NASCAR insider details reasons against adding track lights at Michigan International Speedway

Many fans wonder why certain tracks have lights and others don’t. The NASCAR race at Michigan does not have lights for instance. But why is that?

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports recently shared a couple of reasons for why Michigan International Speedway does not have lights. There are many tracks in NASCAR that do have them, but it is a relatively new phenomenon.

NASCAR has only raced on superspeedways at night since 1992. The infrastructure is expensive, and many tracks don’t host anything but racing.

Pockrass explained it in more detail.

“And about no lights at Michigan: Rural area/two-lane roads make planned night event unwise. Track lights plus lights for parking lots (and roads?) big [money] for a 1-event insurance policy for rain. Can race to 8:30-9ish in summer; this was rare where lights would prevent rainout.”

And about no lights at Michigan:
-Rural area/two-lane roads make planned night event unwise. Track lights plus lights for parking lots (and roads?) big $$ for a 1-event insurance policy for rain.
-Can race to 8:30-9ish in summer; this was rare where lights would prevent rainout.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 19, 2024

There has been a lot of talk about the scheduling of the race. In recent years, NASCAR has moved away from Noon and 1:00 PM EST start times. That is mostly due to TV ratings and networks wanting the most bang for their buck. They invest billions into the sport and thus have a say in how these races are scheduled.

Even drivers like Kyle Larson chimed in about start times. There is an argument to be made there. Unless you can get the TV networks on board, then that likely won’t change.

Regardless, there is going to be NASCAR racing today at Michigan International Speedway. 11:00 AM EST. USA Network, be there.

Chase Elliott leads NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan

When the green flag drops for the NASCAR race in Michigan, Chase Elliott will be in control. He is the leader to begin Stage 2. We did get some laps in Stage 2 yesterday, but they were all under caution. The first stage was exciting, though.

Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin battled for the lead early in the stage. As they were side-drafting off of each other into Turn 1, Bubba Wallace ducked low under both cars and took the lead in what was the move of the race so far.

With a caution falling late in the stage, for Hamlin spinning out into the grass, Wallace and other leaders pit for tires and fuel, playing the strategy to win the race. In a tight points battle on the cutline, that’s a bold move to make.

Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott and others did not pit. Staying out, they were able to race to the line for the stage win. Blaney took it and banked himself a playoff point.

Despite pitting for tires and fuel, Bubba Wallace passed Ross Chastain and Chris Buescher, the two drivers he is closest to in points, to the line. That means Wallace gained a point on Buescher, finishing one spot ahead, and gained a few points on Chastain.

Now Chase Elliott has control of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan. Let’s see if he is able to work his strategy to a win.