Michigan natives Erik Jones, Carson Hocevar come up just shy of FireKeepers Casino 400 win

A pair of Michigan's native sons put together great performances in Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway but were no match for Denny Hamlin in the closing laps. 

Still, Byron, Michigan's Erik Jones finished second, while Portage, Michigan, native Carson Hocevar finished fifth. 

Jones finished second in Stage 2 to Chase Elliott but lost ground on the ensuing pit stop. He had to claw his way back to the runner-up spot over the race's final run but had nothing for Hamlin, who beat him to the checkered by 11.110 seconds. 

Michigan natives have solid runs at MIS

Hocevar, meanwhile, was very well received by his home fans. He led multiple times and was battling for the lead with his Spire teammate, Daniel Suarez, with 38 laps remaining when Hamlin blew by both of them to take the lead. 

Hocevar was, however, the subject of controversy when he made contact with John Hunter Nemechek on Lap 83, triggering a multi-car pileup on a restart that took out Austin Dillon and points leader Tyler Reddick. 

The third Michigan native in the field, Rochester Hills, Mich., native Brad Keselowski, finished 34th. He suffered a flat tire early in the race but later spun and made hard contact with the wall, ending his day.