Richmond Raceway will host the 24th event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, a 0.75‑mile, four‑turn oval that has become a proving ground for both rising talent and veteran competitors. The Cook Out 400 promises a blend of speed, strategy and the unpredictable drama that fans have come to expect from the sport.
Pole Position and Speed
Ryan Blaney emerged as the fastest qualifier, posting a top lap of 121.485 miles per hour. His performance not only secured the coveted pole but also signaled the strong aerodynamic package his Team Penske entry brings to the track.
A Front‑Row Curse
Denny Hamlin will start from 14th, marking the most recent Richmond winner who did not begin from the front row. The last time a non‑polesitter claimed victory at Richmond was September 2016, a streak that has added extra intrigue to this year’s race as drivers aim to break the trend.
Austin Dillon, a two‑time reigning winner of the Cook Out 400, will line up 16th on the grid. His placement reflects a competitive field where even established champions must fight through the pack to contend for the checkered flag.
A Deep Field of Teams
The starting lineup is populated by a diverse array of organizations, from Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. Each team brings distinct sponsorships and technical resources, contributing to a rich tapestry of competition that defines modern NASCAR.
Fans can expect a race where speed on the straights, handling in the corners and pit‑strategy converge. With Blaney’s pole, Briscoe’s second‑place start and Hamlin’s historic front‑row challenge, the Cook Out 400 is poised to deliver a memorable chapter in Richmond’s racing lore.