MIS requires delicate strategy at breakneck speeds

Here is what I know about Michigan International Speedway: It is the fastest race on the Sprint Cup circuit and it is the most intimidating one I've seen. It is even intimidating to drive the family car off the track on those banked curves.

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello is a starter, plain and simple

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello looks up from his dressing stall and shrugs. He is a starting pitcher, plain and simple, despite the clamoring from Tiger fans he should be their closer.

Ndamukong Suh ready to be a Lions captain

When the white puffs of smoke finally drift into the air at the Lions practice facility to name new captains, one of those names must be defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

• Photos: Lions offseason workout, June 4

Festival feel would add to the Grand Prix

The woman was jumping up and down, screaming about the Bret Michaels concert a night earlier. She was a concession worker and stayed for the entire event, went home to get some sleep and returned the next day for her final shift.

Crashes slow early racing before riveting finish

Fragments that used to be racecars were carried onto tow trucks. Some teams gave up trying to win the second IndyCar race of the Belle Isle Grand Prix Sunday and instead packed up and lowered their team flags before the race was even halfway done.

• Photos: Sunday at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
• Photos: Saturday at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix

No ducking fact we need Grand Prix success

Five brave souls became modern day versions of Bud Denker, the track organizer who got on his hands and knees last year to pull up crumbled pieces of track to help restart the shortened Belle Isle Grand Prix.

150 mph in an IndyCar qualifies as quite a rush

Driving in an IndyCar two-seater at speeds of up to 150 mph around the Belle Isle track doesn’t classify as a fear. Let’s just call it fun. At least that’s what it felt like Thursday morning sitting next to former IndyCar driver and current team owner Davey Hamilton.

• Gallery: Terry Foster takes a lap in an IndyCar

Punter Sam Martin might prove to be wise choice for Lions

Martin, selected by the Lions out of Appalachian State, has the upper body of a linebacker, but was not drafted to play defense. He’s a punter, and that’s where the angst from fans comes in.

• Photos: Lions offseason workout, May 29

‘Not in Ohio’ football just a fun part of the Michigan-OSU rivalry

When I was growing up, Michigan football was looked at as old, stodgy, boring and unimaginative. It was a winning program, but one that could not laugh about itself. The school chased a certain image.

Lions rookie Devin Taylor wants to shine, not showboat

Taylor takes a knee on the sidelines, admiring brightly colored wrist bands that drape both arms. The 40 wrist bands are messages or causes for people and organizations Taylor cares about.

Ex-MAC rivals Cody Wilson, Alex Carder find common ground in bid to make Lions

The ball floated into Wilson’s hands like it was dropped from heaven. The play melted away a bitter rivalry between Western Michigan and Central Michigan because the ball was delivered by Alex Carder, who spent the last five seasons trying to beat Central.

Long shot Matt Tuiasosopo proving his value to Tigers

How good has reserve outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo been for the Tigers? Minutes after the Tigers’ 7-5 loss to the Astros Thursday, angry Tiger fans were complaining about Don Kelly pinch hitting for Tuiasosopo in the ninth inning.

Nick Fairley sees Super future for Lions

Nick Fairley studies Reggie White’s club move that carried him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He watches Warren Sapp, too. He envisions himself doing the Sapp twist move or the White club.