The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Richmond International Raceway for the Federated Auto Parts 400. This event will be one of the most exciting races of the year as the talented Cup drivers negotiate the tricky configuration of RIR’s “long-short” track while some battle for the final spots in the Chase. We took a look at past performances, season trends, and talked to NASCAR contacts to shed a light on how the field should finish on Saturday night.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10; 7:43 p.m./et.
Weather: Sunny with a day-time high of 95; wind out of the SW at 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is ZERO.
The Track: Richmond International Raceway
Richmondis a .75 mile D-shaped oval. It has fairly flat 14 degree banking in the turns and 8 degree banking on the straights.
Key to Race: THE LONG-SHORT TRACK
Saturday night racing seem to bring out the best and worst in NASCAR. And when there are spots in the Chase up-for-grabs some drivers will take unnecessary chances while others will play-it-safe.
A good indication as to who will be fast this weekend is to look at who was successful at Richmond earlier this year Phoenix, and New Hampshire. Carl Edwards won at RIR earlier this year, Kevin Harvick dominated at Phoenix, and Matt Kenseth won at NHMS.
Drivers on the bubble for the Chase are:
14th: C. Elliott 628
15th: A. Dillon 622
16th: J. McMurray 616
17th: R. Newman -15
18th: K. Kahne -52
19th: T. Bayne -58
20th: R. Blaney -71
Qualifying Procedures:
41 cars will attempt to qualify for 40 spots.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet:
Top 5
No. 18 Kyle Busch: Kyle has four career wins at RIR. Get him active in all leagues.
No. 19 Carl Edwards: Edwards won at RIR earlier this year. He should be dialed-in again this weekend.
No. 4 Kevin Harvick: Harvick always dominates at Phoenix and will the man to beat at Richmond. There is a great chance he will find victory lane again.
No. 22 Joey Logano: Logano won the fall 2014 race at RIR and led 120 laps at the track last year. He is a great pick.
No. 20 Matt Kenseth: Kenseth won at RIR last fall and took the checkers at New Hampshire earlier this year. Look for the crafty veteran to notch another top five.
6 to 10
No. 11 Denny Hamlin: The Virginian is usually a force at RIR. He is a great option this weekend.
No. 41 Kurt Busch: Busch dominated the spring race at RIR last year. He will be fast again.
No. 2 Brad Keselowski: Keselowski won the spring 2014 race at RIR. He should be in the mix all night.
No. 88 Jeff Gordon: Gordon has four top five finishes in his last 10 starts at RIR. He is a very nice choice.
No. 78 Martin Truex Jr.: RIR is one of Truex’s favorite tracks. He is a great pick this weekend.
11 to 20
No. 48 Jimmie Johnson: Johnson admitted in the past that RIR is a tough track for him, but he has won three of the last 18 races at venue.
No. 5 Kasey Kahne: Kahne needs to win this weekend or he will miss the Chase. He has averaged a top 15 finish at RIR during the past half-decade and will take some chances that will either help or hurt your fantasy team.
No. 24 Chase Elliott: We expect Elliott to drive a conservative race this weekend as he just needs a decent finish to remain in the Chase.
No. 42 Kyle Larson: Larson has been fast at RIR so far in his career. He is a nice third driver on all fantasy teams this weekend.
No. 31 Ryan Newman: Newman has been very successful at RIR in the past. He is worth using as he tries to sneak into the Chase.
No. 1 Jamie McMurray: This has been terrific at RIR the past six races. He is a solid sleeper pick this weekend.
No. 3 Austin Dillon: Dillon hasn’t been great at RIR during his career. He should just miss the top 15 this trip to the track.
No. 14 Tony Stewart: Smoke has four top 10 finishes in his last 10 starts at RIR. He is a decent choice.
No. 47 A.J. Allmendinger: A.J. is usually very fast at RIR.
No. 6 Trevor Bayne: Bayne needs a win this weekend to make the Chase. We don’t see it happening.
21 to 30
No. 16 Greg Biffle
No. 21 Ryan Blaney
No. 27 Paul Menard
No. 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
No. 43 Aric Almirola
No. 10 Danica Patrick
No. 13 Casey Mears
No. 15 Clint Bowyer
No. 34 Chris Buescher
No. 95 Michael McDowell
Field Fillers
No. 7 Regan Smith
No. 23 David Ragan
No. 93 Matt DiBenedetto
No. 44 Brian Scott
No. 38 Landon Cassill
No. 55 Reed Sorenson
No. 46 Michael Annett
No. 83 Dylan Lupton
No. 98 Cole Whitt
No. 30 Josh Wise
No. 32 Jeffery Earnhardt
My NASCAR LIVE Team for this Week:
A.J. Allmendinger
Race Winner: Kevin Harvick
Manufacturer: Toyota
My Yahoo! Fantasy NASCAR Team for this Week:
B. Kasey Kahne
B. Ryan Newman
C. Jeff Gordon
