NASCAR Federated Auto Parts 400: Top moments from Richmond

The NASCAR Cup Series‘ August schedule continued in Richmond, Virginia on Sunday, as drivers took to the track for the Federated Auto Parts 400 with the final playoff spot on the line.

Heading into Sunday’s race, only one spot remained for a driver to make the playoffs on points, with just three races remaining in the regular season.

All eyes were on Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. as the top two drivers fighting for their playoff lives.

The 400-lap race is made up of three stages — 80-155-165 — on a D-shaped short track. Despite some issues exhibited by the Next Gen car during its first short track races this spring, no changes have been made to the Next Gen car’s aerodynamic package for Richmond, per FOX Sports NASCAR Insider Bob Pockrass.

Here are the top moments from Richmond Raceway:

Stage being set

Chase Elliott finished eighth in Saturday’s practice race. While he starts Sunday’s race in 23rd, he said Saturday’s race will be a better predictor of where he’ll finish. 

Tyler Reddick was allowed to have a leaf image, a symbol for Reddick’s anchor sponsor — 3CHI. The leaf image wasn’t allowed by NASCAR until last week and will now be approved on a race-by-race basis.

Last-minute predictions came in for Sunday’s race. Bob Pockrass selected Martin Truex Jr. while NASCAR on FOX play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander went with Denny Hamlin. 

Green!

We’re underway in Richmond!

Reddick was given an early caution.

Ross Chastain led through the first 40 laps while Hamlin was second. 

Stay tuned for updates.