By David Morgan, Associate Editor
For the second time this season, the NASCAR Cup Series heads off to Richmond Raceway, but this time with Playoff implication on the line when the green flag flies for Sunday’s running of the Federated Auto Parts 400.
After serving as a race in the first round of the Playoffs the last four years, Richmond Raceway was moved up nearly a month for the second race at the track in 2022, making it a crucial step in determining the 16-driver Playoff field.
Often described as the perfectly designed racetrack by drivers, the 0.75-mile track lends itself to not only short track characteristics of beating and banging, but also the characteristics of a larger track with the side-by-side racing that will take place throughout the event.
Through the first 23 races of the season, 15 drivers have made a trip to Victory Lane, leaving just one up for grabs with three races still to go in the regular season. Currently, Ryan Blaney holds the edge for the final spot by a mere 19 points, with Martin Truex Jr hot on his heels and a number of other drivers just chomping at the bit behind them waiting their turn to jump into the fray.
Truex seems to have the advantage at Richmond, winning three of the last six races at the track and scoring top-five finishes in the last seven races, but Blaney did lead 128 laps in the first race there this season. So, it’s still anyone’s game at this point.
By the Numbers
What: Federated Auto Parts 400, NASCAR Cup Series race No. 24 of 36
Where: Richmond Raceway – Richmond, Virginia (Opened: 1946, First Cup race: 1953)
When: Sunday, August 14
TV/Radio: USA Network, 3:00 pm ET / MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Channel 90
Track Size: 0.75-mile oval
Banking: Turns: 14 degrees; Straights: 8 degrees (front), 2 degrees (back)
Race Length: 400 laps, 300 miles
Stage Lengths: First stage: 70 laps, Second stage: 160 laps, Final stage: 170 laps
April 2022 Race Winner: Denny Hamlin – No. 11 Toyota – Started 13th, five laps led
September 2021 Race Winner: Martin Truex, Jr. – No. 19 Toyota – Started third, 80 laps led
Track Qualifying Record: Jeff Gordon – No. 24 Chevrolet – 20.674 seconds, 130.599 mph – 9/4/2013
Top-10 Highest Driver Ratings at Richmond Raceway:
- Kyle Busch – No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – 109.9
- Kevin Harvick – No. 4 Stewart Haas Racing Ford – 109.3
- Denny Hamlin – No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – 108.8
- Christopher…
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