NASCAR at Richmond 2014: Race Schedule, Live Stream Info and Drivers to Watch
Twenty-five races into the season, the final one before the Chase might be the most pivotal.
Mathematically, 19 drivers are still eligible to secure a spot in NASCAR's postseason. But for several of those contenders, the only scenario that would earn them a berth is a victory—something they haven't accomplished this season.
Those names include the likes of Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson and Paul Menard. While Biffle, Bowyer and Larson can get in without a victory, each would need help to get there.
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Needless to say, the Richmond race is as big as they come on the Sprint Cup circuit. And with Tony Stewart back on the track, the driver-owner has three career wins at the track.
Before the lights are turned on in Richmond, here's a look at the full schedule and drivers to watch in the Federated Auto Parts 400.
Federated Auto Parts 400 Information
Where: Richmond International Raceway
When: Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Watch: ABC
Live Steam: WatchESPN
Radio: Motor Racing Network
Drivers to Watch
Kevin Harvick
In 27 races at Richmond, Kevin Harvick has been a staple at the top of the leaderboard. On Saturday night, he could join several others atop the Chase Grid heading into the first postseason race.
Though he's experienced myriad issues this season on the track, Harvick has still collected two checkered flags. Following a strong finish in practice, NASCAR noted he has a chance to add another:
With an average finish of 11.3 in Richmond, he equaled that with an 11th-place finish earlier this season. Harvick is also tied with Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Stewart for the most career wins among active drivers at Richmond with three.
If he can steer clear of squirrels on the track in Richmond, this might be the race that gives him confidence heading into the Chase.
The Stewart-Haas Racing driver finished with the most laps led in Atlanta, but dropped off the pace after his second consecutive pole. If he can put together a consistent performance at Richmond, he'll be the driver to beat.
Kyle Larson
Call me crazy, but Kyle Larson just seems destined to win at some point this season. After all, it would be a travesty if this young man missed the Chase after the season he's put together.
Heading into what might be the biggest race of his young career, Larson has his sights set on just one goal. The 22-year-old spoke about his expectations heading into Richmond, per Nate Ryan of USA Today:
"I guess I really don't ever feel any pressure. Maybe there is less pressure since I actually know what I have to do on Saturday night, and that is to get a win.
... That is pretty much our only hope. Just got to be aggressive and get all you can. If we get a win, it will be amazing. If we can get in the Chase, it will be pretty cool.
"
Despite his status as a rookie this year, Larson has easily overshadowed some of the biggest names in the sport. With his talent on the track, he's already collected five top-five finishes and 11 top 10s on the season.
To put that into perspective, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., last year's Rookie of the Year, notched just one top five and three top 10s. During his two-year career, he trails Larson's single-season total in both categories.
His first pole came at Richmond, but he fell off during the race to finish 16th. Just one rookie has ever made the Chase—Denny Hamlin in 2006—but Larson has the talent to secure a spot on Saturday night.
Just call it a hunch, but Gordon has excelled on nearly every track thus far.
Since finishing second at Richmond back in April, the No. 24 machine has collected three wins and been atop the Chase Grid for much of the season. After that type of success, it doesn't appear there's anything Gordon can't do.
While he's won at three tracks this season, Gordon led the most laps (173) in Richmond before coming up short. In 24 other events, he has 372 laps led during the 2014 season.
In search of his fourth points championship and first "Sprint Cup" title—it was the Winston Cup when he last won in 2001—a victory in Richmond sets him apart. A fourth win would secure his spot at the top of the Chase Grid after a resurgent year.
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