Xfinity Series championship favorites will look to bounce back in Richmond, while four others have their eyes set on winning $100,000.
Last week in the NASCAR Xfinity Series was a rough one for Austin Hill and John Hunter Nemechek. Hill was forced out of the race early on when his transmission failed and finished 37th. In comparison, Nemechek was forced out of a top-10 finish when Daniel Hemric spun him with three laps to go. Nemechek then had to pit with a flat tire which led him to finish 27th. This was the first time both drivers finished outside of the top 10 after the strong starts they’ve had. Both Hill and Nemechek were running well when they had their issues and over the course of the season, those things will happen. They will both be looking forward to a more traditional style track in Richmond.
Dash 4 Cash
Sammy Smith, Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, and Daniel Hemric are the drivers who are eligible for the Dash 4 Cash this weekend in Richmond after being the highest-finishing NASCAR Xfinity Series regulars last race. Hemric made himself eligible with his incident with John Hunter Nemechek but eligible nonetheless. Last week’s result is actually a great reason why the Dash 4 Cash exists. The top three finishers were all Cup Series regulars. This was brought in to shine a light on the series regulars even when the Cup drivers come down and win races. The drivers definitely want to win an extra $100,000 so this will be an interesting race to watch within the race.
The Track
After a demanding road course last week NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers will be more than excited to head to Richmond. Many drivers will say that with so many different lines to choose from in the corners, this is among their favorite tracks. The 3/4 D-shaped oval is extremely abrasive on tires and not wearing them out too quickly is the key to success. Because of that races here tend to get a bit spread out which leads to fewer crashes like the Richmond of old. On the other side, that leads to the strategy of when drivers decide to get new tires because you only have so many.
Prediction
Last year John Hunter Nemechek lost this race when he got knocked out of the way.
Last week John Hunter Nemechek lost a chance at $100,000 and a top 10 when he got knocked out of the way. John Hunter Nemechek will be tired of seeing these moments taken away and he doesn’t have an issue knocking other people out of the way. Combine that motivation with his strong start and Joe Gibbs Racing’s fast cars and Nemechek could be taking home the checked flag on Saturday. Keep an eye on Josh Berry as well. He’s short-track ace and is excellent at managing his tires.
How To Watch: ToyotaCare 250 (All times EST)
- Practice/Qualifying: Saturday, April 1, 8:05 a.m. on FS1
- ToyotaCare 250: Saturday, April, 1 p.m. on FS1
