nascar

It's time to cycle through the transmission for another edition of Four Gears. This week, our resident NASCAR analysts rate the three races that used the lower downforce package and give their takeaways from it. We also consider what three first-time winners this past weekend says about the level of talent with the young guns in the Truck, XFINITY and Cup Series as well as rate the quality of racing in the XFINITY Series over the last five races given the mix of tracks in those five races

One of the most appealing things about NASCAR is that it seems to produce memorable moments every weekend and 2016 is no exception. Whether it be close finishes, lug-nut controversies, or rookies taking poles, the first half of this year has not failed in producing much excitement.

The Irish Hills will be looking for a new commanding officer in the coming days.

“Kyle Larson ran a great race,” Harvick said, “as did runner-up Chase Elliott. Those are two of the youngest drivers in NASCAR. Their combined age is 44. So, you could say ‘Youth was served’ on Sunday at Michigan, but not before ID’s were checked.”

Asked what he needed on the last few laps to have gotten the win, Chase Elliott said he just needed "a better restart."

After two and a half years, Kyle Larson finally made his way into victory lane in the Sprint Cup Series with a win in the Irish Hills of Michigan.

Denny Hamlin topped the chart in final Sprint Cup Series practice at Michigan International Speedway.

Tony Stewart posted the fastest time in second Sprint Cup Series practice at Michigan International Speedway.

Joey Logano will lead the field to the green flag on Sunday in the Irish Hills of Michigan. The driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford scored the pole for the Pure Michigan 400 after posting a time of 35.697 and a speed of 201.698 mph.

Driving a Sweepstakes replica car around the Irish Hills of Michigan earlier this morning, Brad Keselowski said he "got it up there pretty good."