Federated Auto Parts 400 2012: Start Time, Lineup, TV Schedule and More
The last race of NASCAR's regular season takes place on Saturday night, with the sport's most talented drivers descending on Richmond International Raceway for the Federated Auto Parts 400.
For most of the drivers at the top of the Sprint Cup standings, Richmond will simply serve as a stepping stone. Each of the top 11 drivers are fully locked into some position in the Chase, leaving six drivers competing for one wild-card spot.
That means the season will be on the line for more than one notable driver at Richmond. With that in mind, here's a look at everything you need to know about the Federated Auto Parts 400.
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Where: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, VA
When: Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. EDT
Watch: ABC
Live Stream: TrackPass
Listen: Motor Racing Network
Starting Order: Qualifying will be held on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN2.
Full TV Schedule (via NASCAR.com)
Practice: Friday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. EDT, ESPN2
Practice: Friday, Sept. 7 at 2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2
Qualifying: Friday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2
Federated Auto Parts 400: Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. EDT
Drivers to Watch
After moving into second place following last week's race in Atlanta, Earnhardt comes into Richmond just eight points behind Greg Biffle for the Sprint Cup points lead. Considering the storybook renaissance that has been his 2012 season, nothing could be sweeter than coming away with a win at Richmond and usurping the No. 1 position.
No. 88 has never won in the fall race at the three-quarter-mile track, but he does have three wins in the spring Richmond race under his belt. If Earnhardt could find a way to come out on top Saturday night, it could mean big things for the sport's most recognizable star.
Nevertheless, with a spot clinched in NASCAR's playoff system, Earnhardt will likely focus on keeping his momentum and grabbing his 18th top-10 finish of 2012.
Sitting just 12 points ahead of Jeff Gordon for the 12th and final spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Saturday's race is the biggest of Busch's season.
Luckily for Busch and the No. 18 team, Richmond has been a land of riches throughout the 27-year-old's career. Winner of the past four spring races at the raceway, Busch comes into this contest tied with Denny Hamlin at 4/1 favorites on Saturday (via Bovada.lv).
With five other drivers having a mathematical shot of taking home that final Chase spot, it's necessary for Busch to continue his dominance. If not, he could spend the rest of his 2012 season logging relatively meaningless laps.
Jeff Gordon
Gordon comes into Saturday's race as the only driver with a realistic shot to take down Busch sans a trip to Victory Lane. However, considering Busch's prowess on the quarter-mile oval, it's win-or-go-home season for the 41-year-old.
Considering Gordon's hot streak of late, grabbing the checkered flag is far from beyond the realm of possibilities. The future Hall of Famer has eight top-six finishes in his last 11 races, including finishes of third and second the past two weeks.
Gordon has not finished worse than 11th in the points standings since 1993, meaning a Chase season without the No. 24 car would feel a little empty.
A win at Richmond solves that dilemma.
Predicted Winner: Kyle Busch
With his Chase life on the line, look for Busch to pull out all the stops on Saturday night.
In 15 starts at Richmond, Busch has 12 top-five finishes and 13 top-10s, meaning he'll be in contention when the checkered flag hits.
I have a feeling that either he or Gordon will win this race. And recent history says to take the young gun.
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