Denny Hamlin has cemented his status as a top performer at Michigan International Speedway, while Kyle Larson struggles at Michigan International Speedway in Next Gen era, surprising many NASCAR fans as the cup series returns to this high-speed track. As teams gear up for the FireKeepers Casino 400, Hamlin’s run of dominance contrasts sharply with Larson’s unexpected downturn at a venue where he once excelled.
Hamlin Sets the Pace at Michigan in Recent Years
Denny Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Toyota, has found a winning formula at Michigan International Speedway since NASCAR’s Next Gen car was introduced in 2022. In this period, Hamlin has collected more points than any competitor at the track, with an impressive 118 points on a notoriously unpredictable surface. His run also features a remarkable seven consecutive top-10 finishes, which stands as the longest current streak among Cup Series drivers.
That consistency has made Hamlin the leader in both top-five and top-10 finishes among active racers at Michigan. Adding to his resume, Hamlin is tied for the most runner-up results at this venue, with three second-place finishes, which highlights his repeated ability to compete at the front of the field. He recently described Michigan as “the most underrated track” during an interview with NEWS 8, acknowledging his personal bias but further reinforcing his comfort and success here. His performances are even more notable when set beside a driver like Kyle Larson, who is generally seen as one of the best in the Next Gen era but hasn’t matched Hamlin’s results at this circuit.
Larson’s Uncharacteristic Downturn Since Next Gen Debut
Kyle Larson, recognized for his speed and skill behind the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, has not experienced the same fortune at Michigan since the Next Gen car’s debut. While his historical results at MIS are strong—Larson boasts three Cup Series victories at Michigan, the most he has at any one track—his form hasn’t carried over recently. Since 2022, he ranks only ninth in points scored at the venue, with a total of 84, a significant drop-off for a driver of his caliber.
The fact that Larson’s Michigan wins all came prior to 2018 points to a disconnect between the new car configuration and his previous mastery of this track. It appears that the tweaks NASCAR implemented for the Next Gen era have disrupted his prior momentum here. Still, Larson’s talent is beyond question, and he remains capable of turning things around if given the right circumstances. With Hamlin setting the benchmark, Larson finds himself needing a breakthrough to catch up and reclaim his earlier dominance.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400
With the upcoming FireKeepers Casino 400 on June 8, all eyes are on whether Hamlin can maintain his Michigan supremacy or if Larson will seize an opportunity to recapture the magic that once made him a top contender at this track. The contrasting fortunes of both drivers set the stage for an intriguing narrative, as the balance of success in the Next Gen era continues to shift. The race will not only test driver adaptability and team strategy but could also offer key clues about who holds the upper hand on one of NASCAR’s fastest ovals this season.
