Federated Auto Parts 400 2012: Start Time, Lineup, TV Program and More
The last race of NASCAR’s regular season takes place on Saturday night, with all the sport’s most talented drivers descending on Richmond International Raceway for the Federated Auto Parts 400.
For most of the drivers at the top of the Sprint Cup standings, Richmond will merely function as a stepping stone. Each of the top 11 drivers are totally locked into some location in the Chase, leaving six drivers competing for one wild-card spot.
That means the season is likely to be on the line for at least one famous driver at Richmond. With that in mind, here’s a look at everything you have to know about the Federated Auto Parts 400.
After going into second place following last week’s race in Atlanta, Earnhardt comes into Richmond just eight points behind Greg Biffle for the Sprint Cup points lead. Considering the storybook renaissance which has been his 2012 season, nothing could be sweeter than coming away using a win at Richmond and usurping the No. 1 position.
No. 88 has never won in the autumn race at the three-quarter mile track, but he does have three wins in the spring Richmond race under his belt. If Earnhardt could find a solution to come out on top Saturday night, it might mean big things for the http://www.patch.com sport’s most recognizable star.
Nevertheless, having a spot clinched in NASCAR’s playoff system, Earnhardt will probably focus on keeping his impetus and grabbing his 18th top-10 finish of 2012.
Fortunately for Busch and the No. 18 team, Richmond has been a land of riches throughout the 27-year old’s livelihood. Winner of the previous four spring races at the raceway, Busch comes into this competition tied with Denny Hamlin at 4/1 favorites on Saturday via Bovada.lv.
With five other drivers having a mathematical shot of taking home that final Chase spot, it is crucial for Busch to keep his dominance. If not, he could spend the remainder of his 2012 season logging relatively pointless laps.
Gordon comes into Saturday’s race as the only driver having a realistic shot to take down Busch sans a visit to Victory Lane. Yet, considering Busch’s art on the quarter mile oval, it is win-or-go-home season for the 41-year old.
Considering Gordon’s hot streak of late, grabbing the checkered flag is far from beyond the world of possibilities. The future Hall of Famer has eight top-six finishes in his last 11 races, including finishes of third and second the previous two weeks.
A win at Richmond solves that dilemma.
Predicted Winner: Kyle BuschWith his Chase life on the line, search for Busch to pull out all of the stops on Saturday night.
I have a sense that either he or Gordon will win this race. And recent history says to take the young gun.
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