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Ryan Preece Wins Pole as Playoff Fight Tightens at Richmond

NASCAR’s 2024 rough-driving ruling looms for desperate drivers competing for the final three playoff berths

Credit: Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, driver race during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 11, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Logan Whitton/Getty Images
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com
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Overview

  • Ryan Preece posted a 121.381 mph lap in Friday qualifying to secure his second career Cup pole at Richmond, with Tyler Reddick second, A.J. Allmendinger third and Joey Logano relegated to the rear after a practice crash.
  • William Byron leads the regular-season standings by 42 points and Chris Buescher holds the 16th and final playoff spot with a 34-point cushion over RFK teammate Ryan Preece.
  • With only two races left before the playoffs, any victory in Saturday’s Cook Out 400 or next week’s finale at Daytona guarantees a berth in the 16-driver championship field.
  • NASCAR’s decision to strip Austin Dillon of his 2024 playoff eligibility for rough driving at Richmond has set a boundary that competitors say could restrain last-lap desperation this weekend.
  • BetMGM lists Denny Hamlin as the pre-race favorite, followed by Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson and William Byron, underscoring the blend of title contenders and must-win hopefuls.