NASCAR’s first road course race of 2024 saw William Byron become the first multiple-winner of the season at Circuit of the Americas. Though the race garnered mixed reviews from fans, the conclusion saw Byron hold off a hard-charging Christopher Bell in the closing laps. Now Byron will look to keep his momentum up at Richmond Raceway during Sunday night’s 2024 Toyota Owners 400. Can the #24 find Victory Lane for the second straight week or could we see a new face take the checkered flag on Sunday?
2024 Toyota Owners 400 Entry List
Sunday’s entry list features only one significant change with Ty Dillon piloting the Kaulig Racing #16 on Sunday, stepping into the car that Shane Van Gisbergen drove last week.
Richmond’s oval circuit is a short track at 0.75 miles in length. Much like Bristol, the racing on Sunday will likely feature a bit of beating and banging on the track. However, unlike Bristol the added quarter mile and less severe banking make for a different feel more akin to Phoenix. Unfortunately, this means that like Phoenix – Richmond has failed to produce great racing with this NextGen car. I do think Richmond Raceway holds more potential for good racing long-term but I’m just unconvinced we’ll see it on Sunday in the 2024 Toyota Owners 400.
We're ready to light it up, Richmond!#ToyotaOwners400 pic.twitter.com/dZwFuiE5ig
— Richmond Raceway (@RichmondRaceway) March 25, 2024
Track position will be a massive factor in who does well on Sunday thanks to the difficulty with passing. I also don’t think we’ll see tires fall off like we did at Bristol – the dimensions of Richmond will once again play a role in differentiating the two styles of short track.
2024 Toyota Owners 400 Odds and Predictions
Denny Hamlin represents the race-day favorite at +500 to win but I like his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. at +600 even more. The driver of the #19 has had tons of success at the Richmond Raceway circuit and represents my pick to win for Sunday.
Chris Buescher won the fall race at Richmond last year and ran well at the closest comparison we have had so far this season in Phoenix. Buescher is both my pick for the top Ford (+285) and to finish in the top five (+150).
If you’re looking for dark horses, both 23XI cars ran well at the fall Richmond race during the early stages, finishing within the top five in the first two stages before having problems in the third stage. I’d expect both Tyler Reddick (+1200 to win) and Bubba Wallace (+2800 to win) to be factors in Sunday’s race. I also don’t hate Josh Berry at +750 to finish in the top five given he managed to run well at Richmond last year while subbing for Hendrick Motorsports.
The spin heard 'round the world and the payback everyone knew was coming. pic.twitter.com/nwkYCvMypF
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 28, 2024
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action from Richmond Raceway.
Friday 03/29
Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 150 (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) – 5:30 p.m. CT on FloRacing
Saturday 03/30
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 8:05 a.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 10:15 a.m. CT on FS1
ToyotaCare 250 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Sunday 03/31
Toyota Owners 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 6:00 p.m. CT on FOX
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