The Cook Out 400 Cup Series will crown its final regular‑season contender on August 14, when Richmond Raceway hosts the qualifying session that determines the playoff grid.
A final push before the playoffs
Austin Dillon, the defending winner of the Cook Out 400, enters the weekend fresh off back‑to‑back victories at the 0.75‑mile oval, driving the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing.
Austin Cindric, currently perched in the final Chase spot, holds a 29‑point advantage over Ryan Preece, who sits 16th in the points standings, and will pilot the No. 1 entry for Trackhouse Racing.
The session is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. Eastern, with practice beginning at 3:30 p.m., giving teams a narrow window to fine‑tune setups before the green flag drops.
Adding to the intrigue, Kyle Busch’s M&M’s paint scheme will make a cameo at the upcoming Bristol event, where Ty Gibbs will take the wheel, while Chase Elliott continues to represent Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 9 car.