Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders Preview and Best Bet
NASCAR Cup Series: Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN) at Richmond Raceway in Henrico County, Virginia
Playoff Update
We are still in the Round of 16. This next race will be the second race of this round. There are three total races for the Round of 16. After this round, four drivers will be eliminated.
So far, Denny Hamlin has clinched his spot in the next round because he won the last race, which was the first race of the playoffs.
When we consider which drivers to invest in, Hamlin won't be an option simply because he has less to compete for.
Race Info
For Saturday's competition in Richmond, drivers must complete a total of 400 laps.
As is usually the case, there will be three stages for this event.
Stage 1 concludes upon completion of the 80th lap. Stage 2 finishes when drivers complete 235 laps. The remaining 165 laps make up Stage 3.
An entry list has already been published for this event. There are 37 drivers/teams listed on it. So barring any unforeseen circumstances, we already know who will participate in this race.
The starting lineup gets published every Wednesday morning. NASCAR drivers are already quite familiar with the racetrack at Richmond (technically just outside of Richmond). This familiarity removes the need for qualifying or practice to take place. Instead, a predetermined formula will determine who starts in what position.
Track Info
Richmond International Raceway has great appeal for all NASCAR fans, but it may also have more appeal to the casual observer.
This appeal derives from two aspects of this track: one, it is short and, two, it is fast.
Richmond's track is unique because it is rather short but races like a superspeedway. This track, therefore, contains the best of both worlds that a casual observer will be entertained by.
The reason for this unique combination -- short track and fast speeds -- is the D-shape of the track. A unique track shape creates unique results.
This track may be fun for spectators, but it can be a difficult one for drivers. Cars rather easily lose their handling ability at this track.
Drivers need to make good use of their experience at Richmond in order to maintain traction especially when navigating Richmond's funky corners.
Handling is all the more important in view of the increased risk of tire degradation, which could prompt the need for more pit stops.
Each lap in Richmond requires .75 miles. So in completing 400 laps, drivers will have accumulated 300 miles.
There is a moderate degree of banking here: the turns are banked at 14 degrees, the backstretch at a relatively solid eight degrees, and the frontstretch at two degrees.
Drivers To Avoid
Be sure to avoid investing in Kurt Busch. His current spot in the standings may make him seem like a strong candidate in general.
However, his history at this track is awful. He has finished outside the top 10 in each of his last six tries here.
Because he consistently performs poorly here, his average finishing position at Richmond is 15.25.
Consistency is an important trait to consider because it provides a historically well-supported window into the future. Busch's consistent failures in Richmond make him worth going against in match-up betting.
My Guy
For match-ups, I like Aric Almirola over Kurt Busch because Almirola is historically more capable of finishing top-10 here.
Richmond is one of Almirola's stronger tracks based on average finishing position.
Almirola will also have more urgency as, based on his spot in the standings, he is really in need of a good performance -- especially after his silly effort last week.
Best Bet: Almirola over Busch at -125 with Bovada
NASCAR Cup Series: Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN) at Richmond Raceway in Henrico County, Virginia
Playoff Update
We are still in the Round of 16. This next race will be the second race of this round. There are three total races for the Round of 16. After this round, four drivers will be eliminated.
So far, Denny Hamlin has clinched his spot in the next round because he won the last race, which was the first race of the playoffs.
When we consider which drivers to invest in, Hamlin won't be an option simply because he has less to compete for.
Race Info
For Saturday's competition in Richmond, drivers must complete a total of 400 laps.
As is usually the case, there will be three stages for this event.
Stage 1 concludes upon completion of the 80th lap. Stage 2 finishes when drivers complete 235 laps. The remaining 165 laps make up Stage 3.
An entry list has already been published for this event. There are 37 drivers/teams listed on it. So barring any unforeseen circumstances, we already know who will participate in this race.
The starting lineup gets published every Wednesday morning. NASCAR drivers are already quite familiar with the racetrack at Richmond (technically just outside of Richmond). This familiarity removes the need for qualifying or practice to take place. Instead, a predetermined formula will determine who starts in what position.
Track Info
Richmond International Raceway has great appeal for all NASCAR fans, but it may also have more appeal to the casual observer.
This appeal derives from two aspects of this track: one, it is short and, two, it is fast.
Richmond's track is unique because it is rather short but races like a superspeedway. This track, therefore, contains the best of both worlds that a casual observer will be entertained by.
The reason for this unique combination -- short track and fast speeds -- is the D-shape of the track. A unique track shape creates unique results.
This track may be fun for spectators, but it can be a difficult one for drivers. Cars rather easily lose their handling ability at this track.
Drivers need to make good use of their experience at Richmond in order to maintain traction especially when navigating Richmond's funky corners.
Handling is all the more important in view of the increased risk of tire degradation, which could prompt the need for more pit stops.
Each lap in Richmond requires .75 miles. So in completing 400 laps, drivers will have accumulated 300 miles.
There is a moderate degree of banking here: the turns are banked at 14 degrees, the backstretch at a relatively solid eight degrees, and the frontstretch at two degrees.
Drivers To Avoid
Be sure to avoid investing in Kurt Busch. His current spot in the standings may make him seem like a strong candidate in general.
However, his history at this track is awful. He has finished outside the top 10 in each of his last six tries here.
Because he consistently performs poorly here, his average finishing position at Richmond is 15.25.
Consistency is an important trait to consider because it provides a historically well-supported window into the future. Busch's consistent failures in Richmond make him worth going against in match-up betting.
My Guy
For match-ups, I like Aric Almirola over Kurt Busch because Almirola is historically more capable of finishing top-10 here.
Richmond is one of Almirola's stronger tracks based on average finishing position.
Almirola will also have more urgency as, based on his spot in the standings, he is really in need of a good performance -- especially after his silly effort last week.
Best Bet: Almirola over Busch at -125 with Bovada
