NASCAR National Series News & Notes – Richmond Raceway

NASCAR Cup Series

Next Race: Cook Out 400

The Place: Richmond Raceway

Track Length: 0.75 Mile Asphalt Oval

The Date: Sunday, August 11

The Time: 6 p.m. ET

The Purse: $7,925,121

TV: USA, 5:30 p.m. ET

Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Distance: 300 miles (400 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 70),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 230), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 400)

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Next Race: Cabo Wabo 250

The Place: Michigan International Speedway

Track Length: 2 Mile Asphalt Oval

The Date: Saturday, August 17

The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

The Purse: $1,367,917

TV: USA, 3 p.m. ET

Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Distance: 250 miles (125 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 30),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 60), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 125)

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

Next Race: Clean Harbors 250

The Place: Richmond Raceway

Track Length: 0.75 Mile Asphalt Oval

The Date: Saturday, August 10

The Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

The Purse: $744,784

TV: FS1, 7:30 p.m. ET

Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Distance: 187.5 miles (250 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 70),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 140), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 250)

NASCAR Cup Series

For the first time Cup competitors will have options on Goodyear tires at Richmond

After a short Olympic break, NASCAR is cranking up the engines, and this weekend marks the first time in a NASCAR Cup Series points-paying race that the drivers and teams will have multiple options on the type of tire they would like to compete with in Sunday’s Cook Out 400 (6 p.m. ET on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

This weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race will feature two Goodyear tire options available to teams: a baseline “Prime” tire that has a harder rubber compound with potentially less grip but more longevity, and a new “Option” tire that has a softer rubber compound with more short-term grip and speed, but less longevity. The “Prime” tire will be marked with traditional yellow lettering on the sidewalls, while the “Option” tire will be designated with red lettering.

Teams will be allotted six sets of Prime tires and two sets of Option tires for the race, including one Prime set carried over from qualifying. For the race, NASCAR will not mandate when teams use their sets. However, all four tires must match at all times.

NASCAR Cup Series Teams will also have an extended practice session, with one set of each tire type available to use during that 45-minute stint.

The availability of only two sets of Option tires over the course of 400 laps is expected to place an emphasis on strategy, for when teams might opt to utilize them.

“As we continue the cooperative effort of the industry on short track package adjustments, we felt like Richmond was an excellent opportunity to build upon the results of the Option tire used at the All-Star race,” said Goodyear Director of Racing Greg Stucker. “We expect the Option tire to provide a significant lap time gain over the Prime, but fall-off will be greater, and tire management will be important in taking advantage of it at the right time.”

Drivers and crew chiefs alike will look to make the most of this new competition element, particularly those still looking to lock themselves into Playoffs. One of those drivers is last year’s Cook Out 400 winner Chris Buescher.

Final Four: Richmond Raceway the last of the short tracks in the regular season

Only four races remain in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular season (Richmond, Michigan, Daytona and Darlington) to decide who will compete in the 16-driver Playoff field, and for the second-time this year the NASCAR Cup Series will roll into Richmond Raceway for some action-packed side-by-side short track racing in the Cook Out 400 on August 11 at 6 p.m. ET on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio – the last short track event of the regular season.

The next four tracks to round out the NASCAR Cup Series regular season are quite different from each other.

This weekend at Richmond Raceway, the Cup Series competitors will face 400 miles on the 0.75-mile short track. Earlier this season, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin tamed the Virginia short track earning his fifth career Cup Series win at Richmond – second-most among active drivers.

Then next weekend the NASCAR Cup Series will head to Michigan International Speedway for another 400 miles on the high-speed, multi-groove, 2-mile track located in the Irish Hills. RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher claimed the win at Michigan last season and is looking for his first Cup victory of 2024.

The Cup Series will then head back to the 2.5-mile behemoth, Daytona International Speedway, for the annual summer 400-miler. Last season at Daytona, RFK Racing pulled-off a 1-2 finish; Chris Buescher took the win with car owner and teammate Brad Keselowski in tow.

The series will then wrap-up the 2024 regular season at the egg-shaped, 1.366-mile Darlington Raceway with the ‘Crown Jewel’ event – the Southern 500 – to decide this season’s Playoff field.

