“The Road to Richmond” Runs Through Tennessee Saturday Night

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In: NASCAR Cup Series News

With Kyle Busch’s win at Michigan International Speedway last weekend, one of the 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series spots has been gobbled up. Following this weekend’s event in Tennessee, there will only be one race before “The Road to Richmond” culminates at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 10 with the Wonderful Pistachios 400—“One Last Race to Make The Chase.”

Brad Keselowski (two wins) and Denny Hamlin (one win) have a hold on the two “Wild Card” spots, heading into the weekend. But a victory for Paul Menard or David Ragan would knock Hamlin out of the “Wild Card” spot; moreover, a win by Marcos Ambrose or Regan Smith could also potentially do the job. Each of those drivers has one win on the season.

Drivers who have fared well recently on the speedways and road courses over the summer are in for a new challenge at Saturday night’s short track. Here are some Chase contenders to watch this weekend.

Greg Biffle Currently 13th in points with no wins this season, Biffle would take over Hamlin’s spot with a win. Fortunately for Biffle, he has the second-best driver rating (99.4) at Bristol. A “Wild Card” may be the only way for Biffle to get in, as he is 58 points out of 10th (the top 10 in points are guaranteed in The Chase).

Denny Hamlin As mentioned, Hamlin has the final “Wild Card” spot…for now. Since he has one win and there are several other drivers with one win in or near the top 20, he’s certainly “on the bubble.” Additionally, Biffle and Clint Bowyer have more points than Hamlin, so a win by either of them would propel them ahead of Hamlin. The Chesterfield, VA native has the 13th-best driver rating at Bristol but finished 33rd there earlier this season.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. He seems to be in the discussion every week, but the reality is Earnhardt Jr. keeps staying on the bubble week after week. He is 9th in points (30 ahead of 11th-place Biffle) and has zero wins. Earnhardt Jr.’s 87.9 driver rating is 12th-best, and he finished 11th earlier this season.

Expect these drivers to be in the thick of the Wild Card hunt as “The Road to Richmond” ends at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 10 for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Only those in the top 10 and two Wild Card drivers will be eligible for the championship over the final 10 races of the season. Fans will want to find their seats by 6:15 p.m. for the beginning of our patriotic pre-race show.

RIR PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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