By Reggie Gatlin-Holt
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 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.
| Regular Season Champions | |||
|
Rank |
Titles |
Drivers (5) | Years |
|
1 |
2 |
Martin Truex Jr. | 2023, ’17 |
|
2 |
Kyle Busch | 2019, ’18 | |
|
3 |
1 |
Chase Elliott | 2022 |
|
4 |
Kyle Larson | 2021 | |
|
5 |
Kevin Harvick | 2020 | |
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.
|
Track |
Wins From Starts Outside Top 20 |
|
Daytona |
14 |
|
Richmond |
13 |
|
Charlotte |
10 |
|
New Hampshire |
10 |
|
Atlanta |
9 |
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.
|
Active Pole Winners (8) |
Poles |
Seasons |
|
Denny Hamlin |
3 |
2016, 2008, 2006 |
|
Kyle Larson |
2 |
2024, 2022 |
|
Brad Keselowski |
2 |
2019, 2014 |
|
Joey Logano |
2 |
2015 sweep |
|
Tyler Reddick |
1 |
2023 |
|
Ryan Blaney |
1 |
2022 |
|
Kyle Busch |
1 |
2010 |
|
Martin Truex Jr |
1 |
2018 |
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).
|
Active Race Winners (8) |
Wins |
Season |
|
Kyle Busch |
6 |
2018 sweep, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 |
|
Denny Hamlin |
5 |
2024, 2022, 2016, 2010, 2009 |
|
Martin Truex Jr |
3 |
2021, 2019 sweep |
|
Kyle Larson |
2 |
2023, 2017 |
|
Brad Keselowski |
2 |
2020, 2014 |
|
Joey Logano |
2 |
2017, 2014 |
|
Chris Buescher |
1 |
2023 |
|
Alex Bowman |
1 |
2021 |
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
|
Rank |
Drivers |
Avg. Start |
Drivers |
Avg. Finish |
|
1 |
Ryan Blaney |
6.286 |
Martin Truex Jr |
8.286 |
|
2 |
Chase Elliott |
7.429 |
Chase Elliott |
8.714 |
|
3 |
William Byron |
7.714 |
Kyle Larson |
9.143 |
|
4 |
Denny Hamlin |
7.857 |
Chris Buescher |
10.429 |
|
5 |
Kyle Larson |
10.000 |
Denny Hamlin |
10.429 |
|
6 |
Joey Logano |
10.429 |
Ryan Blaney |
11.143 |
|
7 |
Martin Truex Jr |
12.286 |
Ross Chastain |
11.857 |
|
8 |
Bubba Wallace |
12.429 |
Christopher Bell |
13.000 |
|
9 |
Chase Briscoe |
12.429 |
Tyler Reddick |
13.714 |
|
10 |
Tyler Reddick |
13.000 |
Josh Berry |
14.000 |
|
Ty Gibbs |
14.000 |
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.
| 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Playoff Outlook Following Race No. 22 | |||||||||
|
Rank |
Driver |
Points |
Wins |
Stages |
Playoff Pts |
Pts From Cutoff |
|||
|
1 |
Kyle Larson |
749 |
4 |
8 |
28 |
In On Wins |
|||
|
2 |
Denny Hamlin |
706 |
3 |
6 |
21 |
||||
|
3 |
William Byron |
654 |
3 |
1 |
16 |
||||
|
4 |
Christopher Bell |
651 |
3 |
9 |
24 |
||||
|
5 |
Ryan Blaney |
676 |
2 |
2 |
12 |
||||
|
6 |
Chase Elliott |
739 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
7 |
Tyler Reddick |
734 |
1 |
3 |
8 |
||||
|
8 |
Brad Keselowski |
615 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
||||
|
9 |
Alex Bowman |
606 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
||||
|
10 |
Joey Logano |
525 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
11 |
Daniel Suarez |
460 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
||||
|
12 |
Austin Cindric |
438 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
||||
|
13 |
Martin Truex Jr. |
653 |
0 |
3
|
|||||
|
14 |
Ty Gibbs |
587 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
42 |
|
15 |
Chris Buescher |
562 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
17 |
|
16 |
Ross Chastain |
552 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
|
17 |
Bubba Wallace |
545 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
-7 |
|
18 |
Chase Briscoe |
469 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-83 |
|
19 |
Kyle Busch |
440 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-112 |
|
20 |
Todd Gilliland |
434 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-118 |
|
21 |
Michael McDowell |
404 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
-148 |
|
22 |
Josh Berry # |
