Overview

• The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opens Thursday before Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series practice, qualifying and Eero 250 set the stage for Cup activity.
• FOX Sports published the two-group qualifying lineup for Cook Out 400, grouping Kyle Larson in Group 1 and Denny Hamlin in Group 2.
• William Byron leads the regular-season standings by 42 points over Chase Elliott as he pursues the Regular Season Championship.
• Chris Buescher holds the 16th and final Playoff spot but joins Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon and Brad Keselowski in needing a win at Richmond or Daytona to guarantee a berth.
• Bookmakers peg Denny Hamlin as one of the top favorites for Saturday’s Cook Out 400 based on his Richmond record and season-long performance.