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Austin Dillon Clinches NASCAR Playoff Berth with Repeat Richmond Triumph

His dominant 107-lap run at Richmond Raceway underscores the pivotal role of pit strategy, leaving two playoff spots to be decided at Daytona.

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Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia.
Aug 16, 2025; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) celebrates in victory lane after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Dillon seized control after a shrewd pit call, leading 107 of 400 laps and breaking free from a side-by-side battle with Ryan Blaney.
  • He became the first driver since 2010 to win back-to-back Cook Out 400 races thanks to perfect tire management under Richmond’s heavy wear.
  • The victory locked Dillon in as the 14th Cup Series race winner and leaves two remaining playoff berths to be decided at next weekend’s Daytona finale.
  • A 16-car Stage 2 pileup, including Chase Elliott’s first DNF, combined with Tyler Reddick’s Stage 2 spin and 34th-place finish to shake up the playoff standings.
  • Toyota-backed teams suffered costly pit-road mistakes throughout the night, underscoring the critical impact of flawless stops at Richmond Raceway.