2014 Virginia 529 Savings 250 Odds, Picks and Predictions: Favorites, Sleepers and Drivers to Avoid: The Nationwide Series returns to Richmond International Raceway this weekend, and with the Cup Series also in town, several of the usual suspects are pulling double duty. Among the Cup regulars in the field are Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch, who have combined for 11 Nationwide wins at Richmond in their careers. Meanwhile, several of the series regulars have excelled at the track recently, as well, so Friday night’s race should be an entertaining one at a track that is already known for its on-track action. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the drivers that could end up in victory lane this weekend.
The Favorites
He crushed the competition last weekend at Atlanta, and Kevin Harvick is going for a season sweep at Richmond this weekend after winning the Nationwide race at the track in April. Meanwhile, Richmond has always been one of his best tracks on the schedule, and his seven victories are his most at any track. Harvick has finished third or better in each of his last four starts at Richmond, and he seems like a lock to contend Friday night.
Although he has never won a Nationwide race at Richmond, Matt Kenseth has notched 16 top-10s in 20 starts at the track. More importantly, he has finished fourth or better in six of his last nine starts at the short track. Kenseth is one of the most experienced drivers in the field this weekend, and while he hasn’t sealed the deal yet, he has been one of the top contenders in just about every start at Richmond. Don’t expect that to change this weekend.
His first-ever Nationwide win came at Richmond, and Kyle Busch has remained a force at the track throughout his career. In 18 starts, he has four wins, 12 top-five finishes and 15 top-10s. More importantly, he has finished fourth or better in seven of his last eight starts at Richmond, including four straight, and has led 14 or more laps six time during the stretch.
The Dark Horses
He has been a consistent contender all year, and Kyle Larson could be primed for a breakout performance this weekend at Richmond. After all, he has an 8.7 average finish in three starts at the track and has never finished outside the top 15. More importantly, Larson finished a career-best fourth at Richmond earlier this year, and he seems to be getting better with each start at the track.
The sample size is small, but rookie Chase Elliott was very impressive in his first start at Richmond earlier this year. In fact, Elliott finished second in his track debut in April. Meanwhile, Elliott leads all series regulars with three wins this season, and he is actually tied for the most wins of any driver. A lack of experience hasn’t stopped Elliott all year, and after nearly winning in his first start at Richmond, a trip to victory lane is definitely possible in his return trip.
While he normally isn’t known as a short track ace, Regan Smith has been a consistent contender at Richmond since joining JR Motorsports last season. He has a 5.3 average finish in three starts at RIR with the organization, and he has finished eighth or better in all three starts, cracking the top five twice.
Sleeper Special
He pulled off a big upset at Bristol a couple of weeks ago, and Ryan Blaney is back behind the wheel of the Team Penske No. 22 for another short track start this weekend at Richmond. In three previous starts at RIR, he has three top-10 finishes and has compiled an 8.3 average finish. Blaney is one of the top young drivers in the series, and he is quickly becoming a threat whenever he is in the field.
Big Name to Avoid
Rookie Ty Dillon has been running well in recent weeks, but Richmond has been a bit of trouble spot for him in his young career. In three starts, he has a 12.3 average finish, and he has finished outside the top 10 in his last two starts at the short track. It would take a major leap for Dillon to suddenly become a contender for the win this weekend.
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