NASCAR’s short track summer continues as the Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series roll into Richmond Raceway for a packed three-day weekend. Both series bring deep entry lists, intriguing driver storylines, and key championship implications. Fans will see rookies making debuts, veterans pulling double duty, and teams making midseason changes. With multiple practices, qualifying sessions, and two night races, the schedule is built for high-intensity racing and tight battles under the lights in Virginia.
Key Highlights
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Cup Series Cook Out 400 set for Saturday night with 39 entries; all cars will make the field.
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Corey Heim running both Cup and Truck Series races, driving the No. 67 in Cup.
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Truck Series eero 250 features 37 entries; one driver will miss the field.
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Several notable driver debuts and returns in the Truck Series, including Christian Eckes and Caleb Costner.
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Two full days of on-track action before Saturday’s Cup race finale.
Thursday, August 14: ARCA Menards Series and Preparation Day
Richmond Raceway’s weekend kicks off Thursday with the ARCA Menards Series Virginia is for Racing Lovers 150 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Before the green flag drops, ARCA teams will have two practice sessions at 3:15 and 3:55 p.m., followed by qualifying at 6:00 p.m. This early track activity gives drivers and teams a chance to adapt to Richmond’s worn surface and progressive banking, while NASCAR crews watch closely for changing conditions ahead of their own races.
Friday, August 15: Truck Series Spotlight
Friday belongs to the Craftsman Truck Series, starting with practice at 2:05 p.m. ET and qualifying at 3:10 p.m. The eero 250 will go green at 7:30 p.m. on FOX Sports 1. Thirty-seven trucks are entered, meaning one will not make the race without changes to the entry list. Christian Eckes will attempt his first Truck start of the season in McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s No. 16, marking the team’s first appearance with that truck this year. Caleb Costner is set to make his series debut in Mike Harmon Racing’s No. 74. Corey LaJoie will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 77, while Carson Kvapil is aiming for his first Truck start of 2025 in CR7 Motorsports’ No. 97.
Other notable entries include Kaden Honeycutt in Halmar Friesen Racing’s No. 52 for the rest of the season, and Brent Crews returning to TRICON Garage’s No. 1. Matt Gould will pilot Niece Motorsports’ No. 41 in its first race of the season.
Saturday, August 16: Cup Series Main Event
The NASCAR Cup Series will have its only track time of the weekend on Friday evening, with practice at 4:30 p.m. ET and qualifying at 5:40 p.m. for Saturday night’s Cook Out 400. The race begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. Thirty-nine cars are on the entry list, guaranteeing a full field without DNQs. Jesse Love will step into Richard Childress Racing’s No. 33, Corey Heim will make his Cup start for 23XI Racing in the No. 67, and NY Racing Team’s No. 44 currently lists no driver.
With short track tempers, playoff spots tightening, and night racing drama, Saturday’s Cup Series showdown is poised to close out the Richmond weekend with intensity.
News in Brief: 2025 Richmond Raceway Weekend Schedule
Richmond Raceway hosts NASCAR’s Cup and Truck Series from August 14–16, 2025. Thursday features ARCA’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 150 after two practice sessions and qualifying. Friday has Truck Series practice, qualifying, and the eero 250, with 37 entries and key debuts from Christian Eckes and Caleb Costner. Saturday’s Cup Series Cook Out 400 includes 39 cars, with Corey Heim running double duty and Jesse Love in RCR’s No. 33. Fans can watch Friday’s Truck race on FS1 and Saturday’s Cup race on USA Network.
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