A surprise return at Richmond
The upcoming Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway will showcase the only non‑chartered entry on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, a modest Ford fielded by Garage 66. The team, which has logged just ten Cup appearances this season with four different drivers, is set to run its No. 66 car under the guidance of veteran crew chief Chad Finchum.
Adding to the intrigue, Josh Bilicki, who has been absent from oval competition for more than a year, is slated to climb back into the cockpit for the Saturday night event. The veteran’s most recent oval start came at the Brickyard 400 in July 2025, and he has been honing his skills in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this year.
Finchum, who has already logged six starts in the No. 66 entry, last saw action at North Wilkesboro Speedway in July, where he finished a respectable position that kept the team’s hopes alive. His experience will be crucial as the squad attempts to maximize performance on the 0.75‑mile concrete track.
The race will be broadcast live on USA Network beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET, giving viewers a chance to see a unique combination of veteran talent and a low‑budget program pushing for a strong finish. Earlier in the season, two Cup dates — one at EchoPark Speedway in February and another at Chicagoland Speedway in July — were cancelled, further narrowing the calendar for the organization.
Bilicki’s comeback underscores a larger narrative of perseverance in a sport where limited budgets often dictate opportunities. For Garage 66, the Richmond appearance represents a rare chance to test the car’s durability against larger, chartered competitors, and the team hopes the experience will inform future entries.