Previewing the NASCAR Xfinity Series Irish Hills 250 at Michigan

By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Writer

The last time the NASCAR Xfinity Series visited Michigan International Speedway, Daniel Suarez made history, taking the victory in thrilling fashion. Suarez passed Kyle Busch with two laps to go, winning by just 0.280 seconds. This was Suarez’s first career victory and the first time a native of Mexico had won in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Brad Keselowski, Busch, Denny Hamlin, Paul Menard are the only former winners in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Michigan.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers in the field this weekend include Busch, Hamlin, Keselowski, Menard, and Ty Dillon.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular Jordan Anderson is also entered in this Saturday’s race.

Xfinity Series Championship

Justin Allgaier, Ryan Reed, Elliott Sadler, Daniel Hemric, and William Byron are the only NASCAR Xfinity Series regulars that have Playoff points. Allgaier has seven Playoff points, Reed has five Playoff points, while Sadler has two Playoff points. Both Byron and Hemric have a single Playoff point each.

At Michigan, the first stage ends on lap 30, the second stage on lap 60, and the final stage on lap 125.

What to Watch For

There are several storylines going into this weekend’s race to watch for:

• Paul Menard returns to the No. 2 Richmond / Menards Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing.
• Ty Dillon returns to the No. 3 Rheem Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing.
• Kyle Busch returns in the No. 18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing.
• Denny Hamlin returns to the No. 20 Hisense Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing.
• Brad Keselowski returns in the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang for Team Penske.
• Cale Conley returns to the No. 24 JGL Racing Toyota Camry.
• Tyler Reddick returns to the No. 42 BBR / Jason Aldean Chevrolet Camaro for Chip Ganassi Racing.
• Brandon Brown returns in the No. 90 Coastal Carolina University Chevrolet Camaro for Mario Gosselin.
• Ben Kennedy returns in the No. 96 Weber Chevrolet Camaro for GMS Racing.

Where and When to Watch (All Times Eastern)

Practice 1: Friday, June 16, at 12:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 2

Practice 2: Friday, June 16, at 3:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 2

Qualifying: Saturday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. on Fox Sports 2

Race: Saturday, June 17, at 1:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 1, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and the Motor Racing Network.