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Federated Auto Parts 400: Power Rankings

Denny Hamlin continues his strong season at Richmond.

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

Race Information

Race: Federated Auto Parts 400
Laps: 400
Date: September 11th @ 7:30pm
Venue: Richmond Raceway
2020 Winner: Brad Keselowski (2:56:42)
Network: 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—but it’s in an odd space, it’s not half a mile like Martinsville, but it’s not a full mile like Dover and Phoenix, giving it a special speed to brake dynamic that is uniquely Richmond. 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.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Favorites

Martin Truex Jr. (sixth selection this year) – Martin has averaged a sixth place finish here over the last four years. It’s been three years since he finished among the top 10 and this is the time for it.

Denny Hamlin (sixth selection this year) — Denny has finished among the top seven spots in eight of his last 10 races at Richmond. Denny is sitting 2nd in NASCAR Cup Series points. He showed some strong racing down the stretch last week.

High Risk/High Reward

Joey Logano (sixth selection this year) – Joey has averaged a 4th place finish here over the last three years. Run this against four consecutive races finishing outside the top 20.

Aric Almirola (eighth selection this year). Aric is among the stronger racers here lately, with top 10s here in the last two years. After winning in New Hampshire last month, he has landed in the teens each of the last four races. He currently sits in 11th place in the standings.

The Dark Horse

Alex Bowman (seventh selection this year). Alex has landed among the top 20 in 14 of his last 17 races. He won here earlier this year and will need a good spot to step up from the current 13th position at which he sits.

Fun Fact: The length of this course has changed four times until it’s most recent change of 0.75 miles in 1988.

2021 Results

Favorite: Average Finish 13th (35th Percent)
High Risk/High Reward: Average Finish 17th (43rd Percent)
Dark Horse: Average Finish 18th (47th Percent)