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Austin Dillon Redeems 2024 Controversy With Richmond Victory to Lock In Playoffs

A shrewd decision to pit early solidified Dillon’s place among the 16 playoff drivers—turning the spotlight to those chasing the final two berths 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 led 107 of 400 laps at Richmond Raceway, pitting four laps before Ryan Blaney to seize control and win the Cook Out 400 cleanly.
  • The victory serves as redemption after his 2024 playoff ineligibility and makes him the 14th driver to clinch a spot in the NASCAR Cup playoffs via a regular-season win.
  • Only two playoff positions remain undecided with the regular season finale set for next Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Tyler Reddick’s Stage 2 spin led to a 34th-place finish; it tightened his points cushion above the cutline—underscoring 23XI Racing’s charter status uncertainty.
  • Toyota-affiliated teams suffered multiple pit-road penalties and missteps that limited them to a single top-10 finish at Richmond.