NASCAR will be making its annual trip to Michigan this week for the running of the FireKeepers Casino 400.
The Cup Series race that has been annually sponsored by one of Michigan’s tribal casinos, waves the green flag on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET from Michigan International Speedway.
However, there’s a busy weekend of racing events and a lot you might want to know if you plan on making the trip to Brooklyn.
The FireKeepers 400 at MIS
NASCAR has a history with Michigan dating back to 1969. The Cup Series used to hold two races a year at MIS, but that was cut down to one starting in 2021.
It’s a big race this weekend, with just four remaining before the start of the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs.
The FireKeepers 400
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 6
- Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn
- Race Length: 400 miles (200 laps)
- TV Coverage: USA
- Radio Coverage: SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)
Weekend Schedule of Events
Friday, Aug. 4
- 1:30 p.m.: Menards Arca Series practice
- 2:30 p.m.: Menards Arca Series qualifying
- 3:35 p.m.: Xfinity Series practice
- 4:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series qualifying
- 6 p.m.: Menards Arca Series race – Henry Ford Health 200
Saturday, Aug. 5
- 12:35 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series practice
- 1:20 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
- 3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series race – Cabo Wabo 250
Sunday, Aug. 6
- 1 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series grid access
- 1:55 p.m.: Red Carpet Walk
- 2 p.m.: Driver Introductions
- 2:30 p.m.: FireKeepers Casino 400
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Who is competing in the FireKeepers Casino 400?
This weekend will feature the full field of NASCAR Cup Series contenders.
That includes the likes of William Byron, who has a series-best four wins in 2023. Martin Truex Jr., the current points leader, will also be on hand.
Kevin Harvick will also be competing, looking to continue his dominance at MIS. Harvick won last year’s race and has won four of the last five FireKeepers Casino 400s.
Michigan itself will be represented by drivers Brad Keselowski and Erik Jones.
Keselowski is a native of Rochester Hills. He has never won a Cup Series race at his home track.
Jones is from Byron. He is also winless at MIS.
Tickets for the FireKeepers Casino 400
There are tickets available for this weekend’s races, including the FireKeepers Casino 400. You have a number of options to consider when purchasing a ticket to the race.
- General Admission: If purchasing a grandstand ticket for the race, you can do so through the NASCAR website or through the MIS website. Grandstand tickets range from $39-119 depending on location.
- Infield Wristbands: Purchase an infield wristband for $125. That will allow you to watch the race from inside of the track while interacting with other families and fans that are camping.
- Group Tickets: Group ticket packages are also available for parties looking to be seated together. This also includes club and suite rentals. For mor information, visit the MIS Ticket Central page.
- Pre-Race Pass: For $50 for adults and $25 for kids 13-17, you can get up-close access for pre-race activities on Sunday. That includes for the driver introductions and red carpet. Children 12 and under receive a free pre-race pass. Pre-race passes don’t include tickets for the actual race.
Camping options
Michigan International Speedway also has a lot of overnight camping options for the weekend. They vary in location and some include family-friendly options, while others are tailored toward the NASCAR party animals.
Each location also has varying rules and policies when it comes to party sizes, generator use and pricing.
For a complete list of all the camping options at MIS, visit their camping website page.
Getting to Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway, home of the FireKeepers Casino 400, is located at 12626 US Highway 12 in Brooklyn, 49230.
The track itself is a little off the beaten path, but MIS has you covered for your best ways to get to travel to the facility.
- US-12 (from the East): All westbound traffic on US-12 will be directed to Heritage Trail Lot 10 via the US-12 main entrance. On Sunday, US-12 will become one-way at M-50. Use all lanes.
- US-12 (from the West): On Sunday, US-12 eastbound traffic will be one-way from US-127 to the speedway. Two lanes start at US-127, with a third lane starting at Round Lake Highway. All race traffic will enter Junction Lot 11.
- M-50 (from the North): On Sunday, M-50 will become two lanes south of Wampler’s Lake Road (M-124). M-50 traffic will park in Green Acres Lot 3 northwest of the track.
- M-50 (from the South): Northbound M-50 traffic will be directed west onto US-12 and must use Heritage Trail Lot 10. On Sunday, race traffic will not be allowed to continue northbound on M-50 past US-12.
- US-127 (from the North): If heading south on US-127, you will be directed east onto Vicary/Taylor Road for access to blue, yellow and orange lots.
