NASCAR has revealed that three of the upcoming six Cup Series races will be staged on Saturday evenings, beginning with the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 28.
The front row for that event will be led by pole sitter Ryan Blaney alongside Chase Briscoe, while Austin Dillon, who captured the last two Richmond victories, is expected to be a major contender.
Richmond’s three‑quarters‑mile short track, known for its tight turns and strategic overtaking opportunities, previously hosted two annual dates before the schedule was reduced to a single race in 2023, making this year’s edition especially significant.
The Saturday night race sits in the middle of a sequence of three consecutive short‑track events that will lead into the season‑ending Daytona 500, underscoring the series’ focus on historic venues.
Teams such as Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and others will bring a mix of manufacturer support and technical expertise, promising a competitive field of drivers from across the United States.
Saturday Night Racing Makes a Comeback
Returning to Saturday evening slots revives a tradition that once defined NASCAR’s summer calendar, offering fans a distinctive atmosphere under the lights while giving crews an extra chance to fine‑tune setups ahead of the playoffs.