The NASCAR Cup Series is returning to Richmond Raceway on Saturday, August 16, for the Cook Out 400, promising an intense race and pivotal playoff implications. The race will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on a 0.75-mile asphalt oval, covering 300 miles across 400 laps, with a total prize purse of $9,797,935. Fans can watch live coverage on USA Network starting at 7 p.m. ET, and listen via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

This event marks the 137th Cup race held at Richmond Raceway since its inaugural Cup event in 1953, continuing Richmond’s long-standing tradition as a cornerstone of NASCAR’s short track circuit. The race’s three segments end on laps 70, 230, and finally 400, enhancing strategic racing throughout the evening.

Weekend NASCAR Schedule Highlights and Broadcast Details

The high-stakes weekend includes sessions across NASCAR’s three national series, opening on Friday, August 15. The day features NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) practice and Kennametal Pole qualifying on FS2 at 2 p.m. ET, followed by NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) practice and Busch Light Pole qualifying on truTV starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. The NCTS race, eero 250, will air live on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Saturday, August 16, culminates with the main event, the Cook Out 400 NASCAR Cup Series race, airing on USA Network and MRN beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Richmond Raceway: A Historic Venue with Unique Racing Trends

Richmond Raceway has a rich heritage dating back to the 1950s and has evolved into a classic short track challenge. This weekend’s race is only the second since 1959 to hold just one Cup Series race at Richmond, following the pandemic schedule changes in 2020. Richmond remains a critical short track, being the fourth of six such races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The raceway’s history includes several notable patterns and facts shaping the competition. For example, only one of the last thirteen Richmond winners was under 30 years old, underscoring the experience required to win here. The last three editions of the race saw cautions in the final ten laps, creating tense, strategic finishes prone to decisive late-race moves.

Interestingly, a stage winner has not prevailed in any of the last eight Richmond races, providing additional unpredictability each year. Drivers not locked into the playoffs but successful at Richmond include Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, and Alex Bowman, all former winners at this track.

The driver leading the most laps has failed to win in the last eight Richmond races, yet this contrasts with the 2025 short track season where the lap leader claimed victory in all three previous races. No DNFs (did not finish) occurred in the last two Richmond events, marking an unprecedented streak in Cup Series short track history.

Notably, #43, Richard Petty’s car, and the #11 car are tied with 13 Richmond wins apiece. However, the #11’s victories have come from different drivers including Denny Hamlin and Darrell Waltrip. The last five short track events in 2025 have seen long green flag runs exceeding 60 laps, the longest such streak in over three decades.

Chase Briscoe stands out as the only driver finishing inside the top 10 in all short-track races this season. Kyle Busch leads all active drivers with 16 short track wins, although his points ranking on these tracks in the Next Gen era is surprisingly low. He also has an unmatched record of consistency at Richmond, having completed all but one lap in 38 starts.

Denny Hamlin’s success is rooted in his home state, Virginia, where nearly 19% of his Cup victories have occurred. The diversity of manufacturer wins faces interesting dynamics, as the last three Richmond races have produced winners from three different manufacturers, highlighting competitive parity.

Several drivers have claimed their first career NASCAR Cup victory at Richmond, such as Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Petty, emphasizing its role as a breakthrough track. Recent winners often take the lead late, with five of the last six winning after lap 300. Remarkably, Kyle Busch holds the record for the deepest starting position for a Richmond winner, clinching victory from 32nd in the 2018 spring race.

The event is also notable for extraordinary reliability; all cars finished in two of the last three races, a rare feat in NASCAR. The 2024 Spring Richmond race was historic, marking the first time the Cup Series used wet weather tires on an oval track. Pit strategies remain crucial, with at least three green flag pit stops per race in the last eight events, often influencing final positioning.

Fans can also expect excitement near the finish, as five of the last eight Richmond races ended with a pass for the win inside the last ten laps, including the previous three editions.

In related news, Trackhouse Racing recently placed three cars in the top 10 at Watkins Glen, their best performance ever, while Chase Elliott continues his remarkable consistency by completing every lap but one over the last 24 races.

AJ Allmendinger is set to achieve his 100th Cup start with Kaulig Racing this weekend, a team milestone. Richmond has also been the site of significant NASCAR debuts, with 52 drivers having started their Cup careers here, including the latest, Parker Retzlaff on August 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson is enduring a tough spell, posting his worst average finish over 12 races since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021.

