, a familiar tune for race fans and drivers like three-time MIS winner Kyle Larson.

“I’m not surprised to hear you say that there’s weather in the forecast, because there seems always be weather in the forecast when we go to Michigan,” Larson said. “So that’s a bummer to hear that, but hopefully, you know, (it) clears out and we can have a good weekend of racing for the fans and see a great turnout like we always do there.”

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