How to watch NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond: Channel, contenders for Cook Out 400 as playoffs near
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Watkins Glen gave us a Kiwi showcase, Shane van Gisbergen's fourth win of the year, and a reminder of the oval gap that still dogs him in points. Chase Briscoe brings steady short-track form. He's averaged a solid 16th place at Richmond in recent years and turned in a fourth at Bristol this spring. Ryan Preece hovers near the playoff bubble, still chasing a first Cup win, while Austin Dillon carries the ghosts of last year's contact-heavy Richmond finish, which later cost him playoff eligibility.
The Next Gen car, now in its fourth season, has reshaped Richmond into a strategy race again. Its symmetrical body and wider tires have evened out corner speeds, making track position as much about pit calls as throttle. Long green-flag runs magnify tire falloff over a stint, and force crews to choose between fresh rubber early or holding track position late. After sundown, the groove widens, inviting the high lane into play and changing braking points lap by lap.
BetMGM's board tilts toward Denny Hamlin at Richmond, with Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson and William Byron close behind. Watch the opening 50 laps for who can pass in dirty air, since early movement often predicts who will control the rhythm once the race settles. Richmond has a habit of pulling a mid-pack car into the conversation if the driver keeps the wheel straight and the brakes cool when the sun drops.
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Photo of Denny Hamlin: Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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