If there is any driver that is excited about these next four summer races its RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher. The Texas native, Buescher, won the summer races in 2023 at the three of the next four tracks on the 2024 schedule – Richmond-2, Michigan and Daytona-2. The only race of the four he didn’t win, the Southern 500 at Darlington, he finished third.

Cup Playoff Clinch Scenarios: Richmond Raceway

With only four races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series 2024 regular season (Richmond, Michigan, Daytona and Darlington), it’s that time of year we break out the spreadsheets and start digging through the numbers to see who needs to do what to clinch their spot in the Playoffs.

Already Clinched

The following seven drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver postseason field: Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Christopher Bell.

Can Clinch Via Previous Wins

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez or Austin Cindric:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Daniel Suarez: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Austin Cindric: Would clinch regardless of finish

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace or Chase Briscoe:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 44 points
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 53 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Kyle Busch:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 41 points
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 50 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Todd Gilliland:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 38 points
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 48 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Michael McDowell:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 15 points
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 24 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Josh Berry:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 8 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Noah Gragson or Carson Hocevar:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 3 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Rickey Stenhouse Jr.:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Ryan Preece:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch with 30 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Corey LaJoie:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch with 25 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Justin Haley:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch with 20 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Daniel Hemric:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch with 17 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by John Hunter Nemechek:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch with 8 points
• Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with help

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Austin Dillon:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with help

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Zane Smith:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with 14 points
• Austin Cindric: Could clinch with 36 points

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Harrison Burton:

• Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
• Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with 4 points
• Austin Cindric: Could clinch with 26 points

Can Clinch Via Win

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:

• Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric

The following drivers could clinch with a win:

• Ty Gibbs: Could only clinch with help
• Chris Buescher: Could only clinch with help
• Ross Chastain: Could only clinch with help
• Bubba Wallace: Could only clinch with help

Tight battle amongst teammates for the Regular Season Championship

With only four races left in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, anything can happen, and the battle for the Regular Season Championship is tight and amongst teammates. Hendrick Motorsports’ teammates Kyle Larson (series leader) and Chase Elliott (second in points) are separated by just 10 points following Indianapolis. Larson retaking the points lead after his win in Indianapolis was the 12th point standings lead change of the season.

If Kyle Larson were to hold on and win, he would become just the third driver all-time to win multiple NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Championships; joining Kyle Busch (2015, 2019) and Martin Truex Jr. (2017, 2023). Plus, along with the prestige, Larson would also bank the additional 15 Playoff bonus points that come with the title.

Regular Season Championship Clinch Scenarios:

Kyle Larson (or whoever’s first in points) needs to be up by the corresponding number after the race to clinch:

Richmond – 180 or 181 points, depending on tie-break

Michigan – 120 or 121 points, depending on tie-break

Daytona – 60 or 61 points, depending on tie-break

Darlington – 0 or 1 point, depending on tie-break

The inception of the NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Championship into the series was in 2017, and since then, five different drivers have won the title.

Three of the five drivers that have won the Regular Season Championship went on to win the overall NASCAR Cup Series Championship the same season – Martin Truex Jr. (2017), Kyle Busch (2019) and Kyle Larson (2021).

A little history about Richmond Raceway and NASCAR

The Virgina short track located in the city of Richmond, was originally known as the Atlantic Rural Exposition Fairgrounds. Originally a half-mile dirt track, Richmond Raceway held its first race in 1946. The first NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway (dirt) was held on April 19, 1953 and was won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Lee Petty in a Petty Enterprises Dodge with an average speed of 45.535 mph.

The first 24 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Richmond Raceway were run on a dirt surface (1953-1968). NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson won the final Richmond race on dirt, driving a Holman-Moody Racing 1968 Ford to Victory Lane. The track surface was changed from dirt to asphalt between Cup Series races in 1968, with NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty winning the first NASCAR Cup Series race on the paved Richmond surface on September 8, 1968 driving a Petty Enterprises’ Plymouth. The track was then rebuilt as the three-quarter-mile D-shaped oval we know today in 1988.

