Richmond is coming up. It’s a big week with four races beginning Thursday with the K&N Pro Series Blue Ox 100 followed by the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown. Friday is the Nationwide Series ToyotaCare 250 and the big dance is Sunday for the Sprint Cup Toyota Owners 400.
Now, with Thursday racing featuring the name of a certain driver questions remain. The 100% GO has not been issued for Denny Hamlin to race this week although there was speculation he could be. We’re certain he’ll be around as he has been for the past few races since Martinsville but not in the seat. Speculation was on with a “50-50” shot at being back for the Toyota Owners 400 but as of this point Brian Vickers is entered as the driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota.
It’s on the doctors to give the green but they will not unless they are sure he is 100%. We’ll hold on and see.
Richmond racing is plenty stacked up beyond the “Hamlin Chronicles”. For the race that bears his name, many Sprint and Nationwide drivers are in the field with some of the hottest late model drivers in the region. Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Regan Smith, Darrell Wallace Jr., Gray Gaulding, Max Papis, Kyle Larson, Curtis Markham, and C.E. Faulk are listed to run.
We did not see Joey Logano’s name on the list…
There is an autograph session set up with the late model drivers and a Q&A with some of the Cup drivers. The Miller Party Zone is going to be rockin’ Friday and Saturday. Of course ticket packages can include track passes.
You may also notice something new at the main gate as RIR and Virginia Tourism unveiled their “Lovework” sculpture earlier this year with a racing theme for the speedway.
Racing at Richmond offers a bit of everything. Speed and a short track feel under the lights. Seats offer views of the entire facility so it’s time to pull on your favorite driver’s gear and go racing.
If your driver is Denny Hamlin make notice he’ll be around. If the doctors clear him this will be his first race since the crash that set his injury. If not, throw your weight on the #11 with Brian Vickers.
It’s racing. It’s Richmond. It’s ON!