FYI WIRZ: NASCAR's Best Eager for Short and Low Richmond Track

Richmond International Raceway isn’t the lowest nor the shortest racetrack of the 23 venues that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series utilizes for its 36-race season. But RIR, with its 75-mile D-shaped oval, is one of three tracks that are less than a mile long. It also has much lower banking at 14 degrees than the .533-mile, 30-degree track at Bristol.

The NSCS is rolling out of the bumping and banging at Bristol last week into RIR short-track territory this week, which may be less demanding physically but is certainly not easy mental turf.

Drivers will test their short-track skills during the Toyota Owners 400 in Richmond, Virginia, on April 25.

Short tracks are usually extensive training grounds for most NSCS drivers, so the configuration isn’t unfamiliar, but the night race on the wide-asphalt facility is a crowd favorite for a reason. Racing is often intense.     

Six drivers have been doing all the winning this NSCS season. Perhaps RIR is the fast stop where a winless driver will grab the next checkered flag.  

Fans might be able to glean some information about the track action from thoughts by NSCS drivers within the top 10. Five drivers selected here commented on the upcoming race.  

Kevin Harvick has two wins already in 2015 and is solidly positioned at the top of the standings. He shared his take on RIR. 

“As we go back this year, we are going to try to do a bit better than we did last year, trying some different things,” he said. “It’s been a very good race track for me in the past. Look forward to going back. I like the short, flat tracks.”

Martin Truex Jr. is winless this year but sits third in points, a lofty spot earned by consistent finishes. He defined RIR.    

“It's a typical short track—tight in the middle of the corner and loose off,” he said. “If your car is fast on the short run, it seems like you can almost get lapped on a long run. The big question is how much do you work on the short run and how much on the long run.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. would welcome a win soon to augment his productive efforts this year. He spoke about RIR.  

“Everybody's going to be hunting for the bottom line on Saturday,” he said. “The guys that get through the middle—can keep that left front working that line—are going to have good runs. I’m looking forward to getting to the track."

Matt Kenseth had a welcome win last week at Bristol. He described what might help him to repeat.  

“Richmond is all about having balance in your race car, but you also want to be pretty good on a short run,” he said. “The most challenging part of racing at Richmond is just getting your car to turn well.”

Jeff Gordon broke in the top 10 after Bristol and would surely like to add a win to his final season soon. He commented on RIR.

“I thought the test [at Richmond] a few weeks ago went well, but there are always things that we will work on and try to improve,” he said. “This event always presents challenges since we practice during the day and race at night.”

NSCS drivers are no doubt rested from Bristol, one of their most physical races. They will bring their energy and considerable experience to a fast but short track. The bumping and banging is far from over.     

Fans without tickets to Saturday night's action can view the speed on Fox Sports 1 at 7 p.m. ET.

Credit: Dwight Drum

FYI WIRZ is the select presentation of topics by Dwight Drum at Racetake.com. Unless otherwise noted, information and all quotes were obtained firsthand or from official release materials provided by sanction and team representatives.