NASCAR returns to Richmond Raceway after an eventful weekend at Pocono. There was a lot of drama over the last week. Kyle Larson continues to battle with the field, making headlines with Denny Hamlin. Austin Dillon continues to bring disappointment to the legendary #3 car. And Joey Logano uses swear words sometimes. It was a fun weekend. But now our eyes are set on the Federated Auto Parts 400.
The last time the Cup Series was at Richmond, Kyle Larson had a much more fitting finish. Getting his second win of the season. But a lot has changed since then. Hendrick Motorsports team has had its up and downs, and two drivers might not even make the playoffs at this rate. Joe Gibbs Racing continues to dominate with Martin Truex Jr and Denny Hamlin taking multiple wins with Christopher Bell having a good year. And the Ford camp continues to stay cold. They’ve only posted two wins so far this year. We’ll see if Richmond has any tricks up their sleeves this go-round.
As usual, I’ll give you five drivers I’m watching this weekend. Whether they have a shot to win, or they make for some interesting television. So without further adieu, here is your Federated Auto Parts 400 preview!
#5 Kyle Larson
Embed from Getty ImagesThe man of the hour. Kyle Larson obviously gets the nod as he took the win here earlier this year. A rather dominant day for the #5 car. Obviously, he hasn’t matched those results since. At least not in an official race. He dominated at North Wilkesboro for the all-star race. He’s matched the speed, he’s picked up stage wins. He just hasn’t caught a break. Richmond could be the place he rebounds. As he’s got a fast car, and he’s a little extra pissed off after the ending at Pocono last weekend. In his 17 races here, Larson has two wins, two more top-fives, and four more top-10 finishes. A solid reputation at the track.
#6 Brad Keselowski
Embed from Getty ImagesBrad Keselowski has had a solid car all season long, and he’s had some close calls. But he hasn’t picked up the win yet. He may have had it in Atlanta a few weeks ago if not for a rainout. But Richmond has been a fine place for the veteran driver. In 27 races he’s got two wins and four more top-five finishes. He’s in a great position for the playoffs points-wise, but he could use a win to carry some momentum into the fall. RFK has yet to hit the win column. But the Federated Auto Parts 400 could change that.
#19 Martin Truex Jr
Embed from Getty ImagesMartin Truex Jr might be the best driver this season. When he’s got the right car, and his pit crew doesn’t screw him over, he’s going to bare minimum finish with a top five. He’s got three wins in Dover, Sonoma, and New Hampshire. To top it all off he was in it to the very end of last weekend’s mess which just goes to show what Truex is capable of in any spot. At Richmond, his resume matches the praise. He’s got three wins in 34 races, with six more top-fives to add. Like Larson, you can put Truex in any of these previews and he’s more than likely not going to make you regret it.
#20 Christopher Bell
Embed from Getty ImagesJoe Gibbs Racing has never been better, and Christopher Bell has been a huge part of the reason why. In 2023 he’s got a win at Bristol Dirt and four other top-five finishes. In six races at Richmond, he’s got four top-fives as well as a lowest finish of 15th in six races. Back in April, he finished in fourth after starting 21st at this track. I’d be looking for Bell to squeak back into victory lane this weekend at a track that’s been kind to him.
#22 Joey Logano
Embed from Getty ImagesThings collapsed quickly for Logano after winning the first stage at Pocono last weekend. Early in stage two he and #99 Daniel Suarez spun on the same restart heading into turn one and effectivelty ended both of their days. It was valauble points for the #22 team who already has a win at Atlanta in the spring, but you’re always looking for more in the Cup Series. The Federated Auto Parts 400 could be a great race for Logano to make a bounce back. In 28 races at Richmond he has two wins and 10 additional top-five finishes. In April, the Penske driver finished seventh. We’ll see what Logano can post this time around and if he can take home the checkered flag for a second time this year.
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