Federated Auto Parts 400, Richmond, Va. 7:30 p.m. TV: NBCS
NASCAR’s playoffs looked the same as its regular season with Kevin Harvick in Victory Lane.
Harvick sat third last week at Darlington, watched leaders Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott crash, and cruised to one of the easier of his eight wins this season.
Saturday night the Round of 16 playoffs continue in Richmond with the Federated Auto Parts 400. Harvick has already cemented his spot in the Round of 12. That leaves 15 drivers fighting for 11 spots.
As they head to Richmond, Aric Almirola is in that 12th spot with 2033 points, the same as 13th place Clint Bowyer. Rookie Cole Custer (14th place, 2030 points) is just behind.
Matt DiBenedetto (15th, 2016) and Ryan Blaney (16th, 2016) need to have a good race Saturday before before next week’s race in Bristol.
Here’s the way The Eckel 4, which as always includes Scott “Tobacco Road’’ Baker, Mike “Left Turn’’ Sweeney, and Barry “Dr. NASCAR’’ Davis see Saturday night’s race.
Denny Hamlin (4-1): All of The 4 see Hamlin in the mix, with “Left Turn’’ sensing him getting his seventh win of the season and his fourth career win in Richmond.
Martin Truex Jr. (5-1): If Truex would have waited just a little bit longer last week, he would have cleared Elliott and been on the way to his second win of the season and a spot in the Round of 12. Two of The 4 thinks he makes amends this week.
Kyle Busch (8-1): Guess who picked Busch? Here’s a hint his name rhymes with Robacco Toad. You have to think Busch wins one race this season, right? So why not at a track where he’s won six times already.
Longshot Play: Eric Jones (35-1)