In total, Richmond Raceway has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series 135 times producing 58 different pole winners and 54 different race winners.

All the on-track NASCAR Cup Series action at Richmond Raceway begins on Saturday, August 10 with a 45-minute practice at 4:30 p.m. ET followed by Busch Light Pole Qualifying at 5:35 p.m. ET – both events will be broadcast on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Like Daytona, you can start anywhere at Richmond and win

When it comes to winning races, starting upfront is the general rule of thumb. But when it comes to Richmond Raceway, a 0.75-mile short track, it’s been proven to not really matter. Of all the tracks in NASCAR Cup Series history, Richmond Raceway ranks second all-time to Daytona International Speedway in the most wins from starts outside the top-20. Daytona has the most with 14 and Richmond has 13 (a 9.63% winning percentage), including last season’s winner of this event, RFK Racing’s Chris Buscher, who started in 26th.

A total of 27 different starting positions have led to victories in the NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Raceway. The deepest in the field that a NASCAR Cup Series race winner has started at Richmond Raceway is 32nd, by Kyle Busch in the spring race of 2018.

Larson has opportunity to become 12th driver all-time to sweep Richmond poles

Hendrick Motorsport’s Kyle Larson grabbed his second career Busch Light Pole Award at Richmond Raceway back in March, and now has the opportunity this Saturday to become the 12th driver all-time to sweep both Richmond poles in a single season, joining Buck Baker (1953, 1956), Ned Jarrett (1960 sweep, 1964 sweep), Rex White (1962, 1963), Richard Petty (1969, 1970 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972-1974), Darrell Waltrip (1983, 1984 sweep, 1985), Alan Kulwicki (1987 sweep), Ted Musgrave (1994 sweep), Joey Logano (2015 sweep), Matt Kenseth (2017 sweep) and Kevin Harvick (2018, 2019). Logano is currently the only active driver to accomplish the feat.

This weekend, eight of the 58 NASCAR Cup Series Richmond Raceway pole winners are active, led by Denny Hamlin (2006, 2008, 2016) with three poles.

NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty (1961, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 sweep, 1974, 1975) and Bobby Allison (1972 sweep, 1973 sweep, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1982) lead the NASCAR Cup Series in poles all-time at Richmond with eight each.

Richmond Royalty: Petty still holds the high mark

When it comes to winning at Richmond Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series, nobody has done it better than ‘The King’ Richard Petty.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Richmond Raceway with 13 career victories (spring 1961, 1967 sweep, fall 1968, fall 1970, 1971 sweep, 1972 sweep, 1973 sweep, fall 1974 and spring 1975).

Petty’s 13 Richmond wins are the third-most victories by a single driver at a single track in NASCAR Cup Series history, behind his 15 wins at Martinsville Speedway and his 15 wins at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

This weekend, eight of the 54 NASCAR Cup Series Richmond Raceway winners are active, led by Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch with six Richmond victories (spring 2009, spring 2010, spring 2011, spring 2012, 2018 sweep).

RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher is the defending winner of this race and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin is the most recent winner at Richmond taking the checkered flag back in March.

Virginian Denny Hamlin is looking for a Richmond season sweep

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin is the most recent NASCAR Cup Series winner at Richmond Raceway. The Virginia native scored his fifth career Richmond win (2017, 2023) back in March.

Now, Hamlin returns to Richmond Raceway this weekend looking to become the 12th different driver in the NASCAR Cup Series to post consecutive series wins at the 0.75-mile track; joining Joe Weatherly (1962-1963), David Pearson (1965, 1966 sweep), Richard Petty (1970, 1971 sweep, 1972 sweep, 1973 sweep), Cale Yarborough (1976-1977), Bobby Allison (1982, 1983 sweep), Dale Earnhardt (1987 sweep, 1990-1991), Rusty Wallace (1989 sweep), Terry Labonte (1994-1995), Jimmie Johnson (2007 sweep), Kyle Busch (2018 sweep) and Martin Truex Jr. (2019 sweep).

