Starting Lineup | Pit Stall Assignments
Stories to follow in Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway, which can be heard live on the Motor Racing Network starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Richmond Schedule | Richmond Race Winners
Playoff Push
Saturday is the second race of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and after last week’s wild opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway the intensity level will go up a notch. In past years no matter where the middle race of a round is held the possibility of the unknown has existed. Richmond’s first appearance inside the playoff schedule will add short track intrigue to the equation.
Final Practice Speeds | First Practice Speeds
Four on the Floor
The quartet of drivers at the bottom of the point standings will have additional pressure Saturday night trying to climb out of the playoff hole they find themselves in after Las Vegas. Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin are the four in the danger zone coming to Richmond with only 12 of the 16 drivers advancing to the second round after the next two races. Standings
ROVAL Looming
Next week’s first-ever race on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course – known as “The Roval” – is lurking. Because there are so many unknowns and variables at the new Charlotte layout, drivers fear going into next week’s race in a “do or die” situation or needing to have something happen. The result might mean an even more intense race Saturday night in Richmond.
Keselowski Hot Streak
Brad Keselowski doesn’t have to worry about not advancing out of the first round thanks to his Las Vegas win. The Team Penske driver’s third straight win automatically puts him into Round 2 so Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe have some opportunity to gamble in their quest for a fourth straight win. (Read More)
Kyle Busch Seeks First Fall Richmond Win
Richmond has always been one of Kyle Busch’s best tracks and the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has five career Cup wins at the .75-mile track. Busch’s average finish is 7.2 in 26 career starts second only to the 5.0 mark he’s put on the board in eight Kentucky starts. But Busch has never won a fall Richmond race a goal that if accomplished will move him comfortably into the second round. Busch was slated to start 11th, but will have to start at the rear of the field for unapproved adjustments. See Also: Busch to Start at the Rear
Harvick Hoping for Rebound
Busch and Kevin Harvick came into the playoffs on top the playoff grid tied with 50 bonus points earned in the regular season. Luckily for Harvick he had that cushion after finishing 39th in Las Vegas thanks to a tire issue and subsequent accident. He’s hoping for better results in Richmond where he has three fifth place finishes in the last four races. (Read More)
