Richmond entry list confirms 37-car field as Chase battle intensifies
With the 2026 regular season nearing its conclusion, the entry list for Saturday’s race at Richmond Raceway locks in the grid, setting the stage for a critical showdown in the final three races.
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Richmond Raceway this weekend for the Cook Out 400, with an entry list of 37 drivers confirming that every competitor will start the main event. As the third-to-last race of the 2026 regular season, the event carries significant weight in the pursuit of the final Chase positions, with only two races remaining after this weekend’s contest.
The guaranteed starting spots shift the competitive focus entirely to qualifying performance and race-day strategy. Denny Hamlin, who leads the championship points following his recent victory at Iowa, will compete in his home state of Virginia. He looks to extend his advantage as the field converges on the short track, where Austin Dillon returns as the defending race winner.
The entry list features a mix of full-time regulars and guest drivers, with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) managing a notable transition. Austin Hill will pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet, having taken over the ride following the passing of Kyle Busch earlier this season. RCR has announced a special tribute paint scheme for the weekend, featuring Busch’s signature bow celebration on the hood, marking a somber but respectful return to the track for the team.
Hill is one of only two non-regulars entered for the race. The other is Josh Bilicki, who will drive the No. 66 Ford for Garage 66 in his second Cup Series start of the 2026 season. Bilicki joins a grid that includes major teams such as Trackhouse Racing, Team Penske, Hendrick Motorsports, and Joe Gibbs Racing, all vying for position in the tightening playoff picture.
The full roster of entrants highlights the depth of the current Cup Series field. Alongside the aforementioned teams, competitors from Front Row Motorsports, RFK Racing, Spire Motorsports, Kaulig Racing, 23XI Racing, Legacy Motor Club, Haas Factory Team, HYAK Motorsports, Rick Ware Racing, and Wood Brothers Racing are all confirmed for the Saturday night event.
With the entry list finalised, the technical and strategic preparations for Richmond are underway. The race serves as a crucial checkpoint for drivers battling for the remaining playoff berths, with every position on the grid now secured but every point on the track up for contention.