Looking at career milestones, Alex Bowman will mark his 350th Cup start at Richmond, joining a group of drivers who won in their 350th start, including Lee Petty and Tony Stewart. Ryan Blaney will also celebrate his 350th consecutive Cup start, underscoring his durability, although Richmond remains the only oval where he has yet to finish in the top five.

Speeding penalties have affected Christopher Bell at Richmond recently, highlighting the challenges drivers face on Richmond’s demanding configuration. Toyota is nearing a landmark, just two wins away from 200 Cup Series victories since entering NASCAR in 2007.

Playoff Contention and Clinching Scenarios After Watkins Glen

The postseason battle heats up following the recent race at Watkins Glen International, with thirteen drivers having already secured their playoff spots: William Byron, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry, and Shane van Gisbergen.

Drivers like Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman remain on the cusp. Tyler Reddick can clinch a playoff berth if he accumulates 30 points or 54 points depending on who wins upcoming races, while Alex Bowman’s chances to clinch points also hinge on assistance from other results.

Additional contenders can clinch by winning a race outright; this includes drivers such as Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece, Kyle Busch, Ty Gibbs, AJ Allmendinger, Brad Keselowski, and others. Clinching the Regular Season Championship remains possible for William Byron, though he would require help from other race outcomes to secure this title.

A Legacy of Growth and Community Events at Richmond Raceway

Richmond Raceway’s significance goes beyond competition; it holds deep historical roots and is integrated into the community. NASCAR Cup Series racing began here on April 19, 1953, with Lee Petty winning at what was known as the Atlantic Rural Fairgrounds. Initially a half-mile dirt track, the facility was reshaped into its current 0.75-mile asphalt D-shaped oval in 1988, enhancing its role as a premier short track.

The Raceway complex, situated in Henrico County, spans 900 acres and includes six permanent buildings such as a 60,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall and an 8,000-seat Classic Amphitheater. Beyond racing, the venue hosts over 120 events yearly, from trade shows and music concerts to antique shows and cultural festivals.

Historic milestones at Richmond include the introduction of night racing in 1964, SAFER barrier installation in 2003, and a significant infield redevelopment beginning in 2017 valued at $30 million. This renovation brought fans closer to teams and the inspection process, new social spaces, an 80-person rooftop club overlooking Victory Lane, and expanded RV accommodations, enhancing the race-day experience.

Upcoming Youth Racing and Fan-Focused Activities Surround Racing Week

Adding to the excitement, the NASCAR Youth Series presented by Cook Out will hold races at Richmond August 14-16, featuring young drivers aged 5-16 racing quarter-midget cars in the nearby parking lots. This family-friendly event is free for spectators and showcases the sport’s future stars. Quarter-midget racing involves scaled-down cars designed especially for children, with strict safety standards and a nationwide network of clubs.

Richmond Raceway and NASCAR are also supporting community involvement during race week with numerous events. On August 12, Track Laps for Charity lets fans drive personal vehicles around the track for a $20 donation, featuring an appearance by Chase Briscoe with proceeds benefiting Victory Junction Camp and Richmond Raceway Cares.

Additional fan gatherings include a Finish Line Party at Q-Rooftop Bar on August 13, the NASCAR Foundation Speediatrics Fun Day Festival on August 15 promoting healthy habits among children, and a “Who’s Your Driver?” tailgate featuring Ross Chastain focused on sober and safe driving awareness.

A new element this year is the NASC’Art & Car Show running Friday and Saturday in the fan zone, blending art exhibits from 34 national artists with displays of classic and vintage race cars. On race day, celebrity chef Brittany Anderson, known for her achievements on the Food Network, will prepare bites and share culinary insights with privileged guests prior to the green flag.

Partnerships and Innovations Highlight Richmond Raceway’s Forward Momentum

Richmond Raceway continues to deepen corporate and community ties. Notably, eero, an Amazon company pioneering whole-home mesh Wi-Fi, is the entitlement partner for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Regular Season Finale (the eero 250) on August 15, underscoring a commitment to technology and fan engagement.

The track also renews its partnership with Who’s Your Driver, an initiative promoting sober and safe driving, which is the presenting partner for NASCAR weekend at Richmond.

As the Cook Out 400 approaches, anticipation builds around not only the thrilling on-track competition but also the vibrant fan experiences and community programs that reinforce Richmond Raceway’s status as a vital hub in NASCAR’s schedule and Virginia’s cultural landscape.