There are a few races left in the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Series, so expect the action to get even tighter. This weekend, the series continues at the Michigan International Speedway for the 2018 Consumers Energy 400. We know who the predicted favorites are, but let’s take a look this time around at the sleepers who can shock the field this weekend.
Jones is doing a fine job of at least keeping himself within striking distance of a victory. In six of his last seven races, he’s finished no worst than seventh. He won his first and only race so far this year at Daytona along that stretch and had a pair of fifth-place finishes in his last two races. In three career races at the Michigan International Speedway, Jones has had a top five finish – a third place finish during the 2017 Pure Michigan 400 – and three top 20s. Jones has five playoff points and currently ranks 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 572 points.
Busch is currently sitting on the fourth spot in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, just behind the Big Three of Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Martin Truex Jr. Busch, however, has zero wins as of yet this season. He is coming off back-to-back ninth-place finishes at Pocono and at Watkins Glen. In his last race at the Michigan International Speedway, Busch finished third during the FireKeepers Casino 400 last June. Busch has also made it to the top 12 in each of his last five races there. In five races at the said track since 2016, Busch has garnered a 9.60 average finish.
Almirola has regressed a bit over his last two races. After finishing eight in Kentucky and third in New Hampshire, expectations were high on the Stewart-Haas Racing driver ahead of the Pocono race, but fizzled there, finishing just 25th in the field. He followed that up with a 22nd finish last week at Watkins Glen. He finished with a respectable 11thin his last race there, though, which was during the FireKeepers Casino 400 just last June.
