Who’s Been Best at Richmond? Top NASCAR Cup Series Averages

The NASCAR Cup Series shifts from the road course challenges of Watkins Glen to the short-track battles of Richmond Raceway. Known for its 0.75-mile D-shaped oval, the historic venue has been a fixture on the Cup Series calendar since 1955. Dubbed “America’s premier short track,” Richmond is renowned for close racing, high tension, and memorable moments. As the weekend approaches, recent history shows five drivers have consistently performed at the top here since 2022, with some aiming to add another strong run to their records.

Key Highlights

• Richmond Raceway hosts its next NASCAR Cup Series race after Watkins Glen.

• The venue has been part of the Cup calendar since 1955.

• Known for competitive short-track racing and historic moments.

• Five drivers lead in best average finishes at Richmond since 2022.

• Kevin Harvick tops the list despite retiring from full-time racing.

Josh Berry’s Quiet Consistency

Josh Berry has quietly built an impressive record at Richmond Raceway, averaging a ninth-place finish across three starts. His performance includes one top-five and one top-ten result, despite an average starting position of 21. This weekend, Berry will look to improve his qualifying effort to match his race pace. Currently ranked 24th in the Cup standings with 445 points, Berry comes off a disappointing 35th-place finish at Watkins Glen, making Richmond a prime opportunity to rebound.

Kyle Larson’s Winning Pedigree

Kyle Larson sits fourth on the list with an 8.2 average finish at Richmond. His record includes a victory in the 2023 Toyota Owners 400, along with three top-five and four top-ten finishes. His average start here is 10.2, and he enters the weekend ranked fifth in the Cup standings. Larson has shown signs of returning to peak form ahead of the playoffs, and Richmond could be the track where he reasserts himself as a title threat.

Christopher Bell’s Strong Runs Without a Win

Christopher Bell holds an average finish of 7.3 over six starts at Richmond. Despite not yet securing a victory, Bell has logged two top-five and five top-ten finishes while leading 220 laps. His ability to stay near the front makes him a constant contender at the track. Bell’s second-place run at Watkins Glen showcased his form, and sitting fourth in the standings with 727 points, he enters Richmond with momentum and a clear target on his first win here.

Denny Hamlin’s Richmond Mastery

Denny Hamlin’s average finish of fifth puts him second on this list. He has two Richmond victories to his name and finished runner-up in his most recent start at the track. Hamlin has notched five top-five finishes here with an average starting position of seventh. With four wins this season and a current ranking of third in the Cup standings, Hamlin remains one of the most formidable short-track racers in the field.

Kevin Harvick’s Legacy at Richmond

Kevin Harvick leads all drivers in average finish at Richmond since 2022 with an outstanding 4.5 mark. His record includes a victory in August 2022, three top-five and four top-ten finishes, and an average start of 9.5. Harvick also led 55 laps during this stretch. Though retired from full-time competition after the 2023 season and now working as a FOX Sports analyst, Harvick’s Richmond stats remain the benchmark for current drivers aiming for short-track excellence.

News in Brief: Richmond Raceway’s Best Average Finishers

Richmond Raceway welcomes the NASCAR Cup Series for its next event, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1955. Known for its competitive short-track racing, the venue has seen Josh Berry, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Kevin Harvick post the best average finishes here since 2022. Harvick tops the list at 4.5 despite retiring, followed closely by Hamlin at 5. With playoff spots tightening, each active driver will aim to add another strong Richmond result.

ALSO READ: Richmond’s Legendary NASCAR Finishes and Controversies

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is Richmond Raceway known for?

A. Situated just beyond Richmond’s city limits, the track is a fan favorite for its historic venue and consistently close racing.

Q. Who has the best average finish at Martinsville Speedway?