Federated Auto Parts 400 Preview

The opening round of NASCAR’s Cup Series Playoffs continues this weekend at the Federated Auto Parts 400. Last weekend, Kevin Harvick was able to pull out the win at the Southern 500, and now we are looking for the next winner to advance. 

This race will take place at the Richmond Raceway on Saturday night. Let’s take a look at our betting preview for the Federated Auto Parts 400.

Denny Hamlin +450

It was not the race that Hamlin wanted last week in Darlington. Now, he will look to make up ground on the field, as he comes in as one of the favorites to win this race. 

Hamlin has six wins this season and has been in the top five 15 times as well as 17 Top 10 finishes. With Harvick already in the next round, this is a guy many feel will be next to advance.

Martin Truex Jr. +480

The Bass Pro Shops Car was among the leaders for most of the race in Darlington. In the end, though, Truex Jr. was unable to grab a win, finishing outside of the Top 20. It was not pretty, and we are pretty sure the chip on his shoulder is going to be quite large heading into Richmond. 

Truex is one of the elite racers in the game, and his 11 top five finishes show just that. The true knock on him, though, has been his one win on the season. Can he get No. 2 and, more importantly, get to the next round in Richmond?

William Byron +4700

Byron is quite the underdog here, but one that many people like. Byron has shown the ability to race with the best of them on many occasions. Byron is part of the Hendrick Motorsports group and will drive the No. 24 Hertz car. 

Byron ranks ninth in the series this season, and most remember him from his takedown at Daytona just the previous weekend. His car is running hot, as he finished inside the top five for the third straight week at Darlington. 

As the pressure mounts, can the 22-year-old stand the test against older, savvy racers?

Chase Elliott +1000

Chase Elliott started at the front of the pack at Darlington but finished a disappointing 20th. If you ask those around the sport what racer is due for a breakout win or two in a row, the answer would be this guy. 

Elliott is another that’s part of the Hendrick Motorsports team. His No. 9 Chevy car has two wins on the season, with his most recent coming back at the road race in Daytona. 

It will be fun to see how Elliott handles the 400 miles in Richmond this weekend, and if he can finish on top.

This should be a great race from Richmond, Va. Is Hamlin or Truex next to move on, or will we get a chance to see someone else take over the stage and win this event? 

The 28th race of 36 this season will feature 300 tough miles and test all the abilities of the racers. Enjoy the weekend, and win some money!

Here are the Dunkel ratings for this week's field. Driver ratings are based on past performance.