The NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway this Saturday, an event that has attracted particular interest because the No. 66 Ford will make its long‑awaited return to the competitive lineup. The entry list shows the car as the sole open entry, guaranteeing a spot for the driver who will take the wheel.
Bilicki's long‑awaited oval comeback
Josh Bilicki, who last contested an oval race in May 2025, is slated to make his oval debut since then, stepping into the No. 66 for the Richmond weekend. His most recent Cup Series outing came at Watkins Glen International in May, where the team withdrew his entry from Chicagoland, but the Richmond opportunity marks a shift back to the high‑banked tracks where he previously earned his only oval experience.
A team reborn under MBM Motorsports
The operation, originally known as Richmond Garage 66 and now operating under the MBM Motorsports banner, has a modest but steady history. Chad Finchum, who has taken the wheel of the No. 66 for six starts this season, including a recent superspeedway effort at Talladega in April, brings a blend of experience and persistence to the roster.
Alongside Bilicki, the lineup also features Casey Mears, who broke a lengthy DNQ streak by qualifying for the Daytona 500 before his program was pulled for the following Atlanta race, and Timmy Hill, who has logged two starts each at Darlington and Charlotte earlier in the year, showcasing his adaptability on both short and intermediate tracks.
Playoff ambitions and future plans
Looking ahead, the team has earmarked playoff venues at Darlington, Bristol, Charlotte and Talladega, with Bilicki confirmed to contest the Bristol event. The schedule reflects a strategic expansion that aims to give the No. 66 program a foothold in the sport’s most competitive stages while building on the recent progress made by the organization.