Chase Elliott's first DNF of the season means he's out of the running for Regular Season Champion. After a clean first stage of racing in the penultimate race of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season at Richmond Raceway, three close cautions snowballed into a crash that collected 13 drivers.

Denny Hamlin and Shane van Gisbergen will continue be under the spotlight as the NASCAR Cup Series heads for the playoffs soon. This Saturday brings a return to Richmond Raceway for the 2025 Cook Out 400.

Get up to speed with details for what to watch in Sunday's race at Richmond Raceway, the 25th race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

As NASCAR’s premier series returns Saturday night to Richmond, Virginia, with two races remaining in the regular season and three open slots in the playoffs, did Dillon’s win establish the new boundary of what’s permissible in pushing for a victory that guarantees a berth in the 10-race run to the title?

The NASCAR Cup Series is in Virginia this week with just two more races before the playoffs. That means high stakes for drivers near the cut line, and a push for points for those guaranteed a spot.

With just two races before the NASCAR Cup Playoffs begin, Richmond race on Saturday night is HUGE. In one of Richmond Raceway’s 2024 races, Austin Dillon won on the final lap after spinning leader Joey Logano in turn three and then hitting Denny Hamlin as they exited turn four, putting him into the outside wall.

Ryan Preece delivered in the clutch, claiming the second pole position of his career Friday afternoon at Richmond (Va.) Raceway as he tries to earn a playoff position with only two regular-season races remaining before the 16-driver NASCAR Cup Series championship field is set.

With that said, let's take a look at the Stage 1 results from Richmond. 1. Tyler Reddick, No. 45, 23XI Racing Toyota 2. Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 3. Bubba Wallace, No. 23, 23XI Racing Toyota 4.