The NASCAR Cup Series will head to Richmond Raceway in Virginia on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the Cook Out 400, a 400‑lap event that is divided into three stages at laps 70, 230 and 400. The race is slated to start at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, giving fans a prime evening slot.
A day earlier, the Craftsman Truck Series will run the Black’s Tire 250 on Friday, August 14, 2026, featuring 39 trucks on the track. Corey Heim, who captured the previous year’s victory, is entered, but three trucks will be absent from the lineup.
Opening betting odds released by Caesar’s Sportsbook on Monday, August 10, list several drivers as early favorites, including Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson, while Josh Bilikci, piloting the No. 66 entry, also appears on the board.
Broadcast coverage will be split between USA and the MRN network for the Cup Series, with a simultaneous stream on SiriusXM NASCAR Channel. The Truck Series will be televised on FS1, carried by NRN and heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
A Look Back at Recent Winners
Austin Dillon was the most recent Cup Series victor of the Cook Out 400, having secured the win in the prior edition of the event. His performance adds a layer of intrigue to this year’s race, as fans anticipate whether he can repeat the feat.
Dominic Aragon, editor‑in‑chief of The Racing Experts, has been chronicling NASCAR since 2009. Based in Grants, New Mexico, Aragon brings a deep regional perspective to the sport’s national narrative.