The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway this weekend for the FireKeepers Casino 400.
Kevin Harvick has the most wins at the Irish Hills with six career victory lane appearances at the 2-mile track, including last year. In fact, Harvick, who is retiring at the end of the season, has won four of the last five races at Michigan and five of the last seven.
Despite not having a win this season, Harvick, ranked 13th, could clinch a spot in the Cup playoffs on points this weekend. Of course, Harvick could automatically punch his postseason ticket with a victory Sunday.
With only four regular-season races remaining, FrontPageBets takes a look at drivers to watch in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway (2:30 p.m., USA Network).
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(All odds courtesy of BetMGM and are subject to change)
Pick to win: Kevin Harvick (+900)
While not the favorite this week, he should be.
Harvick, the driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, owns Michigan International Speedway. Not only has he won four of the last five and five of the last seven at the 2-mile track, he’s also has 15 top-5 and 22 top-10 finishes in his 42 career starts.
His average finish at Michigan is 10.9. That’s second-best among active drivers.
In his last time racing in the Irish Hills, Harvick deserves a look at victory lane.
Top-3 pick: Kyle Larson (+180)
Kyle Larson is the favorite to win Sunday, and for good reason.
He’s a three-time Michigan winner, and the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy also has eight top-10s, including six top-5 finishes, in just 14 career starts.
His average finish is 11.4, and he’s completed 96% of his laps at the 2-mile track.
Larson has already won twice this season and is eighth in Cup points.
Top-10 pick: Chase Elliott (-140)
Chase Elliott has the best average finish at Michigan of any active driver in Sunday’s field.
In 12 career starts, the driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy has an average finish of 8.0.
His finished in the top-10 in 10 of his 12 career starts, including three top-5s. The only two times he missed the top 10, his finishes were 20th and 11th, which was last year.
Odds-on favorites to win the FireKeepers Casino 400
Kyle Larson +600
William Byron +650
Denny Hamlin +750
Kyle Busch +800
Martin Truex Jr. +900
Kevin Harvick +900
Ryan Blaney +1100
Tyler Reddick +1200
Christopher Bell +1400
Joey Logano +1400
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Mike Szvetitz is the General Manager and Content Director for FrontPageBets.com. Szvetitz is a 23-year veteran reporter and editor, including serving 17 years as a sports editor in Florida, Alabama and Virginia, covering everything from preps to pros. His "View From The Lazy Boy" column won multiple state and national awards. He can be reached at mszvetitz@timesdispatch.com.