RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- This weekend, race fans are in for a treat as Richmond Raceway plays host to two exciting NASCAR events: the Craftsman Truck Series' Clean Harbors 250 on Saturday and the Cup Series' Cook Out 400 on Sunday. Here are four essential things to know before the race weekend kicks off.
1. NASCAR returns from its' Olympic Break
After a two-week hiatus for the Olympic break, NASCAR is back in action. The series last raced at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, marking a 19-day pause in the schedule. Ross Chastain expressed his eagerness to return: "To get back in the groove this week and last week to get ready, just excited to be back at the race track. We're racers; this is why we all do this, and we're all itching to get back."
2. Racing Under the Lights
The Cook Out 400 will be a night race, continuing the tradition of thrilling night racing at Richmond Raceway. Notably, 2024 marks the first time since 2019 that both the spring and summer races at Richmond will be held under the lights, enhancing the excitement for fans and drivers alike.
3. Introduction of Option Tires in the Cup Series
For the first time in the NASCAR Cup Series, teams will have the option to use different types of tires in a points-paying race. Just like at the All-Star Race, teams will receive two sets of option tires, which are faster but have a quicker fall-off compared to the primary tires. This addition promises to add a new layer of strategy to the race.
Track President Lori Collier Waran commented, "Our teams and drivers are going to be able to choose between two different tires—one is an option tire, one is a primary. The option is a softer tire that's going to help them accelerate a little quicker; the primary's a harder tire that lasts longer, which will prevent them from having to come into our pits as much. We are excited to see how our teams and drivers are going to use that strategy."
4. Denny Hamlin looks to sweep Richmond Races
Richmond native Denny Hamlin will return to his home track, aiming to defend his win from March. Hamlin has a stellar record at Richmond, with five victories and 19 top-five finishes at the 3-quarter mile track. Hamlin is focused on continuing his success: "We'll treat it just like a track we have never won at and that is focusing our full effort on bringing the best car that we can and me making sure that I do what I need in the car to keep winning at that track."
Hamlin is also looking to become the first driver to sweep both Richmond races since Martin Truex Jr. achieved the feat in 2019.