The recent NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen was an electrifying showcase across all three national divisions. In the Cup Series, Shane van Gisbergen made history by capturing his fourth consecutive road course victory with a dominant performance. The Xfinity Series brought its own drama, as Connor Zilisch claimed his fifth win of the season in a performance that should’ve been a pure celebration. Until it turned frightening. The Truck Series, too, saw Corey Heim put on a masterclass, as he won his sixth race of the season.

The high stakes, intense strategy, and dramatic finishes kept fans on the edge of their seats, setting a thrilling tone as NASCAR shifts focus to the upcoming Richmond weekend. As anticipation builds, Denny Hamlin has emerged as a favorite, adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend schedule and the playoff push ahead.

NASCAR Richmond schedule

This weekend, NASCAR’s spotlight shifts from the sweeping turns of Watkins Glen to the bump-and-bang drama of Richmond Raceway. The 0.75-mile oval in Virginia will host the NASCAR Cup Series and the Craftsman Truck Series, while the Xfinity Series enjoys a brief break before roaring back at Daytona later this month on August 22nd.

The on-track festivities begin Thursday with Whelen Modified Tour action. Practice kicks off at 3:15 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 6 p.m., and the 150-lap race at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, the Trucks get their turn with the practice and qualifying session at 2:05 p.m. and 3:10 p.m., respectively. This is just before the Cup Series’ own practice and qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. That night, the Truck Series runs its 187.5-mile showdown, the Eero 250, under the lights starting at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday is all about the headliner, the Cup Series’ Cook Out 400. USA Network’s prerace coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with the green flag set to wave at 7:30 p.m. The race will be contested over three stages (70-160-170 laps), offering the kind of close-quarters short-track racing that tests both patience and aggression. Weather forecasts call for daytime highs in the 80s, cooler 70s at night. But, there’s a 30% chance of rain across the weekend. It’s just enough to keep teams on their toes.

Richmond’s unique blend of short-track contact and long-run strategy promises an unpredictable show, and with the playoffs looming, every lap could prove critical. For some drivers, this NASCAR Richmond schedule is their last-chance to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The Favorites for the Cup Series at Richmond

Heading into the Richmond weekend, Denny Hamlin stands out as the clear favorite to take victory in the marquee Cup Series race, the Cook Out 400. With his extensive experience and history of success at Richmond Raceway, Hamlin’s odds (+350) reflect his status as a formidable contender.

Bookmakers give him strong odds not only based on past wins but also his current form in the 2025 season, where he has consistently battled within the top ranks. Speaking of Richmond, Hamlin already has five wins here in thirty-six races, with the latest coming in March 2024. In the August edition, too, he came second after qualifying on pole. Overall, he has an average finish of 8.1, with 2,367 laps led – the second-most for Hamlin across all tracks.

That being said, with both championship hopefuls and dark horses in the mix, the short track in Virginia could serve up yet another unpredictable NASCAR Richmond schedule showdown. Drivers like Christopher Bell (+400), Kyle Larson(+850), and William Byron (+950) could win among the top challengers. Each has shown flashes of speed and strong finishes on short tracks this season.

Then, there are drivers like Kyle Busch, Ryan Preece, Chris Buescher, and Alex Bowman. These are hanging in the playoff bubble and will look to guarantee their playoff spot in the penultimate race of the season. The intensity of the playoff race adds pressure, making every pit stop, caution, and restart critical to final outcomes. As Richmond racing prepares to unfold, Denny Hamlin’s odds and the challenging competition set the stage for an electrifying weekend where preparation, experience, and a bit of luck will all play decisive roles.