The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Richmond Raceway for the first and only time this season for the Cook Out 400 on Aug. 16.
Two races remain in the regular season, including Saturday’s race and next weekend’s finale at Daytona.
Ryan Preece, the driver immediately below the playoff cutline, is on the pole.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond:
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Richmond race: Here’s who wins the Cook Out 400
Mike Organ’s pick: William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Byron ran a really good race last week at Watkins Glen where he finished fourth and extended his Cup Series points lead. A third victory in the regular season will send him into the playoffs on a tear.
Nick Gray’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin has six top-two finishes since 2021 at Richmond. Enough said.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
Logano has four top-10 finishes at Richmond since 2022. There is no reason to think this shouldn’t be another good run for Penske, which has its entire team in the playoffs.
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