NASCAR has released the official entry list for the 2026 Cook Out 400, the centerpiece of the schedule at Richmond Raceway, confirming a 36‑car grid that blends seasoned veterans with emerging talent.
Of those entries, 35 drivers have secured full‑time rides, while Josh Bilicki will contest the race as an open entry, adding a fresh face to the competition.
A Shift in the No. 33
Richard Childress Racing announced that Austin Hill will assume the coveted No. 33 car for the upcoming event, taking over from Kyle Busch, who has moved on from the team.
The move comes after a brief two‑week pause in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series, which will resume its own calendar before the Richmond weekend.
Full‑Time Lineup Highlights
Among the 35 full‑time drivers are names familiar to fans, including Noah Gragson, Brad Keselowski, Chase Elliott, Ty Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, A.J. Allmendinger, Chris Buescher, Tyler Reddick, and a host of other competitors such as Ricky Stenhouse Jr., William Byron, and Alex Bowman, ensuring a diverse mix of experience and youthful energy on the track.
The roster also features fan favorites like Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Tyler Reddick, adding depth to a field that will race on Richmond’s sole NASCAR date of the season, arriving after the conclusion of the Iowa Speedway event and setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown in August 2026.
With the entry list now set, teams and drivers will shift focus to preparation, testing, and strategy, as the sport anticipates a competitive race that could influence playoff picture dynamics.