While pre-race inspection between the Saturday and Sunday NASCAR Cup Series double header events at Michigan International Speedway has not occurred yet, 11 cars will already drop to the rear before Sunday’s Consumers Energy 400.
Nine of the 11 will drop to the rear due to having to go to a backup car. Those drivers and their original starting spots are: Chris Buescher (1st), Tyler Reddick (3rd), Aric Almirola (5th), Ryan Preece (25th), Ryan Newman (28th), Michael McDowell (28th), Austin Dillon (31st), Cole Custer (34th) and John Hunter Nemechek (36th).
Of course, aside from minor repairs and sponsorship wrap changes, teams must race their cars in Sunday’s race as they ended Saturday’s event. This has been the way double header races have taken place this season post-COVID.
Brennan Poole, who was supposed to start 37th will also drop to the rear after an engine change and Josh Bilicki who was slated to start last any way, will drop to the rear for a driver change.
All drivers, for scoring purposes in fantasy lineups and the official records, will be scored from their original starting spots and will drop to the rear on the opening pace laps.