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in consecutive wins at Richmond Raceway with seven consecutive victories from the September race of 1970 to the September race of 1973.

Also, if Hamlin wins this weekend, he will tie Kyle Busch for the most Richmond wins by an active driver with six victories each.

Joe Gibbs Racing owns the short tracks in 2024

Of the four remaining tracks on the NASCAR Cup Series regular season schedule, this weekend’s Richmond Raceway is the last short track. So, who has been the best on tracks 1-mile or shorter this season? Easy, Joe Gibbs Racing.

The NASCAR Cup Series has competed on seven short tracks (tracks measuring around a mile or less in length) this season – Phoenix (1-mile), Bristol (0.533-mile), Richmond (0.75-mile), Martinsville (0.526-mile), Dover (1-mile), Iowa (0.875-mile) and New Hampshire (1.058-mile), and Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have won at five of seven events (71.4% winning percentage).

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin has won at Bristol-1, Richmond-1 and Dover, Christopher Bell has won at Phoenix-1 and New Hampshire. The other two short track wins were gobbled up by Hendrick Motorsport’s William Byron at Martinsville and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney at Iowa.

Don’t expect the JGR contingent to pump the brakes this weekend at Richmond as they look for their 20th Cup Series win at the historic short track. Joe Gibbs Racing leads the NASCAR Cup Series in victories at Richmond Raceway with 19 wins among six drivers – Tony Stewart (1999, 2001, 2002), Denny Hamlin (2009, 2010, 2016, 2022, 2024), Kyle Busch (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018 sweep), Matt Kenseth (2015), Carl Edwards (2016), Martin Truex Jr. (2019 sweep, 2021).

Short Track Kings: Drivers to watch at Richmond

With seven short track races already in the books this season, here is a quick look at who you should keep an eye on to run well this weekend at Richmond Raceway in the Cook Out 400 (Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The driver with the best average starting position at the seven previous short track races this season is Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney with a 6.286. The driver with the best average finishing position at the seven previous short track races this season is Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. with an 8.286.

NASCAR Cup Series Top 10 in Average Start & Average Finish in the Seven Short Track Races of 2024

Also, 23 different drivers have led laps in the NASCAR Cup Series’ seven short track events this season, led by Denny Hamlin with 493 laps led, and followed by Martin Truex Jr. with 406 laps led and Kyle Larson with 368 laps led.

Looking Ahead: Drivers without wins in 2024 that have won at the next four tracks previously

Time is running out for the drivers who have not earned a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs this season. Just four races remain in the regular season and with 12 drivers already earning spots by virtue of their wins, which leaves just four spots still available.

Several drivers that are looking for their first win of the season have won previously at the four tracks coming up on the schedule (Richmond, Michigan, Daytona and Darlington). Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch is only driver still looking for a win this season that has previously won at all four of the tracks coming up.

Below is a chart of all the active winners at the next four tracks, the drivers bolded in each list are the drivers looking for their first win of 2024:

“We have four opportunities to punch our ticket to the Playoffs,” said Corey LaJoie. “The option tire will be a new variable and a new challenge for the teams to overcome. I’m ready to get back to work after the break and finish the year strong.”

NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.

Toyota Motor North America Announces Executive Leadership Changes – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) this week announced executive leadership changes as David Wilson, group vice president and president of TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development), will retire on December 16 after 35 years with the organization. General Manager Tyler Gibbs will succeed Wilson as president of TRD, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

During his long-standing career at TRD, Wilson has held many roles, including design engineer; track support engineer; vice president, operations and engineering; vice president, production and strategic planning; vice president, sales, operations and planning; and vice president, finance, operations and planning. Wilson was appointed to the position of TRD president in January 2014, where he has led Toyota’s U.S. motorsports arm for the past 11 years.

“It’s been such an honor to be a member of this Team and work alongside so many dedicated, talented and passionate men and women,” said Wilson. “I’m humbled and grateful for the trust, support and friendship afforded me throughout my career by my colleagues at TMNA, the Toyota Motor Corporation, our industry and team partners and our athletes. But now, I’ve completed my lap and I’m proud to hand the keys over to my friend and ‘brother in arms’, Tyler Gibbs. I have every confidence that Tyler and his team will continue to grow and strengthen TRD’s world-class legacy on and off the track.”

