The Great Lakes play host to yet another Cup Series clash. This one could prove as consequential as any on this year's NASCAR slate.
The 2024 iteration of the FireKeepers Casino 400 is as compelling as it gets. With just three races left in the regular, those circling around the Cup Series playoff cut line look to make their claim for postseason qualification.
Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Chris Buescher are among the top-flight standouts hoping to make their mark at the famous track. A strong showing could go a long way, as points are a nice reward — and the playoff eligibility that comes with them is eternal.
With that, here's what you need to know about the pole-sitter and starting lineup for Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway, the FireKeepers Casino 400.
MORE: Why NASCAR ruled Austin Dillon's win at Richmond won't count for playoff eligibility
Who won the FireKeepers Casino 400 pole for 2024?
Denny Hamlin took home the pole for Sunday's FireKeepers Casino 400.
It's been a hectic week for the Joe Gibbs Racing standout, whose collision with Austin Dillon turned the racing world on its head. On Saturday, however, Hamlin returned to his normal stead at the top of the Cup Series pack. It happened in a rather unusual way, however.
Hamlin and his Cup Series colleagues were unable to take the track due to wet and wild conditions. As such, the starting lineup for Sunday's race was determined by the qualifying metric. Joining Hamlin in the front row is his employee, 23XI star Tyler Reddick.
FireKeepers Casino 400 starting lineup 2024
| Starting pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
| 1. | Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2. | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing |
| 3. | Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 4. | Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 5. | Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing |
| 6. | Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 7. | Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 8. | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| 9. | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 10. | Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 11. | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
| 12. | Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 13. | Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 14. | Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
| 15. | Brad Keselowski | 6 | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing |
| 16. | Josh Berry | 4 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 17. | Michael McDowell | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 18. | Chris Buescher | 17 | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing |
| 19. | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 20. | Todd Gilliland | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 21. | Chase Briscoe | 14 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 22. | Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 23. | Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske |
| 24. | Martin Truex Jr. | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 25. | Noah Gragson | 10 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 26. | Ryan Preece | 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 27. | Zane Smith | 71 | Spire Motorsports |
| 28. | Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 29. | Justin Haley | 51 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 30. | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG-Daugherty Racing |
| 31. | Corey LaJoie | 7 | Spire Motorsports |
| 32. | Daniel Hemric | 31 | Kaulig Racing |
| 33. | John Hunter Nemechek | 42 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 34. | Harrison Burton | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |
| 35. | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing |
| 36. | Cody Ware | 15 | Rick Ware Racing |