The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400 on Aug. 15.
Three races remain in the regular season, and the Chase cutline tightened a bit last week at Iowa.
Austin Cindric leads Ryan Preece by 29 points for the final Chase spot, with Ross Chastain, Brad Keselowski and Erik Jones within range to make a late run.
Ty Gibbs is up to second in points after winning last week.
Here are The Tennessean's expert picks for Saturday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway:
NASCAR predictions for Richmond Cup Series race: Here's who wins the Cook Out 400
Mike Organ's pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell has finished second an incredible seven times this season without a win. He’s been good at Richmond in the past, he’s in a Toyota like so many winners this season, he has recovered from his wrist injury, this should finally be his week.
Nick Gray's pick: Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
Logano runs well at Richmond,
has run well lately and will continue his late rise in the standings with a victory this weekend.
Tom Kreager's pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Denny Hamlin has five wins at Richmond Raceway, more than any active driver. Folks would be foolish to think Hamlin isn't the favorite to win for the fifth time in the 2026 NASCAR Cup season.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Richmond predictions 2026, expert picks for Cook Out 400 Cup race