Wilson played a significant role in many championships and race wins with Toyota, Lexus and Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA) teams and drivers during his 35-year tenure, including championships in CART, CORR, Grand-Am, IMSA, Indy Racing League, MTEG, NASCAR, NHRA, SCORE and USAC. He has also been a part of many noteworthy victories in iconic races across motorsports, including wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring, Baja 500 and 1000, Rolex 24 at Daytona, Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, Petit Le Mans, Chili Bowl, and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Additionally, Wilson played an integral role with the Toyota and TRD leadership team that planned, supported and executed the company’s momentous entries into both CART/INDYCAR and NASCAR.

“For more than three decades, David Wilson’s immense talent, passion and leadership have helped build Toyota Racing Development into the massively successful organization we know today,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR President. “As TRD’s President since 2014, David has been a collaborative partner with NASCAR, and his friendship and counsel have helped grow the sport, deliver extraordinary moments for race fans and enhance global motorsports. We thank David for his tireless efforts and wish him the best on this new phase of his life and career. We look forward to working with Tyler Gibbs and the tremendous team at TRD.”

In his new role, Gibbs will be responsible for all TRD operations and activities in North America. These include engine engineering, chassis engineering, manufacturing, administration and operations. He will oversee all TRD facilities, including the organization’s headquarters and engine operations in Costa Mesa, California, the chassis and team support operation in Salisbury, North Carolina, and the GR Garage and Toyota Performance Center (TPC) in Mooresville, North Carolina.

“I have big shoes to fill,” said Gibbs. “Dave has been the cornerstone of TRD’s growth and culture over the last 35 years. During my 28 years working for Dave, he has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow, and this is another one of those opportunities. I’m excited and grateful for the privilege to work with so many incredible people at TRD and TMNA, along with our many partners, and together we’ll seek to continue TRD’s history of success.”

Gibbs joined TRD in 1996 and has held various roles during his nearly 30-year tenure with the organization. He currently oversees competition, engineering, commercial and administration activities at TRD. In addition, he works closely with TMNA and Toyota Racing as well as with race team relationships and key motorsports partners. Gibbs will assume his new role as TRD President in late December.

Milestone Watch: Richmond Raceway – Below are the possible milestones that can be achieved this weekend at Richmond Raceway or in coming weeks in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Starts

• Harrison Burton is expected to make his 100th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

• Brad Keselowski is expected to make his 550th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Poles

• Kyle Busch currently has 34 NASCAR Cup Series poles, if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett for 21st on the all-time pole winners list with 35 poles each.

• Joey Logano currently has 31 NASCAR Cup Series poles (tied with Kevin Harvick), if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famers Fireball Roberts and Fred Lorenzen for 24th on the all-time pole winners list with 32 poles each.

• Martin Truex Jr. currently has 23 NASCAR Cup Series poles (tied with Ken Schrader and Jack Smith), if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Alan Kulwicki for 33rd on the all-time pole winners list with 24 poles each.

Wins

• Denny Hamlin currently has 54 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for 11th on the all-time wins list with 55 victories each.

• Brad Keselowski currently has 36 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Bobby Isaac for 23rd on the all-time wins list with 37 victories each.

• Joey Logano currently has 33 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. for 25th on the all-time wins list with 34 victories each.

Laps Led

• Martin Truex Jr. currently has 12,653 laps led in the NASCAR Cup Series, if he were to lead another 347 laps, he would become the 14th different driver all-time to lead 13,000 or more laps in the series.

• Joey Logano currently has 8,708 laps led in the NASCAR Cup Series, if he were to lead another 292 laps, he would become the 24th different driver all-time to lead 9,000 or more laps in the series.

Crew Member Spotlight: Richmond Raceway Weekend – This weekend at Richmond Raceway we wanted to highlight several of the team’s crew members that are from the surrounding areas of the track in Virginia.