388 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-164 |
|
23 |
Noah Gragson |
383 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-169 |
|
24 |
Carson Hocevar # |
383 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-169 |
|
25 |
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
375 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-177 |
|
26 |
Ryan Preece |
329 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-223 |
|
27 |
Erik Jones |
329 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-223 |
|
28 |
Corey LaJoie |
324 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-228 |
|
29 |
Justin Haley |
319 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-233 |
|
30 |
Daniel Hemric |
316 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-236 |
|
31 |
John Hunter Nemechek |
307 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-245 |
|
32 |
Austin Dillon |
294 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-258 |
|
33 |
Zane Smith # |
248 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-304 |
|
34 |
Harrison Burton |
238 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-314 |
***A correction for Martin Truex is at end of story***
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:
| Richmond | Michigan | Daytona | Darlington | ||||
| Active Winners (8) |
Wins |
Active Winners (6) |
Wins |
Active Winners (12) |
Wins |
Active Winners (8) |
Wins |
| Kyle Busch |
6 |
Joey Logano |
3 |
Denny Hamlin |
3 |
Denny Hamlin |
4 |
| Denny Hamlin |
5 |
Kyle Larson |
3 |
Austin Dillon |
2 |
Brad Keselowski |
2 |
| Martin Truex Jr |
3 |
Denny Hamlin |
2 |
Ricky Stenhouse Jr |
2 |
Erik Jones |
2 |
| Brad Keselowski |
2 |
Chris Buescher |
1 |
William Byron |
2 |
Martin Truex Jr |
2 |
| Joey Logano |
2 |
Kyle Busch |
1 |
Austin Cindric |
1 |
Joey Logano |
1 |
| Kyle Larson |
2 |
Ryan Blaney |
1 |
Brad Keselowski |
1 |
Kyle Busch |
1 |
| Alex Bowman |
1 |
Chris Buescher |
1 |
Kyle Larson |
1 |
||
| Chris Buescher |
1 |
Erik Jones |
1 |
William Byron |
1 |
||
| Joey Logano |
1 |
||||||
| Kyle Busch |
1 |
||||||
| Michael McDowell |
1 |
||||||
| Ryan Blaney |
1 |
“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.
| VIRGINIA | ||||
|
DRIVER |
ORGANIZATION |
TEAM |
ROLE |
HOMETOWN |
|
Jefferson Hodges |
Team Penske/Wood Brothers |
2/12/21/22 |
Team Manager |
New Kent, VA |
|
Steve Price |
RFK Racing |
6 |
Rear Tire Changer |
Lynchburg, VA |
|
Jonathan Branzelle |
RFK Racing |
6 |
Engineer |
Sutherland, VA |
|
Jonathan Salmons |
RFK Racing |
6 |
Engine Tuner |
Bassett, VA |
|
Lamar Neal |
Richard Childress Racing |
8 |
Tire Carrier |
Virginia Beach, VA |
|
Mark Ziegler |
Hendrick Motorsports |
9 |
Primary Race Engineer |
Glen Allen, VA |
|
Nick Steger |
Hendrick Motorsports |
9 |
Aero Fab |
Fairfax, VA |
|
Chris Haymaker |
Hendrick Motorsports |
9 |
Front Mechanic |
Moneta, VA |
|
Ben Gitlin |
Team Penske |
12 |
Interior Mechanic |
Stafford VA |
|
Joe White |
Kaulig Racing |
16 |
Spotter |
Norfolk, VA |
|
David Markham |
Team Penske |
21 |
Race Engineer |
Fredericksburg, VA |
|
Justin Wilson |
Kaulig Racing |
31 |
Fueler |
Saint Paul, VA |
|
J.P. Kelley |
Richard Childress Racing |
33 |
Fueler |
Luray, VA |
|
Dan Mrak |
Front Row Motorsports |
38 |
Fueler |
Woodbridge, VA |
|
Joey Cohen |
Legacy Motor Club |
42/43 |
Vice President of Race Operations |
Chesapeake, VA |
|
Ernest Holden |
Legacy Motor Club |
42 |
Tire Carrier |
Norfolk, VA |
|
Eric Grove |
JTG Daugherty Racing |
47 |
Interior/Electrical Specialist |
Front Royal, VA |
|
George Spencer |
Hendrick Motorsports |
48 |
Race Engineer |
Halifax, VA |
|
Jarius Morehead |
Spire Motorsports |
77 |
Tire Carrier |
Martinsville, VA |
***Martin Truex line should read in the after Race 22 box***
|
13 |
Martin Truex Jr. |
653 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
108 |
COURTESY NASCAR COMMUNICATIONS
