
Hamlin Heads into Cook Out 400 with Playoff Lead
Denny Hamlin tops the 2026 Cup Series standings as the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway looms, a critical contest that could lock in the No. 1 seed and its 100‑point bonus.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Ty Gibbs across Nascar.

Denny Hamlin tops the 2026 Cup Series standings as the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway looms, a critical contest that could lock in the No. 1 seed and its 100‑point bonus.

The upcoming Cook Out 400, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, will see Ryan Blaney start from the front at Richmond Raceway, while fans can watch the action on USA Network and a suite of streaming platforms.

Ryan Blaney captured his third pole in five races at Richmond, crediting crew chief Jonathan Hassler and favorable weather, while noting the challenges of Richmond’s tire wear.
Denny Hamlin starts 14th as he chases his sixth victory, while Ryan Blaney seeks his first win, in a race that could reshape the playoff picture.
The Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 15 will feature a 400‑lap, three‑stage event, with pole position, broadcast details and a deep roster of drivers and teams battling for playoff positioning.

Ty Gibbs, a 54‑year‑old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, opens up about the relentless media pressure in NASCAR and the struggle to stay true to himself while meeting public expectations.

Ryan Blaney secures the pole for the August 2026 Cook Out 400 at Richmond, sharing the front row with Chase Briscoe as the full starting grid is revealed.

NASCAR’s penultimate regular‑season race at Richmond Raceway promises drama, with stage battles and pit‑stop strategy likely to dictate playoff implications.

Christopher Bell has turned a season of near victories into a headline story, collecting seven second-place finishes that tie Harry Gant’s 1981 record and securing a spot in the Chase.

Ryan Blaney captured his third pole position in five races at Richmond Raceway, attributing the performance to a cooling cloud and strategic tweaks with crew chief Jonathan Hassler. The result ties him with Denny Hamlin for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lead.

Ryan Blaney captured pole at Richmond with a 22.225‑second lap, tying him with Denny Hamlin for the 2026 series lead, while a late‑session cloud and sharp tire wear shape the race outlook.

Ryan Blaney captured his second consecutive pole at Richmond Raceway, posting a 22.225‑second lap at 121.485 mph. The achievement ties him with Denny Hamlin for the 2026 points lead and highlights a breakthrough partnership with crew chief Jonathan Hassler, while tire degradation threatens to reshuffle the grid.

Ryan Blaney captured his third pole in five races at Richmond Raceway, tying Denny Hamlin for the 2026 points lead. The performance hinged on improved track conditions and a cautious approach to tire wear.

Noah Gragson has agreed to a contract extension with Front Row Motorsports that runs through the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, with options to stay beyond. The deal comes as the team eyes a turnaround after a challenging season.

Ryan Blaney leads a competitive 36‑car grid for the Cook Out 400, set for a 7:00 PM ET start and broadcast on USA Network with streaming on HBO Max.

Christopher Bell has tied a historic record for runner‑up finishes in a single season, and with the revised Chase format his steady point accumulation keeps him in championship contention heading into the pivotal Richmond race.

Christopher Bell's record‑tying seven second‑place finishes, a 30‑race winless streak and a looming Chase have turned the 2024 season into a study of resilience and strategy.

Ryan Blaney captured pole position for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway, setting the stage for a competitive night of racing.

The 2026 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway will feature a $11.23 million prize pool, a tightly contested starting lineup and broadcast coverage across USA, HBO Max and MRN.

As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its final three races, drivers Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs and Austin Dillon battle for the championship, with historic milestones on the line at Richmond Raceway.
As the 2025 NASCAR season nears its climax, the Richmond qualifying race sets the stage for the final regular‑season showdown, featuring defending champion Austin Dillon and a tight points battle.

Austin Dillon aims for a historic three‑peat at Richmond, while Denny Hamlin’s dominance, emerging sleeper Josh Berry, and tire‑management tactics shape the preview.

A federal judge will hear arguments on August 26 in a case that pits Joe Gibbs Racing against Spire Motorsports and Chris Gabehart, who claims unpaid wages and accuses the team of mishandling proprietary information.

The last regular‑season race before the playoff cut‑off brings intense betting action, strategic tire management and historic performances together at Richmond Raceway.