NASCAR insiders claim Michigan defied expectations and dubs it an “opportunity track” despite William Byron’s near-domination

William Byron led the most laps in the FireKeepers Casino 400 race at the Michigan International Speedway this Sunday. The driver lost the lead late into the race on lap 197 of the total 200-lap race. The Hendricks Motorsports driver has been one of the fastest drivers over the last three races and was arguably the fastest driver on the grid over the weekend at Michigan. The 27-year-old driver ultimately finished 28th at Michigan due to running out of gas with just four laps to go.

NASCAR insiders, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, recently shared their experience and review of the FireKeepers Casino 400 race at Michigan this Sunday.

"There was a time not too long ago when Michigan had two race dates, and they were very close together, and it was like Oh, we have to go back to Michigan, it's going to be boring, it's going to be fuel mileage. Today was a fuel mileage for sure, but the racing was really good. You could make moves, you could come from the back, you could pass, you had a strategy involved. This is an opportunity track where the best teams show out." Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi said via Dirty Mo Media

William Byron has been a contender for the win in numerous races this year, but has been unable to clinch his second victory of the season due to various reasons. The Hendrick Motorsports star would hope that he crosses the finish line with an awaited victory in the next race at Mexico City.

William Byron says, " It sucks, it stings" after heartbreak at Michigan

William Byron did everything right at Michigan International Speedway this Sunday, but still could not clinch the victory that he deserved due to running out of gas late in the race. Byron's issue proved to be fruitful for Denny Hamlin as he went on to clinch his third victory of the season.

Byron was left disappointed even after winning a stage, collecting the fastest lap bonus, and leading 98 laps of the FireKeepers 400 race. He tried to hang on to the lead of the race but was overtaken by Denny Hamlin on lap 197. The driver still looked set for a second or third finish, but his car finally ran out of fuel, resulting in a 28th-place finish.

"We were going to run out with 1.5 laps to go, and I was just trying to manage both, trying to keep the lead and manage the gap and save fuel down the straight and on exit and everything. We just didn't ... ultimately, not as good mileage as the guys that were further back to start that run. I don't know, that one is like, you can't do a lot about it. It sucks, it really stings but we had a good car." William Byron said post-race

William Byron currently leads the championship with 576 points to his name. The driver awaits a victory after winning the season opener, the Daytona 500, this season. He would hope Mexico becomes the place where he secures that second-season win.