NASCAR Xfinity Series

NASCAR Xfinity Series revs up for Michigan International Speedway

While the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series head back to the action at Richmond Raceway after a two-week Olympic break, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will be taking one more week off before heading to Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, August 17 for the Cabo Wabo 250 at 3:30 p.m. ET on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

There have been 31 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Michigan International Speedway, producing 23 different winners and 24 different pole winners. Only three of the 31 Xfinity races have been won from the pole or first starting position – 1998 (Jeff Burton), 2008 (Carl Edwards) and 2010 (Brad Keselowski).

Eight different drivers are tied for most wins at the track with two victories each – Todd Bodine (1992, 2000), Kyle Busch (2004, 2015), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1999, 2006), Denny Hamlin (2007, 2017), Carl Edwards (2008, 2011), Brad Keselowski (2009, 2010), Mark Martin (1993, 1995) and Ryan Newman (2001, 2005).

Other drivers have set records in the Xfinity Series at Michigan International Speedway as well:

• Most poles: Kyle Busch, Paul Menard, and Austin Dillon – two each
• Most top fives: Kyle Busch – nine
• Most top 10s: Paul Menard – 12
• Most lead lap finishes: Paul Menard – 13
• Most laps led: Mark Martin – 309

Hot, Hot, Hot: Michigan different winners streak could continue

Michigan International Speedway is currently riding a wave of different winners in the NASCAR Xfinity Series that has reached 13 drivers in Victory Lane and dates back to 2010. Next weekend, the Cabo Wabo 250 has the chance to produce another new winner bringing the total to 14 to keep the streak alive.

The streak of different winners began in 2010 with Brad Keselowski, then Carl Edwards (2011), Joey Logano (2012), Regan Smith (2013), Paul Menard (2014), Kyle Busch (2015), Daniel Suárez (2016), Denny Hamlin (2017), Austin Dillon (2018), Tyler Reddick (2019), AJ Allmendinger (2021), Ty Gibbs (2022), and John Hunter Nemechek (2023). The series did not compete at Michigan in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Xfinity Series Playoff picture following Indy

The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff picture got a tad bit tighter as Riley Herbst got to kiss the bricks at the last race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Eight drivers have now locked themselves into the 12-competitor Playoff grid by virtue of wins, including Shane van Gisbergen, Chandler Smith, Austin Hill, Sam Mayer, Cole Custer, Justin Allgaier, Jesse Love and Riley Herbst.

As of now, AJ Allmendinger (+102), Sheldon Creed (+69), Parker Kligerman (+46), and Ryan Sieg (+3) occupy the final four spots to clinch a Playoff berth on points. JR Motorsport’s teammates Sammy Smith (-3), and Brandon Jones (-69) currently hold the first spots below the postseason cut line, followed by Our Motorsport’s driver Anthony Alfredo (-114).

Here’s how the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff standings look heading into Michigan:

NASCAR Xfinity Series, Etc.

Parker Retzlaff to make NASCAR Cup Series debut at Richmond – The Rhinelander, Wisconsin native, Parker Retzlaff, will attempt to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend at Richmond Racewayin the No. 66 Power Source Ford. Retzlaff will collaborate with crew chief Carl Long in Sunday’s Cook Out 400.

The 21-year-old Retzlaff is a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series driver that is competing for the series championship with Jordan Anderson Racing. In 20 Xfinity Series starts this season, Retzlaff has put up two top fives, four top 10s and a pole.

Connor Zilisch to join JR Motorsports in 2025 – Eighteen-year-old Connor Zilisch, who is a Trackhouse Racing development driver, will be joining JR Motorsports fulltime behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet next season.

At his young age, he’s already made a name for himself, posting wins at the Rolex 24 in Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, four ARCA races and a CARS Tour event.

“With so much support from Chevrolet and a chance to race in Trucks and ARCA with Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse Racing and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me,” said Zilisch. “I am so grateful and can’t wait to show their trust in me is warranted. It is mind-blowing to think that I will drive for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who is one of my heroes. I’m ready to put in the work.”

Zilisch is already getting a head start on the 2025 Xfinity season. He will drive the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in a four-race deal this season. His schedule kicks off at Watkins Glen International (Sept. 14) and includes races at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26) and Phoenix Raceway (Nov .9).

“Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age,” said Earnhardt Jr. “We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full-time next season. He is on a path to sure success with support from Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing, and now JR Motorsports.”

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

Richmond Raceway awaits to host the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Regular Season Finale

With just one race left in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series regular season, Richmond Raceway has set the stage for some Saturday night short track racing with the Clean Harbors 250 on August 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

To date, Richmond Raceway has hosted 15 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races, producing 10 different pole winners and 12 different race winners.

Tony Stewart (2002, 2003), Mike Skinner (1996, 2005), and Jack Sprague (1998, 2001) lead the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in wins at the 0.75-mile track with two victories each.

CR7 Motorsport’s Grant Enfinger (2020) is the only previous Richmond winner entered this weekend, while Matt Crafton has visited the track a total of nine times – the most out of the field.

Several legendary drivers have etched their names in the Richmond Raceway record books. Here’s a closer look:

• Race record: Bob Keselowski 104.167 mph (09/04/1997)
• Qualifying record: David Starr 126.648 mph (09/08/2005)
• Most races: Matt Crafton (9)
• Most poles: Ty Majeski (2)
• Most wins: Mike Skinner, Jack Sprague, Tony Stewart (2)
• Most top fives: Ted Musgrave, Joe Ruttman, Jack Sprague (4)
• Most top 10s: Jack Sprague (7)
• Laps led: Jack Sprague (304)

With only three spots remaining in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff field, every lap will count on Saturday.

Practice will begin Saturday, August 10 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1 followed by Cometic Gasket Pole Qualifying at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Eckes can almost taste the Regular Series Championship, but Heim is hot on his tail

It’s been a constant battle between Christian Eckes and Corey Heim all season, but McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s Eckes currently holds the driver points lead in the series with one race left in the regular season.

The 23-year-old is currently 50 points up on Corey Heim in second as the series heads to Richmond Raceway for the Clean Harbors 250 on Saturday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

If Eckes can hold on and win the Regular Season Championship, he will get an additional 15 Playoff points to take with him into the postseason and will become the eighth different driver to win the regular season title: joining Christopher Bell (2017), Johnny Sauter (2018), Grant Enfinger (2019), Austin Hill (2020), John H. Nemechek (2021), Zane Smith (2022) and Corey Heim (2023).

The Middletown, New York native is undergoing a breakout year, having accumulated three wins, nine top-five, and 14 top-10 finishes this season. Eckes also leads the series in laps led this season with 698.

Clinch Scenarios: Regular Season Championship

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Regular Season Championship can be clinched by the following drivers:

• Christian Eckes: Would clinch with 11 points
• Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help

Playoff Clinch Scenarios: One race left to set the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff field

Richmond Raceway’s Clean Harbors 250 will officially mark the end of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Regular Season. While seven drivers are locked into the Playoffs (five on wins and two on points), a slew of others hovering around the cutoff line will try to either sustain their top 10 points position or make a last-ditch effort to win their way in this weekend.

The competitors who have earned their spot in the Playoffs are Christian Eckes, Corey Heim, Nick Sanchez, Rajah Caruth, Ty Majeski, Grant Enfinger, and Tyler Ankrum.

Following Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Daniel Dye is ranked 11th in the Playoff outlook, just five points back from Tanner Gray in the 10th and final postseason transfer spot on points. Just behind Dye is Stewart Friesen in 12th, 16 points back from the postseason cutoff, and three-time Truck Series champion Matt Crafton is 13th, -43 points back from Gray in 10th.

Since the introduction of the Playoffs in the series in 2016, Matt Crafton has not missed the Playoffs, and he leads the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in postseason appearances with eight consecutive (2016-2023). While still mathematically able to advance on points, Crafton is in a must-win scenario along with several other drivers: Chase Purdy (-44), Dean Thompson (-71), Layne Riggs (-75), Jake Garcia (-82), Bayley Currey (-109), Ty Dillon (-114), and Bret Holmes (-124).

