BROOKLYN, Mich. — The NASCAR Cup Series is returning to the Michigan International Speedway this weekend for a double-header, without fans in the stands.
Michigan native Brad Keselowski has been dominant this season and is hoping for a good running at his home track.
"We've won three races so far this year, but we can't stop there," Keselowski said via Zoom, "I can't think of any better place to win than my home track of Michigan."
Keselowski has won 33 career races in NASCAR's top series, with the most recent coming last weekend at New Hampshire. However, one place he's never won is his home track at Michigan International Speedway.
"I just want to get my first cup win there," he said, "we've been close, I feel like it will happen, I feel like this could be the year."
The driver of the No. 2 Penske Ford has raced at Michigan 21 times in his Cup Series career, finishing second twice and notching six top five finishes.
"It's nice to go to a track and feel like you own part of a track and their fans," Keselowski said, "it's a good feeling. Normally, there are campers and they have our No. 2 flag up, you feel pressure to perform accordingly."
Fans will not be allowed in the grandstands this weekend at MIS, something Keselowski has gotten used to over the past few months.
"It is different racing without fans, but when I'm in the car, I can't really tell the difference. Before and after the race, you really notice it, we're going to miss them."
Not only is it different not having fans at the track, but the driver's families can't attend the races either.
"I don't want to play the small violin here," he added, "but I definitely missed having my daughter and wife in victory lane this year when we won. But, there are much bigger things going on in the world."
All in all, Keselowski says he's just happy to be back in the car and at the track.
"I don't think we can complain too much because there are a lot of people, businesses and even sports that have it much worse off than we do right now."
The double-header at Michigan will begin on Saturday at 4 P.M. with the second race on Sunday at 4:30 P.M.
