NASCAR: Air Guard 400 Picks & Predictions
We’ll be treated again this week to some good ol’ night racing on Saturday when NASCAR rolls into Richmond International Raceway for the Air Guard 400.
As if night racing wasn't exciting on its own, this is the final chance for drivers to lock in a spot for NASCAR's Chase for the Championship.
Three drivers will be fighting this week for the final spot in the chase: Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman and Jamie McMurray. So keep a eye on them since they will need to have a great night or they will be out of the Championship Chase.
Denny Hamlin 6/1
Hamlin secured a spot in the Chase with his finish at Atlanta, so this week he can go for it at his favorite track and not worry about falling out of the Championship. Hamlin grew up near Richmond International Raceway and knows this track as well as any driver in NASCAR. Hamlin won this race last year (which was his first win of the year), after a few disappointing races that he should have won if not for some bad luck. With his spot secured in the chase, look for him to go all out and head into the chase with some momentum to break his recent slump.
Tony Stewart 9/1
Stewart is also locked into the Chase and has nothing to lose, so look for him to let it all hang out and try to pickup a few more bonus points after winning last week’s race (his first win of the year). In his last 13 races at Richmond, Stewart has only finished outside of the top 10 three times and has an average finish of 10.9 in 23 starts. With nothing to lose, we look for Stewart to relax and let it all hang out.
Live Longshot
Clint Bowyer 25/1
Clint Bowyer is not locked into the Chase and needs to run well. With the way this team has run lately, a win isn't out of the question. In nine starts at this track, Bowyer has one win and has only finished outside the top 12 once. He has an average finish 10.2 and with the chase on the line, we except to see him up front and in contention all night.
2010 Air Guard 400 Information
Race Date: Saturday, Sept. 11
Location: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Va.
Pre-Race: 6:30PM ET
Green Flag: Approx. 7:43PM ET
TV Coverage: ABC
Radio Coverage: MRN
Track Type: Oval (400 laps)