The NASCAR Cup Series cruises into Michigan for the FireKeepers Casino 400 on June 7.
Last week, the Toyotas ruled the day at Nashville with Denny Hamlin earning the victory via a three-way battle between he and teammates Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe.
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Six of the nine full-time Toyota drivers are inside the top 16 going into the 15th race of the season this weekend.
Toyota has also won the last two races at Michigan (Tyler Reddick in 2024, Hamlin last year).
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan:
WEEKEND SCHEDULE: NASCAR Michigan full weekend track schedule, TV schedule for the FireKeepers Casino 400, other races
NASCAR predictions for Michigan Cup Series race: Here’s who wins the FireKeepers Casino 400
Mike Organ’s pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell took last week’s runner-up finish at Nashville hard. He felt like he had the best car and failed to execute in the final laps against his teammates for the win. He can still glean momentum with back-to-back P2 finishes and will finally break through for his first win in 2026 at Michigan.
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Nick Gray’s pick: Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Elliott’s overall record at Michigan isn’t great, especially in the Next Gen car. But he has led laps the last two seasons there, and I have a feeling the form of the No. 9 this season fits this track.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin is in a grove right now. Combine that with Toyotas having a speed advantage over Ford and Chevy and you have to think, at a track like Michigan, the winner is driving a Toyota.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Michigan predictions 2026, expert picks for Cup Series race
