As the NASCAR Cup Series shifts its focus from Watkins Glen to Richmond Raceway for the upcoming 2025 season, the competition intensifies on the famed short track. Recognized for its demanding, tight racing, Richmond has become a showcase for some of the Best NASCAR drivers at Richmond Raceway, distinguishing themselves through consistent performances and memorable moments.
Richmond Raceway’s Legacy as America’s Premier Short Track
Richmond Raceway, set in Virginia, has been a recurring stop on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule since 1955. Its D-shaped, 0.75-mile circuit is famous for producing competitive, side-by-side racing that challenges even experienced drivers. Known as “America’s premier short track,” the venue hosts two Cup Series events most years, offering ample opportunity for drivers to leave their mark. The track’s reputation has been solidified with notable moments and achievements, including Kevin Harvick’s string of consecutive Xfinity Series victories and Denny Hamlin’s strong fall performances.
Top Performers at Richmond Since 2022
Taking into account races since 2022, several drivers have delivered impressive results on this challenging oval. Their average finish positions highlight the skills and resilience required to excel at Richmond.
Josh Berry: A Rising Contender
Josh Berry has participated in three Cup Series races at Richmond Raceway, boasting an average finish of ninth. He has managed to secure one top-five and one top-ten result, demonstrating an ability to make gains from deep in the field, as his average starting position is 21st. Entering the race weekend at Richmond, Berry sits 24th in the Cup Series standings with 445 points, despite a difficult outing at Watkins Glen where he finished 35th. As a newer face in the Cup Series, Berry aims to improve his starting and finishing positions at this historical venue.
Kyle Larson: Consistent Excellence
Kyle Larson has established himself as a top competitor at Richmond, averaging an 8.2 finishing position since 2022. His standout moment came with a victory at the 2023 toyota-owners-400/”>Toyota Owners 400. Over recent races, Larson has achieved three top-five and four top-ten results at this track, showing reliable form with a 10.2 average starting spot. Ranked fifth in the current Cup Series standings, Larson continues to push for further podiums as the season advances toward the playoffs.
Christopher Bell: Hoping for Breakthrough
Christopher Bell is another strong performer, finishing an average of 7.3 over six Richmond starts. While Bell is still in search of his first win at the circuit, he has twice secured a top-five finish and five times reached the top ten. He has also led 220 laps at Richmond, indicating the potential for breakthrough success. Coming off a second-place run at Watkins Glen and holding the fourth spot in the Cup standings with 727 points, Bell sets his sights on claiming victory at this critical short track.
Denny Hamlin: Home Track Stalwart
Denny Hamlin, who calls Virginia home, has the second-best average finish among active drivers at Richmond, coming in at fifth place. With two Richmond victories under his belt and five top-five results, Hamlin consistently challenges for the lead, starting on average from the seventh position. Fresh from four Cup Series wins this season and currently ranked third overall, Hamlin continues to be a force whenever the series visits Richmond Raceway.
Kevin Harvick: Setting the Standard
Kevin Harvick stands atop the list with the best average among recent competitors, posting an average finish of 4.5 at Richmond. His win in August 2022 added to a tally that includes three top-five and four top-ten finishes. Harvick’s average starting spot over this stretch is 9.5, and he has led 55 laps at the track. Although he retired from full-time racing after the 2023 season, Harvick’s Richmond record remains a benchmark, and he continues to contribute to the sport as a NASCAR analyst with FOX Sports.
The Importance of Performance at Richmond Raceway
Delivering at Richmond Raceway requires a balance of patience, aggression, and strategic thinking. For the Best NASCAR drivers at Richmond Raceway like Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and rising contender Josh Berry, strong results at this iconic venue can propel drivers into playoff contention and solidify their reputations. As the 2025 Cup Series approaches, fans and teams alike keep a close eye on those who consistently rise to the challenge of America’s premier short track, knowing that performances here often foreshadow success later in the season.
