Firekeepers Casino 400 Betting Preview /Prop Play
18 August 2021
The next Cup Series event for NASCAR heads to Michigan for the Firekeepers Casino 400. This event will have plenty of action as many top drivers are needing to win here.
Indeed, some drivers will need this victory to solidify their rankings or to capture some momentum heading into the final race. Below you will see the best possible scenarios.
Race Details
- Date: Sun, Aug 22, 2:00 PM
- Watch on: NBCS
- Track: Michigan International Speedway
Betting Overview
Several drivers have already clinched a spot in the Cup Series playoffs. These include Denny Hamlin, Michael McDowell (Daytona 500 winner) and Aric Almirola.
Their recent success allowed them within the top 16 field. Several other drivers will be attempting to claim two final spots so this race is very important.
Head to Head Matchup to Watch
Kyle Larson (138.057) and Denny Hamlin (150.173) lead the top spots for points in the Cup Series, with Larson being first. Larson wants to win no matter what, but he also wants to distance himself further from the field.
Dunkel Index For This Event
The Dunkel Index is showing these top 10 drivers that could win this event. The following 10 are:
- Kyle Larson 138.057
- Chase Elliott 139.091
- Kyle Busch 142.093
- Martin Truex Jr 142.896
- Kurt Busch 143.853
- Ryan Blaney 145.763
- Aric Almirola 146.524
- Kevin Harvick 147.802
- Tyler Reddick 148.481
- Alex Bowman 150.067
*index is subject to changes
Drivers That Could Win
Kevin Harvick (147.802) needs a win here or in the next race to qualify for the Cup Series playoffs. He is currently sitting in ninth place in the standings but has not recorded a win on the season.
However, Harvick has won the last three straight Michigan two mile tracks. On top of that, he has won the last four of five here making him a unique betting opportunity, especially over the last several years.
Tyler Reddick (148.481) is also a driver that needs a win to qualify for the playoffs. Currently sitting at 11th in the Cul Series standings, he too does not have a win on the season and needs to claim one now.
Potential Winning Pick
Kyle Larson (138.057) has more than just a single race on his mind. He wants to clinch the regular season and to do so, he needs to win here.
Even though he has a solid lead in first place, why not go ahead and end the regular season outright? He has a great opportunity to do so here but through a few scenarios.
He obviously has to win here to earn enough points. Larson is currently 22 points ahead in first place and needs 61 total in order to clinch. A win here and a shuffle from other drivers could help create the perfect opportunity for him to clinch the regular season in this race.
Prop Play
Top 10 Finish: Kurt Busch (-118)
While there have been some rumors that this could be Kurt’s final season in NASCAR, the 2004 Cup champion hasn’t been driving like it.
The younger of the two Busch brothers, Kurt picked up his 33rd victory in the premier division at Atlanta last month. Over his last 10 races, he’s finished in the Top 10 six times.
Coming to Michigan, the No. 1 car has been to the winner’s circle as recently as 2015 and has finished in the Top 10 in five of the last six races in which he’s competed.
Rated No. 5 in this week’s Dunkel Index, we’ll take Kurt to continue his strong run and pick up another Top 10 finish on Sunday at Michigan.
