Pre-Race Predictions: Richmond

 

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    It has been two years since the NASCAR Cup Series ran a Spring race at Richmond Raceway. Yes, the last spring race was in 2019, and was won by Martin Truex, Junior. The last time the  NASCAF Cup Series visited Richmond Raceway was during the 2020 Playoffs, Brad Keselowski won.

As the spring race at Richmond Raceway returns to the schedule for 2021, there are multiple drivers that we should keep our eyes on. Past winners, and potentially first time winners.

The ones to watch for the win:

• Kyle Busch [No. 18 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Kyle has won a total of 6 Cup races, and 6 Xfinity races. Busch has been on a downward slump for a little bit, but there is no reason why he can't win another race here, or at least that I can see!
• Denny Hamlin [No. 11 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - If Hamlin can't win here this weekend, he could lose his points lead on the standings. For that reason he will be a driver to watch, because he will need a good finish to keep that points lead! 
• Kevin Harvick [No. 4 Ford / Stewart-Haas Racing] - Harvick hasn't had a win here in a while, the last time being in Spring of 2013. Could he steal his first win of the season this weekend? We will have to find out! 
• Martin Truex, Jr. [No. 19 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Truex has won 2 of the last 3 races here. Will he make it his third win of the season, and winning two weeks in a row? It’s certainly a possibility! 
• Brad Keselowski [No. 2 Ford / Team Penske] - Keselowski is our last winner here at Richmond Raceway. He hasn’t had the best start to the 2021 season, but with any luck he could very well this weekend. It’s not out of the realm of possibility.

Drivers to watch for a good run, and maybe even the win:

• Kurt Busch [No. 1 Chevrolet / Chip Ganassi Racing]
• Christopher Bell [No. 20 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing]
• Kyle Larson [No. 5 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports]
• Joey Logano [No. 22 Ford / Team Penske]
• Ryan Newman [No. 6 Ford / Roush-Fenway Racing]

Did I miss a NASCAR Cup Series driver, who you think may do well this weekend at Richmond Raceway? What do you think of my picks? Please let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear what you have in mind!