With twelve Sprint Cup races until the Chase the outcome of Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway is important to many drivers. Joined by the Nationwide and ARCA Series at the two-mile D-shaped oval located in the scenic Irish Hills of Michigan, this weekend offers a healthy dose of intense racing action for hardcore race fans.  

Despite engine troubles last weekend in Pocono, Carl Edwards remains atop the 2011 Sprint Cup point standings with a six-point advantage over Jimmie Johnson. Reed Sorenson leads the Nationwide Series point battle going into Michigan with the top four are separated by 11 points. Truck Series teams are off until next month’s race in Kentucky.

The ARCA Series kicks the weekend off on Thursday in Michigan with a two and one-half hour practice session beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Friday begins with ARCA qualifying at 10:00 a.m. followed by opening practice for Nationwide drivers at 11:30 a.m. and Sprint Cup practice at 12:30 p.m., all on SPEED. Nationwide final practice begins at 2 p.m. and Sprint Cup Happy Hour gets underway at 3:30 p.m. The ARCA Series takes to the track for the RainEater Wiper Blades 200 at 5:15 p.m. with driver introductions beginning at 5 p.m.

Saturday is a busy day in Michigan with back to back qualifying beginning at 11:10 a.m. with Nationwide qualifying on ESPN2 followed by Sprint Cup qualifying at 1:10 p.m. on SPEED. The day ends with the Michigan 250 Nationwide race live on ABC at 3:30 p.m.

The Summer Series on TNT continues with live coverage of the Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips 400 from Michigan beginning at 12:00 p.m. with the Countdown to Green.

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