If you woke up today, January 13, 2026, and checked your phone to see who won today's race at Michigan, you probably felt a little like you were taking crazy pills. You might have seen some old highlights or maybe a confusing social media post. Here is the blunt reality: nobody won a race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) today.
It's January. In Brooklyn, Michigan, the average high temperature right now is barely hitting 31 degrees. The track is likely covered in a nice, thick layer of Great Lakes snow.
Unless NASCAR suddenly decides to swap the Next Gen Goodyear eagles for studded snow tires and add heaters to the driver seats, we aren't seeing any green flags in the Irish Hills for a while. It’s a common mix-up, especially with the 2026 season hype starting to build and people looking back at last year's wild finish.
When Does the Michigan Race Actually Happen?
So, if there wasn't a race today, when do we actually get to see them scream around that two-mile oval? The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is already out, and it sticks to the traditional summer slot.
The big show, the FireKeepers Casino 400, is officially scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026.
The weekend is actually a triple-header. It’s honestly one of the best stretches of the summer for racing fans. Here is what the weekend lineup looks like:
- Friday, June 5: The ARCA Menards Series kicks things off with the Henry Ford Health 200.
- Saturday, June 6: The NASCAR Xfinity Series takes the stage for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250.
- Sunday, June 7: The main event, the Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at 3:00 PM ET.
If you’re looking for "who won" because you’re thinking of the most recent Cup race there, that would be Denny Hamlin. He took the checkered flag back in June 2025. That race was a total nail-biter—basically a masterclass in fuel mileage. William Byron had the dominant car but had to pit with two laps to go, handing the lead to the No. 11 Toyota. Hamlin actually ran out of gas during his victory burnout. You can't make that stuff up.
Why the Confusion About Today's Race?
Honestly, the "today" part of the search usually comes from fans getting ahead of themselves or seeing news about the 2026 schedule changes. NASCAR just announced they are bringing back "The Chase" format for this year. That news has been everywhere this week, so people are searching for race info like crazy.
Also, it's worth noting that January is usually when the "Daytona 500" fever starts to set in. We are only a few weeks away from the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (February 1) and the Great American Race (February 15). People get the itch for racing, and sometimes the calendar dates just blur together.
What to Expect at Michigan in 2026
When June finally rolls around, the Michigan race is going to be massive for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the fastest tracks on the circuit. We're talking about a wide, sweeping surface where drivers can go three or four wide into turn one.
The 2026 race will be a crucial part of the regular season because of the revamped points system. With the return of The Chase, every "win and you're in" scenario becomes a desperate scramble.
A Quick Look at Recent Michigan Winners
If you're trying to place a bet or just want to sound smart at the bar, keep these names in mind. Michigan has been dominated by a specific group of drivers lately:
- Denny Hamlin (2025): The master of the fuel-save.
- Tyler Reddick (2024): Won a rain-delayed thriller on a Monday.
- Chris Buescher (2023): Proved that RFK Racing is a legitimate powerhouse on intermediate tracks.
- Kevin Harvick (2022): The "King of Michigan" before he retired. He had five wins there in a four-year span.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
Since you can't watch a race at MIS today, here is how you can actually prepare for when the season starts for real:
- Check the TV schedule: The June Michigan race is slated to be broadcast on Prime Video. This is part of the new media rights deal, so make sure your subscription is active before the summer.
- Book camping early: Michigan is famous for its infield camping. If you wait until May to book a spot for the June race, you’re basically out of luck.
- Watch the Clash: If you need a racing fix right now, mark February 1 on your calendar. It’s the first time the Cup Series will race at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium.
So, while there is no answer for who won today's race at Michigan because the track is currently a frozen tundra, the countdown to June 7 is officially on. Keep an eye on the weather, but more importantly, keep an eye on the Daytona 500 entry list—that's where the real action starts next month.