Clinch Scenarios for Richmond Raceway – Regular Season Finale:

Already Clinched

The following seven drivers have clinched a spot in the 10-driver postseason field: Christian Eckes, Corey Heim, Ty Majeski, Nicholas Sanchez, Rajah Caruth, Tyler Ankrum, Grant Enfinger.

Can Clinch Via Points

If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the Playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the 6th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Tyler Ankrum, Grant Enfinger, Taylor Gray, Ben Rhodes or Tanner Gray.

• Taylor Gray: Would clinch with 8 points
• Ben Rhodes: Would clinch with 34 points
• Tanner Gray: Would clinch with 51 points
• Daniel Dye: Could only clinch with help
• Stewart Friesen: Could only clinch with help
• Matt Crafton: Could only clinch with help
• Chase Purdy: Could only clinch with help

If there is a new winner from Daniel Dye or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the 5th winless driver in the standings.

• Taylor Gray: Would clinch with 12 points
• Ben Rhodes: Would clinch with 39 points
• Tanner Gray: Could only clinch with help
• Daniel Dye: Could only clinch with help
• Stewart Friesen: Could only clinch with help

Can Clinch Via Win

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:

• Taylor Gray, Ben Rhodes, Tanner Gray, Daniel Dye, Stewart Friesen, Matt Crafton, Chase Purdy, Dean Thompson, Layne Riggs, Jake Garcia, Bayley Currey, Ty Dillon, Bret Holmes, Matt Mills, Timmy Hill, Mason Massey, Lawless Alan, Spencer Boyd

Outside Looking In: One last shot at the Playoffs

TRICON Garage’s Tanner Gray currently holds a five point advantage over McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s Daniel Dye for the last spot (10th) in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs with one race to go in the regular season. Both drivers are looking to make the postseason for the first time in their careers.

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.

Connor Zilisch returns to the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with a chance to help Spire Motorsports in the Owner Point Standings – Newly announced full-time 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, Connor Zilisch, returns to the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Richmond Raceway with a five-race plan throughout the final eight races of the 2024 season.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native will pilot the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in his second career start in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series this weekend at Richmond, then the 18-year-old will compete at Bristol, Talladega, Homestead, and Martinsville.

A little over four months ago in his debut, Zilisch stole the show by claiming his first pole and becoming the first driver to win a pole in a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut since Nick Sanchez during the 2023 opener at Daytona International Speedway. Ultimately, he finished fourth in his Truck debut.

Currently, the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet entry is ranked fifth in the owners’ point standings on the strength of two victories – both being recorded by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February and at Texas Motor Speedway in April. In addition, the truck secured two stage victories, five top-five and nine top-10 results through 15 scheduled events, all while being piloted by the all-star lineup of Zilisch, Busch, Corey LaJoie, Sammy Smith, Connor Mosack, Andres Perez (current ARCA Menards Series points leader) and Clint Bowyer.

Connor Hall to make CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Richmond – 2023 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national champion, Connor Hall, will make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut this weekend behind the wheel of the No. 91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet.

Hall, a native of Hampton, Virginia, has proven himself to be one of the elite competitors in asphalt late model racing nationwide. He currently leads both the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock championship and the Virginia Triple Crown standings and is the defending NASCAR Weekly Series national champion.

“Every driver wants the chance at an opportunity like this, and I want to make the most of it,” Hall said. “Of all the places on the Truck Series schedule, I think Richmond will fit my driving style the best and the kind of racing we have in late model stocks can translate well. I’m incredibly excited for it, and I have to thank Bill McAnally, Towne Bank, A-All Mini Storage, and everyone at MHR for making this happen.”

Hall will join the No. 91 Chevrolet team which will be led by crew chief Darren Fraley at Richmond. The No. 91 team is currently 12th in the owners’ point standings entering the regular season finale.

“We’re really looking forward to having Connor drive for us at Richmond,” Bill McAnally said. “He has been one of the best late model drivers in the nation over the past couple of years and is absolutely deserving of this. He has the talent to win races and has shown the determination to do it. All that he needed was an opportunity and we’re glad to be able to make this a reality.”

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