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Federated Auto Parts 400: Power Rankings

William Byron is making a push through the playoffs

By Mark Abell
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Race Information

Race: Federated Auto Parts 400
Laps: 300
Date: September 21st
Venue: Richmond Raceway
2018 Winner: Kyle Busch (2:54:30)
Broadcast: NBCSN

Track

Richmond International Raceway. At 0.75 miles this asphalt track is among the older on the circuit (1946). It runs on the shorter side (much like Bristol) meaning there will be trading paint and anyone can emerge. It is interesting amongst the many oval shaped courses as this one is more of a “D”. Its banks run 14 degrees at the highest with an 8 degree tilt on the front and 2 degrees on the back.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Power Rankings

The Favorites

Denny Hamlin (sixth selection this year) — With an average finish of 4.2 place here over the last three years, Denny has the best average finish. I am slightly skeptical as the Denny of a month ago is now separated by two races outside the top 10 in the last three races.

Joey Logano (seventh selection this year) — Joey is alongside Denny with an average of 4.4. Joey seems to be better the last two races and is making his playoff push.

High Risk / High Reward

Daniel Suarez (third selection this year) — He finished 12th at Richmond two years ago as a rookie and then improved to 10th place last season. He comes into this week with four finishes in the top 12 in his last five races. Only downside is he was 20th last week at Las Vegas.

William Byron (fifth selection this year) — Finishing 4th at Indianapolis and then 7th last week William Byron comes to Richmond where he finished 12th last year as a rookie. His finish last week was particularly impressive after he spun out after colliding with Ryan Blaney and rallied to finish 7th.

The Dark Horse

Jimmie Johnson (fifth selection this year) — After a two month stretch of finishes outside the top 15 to finish up the regular season, Jimmie seemed to step it up come playoff time with an 11th place finish last week at Las Vegas. He comes to Richmond where he has finished on average 7th place over the last three years.

2019 Results

Favorite: Avg Finish 12th (33rd Percent)
High Risk/High Reward: Avg Finish 10th (27th Percent)

Dark Horse: Avg Finish 18th (48th Percent)