So, you're looking for who won the race at Michigan today. Honestly, if you’re standing outside Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn right now—on January 15, 2026—you’re probably standing in a foot of snow, not watching stock cars draft at 200 mph.
Basically, there wasn't a race today.
NASCAR doesn't run in the Irish Hills in the dead of winter. It’s too cold, the track surface wouldn't hold heat, and let’s be real, nobody wants to watch a 400-mile race in a blizzard. If you’re seeing "Michigan race winner" trending or popping up in your feed, it’s usually because people are looking back at the last time the Cup Series visited or they're getting ready for the 2026 season kickoff.
Who Won the Last Race at Michigan?
The most recent driver to take the checkered flag at Michigan was Denny Hamlin.
He won the FireKeepers Casino 400 back on June 8, 2025. That race was a total nail-biter, mostly because of fuel mileage. William Byron, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet, actually dominated most of the day—he led a race-high 98 laps. But NASCAR is a cruel sport. With just two laps to go, Byron’s tank ran dry, and he had to duck into the pits.
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Hamlin, who had been methodically saving fuel in his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, pounced. He led only five laps the entire day, but he led the one that mattered. He crossed the line just over a second ahead of Chris Buescher and Ty Gibbs.
Here is how the top of that leaderboard looked:
- Winner: Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- 2nd Place: Chris Buescher (RFK Racing)
- 3rd Place: Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- 4th Place: Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing)
- 5th Place: Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports)
It was a huge milestone for Hamlin. That victory was his 57th career Cup win, officially making him the winningest driver in Joe Gibbs Racing history, passing Kyle Busch.
When is the Next Michigan Race?
Since there isn't a race today, you’re probably wondering when the engines actually start up again in Michigan. According to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the series returns to Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
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The 2026 season is actually bringing some massive changes. While Michigan stays in its traditional early June slot, the rest of the calendar is getting a facelift. For example, the season finale is moving back to Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8, 2026, ending Phoenix's long run as the championship host.
If you’re a die-hard fan, the "real" season starts way sooner than June. The Daytona 500 is set for February 15, 2026. Before that, we’ve got the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1.
Why Michigan International Speedway is Different
Michigan is a 2-mile D-shaped oval. It’s wide. It’s fast. Drivers love it because you can race three or four wide through the corners, which you don't see at a lot of other tracks.
The strategy usually revolves around "clean air" and, as we saw with Hamlin’s win, fuel conservation. Because the speeds are so high, if you get stuck in the back of a pack, the aerodynamic "wash" makes your car handle like a brick. That’s why you see crew chiefs taking gambles on two-tire stops or staying out late—they're desperate for track position.
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Some fans get confused because there are "Racing Experiences" held at the track during the off-season, where you can pay to drive a car. But those don't start up until at least May. If you're looking for who won the race at Michigan today because of a simulation or an iRacing event, those happen year-round, but they don't count toward the Cup Series standings.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the 2026 season is just weeks away, here is how you can get ready:
- Check the Schedule: Bookmark the official NASCAR 2026 schedule so you don't miss the Daytona 500 on February 15.
- Buy Tickets Early: Michigan tickets for the June 7 race are already on sale. MIS usually sells out its camping spots months in advance, so if you're planning a trip to the Irish Hills, book it now.
- Watch the Clash: If you need a racing fix, tune in to the Clash at Bowman Gray on February 1. It’s going to be a "madhouse" (literally, that's the track's nickname) and a total contrast to the high-speed racing you see at Michigan.
The bottom line? No one took the checkered flag in Michigan today, but Denny Hamlin is the man currently holding the trophy until the Cup Series returns this summer.