Top 5 Richmond Moments: Short-Track Thrills, Challenge Flags, and Viral Bumper Throw by Joey Gase
Richmond Raceway has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race provided fans with some memorable moments. From the slow-evolving strategy to the viral bumper throw, here are the top five moments from the race.
1. Taking Stock – Richmond’s Reputation
Richmond Raceway has long been known as the “Action Track,” but in recent years, it has failed to live up to its reputation. The track has seen a decline in cautions, reduced capacity, and struggles to fill seats. However, the first 30 laps of Sunday’s race showed a glimmer of hope when wet weather tires were used for the first time in a Cup Series oval points race. The soft tires created passing, battles for the lead, and three-wide racing, reminding fans of the excitement that Richmond once offered.
2. Fastest Car Tracker – Truex’s Misfortune
Martin Truex Jr. had the fastest car at Richmond, leading 228 laps before a caution came out with two laps to go. A faster pit stop by teammate Denny Hamlin cost Truex the lead, and Hamlin’s questionable restart further dashed Truex’s hopes of victory. Truex collided with Kyle Larson, finishing fourth and expressing his frustration afterward. Despite having the fastest car in eight races at Richmond since 2016, Truex has only won two of them.
3. Q&A – Should NASCAR Have a Challenge Flag?
NASCAR has had its fair share of officiating woes, and Sunday’s race was no exception. The idea of a challenge flag, similar to other sports, was raised as a possible solution. However, NASCAR’s lack of timeouts poses a significant challenge to implementing such a system. Despite the limitations, the idea of allowing teams to challenge certain situations could provide a way to correct officiating errors and foster further conversation.
4. NASquirks – Joey Gase’s Viral Bumper Throw
In a bizarre turn of events, Joey Gase made headlines when he ripped off his rear bumper and threw it at Dawson Cram’s car during the Xfinity Series race at Richmond. Both drivers were lapped cars and would have otherwise gone unnoticed. However, Gase’s actions caught the attention of fans and non-racing outlets, making the incident go viral. Sometimes, frustration can manifest in unexpected ways.
5. Five at No. 5 – Power Rankings
After Race No. 8, here are the top five drivers in the power rankings:
1. Martin Truex Jr. – Despite not securing a win, Truex’s dominating performance showcased his potential.
2. Kyle Larson – Larson had a strong race but fell victim to an untimely caution and bad set of tires.
3. Denny Hamlin – Hamlin’s win at Richmond earned him a spot in the power rankings.
4. Ty Gibbs – Gibbs had a disappointing night but is expected to bounce back at Martinsville.
5. William Byron – Byron had a quiet night but remains a contender with his consistent finishes.
In conclusion, Richmond Raceway may have lost some of its former glory, but Sunday’s race provided fans with thrilling moments. From the track’s reputation to the fastest car tracker and viral bumper throw, Richmond certainly delivered some exciting highlights for NASCAR fans to enjoy.