- US-127 (from the South): Heading north on US-127, you will use US-12 eastbound to Junction Lot 11.
Parking at Michigan International Speedway
MIS has a number of different parking areas around the track and inside if you are camping for the weekend.
When it comes to general parking, the following is suggested:
- Lot 11 Junction lot if located off US-12
- If coming Westbound on US-12, parking is in Heritage Lot 10
- If coming Eastbound on US-12, parking is in Junction Lot 11
- If coming Southbound on M-50 or Eastbound on Vicary Road, parking is in Green Acres Lot 3
Motorcycle parking is available in Yellow Lot A and the M-50 crossover.
Bus parking will be in Lot 11.
Tram Service
MIS provides free transportation through a tram service that is available all weekend until 1 hour after the checkered flag of each race. There are eight tram stops during operating hours.
- Turn 1 stop behind section 57
- Admin stop in lot 10
- Turn 4 stop
- High Bank/Tree Farm stop
- M-50 stop located by the M-50 crossover
- Graves Worker stop located in lot 14
- Graves Guest stop
- Worker stop
MIS bag and cooler policy for FireKeepers 400
Upon entry into MIS this weekend, it is important to know what you can bring into the track.
A maximum of two bags per person are allowed through the gates. Backpacks, diaper bags, clutch bags, and fanny packs are permitted as long as they do not exceed a maximum size of 18”x18”x14”.
One soft-sided cooler at a maximum size of 14″x14″x14″ is allowed but will count as one of the bags. Only one soft-sided cooler is allowed per person, so you can’t bring in two as your two-bag allowance. Coolers may contain ice.
Other permitted items:
- Sunscreen, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and bug spray (aerosol, gel, or liquid forms)
- Clothing/Blankets
- Ice
- Insulated cups (no liquid inside) with a maximum size of 64 oz.
- Cameras, binoculars, scanners, and headsets that can be worn over the neck, belt, or carried inside one of the bags
- iPads, tablets, and laptop computers
- Seat cushions without metal components
- Cigarettes and lighters
- Service animals
- Nationality flags attached to a pencil-sized wooden stick. Flags may not obstruct another fan’s view of the racing action.
If you don’t see what you’d like to bring in, assume it is now allowed. Included in their long list of prohibited items are fireworks, weapons, laser pointers, selfie sticks, air horns, any displays of the confederate flag, wagons, and more.
Accessibility options at the FireKeepers Casino 400
Wheelchair-accessible tickets can be purchased in advance of the race or on Sunday, based on availability. Three companion tickets may be purchased for each wheelchair ticket purchased.
In Row 1 there is space for wheelchair seating with folding chairs for companions. In Row 54, there is wheelchair seating available with bench-style seats for companions.
Center sections 13-29 and 12-18 feature wheelchair seating in Row 1. Center sections 20-56 feature wheelchair seating in Row 54.
Service animals are allowed at MIS for those that need assistance. They must remain leashed and harnessed at all times and guests are required to bring their own pet waste disposal bags. Those with service animals should request wheelchair seating to accommodate their service animals for safety and comfortability.
Eating and drinking at Michigan International Speedway
If staying inside MIS for the weekend, you have the ability to handle your own food options if you don’t want to rely on the track.
If heading just for a singular race, there are a variety of concession options, including a pierogi burger, gravy potato pancakes, coney dogs and more. For those concerned about your options, you are allowed to bring in pre-packaged and sealed food in a bag or cooler.
The same applies to alcoholic beverages. You can’t bring glass or ceramic containers into MIS, but can bring in cans and plastics. MIS advertises a two-alcoholic-beverage limit per person.
General alcohol sales will stop with 25 laps remaining in the race.
It should also be noted that MIS is now a completely cashless venue. All purchases will be made with cards or digital services. There are no ATMs located at the track.
Can I bet on the FireKeepers Casino 400?
Yes, you can wager on this weekend’s race.
All 15 Michigan online sportbooks have the ability to take NASCAR wagers, whether it be on the outright winner, head-to-head matchups, or props on the race itself.
This race is also sponsored by FireKeepers Casino, located in Battle Creek. FireKeepers Casino also operates its own name-brand online casino here in the state.
As part of the big weekend, FireKeepers iCasino is offering up a promotion that if you place a single wager on the race and it loses, you will be refunded with a free bet back, up to $20.
